HOROSCOPE

Aries (March 21-April 19): Unless this story is a melodrama, the hero won’t be the seemingly perfect character who always does what’s right, and the villain won’t be sheer evil, either.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): You’re probably doing fine, but you won’t really know until you shore up the short-term gains against the long-term costs.

Gemini (May 21-June 21): The mind at work won’t be a tight essay or neat math problem; rather, it will resemble a rambling, shapeless amoeba gaining organization as it finds the direction of growth.

Cancer (June 22-July 22): There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to love. Generic attributes aside, affinity will be created through your individual intelligence and sparkle.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Maturity is realizing that most inconveniences are not catastrophes and unfortunate events don’t define you or automatically dictate your mood.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Growth entails understanding what you couldn’t conceive, feeling what you’ve never felt, doing what you haven’t done.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): The correct time to be aware of the tone of a place and the game that’s being played there is before entering.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): When dealing with yourself, try to provide the same atmosphere of warmth you so hospitably use in your approach to others.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22Dec. 21): You’re large and in charge sitting at the royal throne of your life, and yet you realize, as most rulers do, much that happens in your kingdom is beyond your control. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan.

19): If you’re going to ask for more of anything today, ask for more wisdom. You just might get more happiness too. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): When you’re good at rejection you learn more, take the idea to more people, pitch more and ultimately succeed more.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): The hours you spend focusing on someone else’s enjoyment will be the best of the day.

Today’s birthday (Aug. 17): Truly your life is becoming more beautiful. Social stars are rising. Love is at the helm. You’ll invite people to visit your work and living space, which will inspire new designs and systems. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 18, 44, 9 and 12.