More than 1,200 illegal migrants have crossed the Channel since Monday.

Let that extraordinary figure sink in. In the space of a few short days, more than a thousand people have illegally landed on our shores, many of them undetected until they reached British beaches.

Ours is an island nation with one of the most sophisticated, best-funded border forces in the world. Yet boats continue to arrive without the authorities even knowing about it.

It is utterly insane.

And if it wasn’t clear before, the events of the past few days have proved beyond any reasonable doubt that both Border Force and the Home Office have completely lost control.

Make no mistake, this is now a national emergency. And it’s about time Andy Burnham declared it as such.

The Government’s response to this developing crisis has been nothing short of pathetic.

In the space of a few short days, more than a thousand people have illegally landed on our shores, many of them undetected until they reached British beaches.

Yesterday, Burnham’s deputy Lucy Powell weakly admitted to the BBC: ‘We can’t stop everything.’ Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has demanded an ‘urgent review’ – as if that will make a difference.

Years ago, I warned the small-boats crisis would define this era of British politics. Predictably, the chin-stroking commentariat declared I was exaggerating. Well, look where we are now.

On a political level, the cost to this country of this weekly invasion has been devastating. Public trust in politicians is at an all-time low, and why wouldn’t it be? Ordinary Britons rightly ask if successive governments cannot stop people from arriving illegally in broad daylight, let alone under cover of darkness without detection, then what exactly is the point of having a border?

As for the financial impact, it’s been eye-watering. Billions are poured into accommodation, handouts and into a legal system overloaded with appeals.

Each arrival is estimated to have a lifetime net-fiscal cost of £350,000. That means Wednesday’s invasion alone – some 781 arrivals – will cost the British state £273million. I’m sorry, but this cannot go on.

Andy Burnham’s response since entering office has been yet more of the same. More money for France that never seems to deliver results. More rhetoric about ‘working with European partners’. More dithering while the boats keep coming.

His predecessor Sir Keir Starmer spouted similar nonsense. Fat lot of good it did us. It is a case, quite literally, of that old cliche: ‘Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.’

Make no mistake, this is now a national emergency. And it’s about time Andy Burnham declared it as such.

Returning every illegal entrant to France is not only our right as a sovereign nation. It is necessary.

Reform UK has a different plan, and it is the only one that matches the scale of the problem.

We will put the Royal Navy in the Channel: not as a taxi service, like the French do, but as a deterrent and an enforcement tool. Every illegal arrival will be returned to France: no ifs, no buts. Nor will there be any endless legal wrangling in the British courts while the hotels fill up.

This is not complicated. Other countries do it. Australia stopped the boats by turning them back. Denmark has taken a hard line and seen numbers fall. Britain can do the same if it has the political will.

The human-rights industry will howl. Of course they will. The usual suspects in the media will call it ‘unworkable’. I say let them. The British people are sick of being lectured by people who do not live with the consequences of their own decisions.

Returning every illegal entrant to France is not only our right as a sovereign nation. It is necessary. It restores the basic principle that entry to the United Kingdom is controlled by the British Government, not the people-smuggling criminals in Calais. It frees up resources currently wasted on processing claims that should never have been made. And most of all, it tells the world that Britain is no longer a soft touch.

Enough is enough. The status quo simply cannot continue.

Reform’s Operation Fortress will end the migrant-hotel culture. We will dismantle the pull factors and restore the principle that only the British authorities decide who comes here, and on what terms. Anything less is an admission of failure.

The English Channel is not a ferry route for people-smugglers to ply their trade. It is a national frontier. It is high time we treated it like one.

Our tech writer, David Phelan, dubbed the iPhone 18 a “handsome, persuasive design”, so you could be forgiven for not wanting to cover it up. But, that said, he also went on to say “its improved performance, all-new Siri AI strengths, and improved camera build on the capabilities of the iPhone 17 Pro – arguably the most successful iPhone already – to become something even better”, and that to me sounds well worth preserving with a phone case.

Wayne Rooney has revealed why he and Coleen refuse to hire a nanny despite struggling with the challenge of raising four sons. 

