ARIES

21 March - 20 April

Fire

Masculine

Nice guys finish last, but Arians have to come first. That has nothing to do with how nice they are, but is all about their position in the zodiac. Aries is the first sign, and the day that the Sun enters Aries marks the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. This means that Arians are psychologically programmed to be at the head of any queue. Their first thought is to put their own considerations above those of other people, even if their second thought reverses this. Yet this does not make Arians deliberately selfish, although the sign certainly has its fair share of self-centered mortals. Rather, they react in the way that a child does, thinking 'Me first!'

Arians are born with a sense of adventure, and many Arian babies arrive either early or very rapidly, as if they're in a hurry to get out of the womb and into the world. This sense of urgency never leaves them - they're always eager for new experiences and they retains a childlike enthusiasm throughout their lives. However, although this impetuous, inquisitive nature means they have lost of adventures, it can sometimes lead Arians into areas that other signs instinctively avoid. Arians rush in headfirst, sometimes with marvellous results, and other times with disastrous ones. Not that Arians care. Well, not at the time, anyway. They're far too swept up in their new venture to pay attention to such mundane considerations as whether it's wise to buy that house without having it surveyed or what will happen to their job while they're driving across America in a pink 1954 Cadillac. It's only later on, when things haven't worked out in quite the way they expected, that the Arian will feel disappointed, not to say completely and utterly disillusioned. They may then ask you, in what sounds suspiciously like an accusation, why you did not warn them. At this point it's best to change the subject - your protestations will be met with a puzzled silence or vehement denials. Either way you won't get anywhere so you might as well save your breath. If you want a row, you've chosen the right person, as Arians are extremely hot-tempered, although their anger subsides as quickly as it flares up. In the meantime, you may be tempted to take cover in case a few missiles are hurled in your direction.

It's this childlike enthusiasm for life, so typical of their Fire element, that makes Arians such delightful company, and they're usually enviably popular. They have big hearts which are often broken, because Arians tend to put people on pedestals. Their loving, kind and trusting personalities mean they always look for the best in other people and turn a blind eye to any characteristics they don't like, but this attitude causes a lot of heartache if the person concerned lets the Arian down. They simply can't understand what went wrong.

Arians are very inventive and can come up with some wonderfully inspired ideas, especially at work. The thought of having to see these plans through from start to finish, however, can fill them with horror, so they often prefer to get someone else to do the donkey work. Something else they can't abide is being followers rather than leaders. Arians have to be in charge and, although this can stray into imperiousness, it's usually expressed with grace and consideration.

TAURUS

21 April - 21 May
Earth

Feminine

What exactly is a red rag to a bull? For Taureans, who are born under the sign of the Bull, it's anything connected with change. Of course, most Taureans will deny this hotly, saying how unfair it is that they've been landed with this stuck-in-a-rut tag, and that it simply isn't true. But once you've talked to a Taurean for long, you'll gain a very strong impression of their need for stability. They like a sense of continuity to flow through their lives, and what some signs might find predictable is simple comforting familiarity to Taureans.

One thing that Taureans find particularly difficult to accept is change for its own sake. This means that they can get very bogged down in routine and, even if this becomes so stultifying that they're climbing the walls, they may find it hard to break out of their rut. It can also be nearly impossible to persuade a Taurean to change their mind, even if there's an extremely good reason for them to do so. The more you argue your corner, the more they'll dig in their heels and doggedly stand their ground. This isn't to be awkward, in an Aquarian you-may-say-that's-white-but-I'm-calling-it-black way, but simply because they've made up their minds and they aren't going to budge. They are very strong-minded and this can turn into a stubborn and pig-headed streak.

