HOROSCOPE

Aries (March 21-April 19): Ask for feedback. Without it, you won’t know how your work and personality land with others, or what kind of people you’re dealing with.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Your sign is keenly aware of the risks involved in taking a bull by the horns — not advisable today. Wild instincts are quelled in a natural social environment.

Gemini (May 21-June 21): Your feeling that someone is showing you a carefully controlled version of his image is correct. It’s important that you get a truer perspective on who you’re dealing with.

Cancer (June 22-July 22): What you thought would please you turned out to be different than expected. Now you know that happiness is a byproduct, not an end product.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): An exchange will happen. You won’t have to give up what you want to keep, but you might find that “keeping” isn’t so important anymore.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): People say the wrong thing accidentally or out of social awkwardness. Your grace will smooth it over and make you the winner.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Conflict, tension and surprise aren’t just essential elements of drama; they’re needed in real life.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): Power comes from knowing what others want, which requires listening well. Listening is the power move.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22Dec. 21): It is no more admirable to regulate mild emotions than it is to succumb to overpowering ones.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There is a primal beat inside you, barely detectable in the hum of the modern world. In the wilderness (actual or metaphorical) it syncs with all that is.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Comedians know that most times it’s better not to try to be funny. You’ll follow your own seemingly contradictory rules for today’s win. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): The thrill of victory is like a special sauce. Once you taste it, you want to try it with everything. But losing can be the best win.

Today’s birthday (Aug. 15): You feel your feelings, understand your needs and develop strategies for getting those needs met that do not require other people to behave differently. That last part represents your real freedom this year. A professional breakthrough occurs in October. The year-end sees you leading a troupe. Sagittarius and Capricorn adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 11, 37, 2, 24 and 16.

Mathis writes her column for Creators Syndicate Inc. The horoscope should be read for entertainment.