HOROSCOPE PUZZLES

Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

6-12 February, 2023

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

You’re feeling optimistic about the future as Jupiter (the buoyant planet of prosperity and positivity) journeys through Aries. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great Bob Marley: “Love the life you live, live the life you love.” Wednesday is wonderful for fun, friendship and novel expressions of affection. But avoid getting carried away, promising too much and then delivering too little (especially involving financial matters and helping others).

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

It’s time to network with family and friends in a variety of stimulating ways. Aim to surround yourself with positive people who boost your confidence and encourage your dreams. But avoid getting drawn into complicated discussions about money or politics, as ideological clashes are likely. You have much to learn from a mentor or work colleague who has a wealth of knowledge and life experience to share with you. There’s always something new to learn.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

With Mercury and Pluto stimulating your sensuality zone, romantic Twins are in the mood for love and lust. If you’re attached, it’s time to spice up the relationship with a sexy SMS or an erotic email. Searching for your soulmate? Cupid has his arrows pointed in your direction, and love is likely with someone from your past. Perhaps an old friend or a former lover. Happily single? A secret could be revealed that suddenly turns your world around!

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

This week’s stars help you view a close partnership from a surprising perspective. With a few strategic tweaks, the relationship can be turned around and transformed. You’re also keen to show loved ones how much you really care. Avoid being too overprotective though. All relationships need room to breathe and there’s a big difference between loving and smothering. Be inspired by birthday great, writer Charles Dickens: “A loving heart is the truest wisdom.”

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Stimulating conversations and exciting adventures are the keys to a satisfying week for sociable Lions. But has your job become rigid and boring? Vivacious Venus and innovative Uranus shake up your career zone, so prepare for some surprising professional changes and hold on tight! Your fiery temper – or an impulsive outburst – could set the Cat amongst the pigeons on the weekend. The current situation is complex, so try to keep a sense of perspective.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Life at planet Virgo can sometimes be rather stressful, as your days are organised with military precision and you try to get everything just right. But strive to be much more spontaneous this week as Uranus and Neptune toss your usual timetable out the window and urge you to stop and smell the roses along the way. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great, author and activist Alice Walker: “In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect.”

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

When it comes to creative expression, you may feel as if you’re going backwards but putting in longer hours won’t fix the problem. Do your best to work smarter rather than harder. If you relax and let things flow, then the ideas will come. Your domestic situation is going through a major metamorphosis, as you initiate a change that livens up your home life. When it comes to close relationships, aim to be less self-absorbed and more generous with loved ones.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Your creativity and originality are firing, as you form a new partnership or pursue a joint project. With three planets activating your communication zone you’ll feel like conversing, studying and/or travelling. If you’ve been waiting to get something off your chest, Monday through until Wednesday is the time to express yourself. Things could become intense on Friday or Saturday, when the Mercury/ Pluto conjunction gets your compulsive Scorpio side going.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Spontaneous Sagittarius – you can find it difficult to be on your best behaviour and follow the rules. Expect the unexpected this week, as the planets stir up your restless (and reckless) side. You’ll balk at restrictions being placed on you (especially at home and work) but resist the urge to be a disruptive influence. Put your personal wishes aside, and make sure you stay well-informed and fulfil your responsibilities to the wider community for the greater good.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

This week the focus is on business and financial matters. Capricorns are usually incredibly patient and persistent but, when it comes to a frustrating situation, you could find yourself ready to throw in the towel. The planets push you to keep on keeping on. So your mantra for the moment is from birthday great, inventor and businessman Thomas Edison: “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Wednesday favours stimulating friendships and falling in love very fast! With the Sun, Saturn and Mercury visiting your sign, you’ll feel restless, curious, and eager to explore radical new ideas. You’re also keen to show others how innovative and interesting you can be, as you shake a loved one out of their cosy comfort zone. Be inspired by fellow-Aquarian, actress and activist Vanessa Redgrave: “Ask the right questions if you’re to find the right answers.”

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Venus is vamping through your sign, which encourages you to channel your inner hedonist as you eat, drink, socialise, entertain and live life to the max. It’s also a wonderful week to host a lunch, dinner or party, where you can play the gracious host or hostess. The late week Mercury/Pluto hook up activates your hopes-andwishes zone so it’s a good time to revisit (or expand) your goals for 2023. Make your dreams as big and beautiful as possible!

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2023

General knowledge crossword No. 866

Across

3 Who was a renowned Austrian composer, Franz ...? (8)

7 Name the head of a Muslim State. (6)

8 Name a seaport in central Japan, on Tokyo Bay. (8)

9 In which Texas city was President Kennedy assassinated? (6)

10 To have exemplified, is to have done what? (8)

11 Who fuses pieces of metal together as an occupation? (6)

14 When one emits a sound like “ah choo”, one does what? (6)

17 What are the texts of operas? (8)

18 Name a US child film star, and later a diplomat, Shirley ... (6)

19 That which has no openings is what? (8)

20 What is the linear magnitude of anything, as measured from end to end? (6)

21 Name another term for the Christmas season. (8)

Solution next edition Down

1 What is an alternative term for otalgia? (7)

2 Name the first Australian female Prime Minister, Julia ... (7)

3 What, colloquially, do we call a lawyer who uses questionable methods? (7)

4 Which term describes a visionary or an idealist? (7)

5 To scrutinise carefully, is to do what? (7)

6 What is silly, trivial, feeble or tedious talk? (7)

11 Which animal resembles a smaller kangaroo? (7)

12 To be free from prejudice or bigotry is to be what? (7)

13 What do we call one who uses a duelling sword? (7)

14 To knock over or send flying, is to do what? (7)

15 What is a constituent part of a whole? (7)

16 Which substance is used in water softening? (7)