Their desire for stability affects every area of a Taurean's life. They have a deep-rooted need for material security, so will work hard to ensure that they have somewhere comfortable to live. Their home means a great deal to them, not only as a haven, but also as an outward symbol of their success in life. Something else that's vital to a Taurean's happiness is emotional security. Taureans need someone to love, and they are faithful, loyal and devoted partners. You don't have to play games or pretend to be hard to get, you simply have to prove that you're worthy of a Taurean's love and won't break their heart. You know where you are with a Taurean. Unfortunately, they also like to know where you are - literally. Taureans are notoriously posessive. They think they own you, just as they own their armchair or television, and if you don't like this you will have to nip it gently in the bud.

Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and luxury, which means that Taureans are no slouches when it comes to having a good time. They thoroughly enjoy eating and drinking, even if this is at the expense of a waistline as they get older - chocolate is one of their biggest temptaions. This is the most sybaritic, sensuous and hedonistic of all the signs, and Taureans can be extremely voluptuous and sexy when they're with the right person. Most Taureans have a deep affinity with music and many have beautiful singing or speaking voices. Traditionally, they're the most physically attractive of the signs - news which may put many Leos' and Librans' noses firmly out of joint.

Nature is very important to Taureans. Even the most urban Taureans flourishes in the countryside, and many Taureans are excellent gardeners. Digging the soil helps them to diffuse pent-up stress which would otherwise materialize in the form or illness (especially throat infections) or brooding. Taureans are easygoing and it takes a lot to make them lose their tempers, but once they do there'll be no mistaking their anger. It's far better to avoid arousing it in the first place.

GEMINI

22 May - 21 June

Air

Masculine

Some sun signs are difficult to identify, but not Geminis. Look at their eyes - these are usually bright and restless. Geminis are fascinated by whatever is going on around them, because they love movement and action. They also retain an air of youthfulness, even in old age.

Very often, you will hear a Gemini before you see them. It might be their radio or CD that's playing, or they might be expounding their latest theory or chatting on a mobile phone. Geminis tend to be skilled communicators (they are ruled by Mercury, the plant of communications) and enjoy staying in touch with friends by phone, letter, fax, e-mail, Internet, homing pigeon ... you name it, a Gemini will try it. Their childlike enthusiasm for life means they're fascinated by gadgets, especially if these are small enough to fit into a pocket or bad. Electronic organizers are perfect toys for them.

One of the great astrological myths is that Geminis are schizophrenic, but this isn't true. Yes, they are extremely moody, and are usually either dancing on the ceiling or plunged into the depths of despond. But whereas schizophrenics switch from on personality to another, Geminis can be several people at the same time. The bright, bubbly Gemini may be chattering away but inside they could be feeling wretched.

Perhaps it's for these reasons that Geminis are often accused of being superficial. Some of them can certainly be emotionally flighty and reluctant to commit themselves to anyone for long, but for most of them it's more that they're always falling in love with new ideas, new people and new places, and then moving on to the next interest. Because they were born under the sign of the Twins, Geminis spend their whole lives searching for their soulmates. They never realize that the person they're looking for is inside them.

Geminis belong to the Air element, making them intelligent and primarily concerned with ideas. They are uncomfortable when discussing their feelings and may even try to fool themselves over some of their emotions, especially if these are very strong or painful. They enjoy sex but like to keep everything on a light, chatty level - intense, passionate encounters frighten them, although they'll enjoy recounting all the gory details to their friends.

They are extremely versatile and adaptable, so are suited to many occupations. However, they need to keep on the move as much as possible, and are particularly gifted sales people, journalists, and writers. Unlike most Sun signs, Geminis can actually become ill when life grows too mundane or predictable - they need the mental stimulation of being busy. Geminis live on their nerves, which keeps t hem slim but can exhaust them, make them irritable and leave them prone to insomnia. Their lungs, arms and hands are the vulnerable parts of the Gemini body - not helped by their tendency to gesticulate generously whenever they talk, regardless of whether anything is in the way.