The couple are parents to Kai, 16, Klay, 13, Kit, ten, and Cass, eight, with their new £10million fly-on-the-wall show, The Real Rooneys, giving an insight into their chaotic family life. 

Filmed last year, the show captured the moment Coleen began to return to work, having previously been a stay-at-home mum while Wayne travelled the country for his football career. 

With Wayne having just been sacked as manager of Plymouth Argyle he explained: ‘I think Coleen going back to work is good for her, rather than just being here and looking after the kids and me as well.

‘And that’s coincided with me not having a 9-5 job so I’m here with the kids.’ 

As the camera cut to the three youngest boys running wild, Wayne sighed: ‘It’s tough.’ 

The couple are parents to Kai, 16, Klay, 13, Kit, ten, and Cass, eight, with their new £10million fly-on-the-wall show, The Real Rooneys, giving an insight into their chaotic family life

He continued: ‘There’s chaos, fighting, arguing. Every day’s a challenge with them…  I’m chilled until I need to snap.’ 

Yet despite the chaos going on around them, Wayne explained that he refused to bring in any outside help. 

Wayne explained: ”People ask why don’t we have a nanny. “You can afford to have a nanny help you”, but they’re OUR kids. 

‘It’s tough for anyone who has four kids but you want to bring them up. You want to be around them. 

‘It’s tough but enjoyable. You have some great moments, great memories with the kids and I wouldn’t change it.’

Wayne wasn’t the only one struggling with the change in their childcare dynamic, with Coleen confessing that she was still coming to terms with being a working mum. 

Confiding in best friend Danielle Gibson, Coleen shared: ‘I want a nice balanced life. I do feel a bit sad at the minute. Just because I don’t think things are… just a bit snappy, irritated.’ 

Breaking down in tears, she continued: ‘It’s just a bit hard juggling everything and the house is not happy. 

‘I try and do it but it’s – there’s small problems that we need to fix and I’ve got no time to stop and fix it and that’s a bit worrying. 

‘I prep and I try to do everything the best I can but I still find it really difficult leaving my kids. The hardest thing is picking the pieces up when you get back. 

‘Over the past few weeks I’m questioning myself, what do I need to do? 

‘I need to calm down but that’s because I’m quite highly strung. I feel I have a lot, I need to do a lot, but maybe I don’t have to do it all.’ 

Wayne wasn’t the only one struggling with the change in their childcare dynamic, with Coleen confessing that she was still coming to terms with being a working mum

Elsewhere in the series, Coleen’s own childhood was discussed as her mother Colette McLoughlin tearfully recalled Coleen nearly dying as a toddler. 

Speaking about Coleen’s childhood, Colette shared: ‘When she was three, Coleen got really sick and turned out it was encephalitis. 

‘Her brain was swelling, she couldn’t talk, she couldn’t walk, she couldn’t speak, she was stumbling her words. When we got to Alder Hey hospital she ended up in a coma…’

Choking back tears, Colette went on: ‘I’m gonna get upset… 24 hours [were] touch and go.

‘She had to learn to walk again, all her coordination had gone. But I’m so grateful because she was alive. We wanted to give something back.’ 

The Rooneys did not go into further detail about Coleen’s recovery, but encephalitis is treatable and often curable. Recovery depends heavily on the underlying cause, how fast treatment begins, and the severity of the infection.

Colette then revealed she and husband Tony provided foster and respite care for children with special needs and disabilities after being inspired to give back following Coleen’s near-death experience.

The conversation arose after Coleen visited Ukrainian refugees in Poland to make a promotional video for children’s charity, UNICEF, with the WAG explaining that it was a cause close to her heart because she ‘has a lot of experience of being around kids with different needs’. 

Elsewhere in the series, Coleen’s own childhood was discussed as her mother Colette McLoughlin tearfully recalled Coleen nearly dying as a toddler 

Colette shared: ‘When she was three, Coleen got really sick and turned out it was encephalitis. ‘Her brain was swelling, she couldn’t talk, she couldn’t walk, she couldn’t speak’

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Coleen then discussed helping her parents provide temporary care for children with additional needs. During this time they took in two-year-old Rosie, who was battling Rett syndrome 

Coleen then discussed helping her parents provide temporary care for children with additional needs. 

