FLAIR - POT POURRI

ARIES
(21 March - 20 April)
There could be cause for secrecy, that’s for sure, but also for more attention to the mystical and religious side of your life. On the one hand, there could be a bit of double-dealing. On the other, you could embark on a quest for the meaning of life. In love, you may play it cool, but not necessarily hard to get.

TAURUS
(21 April - 21 May)
The fact that social stars are strong this week should offer welcome chances for relaxation. There also seems to be a need for discussions at home or with relatives, but never forget that family members have minds of their own. Lost objects should be found by the end of the week, so keep your eyes open.

GEMINI
(22 May - 21 June)
You want to come first — and why not! This is obviously an excellent moment for all of you involved in any sort of competitive activity, providing a powerful motivation for those looking for social and romantic adventure. In love, an intriguing encounter turns your life upside down.

CANCER
(22 June - 23 July)
Take it easy. The Moon’s aspects are pleasant, and even a little uplifting. If you are in an adventurous mood, you’ll be in tune with the stars, well able to look after yourself and tackle new experiences. There is so much happening at home that you may not know where to start. Ask a partner for help.

LEO
(24 July - 23 August)
It may be time for a little more sensitivity, but also for a spot of extravagance. You can be a soft touch when it comes to money, and there is everything in your chart to suggest that your generosity will be well placed. In love, your best stars shine early in the week.

VIRGO
(24 August - 23 September)
Your romantic stars now point to secret feelings, and a dose of mystery may be just the thing to liven up your emotional life. Now that other people have decided to come clean, you should also get your story straight. At work, a twist of fate will have superb results mid-week.

LIBRA
(24 September - 23 October)
It may be necessary to take the world by the scruff of the neck and give it a good shake. Personally, your emotional life should benefit from Venus’ changing position and friendship and romance should do rather well. Travel stars take you to places you never even dreamt of going before.

SCORPIO
(24 October - 22 November)
There is still a need for much serious discussion and there will be such a need for another week at least, so it may be difficult to let go of issues which are bugging you. Your lunar alignments are relaxing, so try to take some time off to pamper yourself and aim for a few delicious treats.

SAGITTARIUS
(23 November - 22 December)
Your solar chart is now looking very much more relaxed than it has been for some considerable time, with one exception. It’s important to know your rights, for there could be some sort of hitch, perhaps involving travel or education. It’s all actually a question of checking the small print now.

CAPRICORN
(23 December - 20 January)
The planetary picture looks ideal for short distance trips, preferably to romantic pla-ces or to those areas close to water bodies — all of which are rather perfect for this time of the year. Money could still be a cause of friction, but a restraining influence is for the best.

AQUARIUS
(21 Janury - 19 February)
Other people have much to answer for when it comes to past dealings with you, but whether you will ever get an explanation is another matter. Somebody could still be rubbing you up the wrong way. Whatver their attitude, they may, however, still be in need of your sympathy and understanding. Your money matters will fall into perspective this week, much to your relief.

PISCES
(20 February - 20 March)
This could be an emotional phase for you, but then that should suit you tremendously. Emotional situations are not always for the worst. At least you will be more confident about expressing your feelings, whether good or bad, even if privacy is still one of the most important things in your life. Financial affairs could do well if you follow a hunch — but be sure to double check with the experts.

Sunday, October 01
You'll be in for an easier time than most people, so count your blessings. Yet, the fact that work and domestic chores may be causing irritation is bound to wind you up, probably sooner rather than later. What can be done? Well, for a start, you can talk to people you live with and make sure they do their fair share.

Monday, October 02
The Moon’s position today puts you in one of your sensible and responsible, though extremely enthusiastic, moods. However, you are currently inclined to fight crusades for people worse off than you and if the right cause comes up, you’ll be off bag and baggage to pick up the cudgels for the cause. Just remember that partners may not always see the world the way you do.

Tuesday, October 03
Make the most of today’s fiery Sagittarian picture. It’s just what’s required to get you moving and, in all probability, open up family and domestic possibilities. If you move once over the next year, you’ll probably move several times. Above all, believe in yourself.

Wednesday, October 04
Sensitive Venusian alignments make this a delicate day for romantic outings — or rather, for staying inside the house. You’re currently in an extremely indecisive phase, but by the end of this week, you will have discovered one of your main missions for the year — to finally become financially independent.

Thursday, October 05
You are expansive, generous and optimistic and over the next few months, you’ll be full of faith for the future. One word of advice though — if your hopes and aspirations are too high to be met, you could end up disillusioned and disappointed. You should always remember that if you are cautious and calculating, you’ll win through and be able to pass any hurdles.

Friday, October 06
It's an excellent period for a fresh start, but often in ways which are secret, subtle and hard to pin down. The best advice for this week is to listen to your dreams, for they may contain the answers you seek. In fact, you may soon be rather pleasantly surprised.

Saturday, October 07
Give yourself plenty of time to make choices which will prove important to your life. You may harbour second thoughts about a partnership or a business venture, but please avoid any hasty decisions. A restless atmosphere over the next few weeks could bring conflicting news, but you’ll get a clearer view later on.

Star Power

The is the man who is often in the driving seat, often in the hot seat, and always close to, or in the act of fast closing in on the centre of power. But will it be the same for him once Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee lays down the reins of power? Will his stars continue to click for him when Vajpayee is no longer in office?

Obviously, a major source of his power will dry up, but his strength and will power will remain. His options will be pruned, but Mishra will, in his usual thorough manner, have prepared for a number of eventualities. He will definitely have a major role to play in a high-level power struggle that is likely to take place between November 2000 and June 2001. Mind you, here is a man with huge ambitions. In fact, for Mishra, life and living is a permanent game of chess. And already, having seen the writing on the wall, he is thinking of castling himself, while quietly ensuring that he moves forward almost unnoticed with his pawns — the bigger pieces would attract counter-productive attention. And he would prefer the game to be a long-drawn one. His is a deep game right now and his critics — of whom there are many — know that more than one checkmate will be required before Mishra reluctantly gets up from the chess board. Mishra is somebody who not only knows how to create and provide an impetus, but also how best to hang on to it.

The year 2001 will see uncertainties multiplying for him and a reduction in the range of his activities and general clout, and yet, because the links he has established will be so strong, he will continue to wield considerable power. Moreover, in the developments which will take place in the first half of 2001, it will suit at least two important leaders to bank upon Mishra’s skills and, call it what you will, wiliness or analytical abilities. Curiously, his skills and analytical abilities will give best results in situations which are in flux or in crunch situations.

Unlike some who prefer to wait for the tides to turn, Mishra makes use of whatever is going in his favour at a particular moment to create a ripple effect or to ensure that tides or no tides, the swings or momentum that has been built up will be sustained. This is never an easy task, but he may find it more difficult than usual post June 2001. Beyond that, the cards reflect for him stepped-up activity in international matters and publishers can look forward to more than one good book from him. Brajesh Mishra’s cards were read on September 20, 2000.