Horoscope: April 17, 2016

If it’s your birthday today

While everybody’s familiar with Mercury’s retrograde cycle, your ruler Mars has a period of reverse movement as well, and this begins on your birthday. It is by no means a negative but, rather, calls your attention to reviewing the past while you enjoy the present and plan the future. As a quick thinking and fast moving Aries, you sometimes neglect that review until you realise you’re short of facts. Thus this birthday’s lessons will be valuable now, and for the rest of your life.

Aries March 20 – April 18

Obviously, reviewing complex arrangements is tedious. Tempting as it is to put them off, tackle these now. True, these changes are ongoing, which means this is one of many such reviews and, worse, this is distracting you from other, more appealing, activities. Still, what you learn will be incredibly useful in the future.

Taurus April 19 – May 19

As a Taurus and somebody ruled by the gracious Venus, you regard the ability to be pleasant in the face of even very difficult situations as a virtue. This is especially important now. Not only are the issues you’re dealing with sensitive, certain individuals need reassurance everything will come out well.

Gemini May 20 – June 19

Tempting as it is to insist certain plans are worth pursing, back up your thoughts with hard facts. Things are moving swiftly, and if what you think is true turns out to be wrong, it will cause problems for you and for others. What you double-check now will save time later.

Cancer June 20 – July 21

Saying farewell to a long cherished arrangement may seem sad. But in many cases this isn’t an ending as much as it’s about rethinking this and other as important agreements and alliances. Every once in a while you need to conduct a major clear out. That exactly what you’re doing now.

Leo July 22 – August 21

Sometimes you ignore the irritating ideas or actions of others, partly because they aren’t that bothersome. But, also, you’d rather not face the dramas that even mentioning these would trigger. Since this is only getting worse by the day, you’ll have to speak up eventually. Sooner is better than later.

Virgo August 22 – September 21

In a few days, the Sun moves into the most inquisitive portion of your chart. This begins a month-long cycle of exploration. While, often, this will be for the fun of it, frequently you’ll realise how beneficial the ideas you’re learning about would be if applied to certain areas of your life.

Libra September 22 – October 21

It’s rare that you, as a diplomatic Libra, are so annoyed you feel you must have the last word. While your irritation with one particular individual is understandable, they don’t listen to what anybody says, including you. Thus, your battle to have the final say is completely, and utterly pointless.

Scorpio October 22 – November 20

Don’t be surprised if you’re on edge. The circumstances around you are changing, some dramatically, and thus, so must your plans and priorities. Disruptive as having to rethink things seems now, within a few days you’ll realise why certain of these changes were long overdue, and will be relieved you made them.

Sagittarius November 21 – December 20

Few things cause you greater pain than to tell somebody there’s no chance they can carry on with plans that they want, or intend, to do. You hate being restricted so do all you can to avoid such situations with others. Still, what’s being suggested is unwise or, possibly, risky.

Capricorn December 21 – January 19

While facts are undeniably facts, at the moment the gift of tact is more important than ensuring everybody has the correct information. Although you’re unaware of it, someone is struggling and in no state to battle for what should be theirs. Focus on them and their needs. The rest can wait.

Aquarius January 20 – February 18

Usually conversations are about an exchange of ideas. At the moment, however, don’t be surprised if others seem determined to do a lot of talking and listen very little. While, initially, you might be bored, if not irritated, you’ll soon realise how important it is that somebody actually hears them.

Pisces February 19 – March 19

By no means have you intended to be secretive. However, you simply didn’t realise that certain facts that seemed of little importance to you were crucial to others. Discuss the matter in question in depth and you’ll understand why they’re pivotal. Better yet, in the future, you’ll also know what’s significant.