During this time they took in two-year-old Rosie, who faced a lifelong battle with Rett syndrome, a rare brain disorder that causes severe disabilities. 

‘We fell in love with her straight away,’ Coleen recalled. ‘She had a rare genetic disorder that needed a lot of care and attention.’ 

The McLoughlins ended up adopting Rosie and cared for her until she tragically passed away surrounded by her family a month shy of her 15th birthday.

Releasing a statement at the time of Rosie’s death, the McLoughlin family said: ‘Rosie was just 14 years old and fought a lifelong battle with Rett syndrome. Throughout her life she brought so much love and happiness to all our family and everyone who knew and met her.

‘She was such a strong little girl and an inspiration to us all. We shall cherish for ever the memories we have shared and the love she showed us each and every day of her life. As a family we are heartbroken but we are blessed to have had her in our lives.’

Coleen then explained the experience had made her all the more passionate about using her platform to help children.  

‘For UNICEF to place me in that environment and that was my film to make I’m glad they did choose me because it’s something I feel passionate about,’ she shared. ‘Hopefully people will see the film and donate. 

‘But on a personal level I want to make my mum and dad proud and show them I’ve not forgotten the values they taught me growing up.’ 

There is a strong Premier League presence when it comes to the new edition of EA FC and Arsenal edge out Liverpool as the team with the highest-rated players

Football fans who play EA Sports FC keep an eye out for player ratings every season. The numbers are now in for FC27 and there are plenty of Premier League representatives towards the top of the pile.

Reigning champions Arsenal are, as you might expect, very well represented. Eight of the 20 highest-rated Premier League stars in the new edition of the game are Gunners players.

One of those representatives wasn’t there last year. Bruno Guimaraes joined at considerable expense from Newcastle in August and sits alongside his new colleagues in the top 20.

Just four other Premier League clubs have players in that top 20. Here, we’ve given you the full rundown from 20th all the way up to first.

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A rating of 86 is enough to put a player among the top 20 Premier League players on the game. However, that wouldn’t be enough to crack the top 20 overall when you include players from La Liga, the Bundesliga and other top competitions.

There are nine 86-rated players in the English top flight. These include Chelsea’s sole representative in the top 20, £115m midfielder Moises Caicedo, and Liverpool’s nine-figure stars Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.

Arsenal have three players rated 86 while Bukayo Saka is their only player in 87. He is joined there by Manchester City captain Ruben Dias and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, while to put that in context it’s also the score given to Paris Saint-Germain skipper Marquinhos.

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Moving up to 88 and we have four more Premier League players, three of whom play for the champions. Declan Rice, David Raya and William Saliba are joined by Virgil van Dijk, the highest-rated Liverpool player on the list.

On 89, we have the highest-rated goalkeeper in the game in the form of Gianluigi Donnarumma, as well as Arsenal centre-back Gabriel and Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Erling Haaland leads the way with a rating of 91 – no current player in any league scores higher.

Top 20 Premier League players on EA FC 27:

20. Enzo Fernandez – 86

19. Florian Wirtz – 86

18. Rayan Cherki – 86

17. Viktor Gyokeres – 86

16. Moises Caicedo – 86

15. Bruno Guimaraes – 86

14. Martin Odegaard – 86

13. Alexander Isak – 86

12. Dominik Szoboszlai – 86

11. Bukayo Saka – 87

10. Ruben Dias – 87

9. Alisson – 87

8. David Raya – 88

7. Virgil van Dijk – 88

6. William Saliba – 88

5. Declan Rice – 88

4. Gabriel – 89

3. Gianluigi Donnarumma – 89

2. Bruno Fernandes – 89

1. Erling Haaland – 91

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There’s one walking route that is by far my favourite in Cambridgeshire, passing through pretty villages and along meandering rivers before reaching a town with cosy coffee shops

Cambridgeshire is home to ample walking trails through open fenlands and ancient woodland, along river valleys and around circular reservoirs. Many are ideal for those autumnal strolls and to marvel at the picturesque seasonal scenes before cosying up in an inviting café or traditional pub.

