Friday August 18

ARIES: (March 21 to April 20)
Planets in your zone of connections stress the benefits of networking through friends and associates. Once you open up different avenues of advice and communication, you will receive valuable hints, feedback and warnings for the future.

TAURUS: (April 21 to May 21)
The tighter your hold on a person or situation, the more you risk losing control. Learn to let go and lighten up, taking into consideration that if you play hard to get others will find you more attractive.

GEMINI: (May 22 to June 21)
You may be given a small glimpse into the future and will like what you see. Someone you are already infatuated with may show another side, or life could gently turn in a more positive direction.

CANCER: (June 22 to July 23)
You may be in better shape emotionally than you were last year, but there are further challenges to overcome in affairs of the heart. If you want to more respect from loved ones, show them the same consideration.

LEO: (July 24 to August 23)
A tendency to make rash decisions or speak your mind will bring both wins and losses. Rather than worrying about minor mistakes, make quick apologies for your words or actions and move on straight away.

VIRGO: (August 24 to September 23)
You may see this as the perfect time to move in an upward direction. And whether you are keen to climb the social ladder, advance career prospects or enhance your reputation, the key is definitely self-promotion.

LIBRA: (September 24 to October 23)
Profit and pleasure may be uppermost on your mind during this compatible phase of life. And provided you analyse your options carefully and conduct yourself with the utmost integrity, you can achieve all you set out to.

SCORPIO: (October 24 to November 22)
You may have to rethink your strategy or start afresh with someone. Keep a positive frame of mind, even if you are initially rejected. With tact and perseverance you will eventually win a public or private battle.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23 to December 22)
A business or romantic problem that has been weighing on your mind may suddenly become clear. Not only are you likely to talk more openly about issues, but you may also receive help from unexpected sources.

CAPRICORN: (December 23 to January 20)
While your freedom of expression or movement may be curtailed, you will discover new ways to simplify your daily routine. People who rely on you for support may feel hard done by and will demand greater input.

AQUARIUS: (January 21 to February 19)
If you feel strongly about an issue have your say. Provided you calmly discuss concerns from a rational rather emotional perspective, you will capture the attention of others and more than likely win them over.

PISCES: (February 20 to March 20)
There may be some unfinished business to attend to, but other issues take precedence. Work to an agenda and try not to fret if you lack the time or motivation for certain tasks. Keep anxiety levels down.

YOUR DAY
Brainstorming sessions could produce some wonderfully innovative ideas and solutions. People will fire off each other well today, but there must be a leader and schedule to follow or proceedings could get out of hand. A me-first attitude still prevails and egos might get in the way.

YOUR BIRTHDAY
You will be unconcerned with trifling issues and focussed on the deeper meaning of life. This does not mean your existence will be tedious or lacking in opportunity, but more that you may be choosy about the company you keep and ventures you undertake.