Astrology: Take a look at your daily horoscope

Happy birthday:

for Friday, Aug. 7. Brilliant and socially adept, you have an irresistible attraction to undercover events. This year, like a detective, you ferret out the truth and put it to lucrative use, very successfully. If single, you carefully search for the right mate, and find him or her at the end of the year. If attached, your bond is extremely tight, although a part of you remains reclusive. The love is super strong. LEO understands you.

Aries (March 21-April 19):

★★★★ You’ll feel enthused and motivated today, but must direct impatience and possible irritation into positive outlets. You’ll be especially forceful and competitive with others, so be aware and tone it down a little in translation. Tonight: Burning the midnight oil.

Taurus (April 20-May 20):

★★★★ Research projects of all kinds are successful now. If travel plans are discussed, choose to return to an old haunt instead of exploring new territory. Deep meditation helps you understand your life’s purpose. A companion from the past might resurface. Tonight: A soothing bath.

Gemini (May 21-June 20):

★★★★★ Gemini always makes life interesting, and today your ability to communicate is in top form. Trust a hunch. It’s an optimum time for networking. Respond enthusiastically to offers of friendship. Tonight: Go over old lists of contacts and reach out to some of them.

Cancer (June 21-July 22):

★★★ Catch up on work-related responsibilities, but don’t accept new tasks until your home life is balanced. Various volatile situations in your domestic scene gradually resolve. Talented companions stimulate your creative side. A loved one needs more of your time. Tonight: Still working.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22):

★★★★ You’ve undergone some radical transformations in your beliefs. Review your spiritual journey; examine where you’re going. You’ll question old concepts and seek new, deeper levels of truth. It’s a time to release practices that no longer inspire you. Tonight: Contact a foreign friend.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

★★ Don’t allow a needy companion to drain your resources. Today could make you a soft touch. Offer words of encouragement, not cash. Be aware of your spending and saving practices. Learn from past experiences. Settle debts. Tonight: Take some time for yourself.

Libra (Sept. 23- Oct. 22):

★★★★ You are the quintessential romantic. Today promises a new understanding of lost loves that just weren’t meant to be. Light the way for Cupid’s arrows now and for the future with a pair of rose-colored candles. Tonight: Dinner with a loved one.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

★ ★ ★ Your survival skills are legendary, and you often completely bounce back from life-threatening situations. Today, the health consequences of past choices become apparent. Conquer any dietary or lifestyle factors that undermine your wellbeing. You can do it. Tonight: Early bedtime.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

★★★★ Be alert to novel income opportunities. A creative idea is worth exploring. Today also promises changes of heart. You fall in and out love quickly. Remember that your words are powerful and will shape your future, so use them carefully. Tonight: A music fest.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan 19):

★★★ Be patient if someone close to you is moody and sensitive. It’s easy to keep relatives happy and to relax at home. A visitor proves to be good company. Be hospitable. An unexpected turn of events is likely for next week. Tonight: Home night.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

★★★★ Today provides solutions to complex situations. Helpful information arrives. Examine past patterns. They reveal what to expect for the future. This brings a brainstorming session, which generates new perspectives. There will be a great exchange of ideas. Tonight: Write emails.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20):

★★★★ Bargains can be found. A friend’s assistance can be a key factor in generating a windfall. Include snowdrops and other tiny white flowers (which represent hope) in your home or workspace. Follow your hunches. Tonight: Meditate on the white flowers.

Born today:

Spy Mata Hari (1876), paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey (1903), actress Charlize Theron (1975)