Sagittarius

22 Nov-21 Dec

Faster! Given the following wind granted you until Christmas, the despatch of outstanding business should be simple, plus you can instigate new projects, even complex ones, with minimum opposition. Avoid getting sidetracked and sneak a favourite scheme under the wire. A similarly abrupt attitude may apply to relationships ...

Capricorn

22 Dec-19 Jan

Planetary omens come no sweeter than this week's meeting of Venus and Jupiter; perfect for a charm offensive, a makeover, or spending a lot of money to keep the party humming. Your luck is there to be pushed, whether in personal matters or in business. In the latter instance, assume the role of captain.

Aquarius

20 Jan-19 Feb

The clamour that surrounds your favoured team or group needs to be addressed, but with a light touch. Take a detached view and avoid getting into a bun fight. Enterprises that offer long-term reward call for a more solitary approach. Lunar power in midweek hands you a public profile, and an edge.

Gemini

21 May-20 Jun

'Keep calm and carry on' - the government's advice to the citizenry during the war - makes a good fit for a 'scope in which warrior Mars is keen to pick a scrap. Before you respond, make sure you're not outgunned. Practical affairs offer more promise, especially since, against all odds, your missing bingo number looks set to get called.

Cancer

21 Jun-22 Jul

Despatch work with as much gusto as you can muster, partly to make room for more work, partly to make time for people who lift your spirits and smile when you crack a joke. If you're short of such creatures and your other half isn't doing the trick, here's a week to seek out kindred spirits or to finally make a lunge for you-know-who.

Leo

23 Jul-22 Aug

Swift, direct action and bold self-presentation are what your 'scope favours. Whether your agenda involves relationships, creativity or more practical matters, December is an optimum moment to make your pitch for glory. Making peace with you-know-who is also possible - how far are you prepared to compromise?

Pisces

20 Feb-20 Mar

A solo role may appeal, if only to get a break from he/she who seems currently inescapable, but at work the ability to forge allegiances is where you find advantage (and money). Schmooze and teamwork bring better results than scrapping. Good week to be in the dating game, especially come Friday/Saturday - make a display.

Aries

21 Mar-19 Apr

Collect money or brownie points and redefine your professional mission for greater freedom. Cosying up to grands fromages will do no harm. Single? You're due a hot date or offer - but don't expect to keep it private.

• Reese Witherspoon, 22 March 1976

Taurus

20 Apr-20 May

The creation of stability and prosperity remains your ongoing mission, along with stretching your creativity. A role as educator or international diplomat is also in the frame as your planet, Venus, lends your connections and experiences an unexpected, delightful touch.

Virgo

23 Aug-22 Sep

Exhibiting mastery of your craft or profession while juggling mundane practical matters has been 2008's punishing agenda, one from which you shortly get a break. Meanwhile, it's affairs closest to your heart that call (and repay) your energies. You have to trust your instincts, launch yourself off the cliff and see if you fly.

Libra

23 Sep-23 Oct

Look to your address book and network of confidantes to keep you informed and up to speed - in December connections are important. There's no substitute for family and the feeling of belonging, if not to a clan, then to the place you call home. If you don't like it, it's an optimum time to change it.

Scorpio

24 Oct-21 Nov

Untangling finances may seem simpler after Friday. Rigour is one solution, a well-heeled sibling or friend another. With your creativity and personal life now on the up, attention to mundane issues may be hard to maintain. Friday and Saturday promise a burst of something (or somebody) special.