Dear Eleanor,
I am not so sure that different zodiac signs suffer summer discomforts in different ways. I am, though, very keen to hear about 'alternative treatments' for hay fever and summer exhaustion. I find that hot drinks made with big pieces of fresh ginger help to keep the symptoms at bay, but if anyone has any other remedies do drop me a line!

Dear Tanya,
In the case of a new job, it's the moment you first turn up for work. In the case of a person, the moment you draw your first independent breath. In the case of a relationship, it's tricky. Most astrologers prefer to work with different special charts that combine both partners' details.

Dear Gerald,
2012 brings a transit of Venus across the face of the Sun. The Mayans knew this... for they based their calendar on this planet. Perhaps they also knew that, by this point in Earth's history, our scientists would be deeply serious about developing time travel. I don't, though, think there's any need to worry about 'the end of time'. Time has no beginning so how can it have an end?

Meanwhile, I recently asked if anyone knew of alternative remedies for hay fever. A lot of people have suggested eating honey produced in your own locality. There were many other ideas too: 'See a Chiropractor,' says Jack. Apparently they have a special treatment for this. Donatella writes: 'I'm an Ayurvedic healer. A lot of ginger works for some people but most are better off with a tea made from five parts ground coriander to one part ginger.' JG says 'Drink a big cup of black coffee (with caffeine) early in the morning before body circulation is up. The ingredients may dampen the immune system from overreacting.' Karen, meanwhile, recommends peppermint tea, while Gareth swears by a 'neti pot'. This is a yogic technique of flushing the nostrils with tepid salt water. Ezri has a similar idea: 'I fill the sink with cold water and splash my face, particularly my eyes thoroughly. I then snort the water, carefully, or the effect is the same as jumping into a pool without holding your nose. I then gargle with the stuff a few times. All this seems to have the effect of washing out the pollen from my eyes, nose and throat, leaving me feeling refreshed.'

Anneke suggests the Bowen Technique. She says: 'I have treated people with this wonderful, gentle technique for a few years now and hayfever sufferers respond very well. They sometimes don't even need their medication any more.'

Judith finds a few sprays on the tongue of Bach 'Rescue Remedy' really helps. Katy says, 'I have had hayfever since the age of 13 (I'm now 34). I have cured it through eating much more fruit and veg, vitamin C, no alcohol and less white bread and dairy.'

Today's last word goes to Frances, who writes: 'I had horrendous sinus problems for years until I tried an ioniser and now I do not suffer at all.'

I'll print more suggestions soon.

Apparently, some sort of football game is due to take place this weekend. I hear there may be a couple of tennis matches too. Appropriately, the Moon is now in Sagittarius. That's probably the most competitive sign of the zodiac and certainly one of the most energetic. Mars, meanwhile, is the planet of battles and tournaments. It forms a harmonious angle to the Moon on Sunday. For good measure, Jupiter, planet of fortune and fairness, is changing direction after a long period of edging backwards through the zodiac. So who will win? Whoever most deserves to. And who will lose? Whoever forgets that there's more to life than sport!