Your Stellar horoscope for the week is here: Mar 11-17

With the sun, Neptune and Mercury converging, we can all shine brightly.

Although it’s Oscars weekend, I can’t claim any credit for the sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. As the stars in LA hoist themselves into dresses, tuxedos and maybe some protective gear for some (remember last year’s Will Smith drama?), it will be the night of their dreams. Yet, this week, we less glam folk will have chances to grab the spotlight, too. With the sun, Neptune and Mercury converging, we can all shine brightly. Venus’ move suggests we’ll feel more rich and powerful, too.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

It’s not easy being a superhero. They have more responsibilities than us mortals. They can’t just snuggle up on the sofa when they’re presented with a daunting problem – they feel obliged to change into their lycra suit and confront any challenges. Just because you don’t have superhuman abilities doesn’t mean that you don’t put yourself under pressure to achieve superhuman results. Under this week’s celestial alignments you can achieve some remarkable victories. But don’t push yourself too far - you’re only human after all.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Despite the fact that we think we know who we are and what we stand for, sometimes we surprise ourselves. Under unusual circumstances we say and do uncharacteristic things. And sometimes we shock ourselves (in a positive way) by our responses to the unexpected. You’re in the process of making some amazing personal breakthroughs. By the end of the week your self-image will have changed; you’ll have every reason to be proud and pleased with your achievements – and delighted by the new horizons opening before you.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21)

Look at what’s difficult, challenging and frustrating in your world and be grateful. The problem you’re dealing with is a gift. This week, you start to see the value it holds. If it didn’t exist, you’d have no light and shade, no way to figure out what matters from what doesn’t. We need to go through tunnels before we can emerge into the glorious light of day. This particular tunnel might be long and dark, but the end’s in sight. With your ruler, Venus, entering your sign, a fresh new perspective will inspire you to focus on the positive.

What do the stars hold for you this week? Picture: Steven Chee for Stellar

GEMINI (May 22 - June 22)

It might sound counterintuitive but your problems have more to do with your abilities than they do with a lack of talent. In a way, you’re the victim of your own success. Your gifts have created the kind of complications that might never surface in the life of someone less able. Which isn’t to say you’ve got super powers, yet when you put your mind to something, you rarely (if ever) fail. If you want to take the pressure off this week, let down your shield and show your vulnerable side. Then you’ll receive the help and support you need.

CANCER (June 23 - July 23)

We’re all so polite to one another. “How are you?” “Good thanks, you?” Our conversation openers are often so ritualistic that it’s no wonder we don’t open up and share our feelings. We don’t talk about how we really feel because we know that’s not expected. You’ve managed to avoid talking about a deeply important issue; it just hasn’t felt appropriate. But that means that you’re carrying a problem that is weighing you down. If you take this week’s chance to express your deepest concerns, you’ll find a way to progress.

LEO (July 24 - August 23)

If you want to get to a specific destination, you need to plan your route. But just because that sounds logical doesn’t mean it’s easy to do. It seems that you’re confident about where “there” is, but are a bit confused about the current state of affairs. And no map, no matter how precise, can show you how to get somewhere if you’re not sure where you are. No-one’s more lost than someone who doesn’t know they’re lost! This week, as you see past an illusion you will affirm your position – and know exactly where you need to go next.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23)

The seasons in the natural world remind us of the ever-changing state of human nature. We can’t help but move on and evolve. Yet we don’t find it easy to accept the changes life brings our way. We like to see ourselves as being stable and consistent, and view inconsistency as a sign of weakness – which it’s not. Just as there’s a rhythm to the world’s changes, there’s a pattern to your growth and development. Right now, you’re in a stage of transition. It might feel a bit awkward. But, trust me, you’re about to blossom.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

That’s enough stress for now. It’s time to rest and recover. And this week, with your ruler, Venus, moving into its other celestial home, a chance to recuperate is here. It won’t take long. You’ll soon recapture your appetite for adventure. Meanwhile, if you find that you’re still feeling under pressure, know that you don’t have to respond. As long as you stay calm, and remember your sense of purpose, you’ll be able to avoid any dramas. This is not a week to be struggling or worrying. It’s one to stride happily and confidently onwards.

Joanna Halpin stars on the cover of today’s Stellar magazine. Picture: Simon Uptonfor Stellar

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

It’s relatively easy to forgive someone when they put their hand up to a mistake or make it obvious that they really do feel sorry. But what about those people who are good at voicing heartfelt apologies just to get themselves off the hook? In such cases, can a generous act of forgiveness end up costing us even more than the original problem? Yet the benefits of transforming a tense relationship are obvious. This week, it seems someone has learned a lesson. Can you show trust again? If you can, the benefits will be far-reaching.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21)

Just because you almost always have an answer for everything doesn’t mean you always know what to do. You’ve been putting a brave face on a perplexing situation. But inwardly, you know that there’s a long way to go before it will be satisfactorily resolved. Suppose you were brave enough to share your concerns with someone? Yes, it might make you feel vulnerable. Yes, you’d have to admit that you don’t have everything under control. But if you reach out and ask for help, you’ll get the insight you need. It’s got to be worth it!

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20)

Newsfeeds and social media bombard us with stories that make our hearts ache and our toes curl. It’s hardly surprising that, sometimes, in order to cope with the world’s craziness and callousness, we try to ignore what we don’t want to see. Yet the danger of spending too much time with our eyes closed is that we miss the joyful, laughter-filled moments – and our world becomes dark. There are issues around you that need your attention this week. You can’t change the world, but if you do your best, you can make a difference.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19)

You’re surprising yourself with your patience and tolerance. Even if you sometimes feel as if you’re reaching the end of your tether, you’ve got to admit that under normal circumstances your tether would have snapped ages ago! You’ve done well to be so accepting and to hold back from interfering. This week, it’s time to reap the rewards. You might not be able to make everything go your way, but you’ve certainly earnt the right to a fairer outcome to your current drama. Justice is making its way into your life. Stay cool – and trust.

Originally published as Your Stellar horoscope for the week is here: Mar 11-17