AQUARIUS 20 JAN-19 FEB

Tricky. The planetary picture puts you in a commanding position, but resuming old projects makes more sense than fresh starts. Dig deep for lost contacts. The brakes come off next week: Neptune, planet of glamour and deceit, promotes polishing your charisma. Show off, but don't believe your own hype.

PISCES 20 FEB-20 MAR

Keep juggling options as you plot the next move. Before the 19th, there will be lots of catch-up and research to do a little fraud busting and dirt digging may be involved. Opportunities to widen your social circle with broad-minded others are still on offer along the way. Know any Capricorns?

ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR

The temptation to blaze away as a solo act is never far from a self-respecting Ram, but until the Spring Equinox arrives, rest assured that advantage lies in being one of the crew. Organisations, clubs and web-working networks offer opportunities for your star to shine (including your alter ego on Second Life). If you have siblings, now's the time to get them working on your side.

TAURUS 20 APR-20 MAY

A slow, steady career path would be a fine thing, but over the last couple of years the planets have described something a bit more like a fairground ride. Your professional reputation is there to be polished and paraded this week, preferably via great works rather than spin. Go ahead and pitch your ideas, but with detailed back-up. Valentine's Day? Charmed.

GEMINI 21 MAY-20 JUN

It's problem-solving week. Your planet, Mercury, is still on go-slow (until the 18th) but well placed to deliver the insight or expertise that sticky issues require. Since next week looks more demanding, mop up (or write off) half-chewed projects. Valentine's Day marks a tipping point, not necessarily in terms of relationships - though if you're a forceful kind of romantic, your luck's in.

CANCER 21 JUN-22 JUL

With Venus still in play, you're primed for Valentine's Day, with or without the mystery of who sent who what. Anything more than a passing fancy comes with strings attached, however, and the balance of power in relationships is currently under examination. A generous attitude helps, though if co-finances are involved, you are probably going to need a full audit and spread sheet.

LEO 23 JUL-22 AUG

Neptune looms large, making this a good week to have your head turned (by someone wildly inappropriate). For clarity about others' intentions (like who sent that brazen Valentine), wait a week, when an early spring breeze blows through partnerships of all stripes. Meanwhile, don't force issues prematurely.

VIRGO 23 AUG-22 SEP

This year asks you to determine where helping others (collect a Brownie point) turns into self-sacrifice. As personal satisfaction is starred this week, put work on slow-burn until the 18th and pursue your private passions. For all you romantics: Valentine's Day looks a good bet.

LIBRA 23 SEP-23 OCT

Enchantment is in the air - but when Neptune is involved, it can be hard to know if you're falling for a dreamboat or a fraudster. Turn your hokum censors to full. Be thorough, and don't leave things half done.

SCORPIO 24 OCT-21 NOV

Take time over decisions involving career or domestic security. But delve and haggle first: there's more detail to uncover before Mercury shows a green light on the 18th. If your social life isn't twinkling, give your routine a twist. Variety's your friend now.

SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV-21 DEC

Seal Valentine's Day wishes with a kiss by all means, but your 'scope has a competitive streak that may require some air-clearing dialogue - if not with your beloved other half, then with someone else who gets under your skin. Outstanding work and trade issues likewise require mopping up before you move on next week. Make sure you finish what you started.

CAPRICORN 22 DEC-19 JAN

Is a Capricorn's duty ever done? Most Goats reckon not, but since the world is on go-slow and you have beneficent planets in play you might reassess the work equation and conclude that you're owed some downtime. As romantic Venus is in your skies on the 14th, you have a vested interest in Valentine's Day both in sending and receiving, of course ...