AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Has someone (or something) been clipping your wings? This week’s Venus/Uranus conjunction sees curious Aquarians keen to explore, experiment and ricochet off in diverse new directions. So do your best to keep expressing your true self in increasingly creative and quirky ways. As birthday great Lady Gaga observes, “You have to be unique and different and shine in your own way.” You could also travel, move house locally or relocate interstate.

With Saturn transiting through your sign (for the first time since 1996) you need to be realistic, responsible and self-aware. Avoiding the facts and making false assumptions will get you nowhere fast – especially when it comes to health, career and relationships. Mercury and Jupiter join up in your self-esteem zone on Tuesday. So inspiration for the week comes from birthday great, singer and actress Pearl Bailey: “No one can figure out your worth but you.”

Mercury and Jupiter join up in your sign; Venus and Uranus unite in your self-esteem zone; and Mars trines Saturn. So it’s time to be publicly confident about your capabilities – and fiercely protective of your privacy. If you don’t love yourself and respect your talents, then why should anyone else? So your motto is from birthday great, Aries singer and actress Lady Gaga: “Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are.”

Are you stubbornly holding onto outdated ideas? Are you sticking to obsolete ways of thinking, as if you’re on autopilot? This week the planets encourage you to let go of an old grudge, put aside pre-conceived notions, and examine current circumstances in a progressive, philosophical new light. So your motto for the moment is from Aries writer and activist Maya Angelou, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

The planets precipitate a romantic or friendship shake-up, as you reassess your relationship priorities. But, under the influence of impulsive Mars, you could blow your budget with a spontaneous spending spree. Or commit yourself to an ambitious project that you really don’t have the energy or enthusiasm for. So think things through before you make promises! You’ll find short-term big talk is no good if it doesn’t translate into longterm dynamic action.

Proactive Mars is charging through your sign, which provides the drive and passion to start steering your life in a more autonomous direction. It’s also time to stop blaming other people for current problems. Put on your Big Girl (or Big Boy) pants and accept responsibility for the choices you make. Be inspired by birthday writer and adventurer Giacomo Casanova, “Whatever I have done in the course of my life … has been done freely; I am a free agent.”

Tuesday’s Mercury/Jupiter conjunction encourages you to transform your life by broadening and deepening your horizons .… physically, mentally and spiritually. It’s also time to expand your circle of influence and make some positive (and possibly radical) changes, especially at work. Stay alert so you can capitalise on any lucky opportunities that come your way. But be careful you don’t upset someone by making an impulsive, insensitive remark.

Taskmaster Saturn is transiting slowly through your love zone, for the first time since 1996. So you are in for some romantic hiccups and partnership challenges. But your first priority is to love and value yourself - then satisfying relationships will follow. As singer/actress (and birthday great) Pearl Bailey reminds us, “You cannot belong to anyone else until you belong to yourself.” Tuesday favours teaching, study, research and philosophical discussions.

When it comes to close relationships, appearances and natural talents, don’t get hung up on an obsession with perfection. This week Jupiter encourages you to accept people as they are and appreciate the positives in your life. Plus Uranus urges (and dares) you to shake things up and be who you really are, mistakes and all. Be inspired by singer and actress Lady Gaga (who turns 37 on Saturday): “I am not perfect; I just think that imperfections are beautiful.”

Proactive Mars is powering through your learning and travel zone (until May 20), so tertiary education, philosophical conversations, and overseas adventures are favoured. The Sun, Venus and Uranus also shine a bright spotlight on important relationships (of the romantic and platonic variety) in your life. How can they be nurtured and improved? But don’t let other people drain your energy and upset your equilibrium. Stay strong and centred Scorpio!

Expect an interesting juggle. On the one hand – avoid jumping to hasty conclusions. On the other hand –don’t waste too much time weighing up the pros and cons of a given situation. The current planetary patterns discourage being overly impulsive AND ruminating for too long. The best approach is to think things through carefully; then start turning your ideas into productive projects. Aim to get the balance right between deep reflection and fiery action.

You’ve got a lot on your plate at the moment Capricorn but avoid getting into super-stressed mode! Active Mars is moving through your relationship zone, which will help shift a close partnership or joint venture that has been stuck on cruise control. And Saturn (your patron planet) is now transiting through your study, communication and neighbourhood zone. So there is much to be gained from education, conversation and community connections.