Horoscopes: Friday, August 21

ARIES: (March 21 to April 20)
Any criticism that comes your way is accepted it in good spirit. There are pedantic but well-meaning people in your environment and you sense there is nothing personal in their remarks.

TAURUS: (April 21 to May 21)
You pull out all stops to complete an assignment. Moon in the success realm stirs up dormant ambitions and whets your appetite for financial reward. Strike quickly while you have the upper hand.

GEMINI: (May 22 to June 21)
Sneaking under the radar protects you from harm. Certain people have you in their sights and avoidance is your best form of defence. Ultimately you can turn negatives into positives, but not just yet.

CANCER: (June 22 to July 23)
Lifestyle issues are under review. There is scope for improvement and whether changes are subtle or bold, they are probably long overdue. Accept input from others but settle on your own unique style.

LEO: (July 24 to August 23)
Attention turns to issues of money and security. You have to adjust your thinking when it comes to financial opportunities, or risk being left behind. Read the fine print before you sign off on documents.

VIRGO: (August 24 to September 23)
You are poised on the brink of change. Moon in your sign offers encouragement but you must take the first step independently towards a new enterprise or set of circumstances. Intuition is at a peak.

LIBRA: (September 24 to October 23)
You automatically think twice before expressing an opinion. Lunar energy in the mind zone acts as a buffer against knee-jerk responses and short-sighted decisions. Past experience has taught you that diplomacy works best.

SCORPIO: (October 24 to November 22)
Attention to detail is your speciality. A photographic memory plus a head for facts and figures helps prevent you from mistakes. Research is another of your skills that works to advantage today.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23 to December 22)
After a sluggish start to a job you are now making positive headway. Working at your own pace has been one of the delaying factors but a prevailing sense of urgency pushes you to play catch-up.

CAPRICORN: (December 23 to January 20)
You are stoic without playing the role of martyr. Lunar energy provides the staying power to see tasks through and the pride to produce high quality work. Your peers look on in admiration today.

AQUARIUS: (January 21 to February 19)
The advice you offer contains style and substance. Fussy energy causes you to aim for perfection in both the look and content of presentations you make to others. Accolades flow freely today.

PISCES: (February 20 to March 20)
Life takes a turn for the better. You are able to refine personal needs and channel energy directly into tasks or relationships that have become top priorities. Starting with a clean slate is refreshing.

YOUR DAY
The energy is pragmatic. People are more professional in their approach and less emotional in the decision-making process, but also hard to please. Nothing but the best will do at this time.

YOUR BIRTHDAY
You hold on to a position at work, your personal possessions or a relationship. Letting go is not an option and your aim is to build on what you already have. Familiarity is comforting.