Horoscope: Monday, Apr 20

Avoid joking about an issue that other people take very seriously. You will have to deal with some pretty fragile egos today, both at home and at work, so watch what you say. There is no point in making enemies unnecessarily.

It may seem as if someone has been keeping things from you or talking behind your back but nothing could be further from the truth. The message of the stars today is that you must not jump to conclusions, unless you want to make a fool of yourself.

Sometimes it’s okay to go a bit crazy or be a bit outrageous, especially when, as now, you are in need of cheering up. You don’t need anyone’s permission to have a good time – you just need to be confident enough to follow your instincts.

It’s time to find your voice and let the world know what you are capable of. For too long you have been content to keep a low profile and let others take the applause and awards. That must now change. Shout about your brilliance!

According to the planets you are paying too much attention to what other people think and say and not nearly enough to what your own heart is trying to tell you. Turn your focus inward this week and let your inner voice guide you. It knows the way.

It’s good to let off steam once in a while but don’t complain too loudly that you have been hard done by. The planets warn if you make too much noise certain people may try to make life even more difficult for you than it is now.

You need to be careful today when dealing with people in positions of power. Do whatever it takes – without turning yourself into a doormat – to stay on their good side. They can only make life hard for you if you make it easy for them.

If old methods seem to be getting you nowhere then, obviously, it’s time for a change. If you can look at old situations in new ways over the next few days it won’t be long before you are surging ahead of your rivals again.

A decision has to be made about a partnership or relationship matter and deep down you know there is no way you can avoid it. Wednesday’s lunar eclipse in your sign will bring matters to a head but if you use your head you’ll be okay.

Say what you have to say and don’t worry in the slightest that some people might be offended by your words. Honesty is the most important quality you can bring to the world now, so tell it like it is and let the universe deal with the fallout.

You won’t have to try hard to make an impression today – important people will go out of their way to praise you for your work. It won’t always be this easy, so make the most of it and make some contacts. Who you know matters.

The Sun’s upcoming change of signs means you need to get the balance right between your work and your wellbeing. It’s one thing to be ambitious but quite another to push yourself so hard that you risk some kind of breakdown. Be kind to yourself.

You may have a wonderful day today, Scorpio. Your imagination, intuition, and creativity are all high, and inspiration for new artistic works could be filling your heart and brain. You'll be all too happy to discuss your ideas with anyone who shows an interest. The one dark spot in the day might be that a child, close friend, or lover goes into a snit because he or she feels ignored. Don't worry. They’ll come out of it.

There is a lot of criticism being thrown at you at the moment and for once some of it seems to be sticking. Maybe you should pay more attention to what others are saying about you. Maybe they can see you better than you see yourself.

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.

Today more than ever you will yearn to escape from the daily routine. You're thirsty for new sights and sounds, new faces and places. However, you're well aware that you must juggle your desires with your professional or domestic obligations. It isn't always easy, but you should trust your imagination to suggest a way to amicably settle this conflict.

Not many people will agree with what you intend to do this weekend but you will do it anyway. You’ve had your fill of changing your plans, often at the last moment, just to please other people. This time you intend to please yourself.