Yet with an extensive collection of rambling routes right on our doorstep, it’s not always easy deciding where to spend your weekend rambling, especially if you’re looking for a varied route. I’ve tried many walks around the region, but nothing compares to a route I discovered that starts in a pretty Cambridgeshire village and ends in a charming town packed with snug cake shops and coffee houses.

OPINION

Standing out as my absolute favourite is the Houghton Mill to St Ives walk, which measures around five miles and takes two hours to complete the full loop, but after an hour, you can sit down for a well-deserved coffee and slice of cake! The route takes you past idyllic villages with thatched-roof cottage homes, through kissing gates and enchanting woodland, across open meadows, down narrow lanes and along the River Great Ouse.

With such a diverse route to follow, you’ll never be bored, with landscapes constantly changing with every step and corner you take against the pretty scenes. Better yet, as there are different trails to follow in the surrounding area, you’ll rarely pass the same person twice. It remains blissfully tranquil and is perfect for dogs too, with fields to run around and uninterrupted pathways.

For this route, I start at Houghton Mill, a National Trust site in the village of Houghton, home to a handful of pubs and a sweet tearoom. Sometimes you can find a space to park in the village, but because it’s compact, it’s not always easy, so there’s always the National Trust car park.

From here I wander along the bridge crossing the Great River Ouse, passing the locks and across Hemingford Meadow to the Black Bridge. This is the start of the first idyllic village, Hemingford Abbots, with fairy-tale-like half-timbered homes and thatched roofs, alongside honey-hued homes and quaint wooden gates. I love wandering past and admiring the storybook scenes, and it’s even better in October, when the doors are decorated for Halloween.

Through the village leads to another open meadow, along the River Great Ouse, before skimming the edge of the village of Hemingford Grey, along narrow riverside lanes, before reaching a wide open field, which is sometimes home to flocks of sheep. This is the biggest meadow to cross, but equally as enjoyable, with St Ives sitting at the end for that sought-after refreshment over the bridge.

St Ives has a selection of cafés, including Nuts Bistro, The Commute Cafe, Fifi’s Cakery and Hambleton Bakery, but after my ramble, I will always stop by Tom’s Cakes as my cosy retreat. Amid its plethora of freshly baked goodies, I’ll sit down for a delicious coffee and a sweet treat, with the Hummingbird cake my go-to choice, though it’s hard to choose with so many mouthwatering options.

But a visit to St Ives can’t go by without stopping at The Courtyard shopping area, with wooden cabins packed with vintage gems, antiques, homeware, artwork, kids’ clothes, and Christmas decorations in winter. I love exploring the array of shops in a space that feels alive with community. Just be sure you can carry whatever you find on the return ramble.

On the way back, it gives me a chance to explore St Ives a little more before taking a footpath through The Thicket woodland, following it directly down under the canopy of trees until I return to my starting point at Houghton Mill. The circular route is super easy to follow with signs and pathways guiding you along the way – it really shouldn’t be missed.

On the National Trust website, they note the circular route as the St Ives and the Hemingfords walk, the only difference is that I walk it the opposite way, starting at Houghton Mill, through Hemingford Abbots and towards St Ives, before returning through the Thicket footpath. So it’s up to you on what direction you take, but either way, the halfway point will be at St Ives, and you’ll still discover all the scenic sites on what has long been my favourite Cambridgeshire walk.

For more information and to check a route, visit the National Trust website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

A high-stakes cultural dispute has erupted over the promoted sale of an important 18th-century Ethiopian manuscript at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

The Magdala Gospel is a large manuscript, probably dating to the second half of the 18th century. It measures approximately 360 x 290 x 100mm and contains the Gospel of Luke and most of the Gospel of John.

The manuscript is written in Ge’ez or ancient Ethiopic, the language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. It would have originally been the second of a two-volume set. The first volume is probably a manuscript in the Bavarian state library that contains the gospels of Matthew and Mark.

