HOROSCOPE

Aries (March 21-April 19): You’re not interested in being a decent communicator or an adequate leader. You want to be great. That’s why you’ll work out the solutions before you point out the problem.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): For many people, talking about themselves can be more rewarding than food or money. Giving someone the opportunity to do this is thereby a valuable gift.

Gemini (May 21-June 21): When you feel blue, you behave in ways to reinforce the mood. It’s why having a reason to fake happiness can be a passageway to real happiness.

Cancer (June 22-July 22): You behave as though your every moment were going to be broadcast to the people you most want to impress. It will help to keep them in mind through your day.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): You’ve a ritualistic approach to things about your life that don’t really require such care. Don’t skip steps.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ll be the most disciplined and mentally sharp within the first four hours after waking. Take advantage of this by getting the hard work done and over with.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Sleep is a process based on phases. It doesn’t work right if the phases are interrupted.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): The workings of the heart can never be fully seen or understood. Some things are best approached with the cursory attention that keeps daily life moving.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22Dec. 21): You’ll be in a position to be rated, judged, critiqued or followed. Your audience will be skeptical, and you can win them over with your delivery of information you know to be true.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your original plan won’t seem nearly as exciting once you realize that other people are out in the big, wide world having some fun.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Whatever you get into today, leave yourself an out. As things develop, so will your feelings.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Entitlement is a contagious disease. Choose your company carefully. Prize humility and modesty.

Today’s birthday (Aug. 18): Your commitments follow a natural course; they ripen and fall from the vine. This frees up your time. You’ll get a thrill from learning. Each skill you acquire in 2018 will double your odds of being successful. Your lucky numbers: 5, 3, 24, 39 and 45.