Your Birthday for August 02, 2016

by Stella Wilder

Your Birthday | August 2nd, 2016

Born today, you never enjoy having your work -- or anything else about you -- criticized. It may be said that you have this in common with most other human beings, but the fact is that you are so averse to criticism that you can be sent into something of a fury when it comes your way, even when you have actually solicited the opinion of another. It is important that you maintain a kind of autonomy in life and in work that allows you to do exactly what you want to do, without having to alter your strategies, tactics or intentions to suit someone else's expectations, needs or desires. You simply don't like to feel as though someone is watching over you for any reason. You prefer to be free to do what you will, for any reason, at any time -- period.

Of course you understand that this is not often possible in real life -- but then, real life doesn't interest you all that much. You live in a kind of fantasy world of your own making, which gives you strength and confidence while you work to make your dreams come true.

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, director; Edward Furlong, actor; Tim Wakefield, baseball player.

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.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- The assistance that you have been counting on may not come to you in time, so you must be willing to venture forth on your own.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- You see better than anyone else what needs to be done. Soon, you'll be put in a position of authority that allows you to act on a hunch.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Give yourself credit! You've done a great deal, and you will do even more. You're showing signs of improvement every step of the way.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You can dispense with an unpleasant duty early in the day, leaving you free to enjoy time with friends and family.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You can proceed with more gusto than usual. Obstacles are few and far between. As you pick up the pace, identify the competition.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- You'll be more interested in doing something the old-fashioned way rather than trying to break new ground.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- You have more to say about what someone does than anyone else. When the time comes to take charge, you can do so in a manner unique to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- You're going to consider yourself lucky by nightfall, no matter how difficult things may seem during daylight hours.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- You may find yourself gravitating toward someone who shares your overall outlook -- or perhaps there is something else going on!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You want to be close to someone who has sheltered you in the past. Do you feel as if an old threat is about to resurface?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- You may be asking questions that no one else has ever dared to ask, but they are necessary to your overall development.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You'll find yourself longing for an easier time, perhaps, but the truth is that you wouldn't really want it any other way.

astrology

Your Birthday for August 01, 2016

by Stella Wilder

Your Birthday | August 1st, 2016

Born today, you are the kind of individual who does things entirely your way, even when it is clear to everyone else that your way is not the best way! The fact that there are "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts" in the world is of little interest to you; you refuse to be bound by the rules that guide others, and you will always test the limits of authority, propriety and conventionality by doing things that are not authorized, proper or conventional! There may even be times when you actually endanger yourself with activities that are patently unwise or proven to be quite risky. Fortunately, you will never knowingly put someone else at risk by your behavior -- that is at least one of your saving graces.

Another is your peaceful, noncombative personality. You despise conflict and will do all you can to avoid or end it. You can be rather emotional, often wearing your heart on your sleeve. You are able to function quite well when the stakes quite high.

Also born on this date are: Coolio, rapper; Jerry Garcia, singer and musician; Tempestt Bledsoe, actress; Francis Scott Key, poet; William Clark, explorer; Dom DeLuise, actor and comedian; Robert Cray, singer; Herman Melville, author; Yves Saint Laurent, designer.

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.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- You're nearing a major turning point, and you know it. To prepare, you must be willing to address a certain issue with an old friend.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- You'll have the chance to head off in a new direction, but take care that you don't leave behind someone who really wants to come along.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- You'll have someone to thank before the day is over. If you feel threatened at any time, feel free to back out of a questionable arrangement.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Don't let your environment dictate your mood. You will want to be in charge of yourself -- inside and out. A new relationship begins.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You may find yourself running here and there to resolve a certain issue before another demands your full attention.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- You've been working long and hard toward a goal that is now very near. Those who have helped you along the way deserve some real credit.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- You may feel that you let someone down recently, but you can surely make up for it -- even though he or she thought nothing of it at all!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- You may be wondering what is possible -- and the mere question should tell you that the answer is "anything, anything at all"!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- You're eager to see someone take flight and soar on his or her own. You've provided the tools and the necessary knowledge.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- It may take you longer than usual to prepare for something that is considered by many to be routine. You'll get the hang of it soon.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- You may not think something is going to be as hard as others say it will be, but you'll want to be prepared. Don't be cavalier about it!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) -- What you say is likely to attract even more attention than what you do to back it up. Choose content and style with care.

astrology

Your Birthday for July 31, 2016

by Stella Wilder

Your Birthday | July 31st, 2016

Born today, you know how to take flights of fancy whenever you feel the real world bearing down on you. Your ability to escape from the clutches of those who would demand too much of you, restrict your freedom or threaten you in any way is quite remarkable -- and you are able to do it without disrupting your life in any significant way. You have a vivid imagination, and you are often inspired by your own thoughts and visions -- a trait that certainly separates you from the crowd! The fact that you don't often have to look elsewhere for ideas makes you something of a creative dynamo. Indeed, you are likely to be quite prolific once you find the outlet that allows you to develop your talents to their fullest.

You believe that the healthiest, most well-balanced adult is one who hangs on to just the right aspects of his or her childhood while marching, head up and eyes open, into adulthood. You love to play games and engage in the kinds of fun that others might label "childish" -- but they aren't childish to you!

Also born on this date are: J.K. Rowling, author; Wesley Snipes, actor; Zac Brown, singer; Ted Cassidy, actor; Richard Griffiths, actor; Michael Biehn, actor; Geraldine Chaplin, actress; B.J. Novak, actor and writer.

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.

MONDAY, AUGUST 1

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- You'll find enjoyment in a private pursuit. Don't let anyone intrude until you have reaped all possible benefits from this endeavor.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- You may not get as far as you had hoped, but the progress you do make will bode well for the future. Don't be in such a hurry!

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- A matter of personal taste must not be allowed to come between you and a good friend. Someone must compromise, so why not let it be you?

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You may be troubled by facts that don't seem to add up. Look for an underlying cause; what you find will raise even more questions!

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Cooperation is the key to success, but it may be difficult for you and a partner to be in the same place at the same time.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- You mustn't take things so seriously that you are unable to find the fun in what you do. Laugher can, indeed, be the best medicine.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Picture the scene you wish to create for yourself, and you can make it a reality -- especially if a friend or loved one is by your side.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- You'll be glad to have a certain someone chipping in -- though you may have to remind him or her just who is in charge.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Others are willing to listen to what you have to say, but they may not be quite as willing to give you free rein. Be patient.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You are feeling passionate about something that touches you very differently from the way it touches anyone else.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- You'll be tempted to dive headfirst into something that you don't really know enough about -- which, of course, means caution is advised.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You mustn't be unwilling to listen to what another has to say. He or she may hold the piece of a puzzle you've long been seeking.

Next up: More trusted advice from...