Horoscopes: Friday, April 17

ARIES: (March 21 to April 20)

Low-risk strategies are your best option. Lunar energy keeps you grounded and resources are allocated carefully with long-term goals in mind. Others may read your mood as subdued or deem you un-cooperative.

TAURUS: (April 21 to May 21)

Your opi5nions are provocative but they stir up healthy debate. Moon in the forthright zone dares you to make connections with people outside your circle and raise issues normally considered taboo. Accept the challenge.

GEMINI: (May 22 to June 21)

You build strong foundations by following the rules. Virtuous energy governs the way you handle assignments, relationships and personal conduct. There is no room for flimsy excuses or fragile footings.

CANCER: (June 22 to July 23)

Relationships are plainly on your radar. The emotional Moon paints partners in a positive light and affection flows freely between you and your close-knit group. A calm demeanour keeps you grounded this week.

LEO: (July 24 to August 23)

This is a good time to throw out hints. Perceptive Mercury at the crest of your chart suggests colleagues and friends are in-tune with your needs. Even subtle suggestions seem to hit the mark.

VIRGO: (August 24 to September 23)

From flattering remarks to faint praise you welcome all forms of feedback. An ego boost builds up your confidence and compensates for the recent dearth of acclaim. Slowly but surely past sadness is fading.

LIBRA: (September 24 to October 23)

In a hurry to finish you may trip yourself up. Slow the tempo and concentrate on the journey rather than the destination. People who play politics at work or home are a blight on your concentration

SCORPIO: (October 24 to November 22)

Ethics and loyalty drive the decision-making process. People who support you now score points and your personal moral code sets the standard for success. You also resist temptation in affairs of the heart.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23 to December 22)

The power of the spoken word is strong. You wisely edit questions and answers before expressing them yet manage to get your message across in a compelling manner. Your radical streak is best kept hidden.

CAPRICORN: (December 23 to January 20)

You comply with requests under sufferance. Lunar energy tests your mettle and a reluctance to rock the boat means you surrender to the will of others. Your own needs are met indirectly.

AQUARIUS: (January 21 to February 19)

Now is the time to explore intriguing issues. Moon, the harbinger of intuitive thoughts, occupies your sector of awareness. There is a sense you are on track with a worthy cause or interesting pastime.

PISCES: (February 20 to March 20)

Passion and pragmatism work hand in hand. You play favourites when it suits your own agenda and good results are guaranteed. Like-minded people feel they are in a win-win situation with you.

YOUR DAY

Being firm but fair generates goodwill and close co-operation. A business-like approach keeps everything above board and avoids the risk of recriminations at home, socially or in the workplace.

YOUR BIRTHDAY

You can kick-start the fresh birthday year by capitalising on an opportunity. Ruling Mars in Aries until the end of May provides the motivation and mental toughness needed to take risks.