Astrology: Take a look at your daily horoscope

Happy birthday: for Thursday, Aug. 9. This year you sense emotional undercurrents, no matter which way you turn. Many of these undercurrents are actually reflective of your feelings, fears and desires. Because you notice these moods, you will be able to get to the bottom of what motivates you. If you are single, you could attract someone who might not be emotionally available. Recognize what you are doing to yourself. If you are attached, you could be weighing the pros and cons of your relationship. You will both benefit from well-spent private time together. CANCER understands you better than you think.

Aries (March 21-April 19): ★★★★ Your emotions seem

close to the surface right now. Your intuition lets you know which way to go in order to achieve the results you desire. Pressure could build, forcing you to make a decision not only for others’ comfort, but also for yours. Tonight: Get past a sense of insecurity.

Taurus (April 20-May

20): ★★★★★ Speak your mind and open up to fast changes. When wanting to touch base with someone at a distance, you could feel frustrated. You might want to distance yourself from a controlling person. Tonight: Reach out to a neighbor or sibling; you have a lot of news to catch up on.

Gemini (May 21-June 20):

★★★ Be careful with your finances. Double-check all figures and money agreements. You might find that an associate or a close loved one could be unusually demanding. A key person understands you and makes headway in a negotiation for you. Tonight: Do not go overboard.

Cancer (June 21-July 22):

★★★ You have a way of drawing others toward to you. You have a sense of what is happening behind the scenes. Avoid a controlling person, if possible. You might feel as though you have made too much of an effort. A friend will want to share some exciting news. Tonight: Out late.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22):

★★★★ Your dream life has an esoteric and sometimes unrealistic quality. Nevertheless, through your dreams, you are able to recharge your batteries and renew your energy. Fatigue could be a problem, as you tend to overdo things. You need to take a few days off. Tonight: Call it early.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

★★★★ You could be on the verge of having a difficult situation arise that might cause you to withdraw. Another party could be involved. Do not allow the matter to become a more controversial issue. Listen to news, even if you suspect that it is gossip. Tonight: Let go.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

★★★★ Be ready for nearly anything. You understand the role that control plays in preventing you from obtaining a certain desire; do not assume that it could be too difficult to manifest. Know that this dream could be yours with persistence. Tonight: Weigh the pros and cons of an expense.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

★★★★ You could be at the end of your rope, and your patience seems nowhere to be found. You can drive a hard bargain if you want to. Be honest with yourself; perhaps this situation does not interest you enough to make you fight for what you want. Tonight: Free yourself of obstacles.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

★★★★ You could be surprisingly content dealing with one person directly. You might not understand what is motivating you to settle in, but you will -given time. A discussion about finances could be uncomfortable, but important. Tonight: Relax over a favorite meal.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

★★★ You’ll want to greet someone you care about with more warmth, especially if you want him or her to get the message. You often get tied up in work or challenging situations. Try focusing on other important matters. Allow a relationship to flourish. Tonight: Happy at home.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

★★★★ Your playfulness plays a big role in what is happening. You know what to do and when to move on a key issue. How much of a role will you want in a power play? You will recognize what to do when you have answered that question. Tonight: Know when to call it a night.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20):

★★★★★ You seem to have the right words for a partner or potential sweetie. To this person, your words seem magical; he or she will try hard to keep you close to him or her. A friend could be distraught that you are not making him or her more of a priority. Tonight: Do what you want.

Born today: Singer Whitney Houston (1963), actor Sam Elliott (1944), actress Melanie Griffith (1957)