CANCER

22 June - 22 July

Water

Feminine

If you want to be looked after, head straight for the nearest Cancerian. Their loving, sympathetic, tender and protective qualities will offer everything you need, especially if you also happen to enjoy home-cooking and creature comforts. Even Cancerians who don't know one end of a saucepan from the other are very caring, kind-hearted and affectionate.

Family matters are important for all Cancerians, whether they love their nearest and dearest or won't have anything to do with them. Either way, the family assumes great significance in a Cancerian's life. Most Cancerians who don't have a family of their own create a ready-made version from close friends and associates. They may have a job that involves looking after other people's interests, in one of the caring professions or in the service industries, or they may simply amass a large, extended family.

Home is the great refuge for Cancerians. Like the crab which symbolizes this sign, Cancerians derive enormous comfort from retreating to their homes and shutting the front door on the rest of the world. Although some Cancerians will happily invite everyone round to their place, others prefer to keep their homes separate from the other areas of their life. If you know a Cancerian like this, you should consider it a great honour if you're ever ushered through their front door. A typical Cancerian home is very cosy and comfortable. Cancerians enjoy being surrounded by mementoes, so will probably display many photographs and keepsakes that remind them of the past. There may also be quite a lot of clutter, because Cancerians are tremendous hoarders and find it virtually impossible to throw anything away. The minimal look is anathema to them. This same tenacity and reluctance to let go of the past can spill over into their relationships. Even when it's obvious to everyone else that a Cancerian is clinging on to a partnership that's all over bar the shouting, the Cancerian will refuse to say goodbye. Not every sign can cope with a Cancerian relationship, even when it's going well, because Cancerians are extremely protective of their loved ones. The more freedom-loving signs may resent having to say what time they'll be home, or will feel claustrophobic when they're continually being asked if everything's all right. To them, it's smother-love. To emotional signs, however, it can be heaven on earth.

It's a rare Cancerian who can conceal their sensitive feelings. Usually, you can't help being aware of a Cancerian's emotions because they wear their (big) hearts on their sleeves. Tears come easily to them, and they're unashamedly sentimental and nostalgic. Cancerians can find it difficult to say how they feel - they may prefer to preserve a tense or huffy silence, so they can be gently coaxed into explaining what's wrong. Sometimes, however, they may simply have taken offense. They can also be extremely defensive, automatically assuming that someone is gunning for them whatever the truth of the matter might be.

This sensitivity makes Cancerians very moody, intuitive and imaginative. They should choose their surroundings carefully because they can absorb a negative atmosphere like blotting paper. This, coupled with their natural tendency to worry, can affect Cancerians physically as well as mentally, triggering such stomach problems as indigestion and ulcers.

LEO

23 July - 23 August

Fire

Masculine

Purrfect! Leos are the big cats of the zodiac and, like their namesake lions, they consider themselves to be the pride of the celestial pantheon. They have innate dignity, regality and bearing that remind you that you're not dealing with just anyone - you're dealing with a leo.

That's because Leo is ruled by the Sun which is, after all, the center of our solar system. Without the Sun we'd all shrivel up and die in a second, and some Leos can't help believing that the same would be true if they weren't around. These are the ones that give the rest of the sign a bad name, and they're so self-confident that you with you could stick out a foot as they go by and trip them up.

Most Leos, it has to be said, are not like their textbook image. Not all the time, at any rate. Yes, it's true that they revel in being in the limelight and will soon start to get fidgety if they feel you're not paying them enough attention. It'll happen very subtly but you'll discover that somehow the conversation has been skillfully sterred back to a subject on which the Leo can hold forth.

This may make Leos sound insufferable and overbearing, and there are certainly a few Leos who come into this category, but most of them don't. In fact, they can be extremely popular and usually have an army of devoted friends and relatives. It's difficult not to love Leos because they're affection, generous and warm-hearted natures make them impossible to resist. They get their expansiveness and enthusiasm from their Fire element, and these traits are enhanced by the warmth from the Sun. Leos find it easy to show their emotions and can be wonderfully demonstrative.