The Magdala Gospel is sumptuously illustrated with 235 scenes from the life, passion and resurrection of Christ. The images are rich in details inspired by daily life that are of interest to historians, such as a group of Qing porcelain vases present in the bottom left corner of a representation of the wedding at Cana story.

This article is part of our State of the Arts series. These articles tackle the challenges of the arts and heritage industry – and celebrate the wins, too.

The volume’s most distinguishing feature is its unusual binding. The front and back boards are covered with openwork red leather and lined with gold foil and velvet. Such opulence implies high-ranking patronage, but there is seemingly no evidence to support the current seller’s claim that the manuscript was an imperial commission.

In fact, on one page there are two uncoloured figures sketched beneath a representation of the Trinity. They are represented as clergymen prostrated before God. Their supplicant pose and prominent placement in the manuscript suggests that they were probably its intended donors.

However, the lack of colour (many of the illustrations are unfinished) indicates that these patrons may have been unable to complete their purchase for unknown financial or personal reasons. This offers a compelling explanation for why the manuscript remains unfinished at its close.

The manuscript today

The Magdala Gospel was likely acquired by the Ethiopian Emperor Tewodros when he stripped the churches of the city of Gondar (both in 1864 and 1866).

In 1868, the artefact was seized by British troops after the storming of Tewodros’s mountain fortress at Magdala. Facing defeat, the emperor died by suicide rather than surrender. In the aftermath, British forces systematically looted the stronghold. They plundered the royal treasury and a local church of countless sacred relics, crosses and manuscripts. A portion of these items were left behind in Ethiopia. The vast majority was dispersed in various public and private collections across Europe.

Two pages of undated typewritten notes have been inserted at the start of The Magdala Gospel by one of its previous owners. One note, attributed to the Rev. John Medows Rodwell, states that the Gospel was presented by Robert Napier, commander of the Abyssinian Expedition, to William Robert Seymour Vesey-Fitzgerald, Governor of Bombay (1867–72), at the time of the military campaign. Vesey-Fitzgerald sold the manuscript in 1887 and it subsequently passed through private hands into various collections.

The Magdala Gospel had been advertised for sale on the website of the Vienna-based antiquarian bookseller Antiquariat Inlibris since mid-August. But the announcement that it would be put on display with a guide price of €250,000 (£214,480) – a sum that considerably exceeds the amounts usually fetched by Ethiopic manuscripts – drew attention of international heritage campaigners and subsequently the Ethiopian Heritage Authority. The latter dispatched a letter to the bookseller demanding that the manuscript be unconditionally withdrawn from sale and repatriated.

According to Al Jazeera, Hugo Wertscherk, head of the dealership, has argued that while the historical facts of the looting are indisputable, there are no applicable legal frameworks or international laws that retroactively invalidate the current owner’s title. The dealer offered to sell the religious text back to Ethiopian institutions at a “preferential price” as a gesture of goodwill. Such offers are generally rejected by the relevant Ethiopian authorities.

The controversy highlights a broader, escalating global movement demanding the return of African antiquities. Over recent years, Ethiopia has successfully reclaimed dozens of smuggled or looted items, including a lock of Emperor Tewodros’s hair repatriated by Britain in 2019.

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More recently, 17 Ethiopic manuscripts of varying significance have been privately repatriated from the US to Ethiopia. Meanwhile the Toledo Museum of Art has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Ethiopian Heritage Authority. It will see the museum acquire some 380 Christian Ethiopian artefacts that will be partly sold and partly donated by their current owner Robert McCarthy Jr.

According to Adam M. Levine, director of the Toledo Museum of Art, this novel collaborative approach breaks a common loophole regarding looted artefacts. Previously, such objects would often remain in private hands because American museums no longer accept pieces with opaque provenance records.

Amid these developments, the political situation in Ethiopia remains extremely tense, with active skirmishes across the country. Recent reports indicate that several Ethiopian armed groups are forming an alliance to topple the current government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Repatriation efforts may soon need to contend with the harsh realities of a full-scale civil war.

Despite vocal campaigns and stakeholder demands for its return, the fate of the Magdala Gospel remains as uncertain as the political future of Ethiopia itself.

