Horoscope: Tuesday, May 18

You're in a romantic mood today, Aries. You're more likely to notice attractive strangers you pass on the street, and attract admiring glances from them! Racy novels and movies could seem more appealing than usual, and you might do some window-shopping for sensual products. This is definitely an evening to spend with that special person in your life. Have a professional style your hair to make sure you look your best!

You may be tempted to get tough with someone who annoys you but as the Sun and Saturn are at odds today you are advised to give them a pass. Not because they deserve it but because there are so many better ways of using your time.

Someone will let you in on a secret today and you must keep it to yourself. If you open your mouth and let others know about it you won’t be the most popular Taurus on the block – and it’s unlikely you will be confided in again.

According to the planets you have been a bit too defensive and a bit too reticent of late, but that will change as from today. Creatively and romantically you will come out of your shell and leave no one in any doubt that you are back to your best.

You face a day of some conflict, Cancer. Nevertheless, the discord will prove quite useful. This is probably one of the best opportunities in recent weeks to become aware of some family matters. These matters may have been occurring behind your back for some time now. News about a bit of past personal history could surprise you, and perhaps even upset you for a short time.

If there is something you would like to change about your work situation now is the time to get serious about it. Don’t worry if colleagues and employers think you have gone mad – they will be mad with jealousy when they see how happy you are.

You must force the pace over the next few days. Monday’s eclipse in your sign is a cast iron cosmic guarantee that the more effort you put into life the more you will get out of it. Don’t stop until everyone can see you are Number One.

You may think that you can make a better job of something than other people, and maybe you can, but the simple fact is you have not been asked, nor will you be. Focus on what is directly in front of you today and ignore everything else.

The sooner you recognize that perfection is an impossibility the better it will be for you. It’s one thing to have high standards but quite another to expect that you must never fall short of them. Be kind to yourself, and others, today.

Be completely honest with those you live and work with about what you’ve been up to – and what you plan to be doing over the next few days. The more open you are about your aims and ambitions the more likely it is you will get their support.

You may be tempted to go for broke and push the limits as far as you can but Venus, planet of harmony, urges you to be cautious. You can find ways to get what you desire without putting your wealth or your wellbeing on the line.

Are you expecting too much of yourself? It would appear that you are and what happens today, tomorrow and over the weekend will bring that fact home to you in no uncertain fashion. Don’t aim for perfection – you ARE perfect just as you are.

Chores that need to be done around the house could be at the top of your priority list today, Sagittarius. A female visitor, perhaps your mother, could come by and making your place look great will preoccupy you. Don't do any more work than you absolutely have to. You won't want to be too tired when she arrives.

Something you see or hear this weekend will open your mind to new possibilities and even though some of them may seem a bit far-fetched to begin with you will know that this is the path you are destined to follow. Allow yourself to be inspired.

You must give 100 per cent to what you are working on today, even if your interest is fading fast. Important people are watching closely to see if your commitment is as solid now as it has been in the past. You may have to put on an act.

Emotions stemming from past experiences might cause you to assume undue responsibilities, particularly concerning family members. This is fine as long as you realize what you're doing is as much for you as for the other person. Whatever tasks you assume may allow you to release old traumas and give form to your plans and ambitions. And don't be surprised if those you help today go to bat for you later.

The planets indicate you owe a debt to someone and what happens today will add a sense of urgency to getting it paid. You may ask yourself if you can afford to pay what is expected of you, but the real question is can you afford not to?

According to the planets you have got the wrong end of the stick about something and until you recognize that fact and adjust your understanding you won’t get very far. Make sure the way you interpret the world is based on reality, not wishful thinking.