They are also inspired present-givers, and derive enormous pleasure from choosing the perfect gift for someone. Imagine their disappointment if the gift isn't received in the right spirit or is looked at for a couple of minutes and then put to one side. Very often, the issue of giving and receiving presents is important for Leos, and may even come up in the conversation. Leos usually have very expensive tastes, but don't let this frighten you when shopping for a gift for them. Any Leo worth their salt prefers quality to quantity, so it would be far better to buy you Leo a tiny box of luxuriously expensive Belgian chocolates than a huge box of an insultingly inferior brand. They'll take it as a compliment - you obviously know that they only like the best. On the other hand, if you spend more money than you can afford, their pleasure will be marred by genuine worry that you're out of pocket.

Leo is one of the most creative signs of all, and most Leos have a strongly artistic streak. Many member of this sign come into their own the moment they step on to a stage, whether as an actor, dancer, signer, musician, impresario or anything else that takes their fancy. They're also inspired when it comes to organizational skills - if you want your office to run as smoothly as melted butter, put a Leo in charge. It's true that power goes to some Leo heads as quickly as vodka on an empty stomach, and this sign certainly has had its fair share of dictators and control freaks, but most Leos manage to avoid such excesses. They can be bossy at times, arrogant and even condescending, but somehow you always end up forgiving them because they have so many redeeming qualities.

VIRGO

24 August - 22 September

Earth

Feminine

Some signs always get the fuzzy end of the lollipop when it comes to character descriptions, and Virgo usually vies with Scorpio for the dubious honor of being the weirdest sign of the lot. But is this fair?

No. It's a good thing that Virgos have a passion for tidiness and order, otherwise the rest of us would vanish beneathe a pile of detritus. The world would fall apart in half an hour if every Virgo on the planet took their lunch break at the same time. Who would make things happen? Who would remind you that it's time to pay your taxes or buy some more potatoes? Virgos are reliable, meticulous, dilligent, practical, pragmatic and extremely down-to-earth. You can wax lyrical to your favorite Virgo about your latest scheme, describing how wonderful it's going to be, and they'll listen in attentive silence before making a single, eminently practical comment that is the one consideration you haven't allowed for and, of course, it's the only one you should have made in the first place. That's why Virgos make such fantastic agents accountants, advisers, assistants and general helpmeets, because they're skilled at being of service and because they remember those important little points that you've forgotten all about in your excitement. Sometimes, a Virgo can get so bogged down in details that they lose sight of the bigger picture, which is when they need to work with a more expansive partner.

Another common Virgo problem is worry, something that Virgos have got down to a fine art. Most of them could give master classes in how to fret, feel anxious and lose sleep. They can worry themselves sick (often literally), while knowing deep down that everything will be all right. It's as if they'll worry if they haven't got anything to worry about. If you know a Virgo who suffers like this, take pity on them and encourage them to discuss their problems.

Virgos are also notes for their critical abilities. They have extremely analytical brains, which enables them to spot the flaws in other people's arguments. However, next time you're licking your wounds, remind yourself that it's much tougher being a Virgo than being a Virgo's friend, because a Virgo will be ticking themselves off virtually all day long. They're incredibly exacting, and are their harshest critics.

One trait that crops up again and again when discussing Virgos is health. They're instinctively attuned to subject connected with fitness and hygiene, and are endlessly fascinated by them, but they're the last people in the world who should read a medical encyclopedia because they'll suspect they've got everything from athlete's foot to zits.

Every Virgo should ensure they get enough rest, otherwise they can become extremely tense. Unfortunately, many Virgos find it impossible to relax. When a Virgo's digestive system stars to play up, it's a sure sign that they need to take life easy for a while.

