Aries 21 March - 20 April... Mercury in Scorpio is serious celestial detective territory. Here, the planet of talk and thought probes and gets to the root of any topic with forensic determination. So, how does it work when Mars, the planet of ego, is in the most out-there of signs, Leo, but tangling with Mercury good and proper? Something rather tender may see the light.

Taurus 21 April - 21 May... If you encounter some opposition today, try not to be too defensive. Or could someone touch a nerve with a sharp observation? If it is you who says something more directly and abrasively, just be aware that whatever is said can never be taken back, so pause before you say it. By doing so, you can moderate your thoughts and be more effective.

Gemini 22 May - 21 June... You may find yourself caught between wanting to say exactly what you think and wondering whether it is wise to do so. Mercury in Scorpio can make your words particularly penetrating, while Mars in Leo adds heat and pride. If a conversation becomes intense, try not to turn it into a battle of wills. Listening could prove surprisingly revealing.

Cancer 22 June - 23 July... There could be something you have been holding back which suddenly demands expression. Mercury in Scorpio encourages directness - Mars in Leo, a desire to be heard. This combination may bring a sensitive subject into the open, but that need not be negative. Speaking from the heart could create a truly valuable breakthrough.

Leo 24 July - 23 August... Mars in your sign is giving you plenty of confidence, but its square to Mercury in Scorpio suggests that words may become rather more powerful than you anticipate. Someone could challenge your position, prompting a strong response. Try not to let pride dictate your reaction. You can stand your ground without needing to have the final say.

Virgo 24 August - 23 September... Mercury in Scorpio suits your instinct to analyse things carefully, but Mars in Leo can introduce a more emotional and dramatic element. Something you hear may cause you to question someone's motives or attitudes. Before coming to a conclusion, give yourself time to consider the big picture. A conversation could reveal more than first seems.

Libra 24 September - 23 October... You may need to decide whether keeping the peace is actually serving you today. Mercury in Scorpio encourages directness, while Mars in Leo can make someone determined to have their say. Will that be you, Libra? Resist the temptation to respond immediately. A measured answer will likely carry more weight than a knee-jerk reaction.

Scorpio 24 October - 22 November... Mercury in your sign gives your thoughts even greater depth, while Mars in Leo can make you keen to ventilate them. Have you reached the point where something has to be said? Just be conscious that honesty and confrontation are not always the same thing. Choose your words with care, and you may bring an important matter to light.

Sagittarius 23 November - 21 December... A conversation could take an unexpectedly serious turn, especially if someone raises an issue you had hoped to avoid. Your more psychological skills can be aroused, whilst proud Mars in Leo can see you wanting to speak freely and confidently. Giving someone space to explain how they feel may also reveal a truth that works out for the best.

Capricorn 22 December - 20 January... You could find yourself dealing with someone who is being particularly forceful about their opinions. If so, don't allow this person's intensity to pull you into unnecessary conflict. You are likely to achieve more by remaining composed and quietly making your position clear. Also ask yourself: might your popularity be triggering this person?

Aquarius 21 January - 19 February... You may be tempted to challenge an assumption today, particularly if you feel someone is trying to tell you what to think. There is nothing wrong with standing apart from the crowd but choose your moment carefully. A thoughtful response could carry considerable influence. However, this could be a clash of wills, particularly at work, Aquarius.

Pisces 20 February - 20 March... Something said today could be triggering. Rather than retreating or responding impulsively, allow yourself time to process what you have heard or said, Pisces. Once emotions settle, you may discover that an important truth was trying to emerge. You might feel exposed because you shared or heard it but see it as better that the truth does come out.