Weekend August 5 & 6

ARIES: (March 21 to April 20)
Your first instinct may be to trade insults with a hostile person. However, to avoid rifts in relationships you should stick to diplomatic responses and where necessary hide your feelings. Focus on fun pastimes and outdoor activities.

TAURUS: (April 21 to May 21)
You will suddenly see the big picture more clearly and can start making plans for the immediate future. There may still be small penalties to pay, but in context they will mean very little to you.

GEMINI: (May 22 to June 21)
Combine creative concepts with a hands-on approach and you have this weekend's perfect recipe for success. Despite your reputation for flippancy, you can be as serious as the next person when a situation calls for common sense.

CANCER: (June 22 to July 23)
Put on a brave face and show others you can cope with adversity. You will garner more support and admiration if you put your head down and confront whatever challenges life may throw up this weekend.

LEO: (July 24 to August 23)
You could be inclined to doubt the word of others, but may be offended if your own opinions are called into question. The message for Leos is to listen carefully and accept that not everyone thinks like you.

VIRGO: (August 24 to September 23)
A little courtesy and kindness will go a long way towards keeping the peace. Mars in your sign may make you a bit boorish and a concerted effort is needed show others the respect they deserve.

LIBRA: (September 24 to October 23)
You might seek advice from someone then brazenly ignore his or her words of wisdom. There is a duality in this weekend's stars that suggests you may be needy one minute and self-reliant the next.

SCORPIO: (October 24 to November 22)
If you are prepared to make sacrifices for the sake of others, you have a better chance of achieving accord. Sensitive Venus makes it easier to put your own needs last without feeling defeated or resentful.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23 to December 22)
Your natural senses of justice and intelligence help you triumph over others without showing smugness. In fact you will garner plenty of support and respect from people during this selfless phase. Take on the role of leader.

CAPRICORN: (December 23 to January 20)
You might be easily influenced by strong-willed people, but will stop short of surrendering your identity and ideals. Make decisions based initially on your own best interests followed by overall good of all concerned.

AQUARIUS: (January 21 to February 19)
Rather than drifting aimlessly along without any real sense of purpose, find a worthwhile cause to pursue. You have plenty of star power at your disposal and should use it wisely to direct others and challenge yourself.

PISCES: (February 20 to March 20)
Your tendency to fall in line with others rather than rocking the boat may prove ultimately unsatisfying this weekend. Instead of trying to keep the peace, gain acceptance or avoid the limelight, learn look after number one.

SATURDAY

YOUR DAY
A mixture of fire and water suggests there could be conflicting reactions to situations. Initially people may shoot from the hip, but after contemplation a more subjective assessment is likely to be made. Those looking for emotional feedback or quick fixes will probably thrive in today's environment.

YOUR BIRTHDAY
Opportunities exist, but unless you are prepared to take risks they could pass you by. Keep your eyes and ears open and jump in whenever a proposition catches your fancy. You can afford to think big and rely more on luck than last year.

SUNDAY

YOUR DAY
The energy is a little more sombre today and calls for greater depth in relationships. It would be wise to take people seriously and delve into situations rather than skimming the surface. Expect others to be judgemental, especially when standards or protocol are breached and remember your manners.

YOUR BIRTHDAY
Listen to others and take their needs or advice into consideration. Also, keep your head down and tail up in the year ahead, particularly if the goals you set are more ambitious than usual. Firm up your future through attention to detail and hard work.