LIBRA

23 September - 23 October

Air

Masculine

We all need at least one Libran in our lives. No other sign comes close if you're looking for someone charming, considerate, easygoing, diplomatic and understanding. Put like that, how can you resist? Librans know instinctively how to make relationships a real pleasure, how to make you feel as if you're the only person in the whole world and how to reassure you that there are still some people who understand such old-fashioned values as courtesy and politeness.

Sounds good, doesn't it? And life can certainly be great when it's graced with a few Librans. Until you try to get one to make an important decision, that is. Try it and see. That's when you discover the flip side to this person who at first sight seems too good to be true. Can a Libran make a decision? Can a cat knit? Librans are so good at seeing both sides of every argument that their natural position is to straddle to the fence. They prevaricate and hedge, weighing up the pros and cons of their possible actoins, until you wish they'd do something just to put everyone out of their misery. However, this apparent indecision can hide an extremely steely resolve.

Libra is the iron hand in the velvet glove, as you'll discover if you ever attempt to persuade one to do something against their will. There's no doubt that Librans often know precisely what they want; it's achieving this without upsetting anyone that's the problem. And here we have the crux of the matter - a Libran needs to feel that everyone likes them, and they'll crawl through hoops to ensure that this happens. Let's say you're going out to lunch with one, and you've arranged to meet in a wine bar. For a start, you'd better take a good book with you because the Libran will doubtless be late. When they do arrive, it will be with effusive apologies and you'll instantly forgive them. Then you'll discuss where you're going to eat. The Libran will look doubtful about everywhere you suggest, but will insist that you choose. Yet in the end you'll still wind up going to the restaurant that the Libran wanted to visit all along. They just didn't like to say so.

Luxury is very dear to any self-respecting Libran's heart. They're ruled by Venus, which predisposes them to a love of pampering, comfort and indulgence. And chocolate. Remember this next time you buy them a present.

Another area in which Librans come into their own is love. If every sign has its own destiny, then Libra's is associated with hearts and flowers, Moons and Junes. Love with a Libran can spoil you for anyone else. They'll romance you with poetry, candlelit dinners, love letters, sweetly silly gifts and heartbreaking smiles. And they'll mean all of it. Librans are born romantics, which means they can fall in love with love. It's easy for them to get hurt because they place implicit trust and faith in the object of their desires, and they'll believe the very best of them. They'll turn a blind eye to anything coarse, ugly or unpleasant - the phrase 'rose-coloured glasses' springs to mind. When this pays off it's wonderful, but every now and then the Libran will have their heart shattered by someone who failed to live up to their high expectations. Sadly, it's a rare Libran who learns from experience, but that's one of the reasons they're so endearing, and why the rest of us keep coming back for more.

SCORPIO

24 October - 22 November

Water

Feminine

Scorpios complain about it all the time. Someone asks them what their sign is and, when they reply 'Scorpio' with a bright smile, the other person swallows hard and remembers a previous engagement. Why, when scorpios are some of the best people you'll ever meet? It's because their reputation has travelled before them. Words such as 'passionate', 'intense' and 'dramatic' become translated into 'emotional volcano', 'moody' and 'power-freak' - and 'sex-mad', which is a particular bugbear for Scorpios. While all these epithets can be true at times, most Scorpios are not permanently smouldering with emotion, or if they are, they'll never let on.

If you're looking for words to explain a Scorpio, start with 'enigmatic' and 'mysterious'. Scorpios operate on an emotional level, but it's not one that's comfortably expressed or easily accessible. It can even be difficult for a Scorpio themselves to come to terms with their intense emotions because they run so deep and they're so complex. Very often, something so dark and painful lurks at the core of their feelings that the Scorpio is loath to investigate, and they certainly won't want anyone else to pry into the innermost recesses of their heart. That's not to say that Scorpios can't have decent relationships, because they make wonderful partners and lifelong friends. But certain areas of a Scorpio's life are off-limits, even to themselves.

