If it’s your birthday

You are the source of your own motivation. Remember that, all the time. Once you stop looking to others for approval, your mind will clear up and you’ll recognize that you’re doing the right thing. What is truly right for you will, in the end, serve the people you care about the most, so you are free to make honest decisions that are in accord with your deepest values. You share a birthday with Steve Martin, Magic Johnson and Halle Berry. AUG. 23-SEPT. 22 As the workweek begins, remember that you remain in the role of making sure that there are fair outcomes, whenever you can arrange that. Avoid doing any damage to your own reputation or influence; use your advantages strategically, in your usual low-key fashion. Choose your words well. SEPT. 23-OCT. 22 You might be inclined to hide or understate your passion or attraction for someone, but why exactly? What reputation are you worried about losing, or getting? When you stop living based on what you think others perceive, you will taste real freedom. Love yourself for who you are. OCT. 23-NOV. 21 Don’t be afraid of other people’s anger. You can still honor their feelings; and, indeed, not responding with fear or push-back is a form of respect. The fact is, you have influence and authority in the world, and that means people may have occasion to disagree with you. They are allowed. NOV. 22-DEC. 21 There’s such a thing as wisdom. You might think of it as ideas or teachings that have withstood the test of time, and can be applied to many different life circumstances. Yet really it’s a connection to something that’s accessed by asking sincere questions and wanting a sincere answer. DEC. 22-JAN. 19 While you’re making progress on one front, you must rethink your goals and intentions on another. Do not neglect this. Recent revelations have shown you where actual problems exist, which must be solved lest they become stumbling blocks in the future. Clear the way for success. JAN. 20-FEB. 18 Someone else may seem to have the one thing that you really need, though you don’t have to get angry about it. Actually, you’re the one in the position of possessing most of what is necessary. You’re coming from a more secure place than you may think, so go gently on others. FEB. 19-MARCH 20 What’s happening is not an example of a “normal” relationship, though do you really want one of those? Or do you want encounters with people where deeper elements of truth and sincerity are welcome? You don’t need to plan the future; just be present and aware in the moment you have.