Yet, as much as this individual case hangs in the balance, recent developments suggest that international momentum around the restitution of colonial-era African artefacts has reached a clear turning point. One that antique dealers and institutions alike can no longer easily dismiss.

Proposals to paint double yellow lines along a stretch of Haxby’s North Lane have been shelved.

Cllr Kate Ravilious, City of York Council’s Labour transport spokesperson, said wider plans to tackle parking in the area were needed following objections to the plans.

The decision at the council’s Transport Decision Session on Tuesday, September 22 comes after 23 objections were lodged against plans for the no waiting at any time restrictions.

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Double yellow lines would have been painted on the eastbound side of North Lane, between a cut-through leading to Acadia Grove and just after one going to Hawthorn Avenue.

A report on the plans stated they were first advertised in November 2025 and consulted on in July this year.

Four comments were lodged in support of the plans along with the 23 against them.

Haxby Sports Bar stated they supported the plans to tackle issues caused by cars parking in the street which affect its deliveries.

The proposed double yellow lines in North Lane, Haxby (Image: City of York Council)

The business stated: “At present, there are cars parked along both sides of the road from The Village and it narrows past Church Lane to our premises and thereafter becomes one way, heading from the opposite direction.

“We have had issues with delivery trucks being unable to get into and out of our car park, some reversing a considerable distance along a perilously narrow road, with parked vehicles everywhere.”

But one objector claimed the plans would cause problems for elderly and disabled people visiting St Mary’s Church.

They said: “The proposed restrictions will make it much more difficult for many who access church services and events run in the hall by the church and other voluntary groups.

“The consequences of the restrictions will be made worse by residents’ vehicles displaced from the restricted area which might be expected to park starting at the end of the restriction.”

Council officers proposed taking no further action on the plans and studying the issue further ahead of Tuesday’s meeting.

Cllr Ravilious said she had taken the objections on board.

The executive member said: “I agree that a more comprehensive proposal is needed looking at the wider area to take on board the concerns raised around the impact that a narrow scheme will have on the area.”

Manchester United have some concerning developments in attack as speculation continues to swirl around JJ Gabriel’s future

Michael Carrick finds himself with some notable holes in need of filling at Manchester United during the international break. The team has gone three games without a win after only just managing to scrape a point from their trip to Fulham last weekend.

Currently 12th in the Premier League, a 5-2 win over Ipswich in August remains the club’s only top-flight win of the campaign to date. What’s more, Carrick’s men have managed to keep just a single clean sheet from seven outings across all competitions.

However, it’s the attack that’s of most concern this week as youth prospect JJ Gabriel seemingly edges closer to a transfer. Mirror Football covers all the latest headlines coming out of Old Trafford as the international window picks up.

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JJ Gabriel ‘will definitely leave’ United

German newspaper Bild has reported Gabriel “will definitely leave United” and will depart by next summer at the latest. What’s more, he’s all but certain to leave the Premier League as Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain queue up for his signature.

The decision will come as a blow to many United fans who were hoping to see Gabriel become the poster boy of the side. Gabriel spent time with Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham prior to joining United in 2022 but is seemingly bound for European shores.

The teenager’s chances of landing a move to one of the continental juggernauts is aided by the fact he’s unlikely to have an issue obtaining an EU passport. Any non-EU citizen would be prevented from representing the first team of a club like Barca or Bayern until they’re 18th birthday.

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However, Gabriel’s pathway should be smoothened by the fact his mother is Cypriot while his dad, Joe, represented the Republic of Ireland. That being said, Bild’s report also mentions he and his team are favouring a move to Spain at present.

A lack of realistic title prospects in the immediate future is supposedly a major factor in Gabriel’s decision-making. Having already seen a request to be de-registered at United rebuffed, it appears only a matter of time before the club’s brightest gem departs.

Rooney raises questions over Sesko injury

Wayne Rooney has joined the chorus of ex-United stars questioning Benjamin Sesko’s mentality after his recent injury troubles. The striker recently pulled out of Slovenia’s international squad, having missed Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Fulham with a shin injury.

