Horoscope

Today's birthday (Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017) This year you will want to blaze your own trail. Your emphasis will be on children, love and creative pursuits. The unexpected marks events and decisions. Your flexibility could make or break your year. If you are single, you won’t want to say “no” to a romantic possibility. However, be sure not to rush this bond into a commitment; instead, just enjoy every moment. If you are attached, the two of you will rekindle the fire that exists between you. A new addition could be possible. Capricorn plays a major role in your year.

Aries (March 21-April 19) ★★★ You could feel as if there is a different influence around you today. You might be making decisions that you have been putting off for a long time. Don’t be surprised if you change your mind again later and opt to head down an even more unexpected path. Tonight: Out late.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) ★★★★ You could be in a situation where you feel you have the proper amount of control. You might be negotiating a financial agreement, trying to hit the lottery or some variation on the moneymaking theme. Try not to go to extremes. Tonight: Swap news with a loved one.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) ★★★★★ Reach out to a loved one or special friend. You might need to air out some grievances you’ve been holding on to. You’ll appreciate this person’s feedback. Don’t be surprised if you get some strong reactions to what is being shared. Tonight: Go along with a suggestion.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) ★★★★ You have a strong sense of direction, and you know what you want. You see a situation much differently from how others see it. A boss or friend seems to want to shake up the status quo. Be willing to take a stand, if need be. Tonight: Remember, nothing is written in stone.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) ★★★★ Your vision of what to do during the day seems to please those around you. Brace yourself for some unanticipated developments. You might be wondering what would be the best way to create a positive result. Listen to your gut and follow your whims. Tonight: Run some errands.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) ★★★★ You might wonder which way to go when handling a volatile situation that seems difficult to stabilize. The unexpected runs through your plans. Understand what is motivating a family member to be so unpredictable; observe rather than judge. Tonight: Opt for togetherness.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) ★★★★★ You might not be in the position to make a judgment at the present moment. Communication could be overwhelming, but you’ll manage to navigate it effectively. A key person in your life is likely to surprise you with his or her words. Tonight: Think “weekend.”

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) ★★★★ You still might think that you have some control over a daily work situation, but you are likely to be proven wrong. You could witness a backfire of some sort, an unexpected development might emerge. Maintain a sense of humor. Tonight: Visit with a dear friend.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) ★★★★★ You are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed today. Go for what you want, but if the unexpected pops up, step back and look at the situation differently. You might need to let go of a matter or head in a different direction. You are free to blaze a new trail. Tonight: Make it your treat.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) ★★★★★ You might want to head in a different direction from the majority of those around you. As a result, you could be surprised by what happens. The unexpected plays a heavy role in what takes place. A family member is likely to create some uproar. Tonight: Be spontaneous.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) ★★★★ Recognize that you are heading down a path that could elicit some strong reactions. Free yourself from the status quo. You might have some unexpected changes on the way. Do not close down or pretend that it is business as usual. Go with the moment. Tonight: Catch some zzz’s.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) ★★★★ You will take the lead and breeze past some enormous changes. In fact, because of some financial ups and downs, you might even want to head in a new direction. Open up to that possibility, and discuss it with a friend. Listen to his or her feedback. Tonight: With friends. The stars show the kind of day you'll have: 5 Dynamic; 4 Positive; 3 Average; 2 So-so; 1 Difficult.