Another one of those Scorpio words is 'passionate', and that's certainly true. However, they won't only be passionate in the bedroom. They're passionate about everything that means a lot to them, from their hobbies to their favorite piece of music. Life without passion would be pretty bland to a Scorpio. They need to feel emotionally involved with whatever they're doing, so a Scorpio who's bored by their job or their partner is very unhappy. Are they jealous? Yes. When sufficiently provoked (which sometimes isn't saying much) they can be possessive and suspicious, convinced that you're up to no good or are decieving them behind their backs. It's one of those astrological curiosities that Scorpios as partners - no doubt because they understand one another's emotional depths.

Although Scorpios may be reluctant to reveal their feelings, they're extremely sensitive and can be easily hurt. You won't know what you've done, but you'll be aware of a nasty atmosphere and possibly even sulking. Many Scorpios are highly intuitive and psychic, which is something they either embrace with wholehearted enthusiasm or shy away from completely. There are no half-measures for Scorpios.

Perhaps because they're surrounded by such an enticing sense of mystery, Scorpios are blessed with extremely magnetic personalities. They also have a wonderful, earthy sense of humor which helps them to appreciate the lighter side of life and which gets them through the bad times. Some signs seem to trip through life relatively unscathed, but that isn't the case for Scorpios. They often carry deep emotional scars or have experienced dramatic twists of fate. Scorpios seem to live their lives in distinct chapters - you can almost see the demarcation line between one episode in their life and the next. When things become unendurable, they simply end that relationship or experience and move on to the next.

SAGITTARIUS

Fire

23 November - 21 December

Masculine

Sagittarians are the great optimists of the zodiac. Their glasses are always half-full and their clouds always have silvere linings. And they're usually right. It can drive the more prudent signs mad. There's a Sagittarian, practically asking for trouble, taking chances and over-committing themselves, yet they usually manage to pull the rabbit out of the hat. They're a walking advert for the power of positive thinking.

Challenges are meat and drink to a Sagittarian. Whoever first said that they can do the impossible in a day but miracles take a little longer must have been a Sagittarian. Of course, sometimes they fall flat on their face when they overestimate their capabilities but, like one of those bouncy toys you can't knock over, they'll always recover. Will they have learned from the experience? Probably not, although it's also true that Sagittarius is the most philosophical sign of the zodiac. This is the sign of the teacher, the sage and the prophet, and most Sagittarians have a very wise streak even if they do combine it with a (sometimes foolhardy) love of taking risks. They regard knowledge as an essential ingredient of civilization, and spend their lives broadening their own education, whether that's in a formal way or simply by absorbing facts as they go along.

Any self-respecting Sagittarian has a house full of books which reflect all their passing enthusiasms, from quilting to teaching themselves a foreign language; Sagittarians can become completely wrapped up in an idea or pasttime, and will buy everything they can on the subject, then abandon it when the next passion comes along.

So always head for the nearest Sagittarian when you're looking for the answer to any kind of question. This love of knowledge makes Sagittarians fascinating companions but sometimes they become so sold on an idea that they feel duty-bound to convert everyone around them. Although most Sagittarians are refreshingly open-minded, there are a few who become blinkered, dogmatic proselytizers. A case of 'have soapbox, will travel'.

Speaking of travel, most Sagittarians were born with the wind in their hair. They love to keep on the move, whether mentally or physically. While some Sagittarians enjoy donning a backpack and disappearing into the wide blue yonder, others are quite happy to indulge in armchair travel. Of course, it's difficult to travel when you have family commitments, but Sagittarians love to think that they're free spirits who can go wherever they choose, whenever they want. Sometimes this causes major problems in relationships because Sagittarians are so wary of emotional commitment. Plenty of them are happily married but they do still dream of being young, free and single. That Sagittarian restlessness will never leave them

Another Sagittarian preoccupation is honesty. In fact, they're so concerned with telling the truth that they can decimate your feelings in the process. They'd never dream of hurting you intentionally but they have to tell it like it is. So you'd better be prepared.

