Leek, Staffordshire, a busy market town and antique centre.

August

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

There is a great deal of work ahead for you, whether to sort out the muddles you have allowed yourself to get into, or to bring new ideas, business or enterprise to fruition. You can do it easily, but your problem is to stay focused and not be distracted or waste your energies. Concentrating will mean you get twice as much done in half the time. Try to see the bigger picture instead of a lot of small details.

TAURUS (April 21 – May 21)

You have a sense of breaking new ground, and might feel apprehensive about the future. Try to see the road ahead as full of interesting revelations rather than prospects of doom. Accept the blessings you have been given today rather than worry about possible disaster tomorrow. Expand your horizons rather than try to cower behind a protective wall. Security is just a state of mind – so live in the moment and enjoy it.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Try to get out and about as much as possible in the coming weeks. Walking –swimming – or physical exercise will allow you time to think while your body is occupied. You will have some great ideas and a sense of enlightenment about future plans and can let your mind roam and aim high. Don't let false modesty hinder your progress. You may be in the wrong place, surrounded by the wrong people. Be true to yourself and you will go far.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

You attain a goal this month. In a material sense you are about to receive something you have been working hard to gain. Cash – promotion – recognition are likely to boost your spirits as a long-held plan finally brings victory. But you might suffer an anti-climactic low as a result – we all do when we get what we want – so allow yourself a period of rest if you need it to let the tension relax and the dust settle.

LEO (July 24 – August 23)

There is more to life than just the physical. A beautiful sense of trust and faith in the spiritual world will uphold you this month if you let it. Allow the universe to carry you forward without trying manically to stay in control. Reassure yourself that all is for the best, even if it does not appear so on the surface. Send out love and prayers if you are concerned about anyone or any situation. Stay still and focused, and wait for the tide to turn.

VIRGO (August 24 – September 23)

The answers to any queries you might have just now can be found if you look back into the past. Remembering how you behaved in similar circumstances and how they turned out will give you the clues you are seeking. Romance and love appear all around you. Don't be too anxious to avoid commitments. Is it the other person you doubt – or yourself that you secretly can't trust?

LIBRA (September 24 – October 23)

Travel far and fast this month, even if it's only in your dreams. New places, new contacts and a fresh perspective on life will give you a boost and a surge of energy to break out of the rut. It could be time for a change. Don't be put off by thinking your age or status is against you or that insurmountable obstacles stand in the way – it's never too late to be revitalized by beginning again. You're as young as you feel.

SCORPIO (October 24 – November 22)

You are full of energy that will allow you to take up cudgels on behalf of some worthy cause this month – either for yourself or on someone else's account. But don't waste too much time or effort in fruitless protests – think first and take action only when you are ready. You are very good at fighting battles – and men in particular will find a lot of satisfaction in a job well done. Working as a team is a good idea.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 – December 21)

What a wonderful few weeks you are going to have, Sagittarius, as life turns out to be just as the song says – a bowl of cherries or even a cabaret. Allow yourself to relax and savour whatever fun ideas or exciting projects come along. Let holidays and weekend breaks get you into the frame of mind where anything seems possible. There's no need to try too hard – it's all coming your way.

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 20)

Unexpectedly you will resolve all the niggling problems and anxieties that have been worrying you lately. Life can turn itself around in the blink of an eye, and you will wonder why you were so demoralized and upset. A sense of new power sweeps through you and you are likely to feel better physically too. You are ready to tackle the big plans you wanted to devote yourself to. The worst is over!

AQUARIUS (January 21 – February 19)

There are esoteric lessons for you to learn, and you will find you need some time to yourself over the next few months. Try relaxing and meditation. You need to re-establish your sense of identity and your goals, allow yourself to absorb intuitive wisdom. Admit honestly just what your inner needs really are and try to live by them. The night sky and stars, nature and the animal kingdom will sooth and uplift your tired spirits.

PISCES (February 20 – March 20)

Your projects this month will grow and grow – as will the flowers in your garden if you have one. Everything is ready to bloom. Whatever you touch is likely to turn, if not to gold, then into profit and success. Hard work and dedication will achieve great things and your application and steady grafting at your goals will lift you to a new platform of achievement. So go for it, whatever it is.