Your Stars

Most scientists, when it comes to astrology, are not only sceptical but also scornful. That's why I was surprised to learn about a recent discovery about the impact of the full moon on sleep quality.

Why would all these respectable academics risk ridicule and touch such a contentious subject? What made them go back over data from old experiments and factor in whether there had been a full moon on the nights that volunteers had slept in their lab? According to one report, they "had the idea of doing the lunar analysis while chatting over a few drinks".

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Some philosophers feel that little could be more unfortunate to be born under than a lucky star. Such folk, they claim, are oblivious to the hardships suffered by others. Thus, they are unable to relate to them. And should their star ever let them down they will feel totally bereft and will have no experience of how to cope in its absence. Such philosophers are not, of course, born under such stars. Or else they would know that the above is a small price to pay for the kind of luck you look set to enjoy soon.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

We find it too easy to criticise ourselves. We look back on our past endeavours and we say: "Now, why on earth did I do that?" We forget that we had no other viable option at the time. Right now, you are questioning the wisdom of a recent choice. How can you possibly do that? You have not yet even seen the results of it. Let a little more time pass and don't contemplate unpicking all those carefully placed stitches. You will yet see their value, reap their benefit and turn out to have made the right move.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21)

We live in a wiser world than we used to but we still have a considerable way to go. We have less prejudice, hatred, anger and fear . but there's always something somewhere to worry us. Your challenge is to evolve, move on, leave an old way of looking at life behind and inspire someone else to do the same. By working with what you've got, you can get precisely what's required. Instead of gazing into the distance wishing you could be somewhere else, just place yourself in the best position you can.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20)

Even when we know what we want, we can't be sure that we know why we want it. We don't just hide our true motives from other people; we hide them from ourselves. We tell ourselves whatever we think we want to hear. We create arguments that sound persuasive and ask no further questions. You are not sure how seriously to take a certain suggestion now. Give it careful consideration. It may hold the key to a revelation that has been eluding you for too long. This in turn could prove highly profitable.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19)

Mystics often speak about a veil that separates the present from the future. Such folk search for times and situations when it will be possible to peer through that veil. It isn't always necessary to wait for a magical occasion. Sometimes, it is a matter of standing back, drawing a deep breath and applying intelligent perspective to a bewildering matter. If you can put down the emotional need that is colouring your vision today, you will see the true nature of whatever it is that you are looking at.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Every situation is different. We make a mistake whenever we look at one and assume, because of its superficial similarity to another situation, that we know what it entails. If something seems familiar, we are wise to draw on our experience. We ought, though, to form only a tentative assumption about it. The dilemma you are now wrestling with will become easier to sort out if you allow for the fact that some things have changed. Once you can see that, you can see what else is needed.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

"All the world's a stage," wrote Shakespeare in the play "As You Like It" but he forgot to mention that, though all are merely players, most are method-acting. They take their exits and entrances extremely seriously and are only ever conscious of the role they are currently cast in. Life now brings your chance to defuse a drama. Your ability to seize this opportunity depends on your willingness to start playing a new part. Rise to that challenge and you'll yet emerge from a recent ordeal as a truly shining star.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21)

Experts are forever arguing about what's good for us - or bad for us. Each time one produces a piece of research another produces evidence to the contrary. We get used to this. We expect it. That's what experts are for. To disagree with each other on our behalf. It's not that we can't do it without their help - but they do so much more knowledgeably . and expensively. Expert opinion may well differ over the best way for you to proceed now. But you are the real expert. Trust your deepest, wisest instinct.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 22)

The past, the present and the future all exist right now - but if we were to allow ourselves to comprehend this, our understanding of "reality" would collapse. Our frame of reference would vanish. Every sensible observation we made would sound like a babbling nonsense to the ears of others. Someone in your world is now saying something that you cannot relate to. Perhaps once you could. Or perhaps one day you will. Don't be so sure that there isn't something right about what seems wrong. Time may yet change a lot.

CANCER (June 23 - July 23)

Be grateful for small mercies. Why not be grateful for big ones, too? Well, there's the funny thing. The big ones are almost too big. Overwhelming. Incomprehensible. Like lights so bright that we cannot look into them, the greatest gifts of all demand a degree of nonchalance. It is almost as if we have to take them for granted because if we were to truly appreciate them, we would go to pieces. How good is what's good in your life now? Very good indeed. Don't worry about how things will turn out.

LEO (July 24 - August 23)

Why does it sometimes seem as though bad things come to good people - and vice versa? We cannot say but then nor can we judge. We are not divinely empowered with some infallible ability to distinguish good from bad. Sometimes, we may wrongly assess the things . and the people. You may or may not deserve what's bound to come your way, but you'll certainly be glad of it when it arrives. Over time, you'll begin to feel even more pleased of the way things have turned out. A powerful discovery will soon change your life.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23)

What are you ashamed of or embarrassed by? What would you really rather we did not talk about? It's okay. Don't worry. I am not going to spell out anything here on this page, just in case someone is looking over your shoulder. Indeed, if they are, you can just turn to them now, shrug your shoulders and say: "Honestly, I don't know what he is talking about. That man talks in riddles." But between you and me there is an issue - and current events are starting to intensify it. You need to be honest now, but you also need to be discreet.