Monday July 17

ARIES: (March 21 to April 20)
Your ability to pull people together and guide them through difficulties is a finely honed skill. After months of practice you can now put your expertise to good use by helping and nurturing loved ones or colleagues.

TAURUS: (April 21 to May 21)
Although you often ponder problems until they are somehow resolved without your intervention, the prevailing mood sees you acting more decisively. Not only will your reaction time be quicker, but you will also be daring and different.

GEMINI: (May 22 to June 21)
An idea may have merit and be worthy of discussion, but you should avoid pushing your opinions on others. Plant the seed and then allow it to grow in someone's mind. Chances are you will get your own way.

CANCER: (June 22 to July 23)
Try to distance yourself from a habitual troublemaker, especially if there has been bad blood between you for a while. If you must react, give dignified responses and refuse to trade insults or veer from the facts.

LEO: (July 24 to August 23)
Though you hate flying blind it would be wise to adopt a wait-and-see approach this week. And while all your reserves of patience and inner strength may be depleted in the process, outcomes look positive.

VIRGO: (August 24 to September 23)
Outwardly you may appear calm and composed, but secretly a problem could be weighing heavily on your heart. If you feel someone is playing mind games or you prefer privacy, then the mask of pretence is justified.

LIBRA: (September 24 to October 23)
A healthy spirit of competition exists and rather than this having a negative effect on your psyche, you will be mentally pumped. Meantime, a love/hate relationship continues to amaze and amuse you in equal parts.

SCORPIO: (October 24 to November 22)
Keep your eyes and ears open this week for valuable insight into someone or pointers towards a problem. A previously unsolved mystery can be cracked simply through clever detective work and greater awareness of others.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23 to December 22)
With unyielding Saturn restricting your movements and opportunities, you continue to be frustrated by a lack of freedom in certain areas. The good news is you will be better prepared when the shackles do come off.

CAPRICORN: (December 23 to January 20)
Before you blow an issue out of proportion, stop and question your motives. Are you looking for attention or feeling bored? Be honest with yourself and if necessary tweak your routine to put spark back in the day.

AQUARIUS: (January 21 to February 19)
Your ability to twist situations and paint yourself in a positive light is second to none. Add confidence from dynamic Mars and suddenly you have become a formidable force. Visualise your goals and turn them into reality.

PISCES: (February 20 to March 20)
If you are eager to make a good impression, portray yourself as an independent person with a positive mindset. The better you perform, the more likely you are to reap rewards and earn respect from others.

YOUR DAY
A fatalistic approach will make it easier to accept defeat as well as success. If one attempt does not work out, change tactics and experiment with different ideas. There may be a stronger urge to lead with the heart and not the head today, but that is a good thing.

YOUR BIRTHDAY
Shallow people and superficial pastimes may be unappealing in the year ahead. You will be more concerned with the deeper issues of life and conserving energy for worthwhile causes. Your reclusive side could also keep you away from crowded places and closer to home.