It’s the same issue that’s been plaguing the 6’5″ frontman since the end of last season when he fell awkwardly at the side of the pitch. United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt each questioned the setback on The Good, The Bad and The Football, especially when United are so short of options up front.

Butt commented: “you either break your shin, or you play” as he appeared to raise umbrage with Sesko’s resolve. And Rooney has taken his turn in wondering whether Sesko has the right resolve to play for his former club.

“Shin? Has he broken it? You can hurt your shin, you can take tackles… I bet he’s wearing them little stupid shinpads as well,” he said on the Stick to United podcast.

“If you’re trying to play No. 9 [for United] and you’ve got a must-win game and you’ve got a sore shin and you’re not playing…that’s a big part of the problem.

“Unless you physically can’t play, you play when you’re injured. I remember before games we used to get injections and the doctor used to put them in your a**e.”

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The Aries Full Moon, on September 26, provokes life lessons and wisdom around the themes of courage, independence, and assertiveness.

Not many of us start out decisive and brave, those qualities build over time as we prove things to ourselves and step outside comfort zones to explore, grow, and change.

This Full Moon asks you the question: where do you need to be braver?

It’s not meant to belittle or scare you. Nobody feels courageous when they’re scared. Courage is something you own in hindsight. It’s earned after the event, not before.

So earn your bravery points now, build your resilience, and do something that scares you but will bring untold rewards.

Let the tarot cards guide you this Full Moon…

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Tarot card for Aries for the Full Moon in Aries: Page of Swords

Meaning: The Page of Swords asks you to summon the courage to commit this Full Moon. Commitment is always a leap of faith, no outcome is guaranteed, there is always risk. But you can’t hedge your bets forever because people need and deserve clarity.

Why don’t you feel comfortable with that? Work it out, question your loyalties and motives, assess the real risk, mitigate it. And then commit. You won’t regret it. Nothing is ever set in stone either, there’s always an Exit should you really need it.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Tarot card for Taurus for the Full Moon in Aries: Queen of Wands

Meaning: The Queen of Wands asks you to summon the courage to pursue your greatest passion right now. No more excuses. Why wouldn’t you spend time, energy and effort doing something you love? Why would you build up the barriers to stop you from fulfilment and enjoyment?

Sometimes, Taurus, you love the status quo too much, seeing it as better the devil you know, even when you kind of also resent it. So, give yourself a break, remove the pressure of things needing to be a success, and just go enjoy this project, hobby, friendship, travel plan, or class. It’s time.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Tarot card for Gemini for the Full Moon in Aries: The Chariot

Meaning: The Chariot asks you to summon the courage to book the trip/move/holiday this Full Moon. You are ruled by Mercury, a child of travel. Your mind is opened by new horizons and landscapes, it’s mental fuel. But you’ve not gone as far afield as usual recently — perhaps putting barriers in place around money, time, risk, admin, home priorities etc.

You only live once. Time is short. The world is a big place. There’s so much to see and do. Without breaking the bank or being silly, commit to booking some trips to places you’ve never been and go do it! Amazing things will come of these adventures.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Tarot card for Cancer for the Full Moon in Aries: Seven of Coins

Meaning: The Seven of Coins asks you to summon the courage to admit what you’ve fallen out of love with this Full Moon. You’re a deeply loyal and committed person, and it takes a lot to shift that affection. But, when things pile up and disrespect is continual, you will always remove yourself before you lose your temper and do things you cannot take back.

You feel that happening again. You feel you could be getting to one of your ‘points of no return’ but you resist because it hurts. Cancer, it hurts more to keep on taking this treatment. You know it, too. Start to unhook your feelings from this role, person, place or activity. Change is afoot. Be brave.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Tarot card for Leo for the Full Moon in Aries: Queen of Coins

Meaning: The Queen of Coins asks you to summon the courage to take responsibility for something serious this Full Moon. It may relate to the areas of health, wealth, work or home. This is something you just wish someone else would sort out and deal with… but they are not, so the hot potato lands in your lap.

