Horoscope: January 8, 2016

Your stars today

Aries | March 20 – April 19



Because you dislike being cornered into restrictive arrangements by those who’re thinking only about themselves, you try to avoid making excessive demands on others. Yet in one particular situation, you’re beginning to realise you must set clear and unarguable expectations with certain individuals who’ll otherwise do exactly that they want.

Taurus | April 20 – May 20



Knowing certain complex issues need to be addressed is one thing, actually doing it is surprisingly challenging. However, the encounter between your ruler, Venus, and Saturn accents the need to resolve these. For some, it’s only a matter of mentioning the issue in question. Others will require a combination of tact and persistence.

Gemini | May 21 – June 20



Agreeing to an arrangement that you’re unhappy with can be upsetting. Yet with the swift pace, it’s now or never. The trick is to ensure everybody recognises this as tentative. Others may be annoyed now. But when they, too, are facing sudden changes in circumstance, they’ll be grateful arrangements are flexible.

Cancer | June 21 – July 22



Don’t be surprised if others change their story about various plans. While ordinarily this kind of inconsistency would be regarded as reason for concern, with Mercury not only retrograde, but also moving into a new sign, even seemingly straightforward arrangements, your own or involving others, are unlikely to proceed as expected.

Leo | July 23 – August 22



Exasperating as making plans you know won’t last long may be, it’s inevitable during unsettled periods, such as this is. However, there is a positive side, which is that knowing changes are inevitable, you needn’t bother with details. Simply organise the big picture. The finer points can wait until the final version.

Virgo | August 23 – September 22



For some weeks you’ve been reviewing certain longstanding and once-profitable arrangements. Recently, however, they’ve become more of a burden than a pleasure. Still, you’re tempted to keep them going. Try if you must. Bear in mind, however, that with the world around you changing, these probably can’t remain as they are.

Libra | September 23 – October 22



Telling somebody they’re wrong is never easy. However, judging by the encounter between your ruler Venus and Saturn, which accents caution and discernment, if you don’t discuss issues in detail now, you’ll only face more complex problems later. The secret is to ensure conversations are brief and keep to the point.

Scorpio | October 23 – November 21



Every sign is influenced by Mercury’s retrograde cycle, which began on the 5th and continues until the 25th. However, because it’s accenting your perspective, even annoying errors, or the mistakes of others, could be informative. While you may need to ask a few questions, it will be well worth the effort.

Sagittarius | November 22 – December 21



Recent revelations have made you realise you’ve either been so busy you’ve neglected financial matters or simply hadn’t spotted growing issues. Whatever the case, and there could be several situations that need attention, there’s no better time than Monday’s New Moon, which accents matters of this nature, for a fresh start.

Capricorn | December 22 – January 19



From time to time it’s important to catch up with those closest. That may seem a contradiction in terms. Ironically, it’s easy to assume you know what those you see most often feel when, in fact, you don’t. Only once you’re actually quietly chatting will the issues in question surface.

Aquarius | January 20 – February 17



By no means has your attitude or thinking about certain matters been rigid. Or at least that’s the case from your perspective. Still, you won’t even consider others’ suggestions. It’s logical. Experience has revealed such manoeuvres never work. Still, explore these. Times have changed and so, too, should your views.

Pisces | February 18 – March 19



In the past you’ve expressed worries about certain arrangements frankly, only to be told your words caused upset. Since then you’ve kept your concerns to yourself. Now, however, you really must at least point out potential problems. This time around, the odds are good that others will thank you.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2016.