Relationships

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 You have a charming manner and very winning ways with the opposite sex, when you so choose. Despite your charm, you often find that some unforeseen problem seems to emerge that prevents you from obtaining the object of your desire and those to whom you are most attracted may indeed fail to respond in the way you expect. You need to harness your powerful energies, or even rein them in a little, so that those with whom you would like to spend time are not overwhelmed by your battle tactics. Aries, a masculine sign, loves to lead and hates to follow. So in a relationship, Aries, the child of the zodiac, is the motivator and wants to be the controller. The Aries driving force compels those born under its influence to become the leading light in any co-operative venture. This can be a particular problem for Aries women, who constantly seek to measure themselves against their man (or men), always trying to gain the upper hand. Aries is straightforward in its need to dominate. While quite socially acceptable for men, until recently this need has been rather problematic for women. Women with Aries prominent seem to work to overcome or defeat their partners, but in the event they succeed, have a tendency to lose respect for their formerly admired "opponents". The constant outflow of energy from egotistical Aries masks a sense of insecurity, which has its roots in a lack of self-esteem. The externalising of demons enables them to be conquered, but Aries is usually unable to formulate the problem. Like his mythic image, the Ram, Aries prefers to charge at full tilt, with little knowledge of, or care for, the consequences. Similarly in the art of lovemaking, the Arien is enthusiastic and adventurous. Partners can sometimes be overwhelmed by this spirited approach, something which is not necessarily a sign of their weakness, but simply a reaction to the ardent intensity of passion. Aries loves to experiment and to take things to the limit, so, roll over Kama Sutra, the Aries lover is writing it all from scratch! Seriously, though, it would not hurt for some ardent Ariens to actually take the time to discover some more sensitive] approaches to the art of love. A glance through a manual or two, especially in the company of a lover, can lead to new highs and lingering climaxes that may extend the limit far beyond the boundaries of imagination.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21 Taurus, the feminine (yin) sheath of Venus, is attractive and magnetic. Taureans have personal magnetism and are able to draw others into their circle, rather than actively seeking them out. In other words, while they are very fond of members of the opposite sex, they prefer to be courted. Taurus, however, is straight-forward and down-to-earth in sexual matters. A no-nonsense approach is favoured and too much verbalising, or complex fantasising is not really Taurus's thing. Music or other forms of sensual, non-verbal expression will strike a chord in the Taurean nature. Faithful friends (and dedicated enemies), Taureans prefer long-lasting relationships and seek to build strong alliances, although they can be misled by their sensual natures, especially when young. Like the Bull, Taurus is slow to anger, then briefly furious before returning to a state of preferred placidity. A lot happens below the surface with Taurus; friends can be quite surprised by sudden changes of heart which have actually been bubbling down there for longer than anyone could have suspected!

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21 You have a charming and witty manner, with which you are able to talk your way into and out of all manner of sexual situations. Actually, you are really rather more interested in talking about it than in actually doing it, if the truth be known. Gemini loves to talk about it, so the way to the Geminian heart is through the head, for your inclination is to express your emotions in words, filtering your feelings through your intellect. Some call this shallow, but you prefer to call it intelligent and analytical, in your wide-ranging pursuit of understanding... Gemini, although a masculine (yang) sign, is dual by nature and inclination. So in relationship, Gemini, the communicator of the zodiac, is very likely to be attracted to or involved with more than one partner at a time. Because Gemini is not above a little innocent deception, this penchant for multiplicity can make you rather divorce prone. However, you probably think that the joys of a ménage a trois more than make up for any risks involved. You are an exciting companion and in return you crave excitement and variety. Moreover, you operate on the understanding that you'll easily be able to smoothe over troubled waters with your silver tongue - and you are tolerant of the pecadilloes of your partners, so long as they are not stolid or boring. Gemini is a mutable sign, so you are best involved with a steadier, stronger personality who will tolerate and enjoy your butterfly socialising, yet still be there for you when the cards have all blown down. You are willing to experiment with all manner of relationship styles and so long as your partner is articulate, tolerant, exciting, adventurous and willing to get it over with and get onto the real business of talking about it, you'll be ecstatic.