You know, this could turn out to be a good move. Once you have control, you can make this all a lot easier, streamline and automate it, and also take the rewards and recognition that come with stepping up. Folk will notice your bravery and integrity, and that is worth its weight in gold. Earn your stripes by doing what others have side-stepped.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Tarot card for Virgo for the Full Moon in Aries: Six of Swords

Meaning: The Six of Swords asks you to summon the courage to leave this Full Moon. Don’t panic, this isn’t a sudden or unexpected departure, and it won’t feel sad, bad or difficult because your grieving is all already done (and others suspect this is coming, too).

It’s not a surprise. It’s not a disaster. This is a natural and necessary evolution of moving into a space where you can grow, learn and thrive again. You’ve just outgrown the current spot. Admit it, take a deep breath, and walk away. Celebrate this. It’s brave.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Tarot card for Libra for the Full Moon in Aries: Eight of Coins

Meaning: The Eight of Coins asks you to summon the courage to press ahead even though you want to quit this Full Moon. Don’t quit. Keep going. What you can’t see, Libra, is that a major breakthrough is coming. Nothing worth doing ever came easy.

The reward you’re aiming for remains intact, and more too! In fact, the harder this journey has become, the juicier the rewards will be, because others notice your dedication and admire your commitment against the odds. If you walk away now, you will regret it. Not much further… and then you can rest on your laurels a bit.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Tarot card for Scorpio for the Full Moon in Aries: Seven of Wands

Meaning: The Seven of Wands asks you to summon the courage to compete this Full Moon. Rivalry and competition is a big part of human nature and our lives. Right from being a sibling, we enter into relationships with an element of competitiveness, like it or not.

Often we want to play it down, for fear of losing, for looking silly or too intense. But this rivalry is real. You need to play to win and treat it like the strategic game that is truly is. Don’t try and half-a** it, or play it cool. Show this person, rival, institution, or process that you are the boss, that you’re here to stay and here to win. You are stronger than almost anyone.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Tarot card for Sagittarius for the Full Moon in Aries: Eight of Swords

Meaning: The Eight of Swords asks you to summon the courage to accept this is your doing, not theirs, this Full Moon. Accountability is a rare thing. Most of us assume and project blame or rationalised excuses onto external people, places, and events.

But, truthfully, our life’s course remains in our hands. We determine what we do with the events we encounter. When you accept your mis-steps or wrong assumptions, you create trust with others, and short-cut to the right answers or moves. What’s the point in denial? Say it out loud. See the correction, and take it. All done.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Tarot card for Capricorn for the Full Moon in Aries: Six of Wands

Meaning: The Six of Wands asks you to summon the courage to embrace your happiness this Full Moon. That might sounds like a strange request, but you are often the one to dampen your own joy, not believe it, not dare to trust it or rely on it… for fear of it changing or disappearing.

Capricorn, stop this. You have great gifts in your life and you must appreciate and celebrate them. Nothing lasts forever, it’s true, except the memories, so make them great ones. And whatever is lost will be replaced. Stop worrying away your own joy.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Tarot card for Aquarius for the Full Moon in Aries: Knight of Swords

Meaning: The Knight of Swords asks you to summon the courage to stand your ground and fight back this Full Moon. The pain of letting this slide and living with someone else’s ideas about your life will be far, far worse than the pain of standing up in this moment and fighting back.

Don’t back down. You are honest, pure, and smart. You are right in wanting to do what you’re doing. Do not be browbeaten, guilt-tripped, or manipulated any other way. This is a watershed moment and you want to be able to look back and feel proud of how you handled it. Stand tall.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Tarot card for Pisces for the Full Moon in Aries: Six of Swords

Meaning: The Six of Coins asks you to summon the courage to offer help without any thought or expectation of what you get back this Full Moon. Give for the sake of giving, simply because you can see what they need and that you can help them.

I know this is your natural stance anyway, but this particular gesture feels risky, or like they will reject it, or feel beholden to you. Make it clear that’s not the case and then turn away from watching what they do next. Let them get on with it. Don’t fester over their acceptance or misuse of your generosity… a higher power is at play here. And you will be rewarded by karma down the line, when you least expect it.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.

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