Your weekly horoscope: 1 - 7 January 2017

What do the stars hold in store for you this week?

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

It's not that your life has become any easier. It's more that your perception of the world has transformed. The reason is a greater focus on your inner life - dreams, fantasies and intuition. You've finally come to realise life is only as good or bad as you think it is - a wonderful place from which to expand. The planets may also have something to do with this. Stay flexible and you'll triumph.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

For once, that ponderous, perfection-or-nothing approach will serve you well. The planets are moving as slowly as you are, and this suits you fine. There are changes to come that haven't been - and couldn't be - included in the plan. The love life has a journey to make, one which may or may not include your input. For your career to go where it must, waiting might be the best course.

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

Saturday brings a shift so dramatic you can actually feel it - and all your efforts start to pay off. Offers and adventures come out of the blue. And the love goddess barges in on Wednesday, dragging along with her a wild flirtation with someone you meet through friends. Something exciting is happening. This minute. A little trust is all that's required. And a willingness to have some fun.

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19)

Family arguments are looming with you in the thick of things. You're going to have to be big about this. This is more about planetary madness than any real problems. Even so, apologies and forgiveness will be needed. The ego may take a small bashing, but you'll like yourself more if you behave like the adult. Oh, and watch the lovers too. Try detaching for a fresh perspective.

TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20)

The hormones hot up to sizzling point as the passion planets move into your space. Entertain yourself by trying to be emotionally honest - that means with yourself as well. Not easy, but cosmically supported if you'll give it a bash. Not that you can expect the same from anyone else. Communications are temporarily off-line, so confusion is required. For yourself, keep expectations low.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)

So who are you this time? And why is it that none of the old rules seem to apply? It's a tough one. Try treating this week as a holiday from yourself. You have cosmic permission to create a sparkling new you; adding or subtracting any ingredients you like, until you have exactly the kind of personality you'd like to have living in your house. And your head. This week is for you. Amuse yourself.

CANCER (June 21 - Jul 22)

Just when everyone else is oiling up their gears for a new year, you've decided it's time to take a break. Don't kid yourself. This kind of energy is called escapism - not creativity. You need to spend time with more positive forces. So join a group or invite some friends over for dinner. Work on being inspired instead of terrified. But that's all next week. For now, hedonism is on offer.

LEO (Jul 23 - Aug 22)

This is the perfect time to stop waiting for someone else to arrive with your success on a platter. Seize your power and let it out to play. There is literally no end to your talents. Your problem is that, for some reason, it's never occurred to you that those witty remarks are tearing a hole in someone's heart. For now, amuse yourself - eat, drink, misbehave and sow every wild oat ever grown.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

It's a new year, and things are changing. That relatively dormant sex life is heating up. The love life, on the other hand, is all set to explode in your face. Perhaps the two are related. Are you having a steamy affair while swearing fidelity at home? You're on dangerous ground. Not that you mind. Excitement is exactly what you're after. Just be willing to take back whatever you dish out.

LIBRA (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

Great. For once, you really don't care what other people think. Which means, for the first time in ages, you can focus on your own needs. Don't let the moment pass. Write down your thoughts while they're fresh. That way you'll remember who you can be, when you've slotted back into your old ways. This week is for you. Use it to explore your wicked side. It's been ignored for too long.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

A sparkling new relationship could distract you from your course. In which case, the temptation to overspend (in the spirit of passion, obviously) might send you into an orbit of lunacy. Try to budget, both financially and emotionally. If that doesn't work, do what you have to do. Your feet should be back on earth by next Sunday. Everyone's too wrapped up in their lives to fret over yours.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Something big and explosive and just what you've been looking for is coming. Your challenge is to make sure you're not looking the wrong way when it arrives. Say yes to everything - and then check it out. Your instincts are at their most attentive. If you're unsure about decisions, write down your wishes before you go to sleep. Then take note of your first thoughts when you wake up.