Your weekly horoscope: 18 - 24 December 2016

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

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Looking at show houses? Or reading travelogues for easy ways out of here? You can pack up and move if you want to, but you'll still have to take yourself with. This week's issues are about personal security, and what it really means. Ask yourself what it takes to make you feel safe. Hone down the list. Start by trusting yourself to do the right thing. Then send your desires out into the universe.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

Strange and difficult times lie ahead. The most potent planets are with you, demanding real changes in your psyche before they leave you alone. People and things will be taken away from you until you can figure out what's really important. This is a crucial time in your life. But you're not alone. The energies are with you all the way. You're a leader. So lead by example.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Nothing makes sense anymore. The world's gone bananas and the fine line between common sense and idiocy is blurred. This is a week when someone could tell you that you were Henry VIII in your last life, and that he's calling to you to visit him in England. This is also the kind of week you might just do it. Stay home. Bolt the doors, unless you're already on a beach somewhere.

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

It's a confusing time. On the one hand, you have announcements to make and deals to arrange. On the other, your brain is letting you down, only showing you details through a fog. Put it all on hold and turn your attention to your love life. Your love planet is calling you down alleys you'd normally walk past. Play a little, but remind yourself that your destiny must be treated with respect.

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19)

Full of beans? Can you even remember when you last felt so delighted with yourself? Don't question it. This is a time to relish, in spite of the madness around you. One word of warning: the energy is so high you're liable to take insane risks and be forced to deal with the flak later. If you're completely incapable of rational thought, ask someone sensible for advice. And follow it.

TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20)

Why is it that everyone is telling you how amazing you look - and you feel like crawling into a hole? Why are you so miserable just when everything is starting to go your way? Take heart. This cycle is a short one. And it's designed to help you look at the parts of yourself you usually ignore. So do as you're told, examine your weak points, patch them up if you can, and move on.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)

If you're embroiled in a mad love affair you'll be forced to make a decision as the planets insist on change. The relationship will either fizzle out or move to the next step. Those of you with children are being forced to adapt to new circumstances as the old rules no longer apply. This could be a hectic time, although the changes will ultimately be good ones. Be patient. Trust yourself.

CANCER (June 21 - Jul 22)

If you can manage it, get away for a day or two. By yourself. Relationships with almost anyone are in serious trouble. And you're in the mood for a fight. But you're not good at fighting and you remember every cruel word directed your way. So if you can't leave, get a soothing massage. Then count your money. There should be more there now than the last time you looked.

LEO (Jul 23 - Aug 22)

You can be in charge if you really want to. But that doesn't mean throwing money at anyone who wanders past or arguing with anyone who tries to stop you. Get a grip. Personal power is about being in control of your own life, not everyone else's. You don't have to fight for everything you get either. Just do what you need to do. Make your desires clear. The universe will take care of the rest.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

Making assumptions about issues you have yet to explore is not a good idea. And with your fabulous intellect moving into reverse tomorrow, it might be an idea to reserve judgment on everything until further notice. Try not to alienate everyone in sight and steer clear of authority figures if you want to avoid a fight. Not every conversation has to end in a power struggle. Trust your heart.

LIBRA (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

Having second thoughts about that secret love affair? Take careful note of the moral issues here. You'll never forgive yourself if you damage someone else to get what you want. You need a break from the spotlight for a while. People have been paying attention, and you'll have to decide how much you really enjoy that. Even so, the career's taking off. Make some plans now.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

Obsessiveness has always been one of your issues. And this week it's with you in bucketloads. Try not to confuse love with sex. Your hormones are raging - which doesn't mean you have to propose marriage. Having said that, this is a time for passionate nights - if that's what you're after. If not, redirect that sizzle into something creative. Paint. Write. Dance. Logic is not required