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22 You are sensitive and caring by nature, although you present a tough exterior to the world. You soon learn ways to protect your feelings, which run very deep and tender. As a lover you seek security and fidelity, and, although you are not above a few flirtatious pecadilloes of your own, you can be deeply wounded if the one you care for betrays your trust (which is never given lightly). Cancer is poetic and romantic, but also practical in matters to do with the home and raising a family. A good communicator, your deep sensitivity can present you with valuable and illuminating intuitions, especially regarding those you care for. This said, sensitive Cancerians under pressure can retreat within themselves and allow repressed emotions to bottle up until they either explode with devastating force, or implode catastrophically, causing general meltdown. Cancer, a feminine (yin) sign, is ruled by the Moon. So in relationship, Cancer, the most nurturesome sign of the zodiac, seeks a secure nest, or bolthole. The fluctuating Moon can reflect a moodiness in your nature that is not always understood nor appreciated by others. Cancerians can be difficult to understand and sometimes allow irrational emotions to rule their otherwise sensible heads. For this reason the Cancerian soul seeks to build strong walls around home and loved ones, so tender feelings may express themselves in an environment which is stable and secure. Cancer is a cardinal sign, so you are best involved with someone who understands creativity and will accept you for what you are, moods and all. Because your emotions are so powerful, you seek a partner who is stable and responsive, while at the same time understanding your intermittent need for solitude, alternating with a gregarious desire for companionship and stimulation. Cancer is protective, even possessive and can be a jealous lover, though more from insecurity than simple desire to dominate. Those who seek a loving, protective partner, who has wonderful bouts of creativity interspersed with dreamy romanticism, yet peppered with practicality need look no further than Cancer.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23 Personal charm and physical magnetism make you the centre of attention, which of course is very much to your satisfaction... An ardent lover, your enthusiasm and passion must be returned in equal measure, or you may become bored and dissatisfied with your wimpy partner. A weak partner invites you to completely dominate the scene, a situation which is less than ideal for both parties. In every case you need to keep your ego under control, even when surrounded by admirers and sycophants. Leo, a masculine sign, is self-sufficient, confident and tends to bravado. Most of you fabulous cats have a positive attitude to love and sex, but there are those among you who suffer excruciating pangs of anxiety in relationship. Why, you ask? Well, simply put, it is fear that the reality may not live up to the unduly grandiose image that you seek to present to the world. Sexual anxiety may become so intense in some cases as to generate frigity or impotence. So in a relationship, Leo loves to be the central, pivotal point around which all things revolve. A romantic and a dreamer, you make your dreams come true because you have strength, determination and a blithe faith in yourself - a faith which can overcome obstacles with that characteristic ease which seems so remarkable to more introverted souls. Some Leo's can find themselves clinging to bad relationships or mistaken beliefs, because their egos simply will not allow them to admit to being wrong. However, such typical tenacity becomes an asset when shown as loyalty to friends, or as patience and determination to succeed. Leo's emblem is the noble Lion. This dignified king of the jungle symbolises the regal disposition of the Leo personality. However, standing on your pride when insulted or abused, you rarely forget a slight (unless of course your detractors sincerely, humbly and grovellingly crave forgiveness, whereupon you may magnanimously deign to pardon the miserable creatures). It must, moreover, be said that you are quite forthright in your opinions, which themselves need have no close relationship with the facts - and you certainly like to have the last word in any discussion. In the art of lovemaking, Leo is ardent and willing, although not necessarily particularly creative. Your performance is usually considered by you to be generally excellent, but a worthy partner (who has a little more slyness and cunning than you would ever stoop to) can improve the quality and variety of your lovelife by smoothly introducing new ideas without seeming to ruffle your pride.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22 Virgo, a feminine sign, is fastidious, practical and realistic rather than romantic. Flexible Virgo, a mutable sign, readily adapts to change. Instinctively responsive to the needs of others, you readily adapt to different people and changing circumstances by finding ways to make yourself useful. When the spotlight is not aimed directly at you, but on a product or a service you offer, you make an excellent salesperson, or effective negotiator and can be a good manager, though you should avoid being too critical of those who cannot match your high personal standards. Now some Virgoans are not above using an inability to achieve perfection as the excuse for their own idleness and unproductiveness. Tut, tut. This is out of character with your true nature. Sloppy, disorganized, and irresponsible is not the Virgoan