YOUR horoscope
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018:
This year you often share your dreams with one particular person. As a result of your sharing and the back-and-forth exchange that ensues, you’ll make good choices. In fact, this year you could pull a white rabbit out of a black hat. Knowing what you want is instrumental to your success. If you are single, a concept of the type of relationship you want might be helpful in making the right choice. If you are attached, you work well as a team and will achieve an important goal. You both espouse this change. TAURUS can be challenging.
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
★★★ You might be weighing the pros and cons of an expenditure. You need to be careful with your budget. Once you start breaking your budget, you could be faced with having to make another expenditure and yet another. Use caution and good sense.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
★★★★ Pressure builds around a domestic issue or a matter involving real estate. You will not make a mistake if you discuss your options with the parties involved. The solution you opt to go with could have a wonderful outcome. Do some more research first.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
★★★ You don’t feel as if you are in the loop. If you observe, you will pick up the essence of what is happening. At that point, you might be thrilled to be out of the loop. A respected friend might not be revealing the whole story, for his or her own purposes.
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
★★★★★ You might need to move in a new direction, especially if you listen to your friends. Recognize that dipping your toes in the water is not a problem, nor is trying out one or two of their suggestions. Give yourself the space to experience other tactics.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
★★★ You might feel pressured to spend time with a loved one. Recognize that you can fit only so much activity into your day, which means that you’ll need to make a choice. Be sure to make time to visit with an older relative today or in the near future.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
★★★★ You might not be sure of what you need to do. Get past a problem that seems to have no end in sight right now. Make a call. Get together with some friends. The more you visit with friends and loved ones, the less uptight you will be.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
★★★★★ You might be a lot happier and easygoing than you realize. Listen to news, but do not make a judgment yet. Wait until the events suggested start occurring, then react. Keep to your budget, no matter what you do.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
★★★★ Others approach you before you can make the first move. You might wonder what to do with all the invitations that could be dropped on you. Feel flattered, but give a neutral response, unless you absolutely want to accept.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
★★★★ You could be overdoing things, and perhaps cannot deal with what is coming down your path. Be easier on yourself. Feel free to go off and take a longneeded and much-desired snooze. Your mood and energy could be radically transformed as a result.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
★★★★ You might want to find out what is happening around you. By doing so, you could turn up where some of your friends spend their free time. Once the conversation starts flowing, you could be surprised by all the news you are hearing.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
★★★ Slow down and indulge a loved one or a roommate. Some quality time at home makes you feel a lot better than you have in quite a while. You might want to invite a friend or two over later in the day. Do not make anything difficult. Just go with the flow.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
★★★★ You have your choice of happenings to join. However, you might just want to do your own thing and explore a new spot or go for a day drive to get a change of scenery. You will opt to invite a loved one or dear friend along on your adventure.
BORN TODAY Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle (1981), former U.S. President Barack Obama (1961), actress Lauren Tom (1961)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018: This year you often accept responsibility at work or within the community. As a result, you can be found among the crowds or in late meetings. You might want more downtime at home, so be sure to schedule some. If you are single, you will meet many interesting people, one of whom could be of particular interest. This encounter will most likely be when the weather cools off. If you are attached, the two of you will enjoy a great sense of involvement with your community. You prefer to work or volunteer together when involved with a cause. TAURUS helps you network.
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
★★★ You might be weighing the pros and cons of an expenditure. You want to say “yes,” but you need to be careful with your budget. Once you start spending, it could lead to more of the same. Use caution and good sense, and you’ll come out on top.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
★★★★ Reach out to an expert when facing a problem. Though you are as stubborn as a bull, you have the flexibility and intelligence to know when you need professional knowledge and advice. You will get a better grasp on the issue at hand as a result.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
★★★ You could be tired and withdrawn most of the day. Your mind is working overtime as you attempt to sleuth through a problem. A partner or a loved one who might be tied to a financial matter with you is likely to adapt and accept a new viewpoint.
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
★★★★ When surrounded by your friends, you experience a lot of happiness. You treat your inner circle like a second family. In a sense, they are even more important to you than your blood relatives because they are chosen by you.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
★★★ You smile wherever you go, and others respond accordingly. Though a close friend or loved one assumes that you are expressing everything that is on your mind, that is not the case. You might feel cornered by a personal situation.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
★★★★ Your ability to look past the obvious and get to the root of a problem is highlighted. Your understanding of where others are coming from and what they really want is a skill that is continually evolving. Your gentle nature draws others toward you.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
★★★★ Your strength emerges when relating to those around you. A discussion that could be touchy and difficult proves well worth it, as you finally see eye to eye with the other party. Do not deny what this person means to you. Make time for a visit soon.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
★★★ Deal with a partner, even if you seem to land in a situation that involves a power play. Express your concerns, but try not to play into this person’s control game. The best strategy would be to walk away and do your own thing.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
★★★ You plunge into a project and get a lot done quickly and efficiently. A money matter could be changing right in front of you, and you might feel as if you can get it under control. Do not hesitate to ask questions, but wait for the right timing.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
★★★★ Allow your creativity to flow. You could hear news that might make you uncomfortable. You seem to be more controlling than you are aware, but you’ll get feedback from a friend that helps you relax. News from a distance puts a smile on your face.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
★★★★ You don’t want to move from your home. You seem to be realizing the dynamics of a situation more powerfully than usual. You often stop and assess a problem before taking action. You’ll see the matter differently when you are an on-hand witness.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
★★★ You are more in tune with your feelings than others realize. A friend or loved one seems ready to express what is ailing him or her. Many people hesitate to reveal themselves, even with you. Your vision and judgment remain different from those of others.
BORN TODAY Astronaut Neil Armstrong (1930), rapper Adam Yauch (1964), actress Loni Anderson (1945)