Horoscopes for Aug. 3, 2012

A strong sense of destiny will prevail over the next 10 days. Venus in Cancer and Neptune in Pisces align to highlight the spiritual and intuitive aspects of our most cherished endeavors. The saying goes that many are called but few are chosen. When you hear the call, put aside all doubt, step up and become one of those chosen few.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your friendship skills are exceptional, and you’ll use them well today. You’ll be funny. You’ll listen. And your belief in others will help them grow into the people they want to be.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Though you don’t go around publicly stating that you approve of yourself, it shows. You’ll come across as very comfortable in your own skin, and your actions will be congruent with your inner drive.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You can move forward in good faith. If it turns out to be a more prickly arrangement than you would have liked, this is an opportunity, too. Having grace in a difficult situation will create good karma.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Before you make others walk the plank, remember that you’re the captain of your fate. Take responsibility for recent decisions, and make sure others understand that you’re doing so.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Curiosity might have killed the cat, but when used judiciously, it often saves the day. You’ve been feeling in the dark about certain things. Now is the time to shine the light of your curiosity on them.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Romance is in the air, and you’ve been walking around for far too long under an umbrella of indifference. Put your reserve away, and feel the cool rain of possibility on your cheeks.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Patience doesn’t let you know how patient it’s being. If someone is trying to show you patience while putting emotional pressure on you or rushing you along, this is a lie in action.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Mirrors can only reflect what you show them. Today, the very best mirrors are your friends and family. Show up and interact. Get feedback about recent decisions.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Relationships at home and at work have been frazzled — and not just by the heat, but by a few hotheads who love to stir up the heat. Turn up your emotional AC, and remember to keep your cool when tempers flare.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). A little devil and an angel have taken up permanent residence on your shoulders thanks to a constant temptation. Stop wrestling. It’s time to brush them both off and focus your attention elsewhere.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Workplace confusion has sown a fair amount of stress, but now is the time to cut through the fog of miscommunication. Have that conversation you’ve been putting off, and everyone will soon relax.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’re undaunted by the things that used to make you back away in fear. The heavy responsibilities are also the ones that make you shine the brightest.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY Your taste and focus change this year, and it’s thrilling to discover what you really want. Out with the old plan, and in with adventure over the next six weeks. October brings romance and creative satisfaction. November offers strong relationships. A group dynamic helps you develop your talents. Aries and Taurus people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 40, 32, 7 and 18.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: You’ll feel more amorous while listening to the romantic and fun songs that remind you of the one you love. TAURUS: You’re spending too much time waiting. Change your focus. Get busy with something else. GEMINI: You’ll hear “no” a few times before you get to the “yes” that’s best for you. CANCER: You are in a cut-and-dried situation. You either act, or you don’t. LEO: You fall in love much more easily than you fall out of it. VIRGO: Your sweetness sometimes goes without comment, but everyone feels and appreciates it. LIBRA: You’ll love watching someone you care about develop into a more capable person. SCORPIO: Your quest for beauty has a wonderful outcome on Sunday. SAGITTARIUS: There is little mystery involved in courtship now. You know what you’re doing, and good manners will take you far. CAPRICORN: A fire sign will make you forget the meaning of the word “boredom.” AQUARIUS: Don’t be in a rush to spend your whole life with someone. Instead, enjoy your time together with an open mind. PISCES: You’ll apply lessons you learned from your parents (from either their good or bad example) to excellent effect.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Leo and Pisces will find each other more interesting this weekend as the sun and the moon nestle into those signs. There’s a sense that Leo can help Pisces in a concrete way with a very ethereal dream. In turn, Pisces lends a special, intangible quality to Leo’s life. It’s as though the colors are more saturated, the food tastes better and the music sounds sweeter when Pisces is around.

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