CAPRICORN

22 December - 20 January

Earth

Feminine

Atlas carried the world on his shoulders; and Capricorns carry the cares of the world on theirs. Their tremendous sense of responsibility makes them utterly reliable and steadfast, trustworthy and stable. Yet this can be a curse as well as a blessing, partly because Capricorns have to do the job properly - they spend inordinate amounts of time making sure that everything is done to the best of their ability. They don't know the meaning of the word 'delegation', neglecting their personal lives as they build up a career. They'll bring work home, alienating their loved ones in the process. They are workaholics.

Capricorns are deeply concerned about what other people think of them. This need to be respected and admired can stop them relaxing because they always feel they should be up to the mark and on good form. Success is also extremely important to them, and they need to feel they've achieved something with their lives. This is relative, of course - one Capricorn will dream of making a career in banking while another will long for a successful family life - but, nevertheless, Capricorns are always aiming for particular goals. And they won't relax until they achieve them, at which point they'll create a whole new set of objectives. And so it goes on.

They've got Saturn, that stern old taskmaster of the zodiac, to thank for this dutiful, repectable and hard-working attitude. Saturn instils in them the need for achievement and the desire to learn from experience. It's also why youthful Capricorns have old heads on young shoulders. Calamities and setbacks that would floor some signs are simply grist to the Capricorn mill. Yes, they'll feel depressed at the time but they'll soon brush the dust of life's failures off their beautifully tailored clothes and carry on regardless.

Depression is a very Capricorn state of mind. Capricorns are predisposed, like Eeyore in Winnine the Pooh, to look on the gloomy side of life. They like to think that this makes them realistic, preventing them from having their hopes raised only for them to be dashed later on, but actually all it does it make them miserable. Some Capricorns can even secretly derive a strange satisfaction from being unhappy.

Yet this doesn't mean that Capricorns aren't good fun or that they continually drag themselves around like a wet weekend. On the contrary, they're among the bet rabble-rousers of the zodiac and they certainly know how to have a good time. They may drink the deepest and eat the most heartily when someone else is picking up the bill, but that's understandable when you realize that Saturn acts as a brake on everything they do, including spending money. They also have a delightfully dry sense of humor, especially when they are laughing at themselves.

Emotional reserve often gets in the way of a Capricorn and their nearest and dearest. They may feel love deeply but it's difficult for them to show it. Of all the signs, Capricorns are the least demonstrative, especially in public. They may act unconcerned and rather remote, yet they'll turn pink with pleasure when you pay them a compliment or give them a hug. The best way to deal with this is to keep giving them plenty of hugs, in hopes that they'll eventually get used to the idea.

AQUARIUS

21 January - 18 February

Air

Masculine

Aquarians defy all attempt at descriptioin. They're a law unto themselves, and are like no other sign. This is what makes them so fascinating, because you haven't a clue where you are with them. They can be the most far-sighted, understanding and open-minded people you've ever met and it'll be a pleasure to talk to them; half an hour later they've turned into such radical, intolerant and obdurate maniacs that you're left speechless. What happened?

In a word, Uranus. This planet rules Aquarius and represents revolution, sudden change and disruption. Once you understand this, you'll begin to gain an insight into the Aquarians you know. For a start, they're complete iconoclasts who are astrologically programmed to challenge shibboleths, uncover hypocrisy and kick down the doors of convention. A true Aquarian is in the vanguard, spearheading new movements and making pronouncements that are way ahead of their time. Aquarians have no truck with the notion of following tradition for its own sake. "Why?" the Aquarian will ask, and it's an unanswerable question.

Aquarians are intellectually motivated. They approach the world in a highly logical, rational and unemotional way and are most comfortable when dealing with the realms of thought and ideas. Such tricky subjects as their emotions, however, can have them stumped. They're happy to discuss the concept of emotion, turning it into an intellectual exercise but actually dealing with the way they feel can be extremely difficult.

