Wednesday, October 4

ARIES: (March 21 to April 20)
You will instinctively lead with your heart and treat others tenderly. And while some people may mistake your kindness for weakness, many more will admire your quiet strength and the well-mannered way you conduct yourself.

TAURUS: (April 21 to May 21)
It may be out of character for you to act flippantly, but it seems you will have scant regard for authority or convention. As a result you may make some foolish choices or damage your reputation.

GEMINI: (May 22 to June 21)
With secrets highlighted for your sign, you should tread carefully and avoid going behind others' backs. There could be some self-deception today, or an associate might twist the truth for personal gain or glory.

CANCER: (June 22 to July 23)
By spending time with people who have a strong sense of direction, your own confidence will gradually begin to grow. You may have been inclined in the recent past to dither over decisions, but will now take charge.

LEO: (July 24 to August 23)
Doubts that recently crossed your mind may suddenly prove unfounded. Once the veil of uncertainty is lifted, a sense of freedom or justification inspires you to press ahead with a long-held dream. Luck is on your side.

VIRGO: (August 24 to September 23)
Keep goals and expectations in perspective, but work determinedly towards optimistic outcomes. Ruling Mercury is now positioned in razor-sharp Scorpio, providing you with an ability to reach the heart of issues without missing a trick.

LIBRA: (September 24 to October 23)
Financial burdens may ease due to an unexpected compromise or turn of events. The key to success however, is follow-through and attention to detail. Take your eye off the ball and you risk making a mistake.

SCORPIO: (October 24 to November 22)
Your innate sensitivity works for and against you today. On the one hand your compassion will help those in need, but in the worst-case scenario you may soak up the negativity of others. Practice detachment.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23 to December 22)
Unhappy memories or a pang of jealousy may take you by surprise. However, you are not one to dwell on negative emotions and will be loath to re-open old wounds for fear of reliving the hurt.

CAPRICORN: (December 23 to January 20)
You may feel restless or neglected, but in your usual pragmatic way will find a sensible diversion. In your mind it seems pointless indulging in whims or feeling sorry for yourself over issues you cannot change.

AQUARIUS: (January 21 to February 19)
An unpleasant episode that left a nasty taste in your mouth can now be put behind you. You will either reason that the blame lays elsewhere or vow never to put yourself in a similar position again.

PISCES: (February 20 to March 20)
One of your actions or decisions may trigger a chain of events that leads you in a new direction. But while the future looks rosier, you should avoid burning your bridges in case things go wrong.

YOUR DAY
Sun, Mars and Venus in the romantic sign of Libra turns some into daydreamers and others into freeloaders. However with greater tolerance liable to be shown, idleness and whimsy will be overlooked rather than frowned upon. Creative tasks and social events are likely to be the most rewarding today.

YOUR BIRTHDAY
You may be keen to build on financial foundations or keep the momentum going in a relationship. Emotional and financial security goes hand in hand this year, so work together with loved ones and be diligent in your duties. The prevailing mood is pragmatic.