The desire to explore new vistas and visit distant lands could suddenly overtake you now that Venus tours your ninth house of travel and adventure. You're starting to realise that the old-fashioned values may be holding you back from experiencing real joy. It's time to develop your own moral code and follow your conscience.

Playing hard to get may be the fastest way to a rebel's heart. Before you settle on a plan of action, however, ask yourself why it is so important for you to win this person's affection. Their acceptance isn't going to boost your self-esteem one iota. Forget the relationship and focus on treating yourself right.

Relationships that were once easy-going and casual now take on a new sense of urgency. It's possible that these problems have cropped up as a result of your self-absorption. If that's the case, then you need to spend a little more quality time with your nearest and dearest. Children especially need your attention.

Pampering yourself is the top priority as obligations start to fall by the wayside. Stop giving your best to everyone else; it's depleting your energy. By rearranging your priorities so that your needs are always met first, you'll have far more energy to nurture and support your loved ones. Self sacrifice isn't a virtue.

The honeymoon phase of a love affair prompts you to idealise the object of your affection. Enjoy the magic while it lasts, but beware of making reckless promises that you won't be able to keep or live up to in the future. Right now, you should be focused on having fun. There will be plenty of time to get serious later.

Your mind and heart are rub along nicely together, allowing you to make good choices about the people you associate with. Resist the temptation to hide your intelligence in order to get into an authority figure's good graces. If this person is worth their salt, they'll appreciate the fact they can rely on your sharp insight.

A neighbour or close associate may be trying to get into your good books through sweet talk. Revel in their compliments all you like, but don't feel pressured into entering agreements that could eventually work against you. This person will have more respect for you when they see you can't be bought through flattery.

Promises, smiles, and handshakes are all well and good, but when it comes to doing business, you've got to have a written contract drawn up by a lawyer. Don't be surprised if the more savoury parts of your deal suddenly disappear when it comes to signing an agreement. This is a test of your will power; stand firm.

Your creative side is crying out for expression. It may be time to scale back your more routine obligations in favour of an exciting opportunity. An authority figure may threaten to take away your security, but you'll eventually get everything you want by remaining calm. Taking risks is all part of the game of life.

If you have to hide purchases from your partner for fear of discovery, there's a problem. Is it possible that your spending has gone out of control? If so, take heart. You can get help from a money manager or accountant. Consider whether your desire to spend is a means of filling any emotional voids that have yawned open.

You could make quite a few important contacts at a party or social gathering. Just remember that you often attract the energy you put forth. Therefore, if you want to meet some intelligent, influential people, carry yourself accordingly. Your gift with words helps to break the ice with a glacial, reticent figure.

If you're going to rise to a position of prominence, you have to pattern your behaviour after people who are in a similar situation. That doesn't mean you have to become tight-fisted, mean, or autocratic; there are examples of good leaders in every industry. Read the biography of someone you admire for tips on becoming a success.