January 16 to January 22

Bill Meridian looks at what the stars have in store for you this week.

Pakistan is in the planetary spotlight. There are numerous hits from transiting Saturn and Pluto to the national horoscopes, which indicates a tough situation. Bringing the horoscope of Pakistan's president Asif Ali Zardari (born July 26, 1955) into play, we see that he is challenged by the recent eclipse in a similar fashion to his Afghan counterpart. Zardari must avoid the tendency to be indecisive and inactive. The Pakistani and US forces have been closing in on terrorist groups and this appears to be a key point in the struggle. The groups are likely to be cornered and will fight to the last. The government is hard pressed now, but terrorist groups historically antagonise the population to such a degree that they lose all support, as occurred in Iraq. The eclipse oppositions to the national Moon and Uranus will energise the people to action.

ARIES (March 20-April 18) Staff and colleagues work well together, and the food, service and tourist industries are especially favoured. Relations with authority figures, however, are not as easy. TAURUS (April 19-May 19) This is still a quiet time. Relations with superiors are good, and you may be given more authority, but unco-operative or absent colleagues and new procedures may slow the work process.

GEMINI (May 20-June 19) Conflicting winds blow through the sign. You are anxious to move ahead but may not be certain of what course of action to take. You could need others' help but are not on the same wavelength at present. CANCER (June 20-July 21) During the year, you will alternately feel like you are moving forwards, then backwards. Aim to move ahead, consolidate gains and be content until the time is right for further progress.

LEO (July 22-Aug 21) Your focus is on work as Mars moves through Leo. On the 19th, you need to be more precise. On the 20th, you may be concerned with work equipment. On the 21st, productivity is key. VIRGO (Aug 22-Sept 21) Saturn's exit has lifted some burdens. You may have a desire to form a company or be part of a group. This will be much easier, though hurdles remain. You may have to forego personal preferences.

LIBRA (Sept 22-Oct 22)  Libra desires balance and peace, and this is a good week for those. Venus, your ruling planet, makes beneficial contacts. Recreation, social affairs and time with the children are more enjoyable. SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 20) It's a calm week for you, though Jupiter has moved into Pisces, another water sign. This will help keep you safe even when you make poor decisions. Opportunities will be more plentiful.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 21-Dec 22) The way ahead is clear. You feel confident and have more energy. Your colleagues are co-operative and you have the support of superiors. Go ahead with new initiatives, especially group ones. CAPRICORN (Dec 23-Jan 19) This is an active week. You have extra energy, but there will be a lot to do, so get some early starts. Your words and actions have a greater impact than at other times.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18) Venus enters Aquarius on the 18th, bringing social invitations and a desire for recreation. You may be introduced to a new sport or game. Resolve any disputes and make agreements. PISCES (Feb 19-March 19) Jupiter enters Pisces for a year, so the planetary weather is brighter, bringing more opportunities. After the past couple of years, you may feel withdrawn; get out of your tent - the sun is shining again.