Way. Moreover, your own bad habits do not in the least inhibit you from criticizing others for the same behavior. Your analytical ability makes you an excellent critic of the talent and performance of those more skilled than yourself. Whatever you do needs to be of a practical and helpful nature; you need not wallow in self-criticism because you yourself fail to meet those same unrealistic standards. In the art of lovemaking, Virgo is a slow-burning fuse that, once properly ignited, leads to an explosion of white heat which takes quite a while to cool down. You are however very fastidious and critical of the personal habits of others, which can be a big turn-off and prevent you from achieving a fulfilling relationship, or even participating at all in the messy business of involvement. Able to talk your way into or out of anything, you are generally perceived to be quite witty and entertaining, if a tad too critical and prone to hypochondria. You are unwilling to discuss your innermost feelings with anyone save a very trusted confidante, so anyone who wishes to get to know you deeply must be prepared to persevere, in which case you will prove a lifelong friend and ally, who can reach great heights of sexual attainment.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23 You are the focal point of elegance and chic in the zodiac. Ruled by Venus, the planet of love and sensual delight, you seek relationship with an avid fascination. Libra lives for love - and style! You are so much in love with love, you sometimes fail to notice how many admirers you are holding on a string... Charming Libra loves exploring every facet of relationship, being always on display and always on the lookout for Mr/Ms Right (even if already involved, love-loving Libra is ready to jump ship should something a little brighter appear on the horizon). The way to the Libran heart is through appreciation and admiration, for you, a living work of art, always present yourself in your best light. Libra is the soul of relationship; you do not feel complete unless you are in at least one (and probably several) potentially long-term and upwardly mobile involvements, centred on the sharing of good taste and the appreciation of your undeniable talents. After all, when you have perfected the art of being you,it seems such a shame to waste yourself on those who may be incapable of appreciating art for art's sake... Libra, a masculine (yang) sign, often seems contradictory. Ruled by Venus, the soul of love and sensuality, yet the exaltation of Saturn, the planet of high seriousness and lofty ambition, flirtatious Libra is likely to be attracted to or involved with more than one partner at a time. Because diplomatic Libra finds identity in relationship, you seek to harmonise yourself with your partner, even to the extent of adopting the other's interests and lifestyle. Your creativity is primarily directed at shaping the relationship and generating the most exquisite accoutrements for the mating dance. You prefer to be the pursued, rather than the pursuing (unlike your opposite sign, Aries, who must be the hunter, and who loses interest should the game appear to be won). The more attention your mate pours upon you, the more you just lap it up. Indeed, should the attention become attenuated for any length of time, you'll quickly lose interest and gravitate towards a warmer flame. You have a reputation for being unable to make up your mind and easily led, but in the event you are thwarted, a sterner side can emerge, much to the surprise and consternation of the less finely attuned. Libra is a cardinal sign, so you are best involved with a special person who understands your need for romance and your search for the perfect environment. You are co-operative, imaginative and willing to experiment with all manner of relationship styles, although you can become furious should your foolish paramour seem to be attracted to someone who fails to meet your standards of dress.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22 You have a dark and mysterious style which, combined with an irresistible personal magnetism, creates a fascination in members of the opposite sex (and the same sex - or any other sex that happens along). You ooze sexual excitement and require a partner (or partners) who can keep up with your marvellous capacity for taking everything to the limit - and beyond. Scorpio, although a feminine sign, is ruled by Mars, the warrior god and Pluto, the king of the underworld. This fiercely potent combination creates tensions in your internal balancing mechanism between the male and female polarities. Your emotions run deep and your faculty of intuition is remarkably accurate, so your antennae can prick up and pick out a prospective partner at first sight. You need however to keep a part of yourself private and personal and can react vigorously should anyone have the temerity to trespass in your personal domain. Possessing great self-control, combined with intellectual ability and creativity, you can achieve greatness in your chosen field, but can be unduly domineering in personal relationships, especially should you perceive your partner to be weaker than yourself. Unfortunately, weaker types seem to congregate around you like fragile moths, fatally drawn to the fiery, incandescent flame. Scorpio is a fixed sign, so your biggest problem is finding someone who, while strong enough to maintain the tempestuous lifetyle, is interesting enough to remain challengingly enigmatic. However, knowing your penchant for getting to the bottom of things, it won't take you all that long to sniff one out!

SAGGITARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21 Sagittarius, a masculine sign, is adventurous and not averse to the thrill of risk-taking. Your positive, life-affirming optimism makes you a lot of fun and great to be around. You love any new form of sexual expression that challenges and excites you. Both tolerant and eager to please, your honesty can sometimes prove too much for those who prefer a more mysterious, or veiled approach to love. Your emblem is the Centaur, a mythical creature famed for its wisdom and its unique half-man, half-horse combination of the human intellect and animal passions. These animal passions are pretty straightforward in their expression. You don't seek convoluted or theoretical discussions on the nature of love; you'd rather get on with it, because it is natural and you hate to thwart nature in the pursuit of self-expression... A famous emblem for Sagittarius is the Archer, armed with the arrow of truth. Free and honest in your approach, you expect others to be likewise. Your arrow shoots for the stars, holding the blazing light of truth in an arc that illuminates the world. Admirers should remember that your honesty can on occasions be brutally frank, especially when extolling the virtues of your actions, or recounting one of your more dubious exploits. Sagittarius is a mutable sign; you are best involved with a steadier, stronger personality, who can understand your need for independence (and desire for variety), yet still be there for you even after you have smashed a few dinnerplates in frustration. Your frank and open motives are often misunderstood. You are willing to experiment with all manner of relationship styles, although you hate to be tied down in any way. So long as your partner is able to keep up with your wide-ranging interests and is prepared to come up with new experiments in lovemaking (and certainly does not mind you doing the same), your relationship will be exciting and reasonably long-lasting. Mutual honesty is the key to success for the Sagittarian.

CAPRICON DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20 Reserved and dignified you do not give your favours lightly, but when you feel sure enough of your ground, you delight in living up to the randy reputation of the Goat. Conservative Capricorn, a feminine sign ruled by staid Saturn (but, remember, the exaltation of heady Mars), makes you cautious and calculating in the early stages, but dynamic and voracious when properly roused. The conflict between the feminine elemental power of the sign and the masculine energies of the planetary forces generates enough steam to run a power station. So in a relationship, Capricorn is a slow starter, but proves to be an explosive performer and a long-lasting and loyal companion. You are quite skilled with people, once you overcome your initial reserve. Painfully shy as a youngster, you grow out of this as you approach middle age, when your careful cultivation of social skills and control begins to bear fruit. Ambitious Capricorn, while somewhat risk-averse, has an appetite for life and all its pleasures. Your need to climb the social ladder and obtain material recognition can interfere to some degree with your relationships, but with the right person (who shares your interests and is not put off by your fears and insecurities) you blossom into a remarkably fine companion - and a satisfying sexual partner. You learn to conceal your vulnerability beneath a confident veneer of career fixation and material success, but passionate Mars is always bubbling just below the surface. When the veneer is pierced, the passion flows like lava from a volcano. In the art of lovemaking, Capricorn is enthusiastic and adventurous when aroused, but can be possessive and jealous when threatened. Partners can sometimes be overwhelmed by the intensity of your passion, coming as it does from beneath such a cool exterior. In marriage you are loyal, a good provider and develop a strong home environment, although you should allow yourself the pleasure of a more relaxed and informal relationship with the children.