So it's hardly surprising that Aquarius is the most independant sign of the zodiac. If you want to maintain a balanced relationship with an Aquarian you must learn never to question their desire for freedom, and you must never appear to cling. This may mean that you have to wear boxing gloves in order to prevent yourself dialling the Aquarian's phone number whenever they're not around, but that's just the way it is.

This dogmatic streak is their Achilles heel. When an Aquarian reaches a decision or forms an opinion, hell will freeze over before they change their minds. Or before they admit to doing so, at any rate - goodness knows what's going on in that Aquarian brain. They can also take immense delight in being contrary, contumacious, idiosyncratic and downright awkward.

Given this mulish streak, why would anyone want to know an Aquarian, unless they're another Aquarian? Because they're funny, loyal, original, sparkling, fascinating, charismatic and they make wonderfully faithful and loving friends. You can count on an Aquarian to tell you the truth (though, once they have, you may wish they hadn't). If you ask them what they think of your new outfit, and they believe it makes you look like something that's been left out in the rain, that's what you'll be told.

Another truly magnificent Aquarian trait is their humanitarian attitude. They loathe bigotry and believe in accepting people what they are, rather than for what they're wearing or the colour of their skin. They view life very clearly, and often from a perspective that's blindingly obvious once they explain it yet which had escaped you until that moment. Aquarians are the custodians of our future, the gatekeepers of our destiny and the great thinkers of the zodiac. Your life is richer for knowing them.

PISCES

19 February - 20 March

Water

Feminine

Pisces is the last of the Water signs and the twelfth sign in the zodiac, which puts this sign in a privileged position. Some people believe that one's final incarnation on Earth is as a Piscean.

There is certainly something otherworldly about Pisceans. They are capable of extraordinary compassion, sympathy, and understanding, making them the nearest hing we have to living saints, although it has to be said that this high-mindedness can turn into martyrdom. That's because Pisces is ruled by Neptune, the planet of mystery, escapism and deception. So a Piscean may think they're being completely selfless when actually they're on a huge ego trip.

Such self-deception is perhaps the biggest potential pitfall for a Piscean. They are often extremely reluctant to face unpleasant truths and will therefore expend a great deal of energy in turning a blind eye to unpalatable facts, no matter how obvious these are to everyone else. They can also be gullible and are easily led - this is the classic Sun sign of the drug-taker and alcoholic because Neptune can dramatically deplete the willpower. Pisceans can be either the saint or the sinner, and many manage to accomplish both.

A Piscean's emotions are always close to the surface.They have big hearts and are easily moved to tears by anything from hideous news items to sentimental films. Most have strong intuitions and many are psychic although some deliberately stifle this ability. With their powerful imaginations, they are very creative and artistiac, but can sometimes magnify small worried out of all proportion.

Gifted dancers, Pisceans also excel in professions connected with the cinema, cosmetics, fashion (many Pisceans radiate glamor) and the oil industry. The caring professions attract many Pisceans.

Their compassionate and romantic natures mean that Pisceans are wholehearted partners, putting everything they've got into the relationship. Unfortunately, they may put their partner on an impossibly high pedestal or refuse to acknowledge difficulties when they arise - Pisceans have got wearing rose-tinted spectacles down to a fine art.

When it comes to health, Pisceans may have problems with their feeet. Generally, Pisceans are not the most physically robust of signs because their emotions can have such a powerful and disruptive effect on their health - many of their illnesses and ailments may be emotionally based. Pisceans can soak up the atmosphere around them, so should aim to spend as much time as possible in amenable surroundings.

Many Piseans are instictively drawn to water, especially when they're in need of peace of succor. They may enjoy swimming or taking long, relaxing baths, and derive much solace from walking along a riverbank, lake or seashore. They'll truly feel in their element.

~ Nick