Friday's horoscopes with Russell Grant

Aries (Mar21/Apr20) An appreciation for another culture will prompt you to take a cooking or language class. The more energy you pour into this hobby, the happier you will be. Soon, you’ll be given a chance to visit the place that inspires you. A confident attitude wins lots of admirers. When you’re put in an unfamiliar situation, don’t pretend you know what you’re doing. Have the courage to ask for help. Only a brave person admits their shortcomings and seeks to correct them.

Taurus (Apr21/May21) Cultivate long-term financial security. Take out an insurance policy, make out a will and put money into savings. Even if you are living for each pay day, you’ll find a way to protect your interests. Your newfound security will attract more prosperity. Trust your insights to a person’s motivations. If you’re dealing with a bureaucrat who seems harassed and resentful, show a little genuine appreciation for their help. Suddenly, they’ll become attentive instead of indifferent. At that point, you’ll get the support you need to finish your task.

Gemini (May22/Jun21) Your best friend or romantic partner makes your confidence soar. With their encouragement, you’ll pursue a lofty goal. Sharing your thoughts online, living abroad or getting an advanced degree are among the possibilities. It’s exciting to explore new territory after a period of stagnation. Working with a group will be instructive. You’ll learn several valuable skills from your teammates. In addition, it will be easier to understand how a complicated system operates when you talk to someone who works on the inside.

Cancer (Jun22/Jul23) Improved working conditions will increase your productivity. Whether you’ve been given a bigger office or your company has relocated to a nicer building, you’ll benefit from the change. Add some personal touches to your area; photographs and plants work wonders. There will be lots of phone calls and emails exchanged at work. A big deal requires intense negotiations. Be direct about what you want. When someone makes you a dissatisfying offer, say so. You can be polite but firm in this situation.

Leo (Jul24/Aug23) Being happy in love is one of the best experiences life can offer. If you’re looking for a partner, you’ll find one at a religious, cultural or educational gathering. If you’re already in a relationship, this would be a marvellous time to take a trip. You will gain admittance to a cultural, educational or religious institution. Treat this acceptance as an honour; the leaders are very selective about whom they choose. Go out to celebrate with friends and family. They’ll rejoice over your good fortune.

Virgo (Aug24/Sep23) A property deal will leave more money in your pocket. This is a great time to buy or sell a home. If you want to rent a place, you’ll find a spacious one at a good price. Sign the lease on the dotted line. Put your cards on the table with a potential business or romantic partner. An honest admission will pave the way to a close alliance. Once the other party realises you are interested in a serious commitment, they’ll meet you in the middle.

Libra (Sep24/Oct23) Your powers of persuasion are strong. Take this opportunity to make a sales pitch or make a professional presentation. You’ll get an enthusiastic reception. Don’t be surprised if someone asks you to write an article or record a podcast; they like your ideas. You have a good sense of what your best friend needs to thrive. Go out of your way to do something special on their behalf. This kind gesture will be greatly appreciated, giving your loved one the courage to make an important change.

Scorpio (Oct24/Nov22) This is a great time to ask for a raise or increase your prices. You’re the best at what you do and everyone knows it. Demanding what you are worth will increase people’s respect for you. Anyone who resents your demands doesn’t deserve you. Experimenting with different work procedures will pay off handsomely. You’ll hit upon a formula that saves time, money and aggravation. At first, your colleagues will be sceptical of your method. After they see how well it works, they’ll hail you as a genius.

Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21) Adopting an optimistic outlook attracts opportunities in all areas. Don’t be surprised when you find work, romance and creative projects in unlikely places. When you radiate positive energy, you attract the same. Even seeming setbacks end up working to your advantage. If you’re looking for love, let a friend or neighbour set you up on a blind date. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by their choice for you. Talking to an upbeat adventurer will inspire you to try a hobby. If you have a partner, take a fun course together.

Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20) Introspection soothes your anxieties. You’ve always been resourceful. When you draw on your emotional reserves, you can face any challenge. Remember you have a hidden support system whenever you encounter anger or hostility. Even your harshest critics can’t put a dent in your calm demeanour. You will take a short trip to attend to a family matter. This journey will be more enjoyable than expected. Changing gears will help you to see a stubborn problem in a new light. A solution will occur to you quite suddenly.

Aquarius (Jan21/Feb19) You’ll get an unusual opportunity to realise a cherished goal. Travelling to a country that has deep spiritual meaning for you is a strong possibility. Pack light. You will want room in your luggage for the many souvenirs that you’ll collect. Be vigilant about returning messages. If you don’t get back to a relative or colleague, you’ll miss an important opportunity. Accept a spur of the moment invitation; this may be your only chance to see a popular movie, play or concert.

Pisces (Feb20/Mar20) Someone in a position of authority will do you a favour. Accept this generous gesture with an open heart. Prepare carefully for a job interview or official introduction. You’ll make such a good impression that you’ll land a lucrative position within minutes of meeting. Undergoing specialised training will improve your earning potential. It will be especially profitable to learn how to write computer code, master a software program or operate a complicated piece of machinery. When you have valuable skills, you can live virtually anywhere you want.