Taurus

April 20 - May 20

An international flavour lights up your life over the next few days, bringing the possibility of new people or events. Perhaps you'll do a South American cooking class, take up flamenco dancing or watch an inspirational movie in a foreign language (with subtitles, of course).

Whatever it is, embrace it. You are expanding your mind and will probably be amazed by what you learn.

Gemini

May 21 - June 20

Chores are a bore, but there are a couple of things that can't be put off before you can put your feet up. Take a look at your bank balance and work out where you're spending too much. Perhaps you could even recycle your old things or give them away to charity.

Clearing space for what's fun and new must be done soon, or you'll start to feel dragged down.

Cancer

June 21 - July 22

Wave goodbye to some of the negative issues that you've had to deal with recently - you've earned a break from petty people and pointless arguments. Stay out of everyone's business and concentrate on doing your own thing. This way, you can easily avoid trouble.

It's like shedding old, torn clothes in favour of a new wardrobe. What a great feeling!

Leo

July 23 - August 22

If you were planning something big and special, watch out for unexpected problems that may surface. As long as you 'do your homework' and plan correctly, nothing should go wrong. But if you become lazy or disinterested, you'll lose control of the situation.

Stay sharp and be focused. Pretend that you're a ninja, poised for battle, and you're guaranteed to win.

Virgo

August 23 - September 22

You're in for a spot of luck or a surprise gift this week - and likely to be smiling from ear to ear very soon. Ride this wave of good fortune by treating others as you would like to be treated. That way, you hold onto the luck for longer.

It's a simple trick, but one that works. Always remember an old saying: what you give out, you get back.

Libra

September 23 - October 22

If you were a cake, you could slice yourself into 12 pieces and hand them out to everybody who loves you. But, in case you hadn't noticed, you're not a cake. And sometimes, it's better not to stretch yourself too thin just to please your friends. This week, practise the word 'no'. Stand in front of a mirror and whisper it. Then shout it. Soon, you'll start to believe that you matter, too.

Scorpio

October 23 - November 21

Okay, things are going a little too slowly for your liking - but precious and beautiful things can't be built in just one day. Whatever your long-term goal is, keep in mind that it takes time and commitment to make it happen.

What you build now will form the foundation of your future success. But if you rush too fast, you'll land on your bottom. Ouch! What's the point of that?

Sagittarius

November 22 - December 21

Do you know that some people don't bother to read newspapers, surf news websites or watch TV to keep up with current events? While we might call them ostriches - birds which traditionally 'bury their heads in the sand' - you may want to follow their lead this week. You are surrounded by gossip and nonsense. Ignore it and live your own life - for a short while, at least.

Capricorn

December 22 - January 19

A wise person once wrote that knowing yourself is the most important thing you'll ever achieve. We spend a lot of time worrying about what others think, trying to live up to movie-star images or creating fearful fantasies in our heads about everything we think is wrong with us.

Stop that. Accept who you are and embrace what is meaningful in your life. Boost your self-esteem.

Aquarius

January 20 - February 18

Often you find yourself in the position of judge, being asked to negotiate between friends who are at war with each other. Usually, you are perfect for this role, as you believe strongly in fair play, justice and democracy.

But this time, you might not be able to sort things out. Don't feel bad about it. Sometimes we can't control the outcome.

Pisces

February 19 - March 20

You, above all others, are ruled by your heart. Sometimes this works in your favour, but other times, it can land you in hot water. What's important is to acknowledge and respect your own feelings about something that may be troubling you.

Hiding away from the truth of the matter won't do you any good. Simply be honest and let the universe take care of the rest.