HOROSCOPES: JULY 19, 2018

MOON ALERT: Avoid shopping or important decisions from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Libra into Scorpio.

IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Actor Benedict Cumberbatch (1976) shares your birthday today. You are optimistic and idealistic and have a natural grace about you. You also have a good sense of humor. It’s time to clarify your goals because exciting changes await you this year. Take the initiative! What you begin now will unfold in the future because this is the beginning of a new cycle. Your physical strength will increase this year. Bonus!

Aries (March 21-April 19): Since May, fiery Mars has been agitating groups and friendships in your chart. You might be at odds with a friend. You might also feel competitive with a friend or a member of a group. This will continue for three more weeks. Get used to it.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Your ambition has been aroused for the last few months and it will stay this way for another month. This gives you tremendous energy and focus to go after what you want to achieve. Your communication skills are strong and everyone loves you!

Gemini (May 21-June 20): You like variety and stimulation, which is one reason you have been keen to travel in the last few months. Your desire to travel will continue for another month, so make plans to get out of town if you haven’t already done so. You also want to study and learn!

Cancer (June 21-July 22): Disputes about inheritances, shared property, insurance, taxes or debt might have plagued you for the last few months. Unfortunately, this will continue for another three weeks at least.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): With Mars opposite your sign for several months now, it is so easy to be critical or annoyed with a partner or close friend. It’s unusual this year that Mars is opposite your sign for such a long time. Consider this an opportunity for you to cultivate patience. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’re revved up to work hard because fiery Mars is in the part of your chart related to employment. This means you’re giving everything you’ve got to your job or any task that you choose. Plus you’re delegating as much as possible. This will continue for another month.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): It’s play city for you! This is why you want to sneak off on vacation, enjoy parties, experience the arts and be involved with sports and playful activities with kids. This fun energy will continue for another month. But it will return in September!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your home has been the source of activity and chaos since May. This might be due to renovations, visiting guests or intense family activity. Family has made demands on you and your time since May and will continue to do so for another month. It is what it is.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ve been raring to go since May! You’re still strong in all your communications and will continue to be this way for another month. This bodes well for those who write, sell, teach, act or communicate for a living.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’ve been spending money for several months now and this will continue for about another month. It will subside — and then it will return again in November. This also applies to an increased cash flow for your sign. “Show me the money!”

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Fiery Mars is been in your sign since May. It will stay there for another three weeks. Then it will slip back into Capricorn and return to your sign in November. This is a long visit! Usually Mars is in your sign once every two years for six weeks. No wonder, you’re so aggressive!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Secret activities going on behind the scenes (yes, this includes secret love affairs) have been bubbling on the back burner for many of you. This will continue. This might also apply to other secrets. Be careful of anyone who does not have your best interests at heart.