The mysterious Malachi Dexter offers his thoughts on what the stars might have in store for you in the first month of 2017.
Gemini: May 21 to June 20
As a Gemini you strive to make sense and order of the world, even when it seems at its most chaotic. This trait is often a virtue and your means of navigating safely through the complex waters of both your inner life and social life. But sometimes your desire to stamp meaning on events and behaviour can make connections where none in fact exist. This can feel like paranoia and cause distress. So remember, as you begin a particularly active period, that you must approach evidence with the cool detachment of the detective and not the wild imaginings of the conspiracy theorist.
Cancer: June 21 to July 22
You understand your emotions and can express them, too. You are also a good and patient listener and have a natural ability to calm and heal others. But your sensitivity can also be exploited by those who cast themselves as victims and think only of themselves. It may well be that a family member or close friend will soon have the potential to cast a long and dark shadow across your life. Your charitable nature will instinctively offer comfort but could also be exploited. So look for the warning signs from now on and proceed with gentle caution when a loved one seeks help.
Leo: July 23 to August 22
The courage of the lion must always be tempered by the gentleness of the lamb. This is Leo’s great challenge. As a sun sign you have much to offer in terms of creativity and flair, though take care that these qualities are not interpreted as arrogance and egocentricity. Work and play may well be closely intertwined this month, so keep a cool head in order to achieve the confidence and social grace you desire. There is no need to dazzle people in order to win their admiration; on the contrary, it will blind them to your virtues, either professional or romantic.
Virgo: August 23 to September 22
Your sign is that of the craftsman, the person who injects his or her personality into the act of creation. In truth, we create our selves, too, and you are likely to be always conscious that you and the life you lead are works in progress. You are discerning and self conscious in ways that are positive; but remember that you must always make room for the spontaneous and carefree, particularly in the coming weeks when events beyond your control are likely to take place. There is nothing to fear; on the contrary, relax and enjoy some unexpected twists and turns.
Libra: September 23 to October 22
Many Librans view life as a pretty much constant mission to create balance and harmony both within themselves and the societies in which they mix. As Pluto makes its transit across your house it is likely that you will be presented with one or more difficult choices. Normally your ability to see both sides of an argument helps you to resolve conflict dispassionately; but it is likely that in the coming weeks this open mindedness will prove to be a hindrance as you waver between two sides of an issue or disagreement. My advice is: keep cool, but care.
Scorpio: October 23 to November 21
Your interior life is often as important to you as your exterior life, for Scorpio is the sign of those who explore the depths of their unconscious minds in search of symbolic meaning. But remember too that the real world is alive with signs and that much can be revealed by careful study. It is highly likely that you will soon take a journey and, although it will appear to be ordinary, it will offer the opportunity of moments of transcendence if your inner eye is open and alert. Ignore your tendency to be secretive and share this valuable experience with others.
Sagittarius: November 22 to December 21
“Nothing but the truth” – it could be your motto. Honesty and openness are great virtues but, on occasion, the truth can be used economically. It is not a case of telling lies or manipulating facts; it is about tact and the way in which a truth is told. If a friend or family member requests your opinion of someone he or she admires and your opinion is not high, express your feelings gently. There is every possibility that a relationship you value could be soured for some time if you speak your mind too clearly or use ill-considered words.
Capricorn: December 22 to January 19
Capricorn signifies strength and self-confidence. But sometimes, as you are aware, the sign’s gift of assertiveness can be seen by others as selfishness which, in its way, becomes a kind of weakness. In the near future Venus will exert its force field within you and it could be that a romantic relationship will come under pressure. When this happens remember that your strength can be used against you if you strike out indiscriminately. By placing wisdom and not passion to the fore you can avoid unpleasantness and be rewarded with a relationship stronger and more vital than ever.
Aquarius: January 20 to February 18
Individuality is the key to many Aquarians. Sometimes this heightened sense of self manifests itself as eccentricity. But this is your great strength – for the world, like any system, needs diversity if it is to survive. If we all thought the same, if imaginative energy was spread evenly across humanity, this would be a kind of death. This month it is possible that your uniqueness will bring you into conflict with someone at home or at work. Do not rise to the bait of insults and remember that what is different is often misunderstood. There is no need to change in the interests of a false harmony.
Pisces: February 19 to March 20
Yours is a sign closely linked to poetry and imagination. You have the ability to immerse yourself in fantasy and often find it more stimulating and rewarding than reality. Of course there is nothing wrong with daydreaming of what might be – but, for Pisceans in particular, it can inhibit action and change for the better. But, in January, as the presence of Mars makes itself felt as a forceful sphere of influence, there is an opportunity to turn imagination into hard fact. Keep your eyes widen open to identify these opportunities – and then seize them.
Aries: March 21 to April 19
Your nature is fiery and, like fire, you have the power to hurt and light up people’s lives. But it is also true that when you cause pain it is because what you believe and say are true and that the objects of your ire discover that the truth hurts. Hence, your directness can shock but also jolt people into action and a better state of mind. But be warned, it is highly likely that this month will bring events in which an ill-chosen word might be uttered to devastating effect. So speak your mind, yes, but do so with great care. It is the case that, no matter how accurate, some things remain better left unsaid.
Taurus: April 20 to May 20
You can be super sensitive, possessive and are no stranger over the years to the Green Eyed Monster. These are the negative aspects of positive traits like honesty, sensuality and passion and, if truth be told, your life can sometimes feel like a balancing act of opposing elements. Be aware that a complex situation will soon arise. It will naturally trigger the darker side of your personality, and will therefore require all your powers of reason to stay in the light. Remember – it is easy to be negative; going the extra mile is difficult, but infinitely more rewarding.
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