Horoscope

Happy birthday: for Wednesday, Aug. 16. This year you often feel overwhelmed by what you must do, and confused about where others are coming from. You see others as producers of chaos. Nevertheless, communication remains a strong suit for you. If you are single, you might date a while before finding someone you feel comfortable with. You might find that several people you meet this year suit you. If you are attached, the two of you need to stay calm during misunderstandings and remember that the other party genuinely cares. Respect your sweetie’s different viewpoints. GEMINI intrigues you. Aries (March 21-April 19): ★★★★ You might believe that you are communicating with exactitude, but then why do others act as if you are speaking Chinese? The promise of the morning is confusion. You might be right in the middle of this hazy distortion. Do not lose your patience. Tonight: Take a midweek break. Taurus (April 20-May 20): ★★★ Be aware of the cost of continuing as you have been. Observe a friend’s reaction, and ask for feedback if necessary. If you choose not to be the source of crystal-clear communication, say little. As a result, you might avoid several problems. Tonight: Accept a fun invitation. Gemini (May 21-June 20): ★★★★★ You are all smiles, and you might not even know why. Others will observe you and feel drawn to you. Witness the power of positivity and friendliness. Later in the day, make an important call to someone you care a lot about. Tonight: The world is your oyster. Cancer (June 21-July 22): ★★ Know when to back off. Consider taking today as a personal day, as long as you don’t think it will be a source of trouble. Maintain your composure rather than allow someone else’s difficult attitude to get to you. Remember, this is but a passage! Tonight: Go for a good night’s sleep. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): ★★★★ Knowing what you want is critical to manifesting your desires. Being able to inspire others with your vision might be more important than you realize. Note how others respond to your energy and efforts. You could be opening a door of trust. Tonight: Enjoy those around you. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): ★★★★ A take-charge attitude is not really your style, but your fussiness often puts you in that position. If you would prefer to not be placed in this role, keep your critiques to a minimum. Take off your rose-colored glasses, and you might be shocked! Tonight: Respond to a request. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): ★★★★ Keep reaching out to someone at a distance whom you care about. Confusion surrounds matters involving a new point of view. You might want to seek out a specialist. A friend could be unusually assertive; know that this person is well-intended. Tonight: Opt to experience life. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): ★★★★ Close relating brings forth another person’s bottom line; you don’t need to wonder, as it will become obvious. An older friend, relative and/or an authority figure demands a lot. Be wise and step up to the plate, knowing that it is the right move. Tonight: Make it close and cozy. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): ★★★★ You could feel more challenged by a close associate than you usually do. You might feel as if this person is in your face making demands that you typically would not respond to. Ask yourself how you feel about this person in general, then respond. Tonight: Let the fun begin! Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): ★★★★ You could be much more difficult than you realize. Refuse to get backed into a corner by someone. Others might be confusing, and trying to get clarity is likely to be difficult. At present, that objective doesn’t seem possible. Trust that answers will be forthcoming. Tonight: Out late. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): ★★★★ Your playfulness might be inappropriate, yet it adds a certain charm to the moment. You cannot be more clear about an expectation, but don’t expect others to receive your message. A lack of clarity seems to be a given right now. Tonight: Act as if there were no tomorrow. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): ★★★★ Pressure seems to build because of a personal matter. You could feel confused by what you hear. Attempts to ask questions in order to gain clarity seem to only add to your confusion. Try not to focus on the problem. Remain upbeat, and worry less. Tonight: Head home early. Born today: Singer/songwriter Madonna (1958), TV host Kathie Lee Gifford (1953), actress Angela Bassett (1958)