HOROSCOPE

(July 27 Thursday)

Post-Conjunction Stretch The alignment of the sun is moving slowly apart, stretching us in the direction of our ambition. Be like the seed of a tree. Concern yourself with your own creation and growth. Reach upward; root downward; find the sun and water you need to thrive. Note: Trees don’t have the eyes to check out how they are comparing with other trees. ARIES (March 21-April 19). To feel that everything is a necessity is a warning sign that you may be avoiding an uncomfortable reality. The truth is that your necessities are covered, for the most part. So what is this trumpedup sense of urgency really about? TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Eye contact is your most effective accessory. Of course, it’s impossible to wear well while using your phone. It’s like hiding a Cartier watch in your pants pocket.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). An obsession with the perfect moments of the past can be a lovely distraction every bit as fanciful as fictional storytelling. Tap into your own artistry. Play around with this. History is more art than science.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). No place is inherently superior. Each place is just a better or worse fit for the organism trying to inhabit it. Though there may be no point to building a metaphorical boat to get to the next place, build it anyway. You were meant to sail. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When you act intentionally, your action automatically has a purpose. When you act unintentionally, the purpose is lost. Get aware. If you don’t know your own motivations, figure them out or make them up. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The scene will change, and you will need to change, too. That which dissolves you allows you the opportunity to build yourself up anew (and to custom specs, too).

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The story of meeting a person is likely to reflect the story of the entire relationship. No pressure! But it does make you think twice about your social game – and introductions specifically.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have already learned what you need to do. Now the question is whether you are at liberty to do so. This is one of those times when it will be better to seek forgiveness than permission. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your contributions are quality and should be honored as such. Particularly precious is your attention. Loved ones need to value

this, or you will not be very inclined to give it so well again. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Lao Tzu said, “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” In the next 24 hours, you’ll get the opportunity to benefit from both sides of this statement.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). People may behave in pitiful ways, but do not give them your pity. No one knows what to do with pity. You can’t eat it or wear it. Give help, support or something more concrete instead. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You need many more muscles to frown than

you do to smile. Both are more interesting than a blank, slack stare (creepy!), which takes no effort at all. Emotional engagement is your preferred work of the day.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 27). This solar return sees you opening your heart to new people and places, adding excitement and spice to your world. Your commitment to a cause will bring multiple rewards in 2018. You already know enough; you’ll learn more on the job than you will in school, so sign up and get earning. Bonus bucks come in November. Libra and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 45, 38, 31 and 49.

LEO BIRTHDAY GIFTS: With the string of Leo birthdays just beginning, you may be thinking of that special lion in your life and wondering just how to make this royal of the zodiac feel special on his or her birthday and beyond. Lucky for you, Leo isn’t difficult to please at all. Unlike actual royalty, who can be compli- cated and so privileged that the perfect gift is nearly impossible to conceive, the zodiac royalty is truly satisfied with a high quality of attention.

It can be argued that love itself is not a feeling but a quality of attention. Seeing as one person cannot feel another person’s emotions, attention is certainly the closest thing to proof of love. And even though Leo needs plenty of attention and adores to be lavished in eyeball time from just about anyone and everyone, the special people in Leo’s life are held to a different standard. Leo requires them to be specifically attuned to Leo’s needs and delights. Generic gestures will be publicly accepted with grace, but privately Leo will discount them. To please a Leo, pick up on the hints that the lion drops about what is truly desired. If you can prove that you were listening to Leo, you will steal this sign’s big heart.