Aries 21 March - 20 April... The celestial taskmaster, Saturn, goes through a five-month retrograde each year, which starts later this week in your sign. There may be ideas and plans you have been working on that feel stalled, which can be frustrating. Patience will be a virtue, especially as the Moon clashes with Mercury and Saturn today, which could cause irritation to surface in a relationship.

Taurus 21 April - 21 May... Your appreciation of life's good things is well known, but how is your resistance to getting them done just now? With the planet of desire conflicted, you may want to set caution aside and just go for it. However, in a relationship, you may find some vague doubts rise up from the depths. Don't dismiss these, but also try to understand why this might be, Taurus.

Gemini 22 May - 21 June... Mars in Gemini gives you a fabulous platform to express your ideas with conviction and authority. However, today his energy just needs a little extra care, as what may feel passionate to you could seem intimidating to others. Be sure not to seem brusque. A crossed wire with a friend is possible, too, with a sociable plan going from promising to postponed.

Cancer 22 June - 23 July... How are your worldly activities going? If you are perfectly at ease working in a business-oriented role that gives you structure but also the chance to express your impressive management skills, as the planet that rules this area, Saturn, slams on the cosmic brakes this week, you will likely dig in and get through any obstacles. Dislike what you do? Look to change it.

Leo 24 July - 23 August... If you are studying, tackling a legal matter, or looking to find a way to relocate somewhere further afield, narrow your focus onto what is really essential to succeed, as trying to spread yourself too thinly could be counterproductive. One thing that could distract today is an invitation to connect with a friend or discuss a money-making prospect, but is this essential?

Virgo 24 August - 23 September... You have likely been embracing your creativity of late and could be in the mood to showcase your talents to someone influential. And with the assertive Mars in a prominent part of your chart, you may find the extra spark to do so. This is admirable, but don't rush this or ignore your usual highly detailed approach. Blend both, and you will make an impact.

Libra 24 September - 23 October... The Moon in your sign goes face-to-face with the dour Saturn, just as he prepares to begin his retrograde. It's not that any courtesies you extend today will definitely fall flat, but you may feel inhibited when chatting with others or even awkward. This is because the communicator, Mercury, not only continues to retrace its steps but is connected to both in an unhelpful way.

Scorpio 24 October - 22 November... The planet of scrutiny, Saturn, begins its annual five-month retrograde this week to do with details, clashing with both the Moon and Mercury. So today is not the day to make assumptions, take shortcuts, or skip the type of double-checking that prevents later issues. This can be at work, around travel plans, visas, passports, or any kind of application form.

Sagittarius 23 November - 21 December... Your natural optimism is a great asset, not just for you personally, but also for how you link up with others and what they gain from you. Today may not be challenging, but it may not flow in the way your natural upbeat vibe thrives. If you anticipate that things may be stilted, slower, or slightly frustrating, it will have less impact on you if snags creep in.

Capricorn 22 December - 20 January... Your practicality sees you chip away at life, even when it might not flow as hoped. So do bear this in mind through to early December, as your formidable ruler, Saturn, rewinds through the heavens. For your personal annual review, you are asked to consider issues related to home, property, family, or emotions. Anything that needs more care should be a priority.

Aquarius 21 January - 19 February... You have a duality in your sign, being both outgoing and at times needing quiet reflection. And today, the need for your own space to process your thoughts may arise. And so can people's desire to spend time with you. Don't feel obliged, Aquarius, because this could make you tetchy and resentful. Just let people know directly that you just need to pull the shutters down.

Pisces 20 February - 20 March... Over the next two years, strict Saturn asks you to become much more value-conscious. Your value, your appreciation of others' values, but also, where possible, to be thriftier and get more for your money. And if these themes are not already showing up, they likely will now. However, if you reapply yourself, you can transform things in a lasting and positive way.