Horoscopes:

Taking stock

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By Imhotep

Trust is something people born under the Cardinal Water sign of Cancer (22 Jun- 22 Jul) mete out in small measure. Cancerians have a tendency to think about other people and wonder whether they should trust them. They are often very good judges of character, though, a particular trait that will stand Cancerians in good stead this April.

Crabs, as Cancerians are often called, have a strong need for kindness, friendship and affection. They strongly believe in self-respect, courtesy, integrity and principles. The social acumen and conversational skills of the Crabs are some of their most important assets.

Crabs are daydreaming poets even though they often fancy themselves as rational scientists. But during April they must curb this tendency to dream. Wake up Crabs. Do not succumb to emotional manipulation.

Dignified and strong Cancerians can accomplish a great deal in April. By the end of the month, their multiple interests will be expanding at a breathtaking rate. Even though the Crabs will stray far away from home, they'll have family and old friends uppermost on their minds. This is because for the large part Crabs can't sever their roots.

In the weeks ahead, Cancerians will watch their patience and perseverance bear much fruit. But, remember dear Crabs, that only you have control over whether such fruit will be bitter or sweet.

People born under the Fixed Fire sign Leo (23 Jul-22 Aug) love being centre-stage. March is a month when they remained largely on the sidelines, but in April Leos will happily bounce back to their old domineering ways.

The courage and strength of character of Lions will shine through the month of April. Lions have a knack for inspiring others. People admire their strength of purpose, though in April, Lions on the hunt for survival will ruffle a few feathers.

Leos are quick to pounce on any trouble that comes their way. Trouble-makers better flee when they see the Lions prancing up and down the corridors of power by the end of the month.

Strong-willed Lions will achieve their former dominance by stealth in April. All the rage that has been bottled up in the hearts of Lions for so long will flood out in a torrent of harsh words of anger and recrimination. Enemies will tremble at the roar of the Lions this April.

Vindicated, the stout-hearted Lions will be ready to forget and forgive. Once they've spoken their minds, Lions will bask in the limelight of their newfound success.

The leonine zest for life and enthusiasm is infectious. And, April is a month when the Lions will thrive, leading lives that best suit their active and carefree nature. Their exuberance will almost be impossible to quell.

April threatens to be a frustrating month for people born under the Mutable Earth sign of Virgo (23 Aug-22 Sep), especially if they ignore human weaknesses, differences and conflicting needs.

This April Virgos need to take stock. They are not always good at going with the flow, finding themselves excluded because of their principled stands.

Eagle-eyed Virgos are critical by nature but they like to give credit where credit is due. Some Virgos may seem overly opinionated and overbearing, but very often these misunderstood creatures have good intentions.

April is a month when the organisational skills and management potential of the analytical Virgoan mind will blossom. Virgo know instinctively that they must never appear too self-centred. They also know that people often solicit their advice.

Few Virgos are born to rule the roost. Instead, they are happiest observing from the sidelines, guiding and advising others when called upon. Their observations are invariably astute, and their insatiable curiosity, no matter how hard they try to conceal it, will come in handy in April. People at work and in the family expect you to dispel the falsehoods and uphold the truth. Outspoken Virgos detest liars.

Virgos dislike flippant sentimentality. Their sense of duty and attention to detail gives them rare insights into the dynamics impacting their lives. April is a month when Virgos will be forced to take a stand on matters of critical importance to themselves and those around them. Imhotep urges Virgos not to appear inconsistent at this all important juncture.

But my dear Virgo, Imhotep predicts a little trouble in the workplace. Beware of a duplicitous foe -- a wolf who comes to you in sheep's clothing. But being the perceptive Virgoan you are, you'll soon work it all out and give the wicked trickster a piece of your mind.