Born today, you are a quietly powerful individual with strong opinions about all sorts of issues, but you don't always feel compelled to share them unless you sense that to do or say nothing would let the bad guys win the day. You maintain an old-fashioned view of the world, in which even the most complicated issues are laid out in black and white, and you feel that anyone who acknowledges shades of gray is trying to have it both ways -- to eat the proverbial cake and have it, too. You have tremendous respect for those who have gone before, and you embrace your heritage while respecting the backgrounds of others. You feel strongly that there is a right way and a wrong way to do almost everything, and you aren't the kind to walk an ideological fence.
You are likely to be highly educated -- if not from books and classroom studies, then from experience. Indeed, you have been endowed with vast amounts of "street smarts" that see you through difficult situations you would otherwise be wholly unprepared for. You are proud of what you do and who you are.
Also born on this date are: Robert De Niro, actor; Dustin Pedroia, baseball player; Donnie Wahlberg, singer and actor; Sean Penn, actor; Davy Crockett, politician and soldier; Mae West, actress; Maureen O'Hara, actress; Eric Johnson, guitarist; Belinda Carlisle, singer; Jim Courier, tennis player; Dottie Pepper, golfer; Eric Schlosser, journalist and author; Robin Cousins, Olympic figure skater.
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.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18
ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- You're eager to see things move more quickly in the direction you have decided is right for you. You can do much to make that happen.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- A personal issue stands between you and someone you otherwise have much in common with. You can make room for both ways of thinking.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- You may be frustrated by the way others are going about their business and indirectly slowing you down. It may be time to sever ties.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You may want a little more of what you had yesterday, but others are not likely to oblige unless you offer something valuable in return.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You must protect yourself and avoid becoming involved in something that is likely to threaten your autonomy -- and your reputation.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Pay attention to what your body tells you. You must be sure to eat right and get the rest you need. Coming activity may be unforgiving.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- You may be astonished to learn what someone has been up to -- especially since it's something that you wouldn't have dared yourself.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Mind and body work closely together to propel you toward a cherished goal. You may be unaware of some important things that are happening.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- You are trying to keep up with someone you've long admired, but he or she is working on a different plane. You must be more realistic.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Daylight activities are less important in the long run than what you get up to after dark. Personal issues take precedence.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- You may find yourself examining last night's dreams far more closely than usual. What is it that has you thinking something big is coming?
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You may be at odds with someone throughout the day over an issue that is merely a matter of taste. Still, passions flare -- so use caution!