Your horoscope for the week ahead: The waning moon in Sagittarius brings some much-needed optimism

The week kicks off with Mercury, the master of strategy, conjuncting Uranus, the planet of innovation. This, combined with the effects of Mercury's sextile to harmonious Venus on Sunday, will bring a boost to your enthusiasm and planning. You'll need the tonic these connections provide to cope with the sun squaring Pluto, an event which is known to add a sense of gravitas to the day. Perhaps an important decision needs to be made. Take care of yourself by keeping your expectations positive.

On Monday or Tuesday, depending on your time zone, the moon moves into Sagittarius, waning through the week as it approaches the last quarter phase on Saturday when it will appear as a left-sided half moon. You may find yourself reflecting on the events of last week's full moon with some much-needed optimism, and a sense that you can handle whatever challenges cross your path. Good ideas will flourish, adding energy and inspiration to the projects you're working on.

Then on Sunday, Mercury will square Saturn, which typically causes some glitches in communication, transportation or technology. Remember that hiccups or malfunctions can work in your favour if you're able to remain optimistic. 

The sun leaves the action sign of Aries this week, entering solid and dependable Taurus on Tuesday and marking the heart of spring. The weather is warming, birds are busy building their nests and buds are beginning to burst. 

Here is your horoscope for the week of Monday, April 18, 2022.

Aries

Some people's attitudes just aren't making sense, and it's starting to make you feel insecure. Things might get more confusing before they become clear, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are getting worse. Rather, it could be an indication of an imminent improvement. A hidden problem will come out in the open — and be attended to in the nick of time. Once you've gone a little further through this demanding yet delicate process, you will start to feel much better about your financial and emotional prospects. 

Taurus

The world had better watch out — you are in no mood to be messed with. You have targets to reach, ambitions to fulfil and points to prove. Not everything will go your way, but you will make a lot of pleasing progress and be extremely successful in your endeavours. Emotional intensity could run high, though. Remember that you are more sensitive than you realize, and your words carry more power than you think. Try your best to be gentle yet persuasive, and you will get through this week much better than you anticipate. 

Gemini

Something is really starting to bother you. The more you think about this seemingly simple matter, the more complicated it seems to get. You're not sure that you like all of the things you're beginning to discover and understand. Try not to worry too much. You are in the midst of a rather volatile process, on a journey through rough terrain. If at any point this week you feel the urge to fret, ask a bold and controversial question instead. Don't hold yourself back. There is something you need to know, and there is only one way to find out. 

Cancer

This will be a demanding but potentially profitable week — if you play your cards right. But knowing what's in our best interest isn't always so simple. We can easily persuade ourselves that the things we like won't do us much harm, even when they have the potential to be highly problematic. And often, others will try to persuade us to do things that suit their purposes far more than they actually suit ours. If you are feeling apprehensive about people's intentions this week, proceed with caution.

Leo

You may be wondering how a certain process is going to play out, and if it will be worth all the effort. That rather depends how you look at it, and what you want. If you are hoping for a little quiet comfort, that may prove elusive. On the other hand, if you feel ready to start reaching for a dream, you will find plenty to amuse and excite you. And if you are willing to take a little risk with your imagination, you should end up with a gratifying reward in the end. Unleash your creativity and you'll be glad you did. 

Virgo

The world is full of things that don't quite match our expectations. Often, it can seem easier to adapt to less-than-ideal circumstances than to set about trying to change them and risk making things worse. Right now, something in your personal life is grating on your nerves. Try looking at it from several different angles to see if you can find the advantages instead of the downfalls. Without doubt, you'll come to the conclusion that it's not really that bad. In fact, you may find that there are real benefits to leaving the situation just as it is. 

Libra

This week, the pressure eases. Arguments will subside, tensions will diminish and you will no longer feel plagued by a sense of urgency. This is not to say that you will find yourself in a perfect world. But you may feel more able to take your time with certain tasks and less worried about what will happen if you are not successful. All this will contribute to an air of greater confidence, which will add to your charm and magnetism. If you find the right way to ask for what you need this week, people will find it very difficult to refuse your request. 

Scorpio

You've been experiencing an inner struggle that may now be visible in your outer world, too. You can't hide the conflict you are trying to resolve any more than you can ignore it. But somehow, this week, the tides of trouble will ebb further away from you. You will experience a liberating shift in mood, giving you the sense that adventures await. This, in turn, will grant you the power to manage your affairs with surprising satisfaction. Rather than tales of woe, success stories will fill your life. 

Sagittarius

When pumping up a bicycle tire, there is always the question of how much air is needed. Having too little air will reduce the efficiency of the tire, but too much might cause the tube to burst. Somewhere between these extremes, there is a happy medium. This week, you have an opportunity to consider. It's important that you give it proper time and energy, imbuing it with your faith. However, it's also important to know where you may be in danger of overstepping and where you may want to pull back before things erupt. 

Capricorn

There is always a battle to fight, a problem to solve or a score to settle. And the more energy you put into life's conflicts and challenges, the more life seems to place them in your way. It's as though you're just adding to the momentum; the faster you pedal, the quicker the wheels turn. Be, then, just a little careful this week. You can't ignore a certain big bone of contention, nor can you allow yourself to gnaw on it ferociously. Achieve what you truly must, and then stop before you get drawn any further in. 

Aquarius

Problems hate being ignored. If you try to just blot them out, they'll team up en masse and besiege you until, eventually, you become worn out and melancholy. However, if you learn to look at your issues through a more positive lens, they become challenges that test your endurance and teach you something new. The experience of dealing with them will make you wiser and more adaptable, while fortifying your resilience and ingenuity. With this in mind, you'll notice a pleasing shift in your attitude this week. 

Pisces

Even those who are in the habit of handling many things at once can sometimes feel daunted by the smallest workload. If you're going through a low energy point for whatever reason, be sure that you're getting enough rest. It can make all the difference to charge up your batteries, boosting your optimism and energy level. Don't feel guilty — taking this time is essential if you are to be productive. The key is to feel good, then you can focus on the rest.