Horoscopes (April 30-May 6)

If you find it hard to escape your fears then why not adopt a different approach and consciously go looking for what fills you with dread. As Mercury, planet of the mind, turns direct in the most vulnerable area of your chart you may be surprised to find that, not only was there nothing to be scared of, but what you’ve been trying to avoid is actually quite exciting.

As you think so you are, so think only positive thoughts this week and you’ll dramatically raise the chances of things running smoothly and to plan. Even a recurring, annoying financial niggle can be resolved if you are prepared to listen to the advice of an older or wiser colleague.

No matter who depends upon you, nor how willing you are to sacrifice your ambitions to ensure another’s happiness, there are certain things you must do for yourself this week. An opportunity to improve your status or reputation must be seized immediately or someone else will take it.

No matter how bruised or battered your ego may be, romantic Venus in sympathetic Aries will brighten up your days and make the nights worth waiting for. Don’t worry too much about keeping on top of your daily routine – there will be plenty of time to catch up later in the month.

There may have been times recently when you felt like a stranger in your home, so indifferent were partners and loved ones to your plight. Now that you can see why they found it hard to communicate, you hopefully did not say or do anything that could make reconciliation difficult.

You’ll feel relaxed and in tune with those around you this week as Venus in your opposite sign removes the tension that’s been such a feature in your emotional life. Even routine tasks will seem less tedious now you know you’re not being asked to do more than your share.

No matter who you may have fallen out with, now that Venus is moving in your favour you can easily patch things up. Sometimes a relationship can actually benefit from an argument or dispute, especially if it clears the air of accusations neither of you really believe are true.

Too many people expect life to come to them, as if they’re somehow special. You, on the other hand, recognise that success is a privilege that has to be earned. Venus urges you do what you can, with what you have, to attract what you need – no more or less.

Your enviable powers of self-discipline will be tested this week and you are likely to pass with flying colours. But if you think that’s the end of the matter you’re in for a surprise. The next test you face will be of an altogether more subtle – and thus more dangerous – nature.

For the past three weeks mind planet Mercury has been moving backwards through your chart and you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t feel a bit frustrated or confused. Now the fog should begin to clear to reveal a sunnier, more exciting picture than you expected.

This may be a difficult week for you but you can make it easier by refusing to be too hard on yourself. What’s done is done and you can’t turn back the clock. Remember the changes you’re going through are meant to make you fitter, faster and more effective than before.

Because Aries is a competitive sign you tend to see confrontations, be they professional or personal, in terms of winning or losing. But it doesn’t have to be like that. On the contrary, if you now make the effort to join forces with a former rival you will both benefit.