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18 Charming, exciting and unpredictable, yet somehow strangely detached from the proceedings, you are one of the zodiac's most eccentric personalities. You look for the unusual and challenging, while at the same time seeking romance, tenderness and understanding in your relationships. Aquarius, a masculine sign, is adventurous and not averse to the thrill of risk-taking. No timidity for you! Your optimism and positivity, combined with idealism and the need to break new ground can lead you into quite unfamiliar territory - not that this bothers you, for you are willing to follow any new lead to its conclusion. Your sex-drive is not unduly strong, but your need to explore and be stimulated sometimes gives others the impression that your desires are rampant! Be that as it may, you are open to all forms of experimentation (in the search for new knowledge) and the field of sexuality and relationships is no exception. Even though deep down you seek security, your love of originality and exploring unusual new fields of endeavour gives you an attraction for partners with interesting, unconventional minds (and bodies). I might add that if their sexuality is unconventional too, you'll more than play along - at least until you've extracted a new chapter for your own personal x-files.. Your emblem is the Water Bearer, pouring the water of originality, idealism and consciousness onto the parched earth of materialism and dullness. You stand at the vanguard of original thinking and tolerance, so you are not averse to seeking partners from other cultures, or other races. Your freedom is extremely important and you hate to be tied down, although, because your mind may be absorbed in some challenging study, you may not notice infringements to this rule for some time. When you do notice, you may react explosively and head for the door. Aquarius is a fixed sign, but you are not stuck in the mud. You can seem to be rather impersonal, but this is because you are immersed in painting the bigger picture. Your deepest needs are for a satisfying and complementary relationship, which gives you freedom and tolerance along with both mental and physical stimulation. With the right person you are a passionate, uninhibited and understanding lover and partner for life.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20 Other-wordly, ultra-sensitive and intuitive, you really need to be needed. Fantasy prone and alive in the world of your vivid imagination, you nevertheless suffer from fear of rejection and low self-esteem (although you hide this well in your efforts to create the ideal, loving environment for your loved ones). Pisces, a feminine sign, is tender and caring, but frequently subject to relationships where the other partner is domineering and uncaring. You seek a sensitive, soulful friend, but can be dazzled by appearances which scramble your naturally powerful radar and send you into a tailspin. You submerge yourself in the experience of the other, which is okay, so long as that other is what he or she appears to be. In the event that your partner is truly sensitive, artistic (and preferably dying of consumption...), yet strong and caring (with a satisfactory income), you will soar on the wings of love and the relationship will be ecstatic and fulfilling to both parties. On the other hand, should you have picked a rotten apple from the barrel, you'll prolong the agony to an interminable degree, for you will feel that you must have done something to deserve the misery and will flourish in the role of martyr. Ugh. If this happens to you, you must snap the chain of karma that has trapped you in the bubbling vat of despond and get out quickly before you drown. There are lots of really wonderful people out there who will sense your needs and return your emotional investment in the most glowing of terms... Your emblem, the Fishes, shows your duality. The contrast between the opposing sides of your personality is quite startling. One side of you is heroically romantic, wistful, imaginative, sensitive, sexually fulfilled, perceptive, creative, intuitive, even transcendental, while the other is depressive, masochistic, suicidal, frustrated, guilt-ridden, filled with self-loathing and a general doormat. Moreover, you can flick from one to the other of these sides of your character and back again with alarming ease and rapidity! Pisces is a mutable sign, so you are best involved with a steadier, stronger personality who will tolerate and enjoy your romantic fantasies, yet still be there for you when the horrors strike deep in the night. There is no more loyal and caring lover than a piscean, but your need for emotional and sensual reassurance can lead to flirtations and dalliances that generate emotional instability. Although you are the most loving and giving of the signs, your ability to select an inappropriate partner is legendary (bear this in mind as you suffer from the effects of delusion and haste). With the right partner, you are surely the ideal soul mate, lifelong friend and ally, although your sexuality reflects the needs of the other, to the extent that you can become confused as to what you really want and need. In the right relationship, your sexuality will blossom and become something of an artform, especially as you get a little older, more experienced and more confident