Born today, you are both practical and utterly whimsical, a doer and a dreamer, one who can indulge in flights of fancy one moment and then plant his or her feet firmly on the ground the next to deal with the hard-and-fast realities of life. Your ability to balance what you recognize as good and valuable in the world against that which you could do without is exceptional. For that reason, you never take things too personally or let harsh realities get you down. You recognize that no matter how bad things might be today, they are likely to be much better tomorrow -- precisely because you often know just what to do to make them so. You aren't the kind to wait around for things to happen; you take charge quickly and proceed through life in an exuberant, thoughtful, proactive fashion.
You are known for being quite unusual in your personal behavior, but this is sometimes simply because you choose to put yourself on display for others. In your private life, you never really care how you behave, and there are things about you that are quite idiosyncratic. You're not an oddball, exactly, but you're not quite normal, either!
Also born on this date are: James Baldwin, author; Myrna Loy, actress; Mary-Louise Parker, actress; Victoria Jackson, actress and comedian; Peter O'Toole, actor; Carroll O'Connor, actor; Wes Craven, filmmaker; Edward Furlong, actor; Tim Wakefield, baseball player; Sam Worthington, actor; Kevin Smith, actor and filmmaker; Joanna Cassidy, actress.
To see what is in store for you tomorrow, find your birthday and read the corresponding paragraph. Let your birthday star be your daily guide.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 3
ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Someone may be trying to make an example of you, but you're not about to let yourself be pigeonholed in any way. You can remain aloof.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- You have much to say, but your instincts tell you that it's not the time to share just yet. Patience is surely a virtue in this instance.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Quality time with a friend or loved one allows you to make a mutual decision about the days and weeks ahead. Your desires are perfectly in sync.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You're not about to waste time trying to put things nicely. Say what you have to say, and deal with the consequences as they arise.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You'll want to put your best foot forward, surely, but that is likely to prove a more complicated proposition than you first imagined.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- You may find that following the rules to the letter makes it almost impossible to fulfill your duties as assigned. Adjust.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- You're going to have to compromise somewhere, and it's better to know that going in than to be surprised by the need when it arises.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- You prefer things to be just so, and you can do much to arrange your life the way you want it. It won't always be easy, however!
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- A loved one may be surprised at the extent of your feelings -- and your commitment. This may be more than you expected, as well.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You may want to rely on another to tell you what to do, as your ability to keep yourself busy may fail you for a time.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- You may suspect that someone knows more about you than he or she is letting on. Investigate, and you'll discover that this is a good thing.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You don't want to have anything to do with something that is brewing close to home, and it's best if you make this clear from the outset.