Your Stars This Week for July 31, 2016

by Stella Wilder

Your Stars This Week | July 31st, 2016

The coming week will see many individuals scrambling to complete projects ahead of schedule, as the promise of greater rewards hangs before them like the proverbial carrot on a stick. Indeed, there is much to be gained by those who are willing to buckle down and complete their work ahead of schedule, but some may be envisioning far greater benefits and prizes than are actually available to them -- no matter how quickly they work or how early they complete assignments. Some may simply fall prey to the false notion that faster is better, and their imagined gains are likely to be just that -- imagined. Others will understand that potential rewards can indeed be increased, but that they may, in some cases, not be worth the increase in labor that would be needed. It's all a matter of balance -- as usual.

Many will find themselves gravitating toward certain others. This can, in itself, bring with it many important benefits, not the least of which is an increase in creative output. There are dangers associated with this kind of commingling, however, and one must be careful not to lose touch with one's unique sense of purpose.

ARIES (March 21-April 4) -- You're likely to be reunited with someone who still provides you with all the inspiration you need. Is there more going on, too? (April 5-April 19) -- You've learned a great deal since you last collaborated with a certain Leo native. You both know how to work together better.

TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- There are certain mysteries to be solved -- not least of which is one that lies within your conflicted heart. (May 6-May 20) -- You must address the key issues that everyone is grappling with. You may be the only person who can recognize all the pros and cons.

GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- A change is likely to occur at the workplace, and it has you taking on greater responsibility. You may need an assistant. (June 7-June 20) -- You can trust another to implement your plans perfectly. This will certainly take some of the pressure off.

CANCER (June 21-July 7) -- A former friend or lover is attempting to rekindle something that has you feeling a little uncertain and even self-conscious. Speak your mind. (July 8-July 22) -- Practical concerns begin to overtake creative impulses; this is as it should be, as a project is nearing fruition.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -- Your ability to see through deception can certainly help you and others, but you mustn't be suspicious of everything! (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- Things are likely to heat up for you on the homefront, as key issues arise that demand immediate attention.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- You may find yourself led into uncertain territory by someone who is eager to experience something new. Use caution. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -- You can share a great deal of knowledge with someone who can, in turn, show you how to put it to better use.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- Someone may be trying to get you to change your ways, but what is there to change? You're happy with the way you are! (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- You can provide someone with a great deal of inspiration, but don't forget that you're in need of some, too!

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov. 7) -- Do you know who is really in charge? You'll want to get in touch so that you can share ideas that can speed things up considerably. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- You should be able to accomplish more than you had originally scheduled. Keep your head down and avoid distractions.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- You needn't get caught up in the prevailing rush to get more and more done. Maintain your pace, and don't overdo it. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- You have every reason to think that your plans are the best plans. Once you put them in motion, the payoff will begin.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- You may require more information in order to turn in a top-notch performance. The simplest things matter most. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- Others are looking to you for guidance, and the best way you can provide it is to perform to your own high standards.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- You may sense a shift in direction. Don't be afraid to follow someone, provided you can see clearly where he or she is going. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- You are in the mood to lead, not to follow -- and you'll surely have plenty of opportunities to do so.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -- You may find yourself settling into a sustainable and productive routine -- at last! No more struggling to establish a rhythm. (March 6-March 20) -- A system you think is working well for you right now may not actually be the best approach. Consider an option presented by another.

astrology

Your Stars This Week for July 24, 2016

by Stella Wilder

Your Stars This Week | July 24th, 2016

The coming week will see many individuals putting things together in new and creative ways, exploring hitherto untried methods of reaching personal goals, and collaborating in new ways with team members both familiar and unfamiliar. Creativity is indeed the watchword, and it will require a kind of fearlessness that, combined with physical and emotional freedom, can propel anyone to a new level of accomplishment. Even those who are working on routine or familiar projects will find that new methods can add a welcome kind of spice to every endeavor. Putting one's best foot forward should not be difficult, as opportunities abound. Many will find themselves engaging in tasks that fit squarely into their sweet spots.

What is essential, of course, is that one's goals are firmly established and fully understood. There must be no guesswork when it comes to intent or the desired ends. All activities must be fully organized, down to the finest detail. It may seem paradoxical, but this kind of organization will actually promote creative freedom!

ARIES (March 21-April 4) -- You don't want to charge into a new endeavor without reviewing what you have most recently accomplished, then assessing the odds. (April 5-April 19) -- You cannot continue blindly along the same path without hurting your chances for success. Open your eyes to new possibilities!

TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- You may need someone's help as you try to put together something that can have great value to others as well as yourself. (May 6-May 20) -- You can surely find yourself in a strong negotiating position, especially if you're willing to reveal something surprising.

GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- The force of your personality can get you far, but it's know-how and expertise that take you the rest of the way. (June 7-June 20) -- You may find yourself going down a rather strange road, but if a friend is with you, the experience is sure to be positive.

CANCER (June 21-July 7) -- Though you may not be collaborating with a familiar teammate, you can certainly wish him or her well. You are forever linked! (July 8-July 22) -- It's possible that you aren't quite ready for something you have long been planning. You know how to fill in the blanks.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -- You'll find that you are more comfortable with someone than you had expected. The result will be a major step forward. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- What you hear from a third party enables you and a partner to forge ahead with a new level of confidence.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- You and two friends can be more than mere collaborators; you can be the "Three Musketeers," fighting a personal injustice. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -- You'll fit into a new situation with ease. Others will take to you quickly and will adjust to your method of working.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- You can have others enjoying their own work in new ways as you go about your business with increased confidence -- and a sense of humor. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- Your ability to take what comes without rocking the boat will prove invaluable. You can keep everyone on an even keel.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- You may be receiving mixed signals from someone who is delighted that you are back in his or her life. You must determine what is at stake. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- A simple change of scenery can work wonders for you. A new sense of purpose has you working at a faster pace, too.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- You may be doing something you've done before, but you'll be seeing the overall task in a whole new light. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- You may be transitioning from a period of individual accomplishment to one of collaborative success. Someone will have to be in charge, however!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- Your attempts at transforming another may actually serve to transform you, as well. This change is long overdue! (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- You may be feeling rather isolated as the week opens, but later on you'll figure out how to reconnect with those most important to you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- Take care that you do not make rules for yourself that you simply cannot keep. You must have options in order to thrive. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- You're putting yourself and others in a kind of danger that, while not all that serious, may have far-reaching implications. Use caution.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -- Your ability to shake things up and make necessary changes with little warning can certainly work wonders. (March 6-March 20) -- You don't like to see others going without, so why not do what you can to improve their chances? You'll surely play a significant role.

astrology

Your Stars This Week for July 17, 2016

by Stella Wilder

Your Stars This Week | July 17th, 2016

The coming week will see a rise in the level of nervous energy being expended by a great many people on a daily basis. An increase in potential stress in certain areas that are not routine will affect nearly everyone on a basic level, tapping into doubts and fears in a way that most endeavors never do. For some, it may be travel; for others, accepting a new job or assignment; for still others, relationship issues may be stirred up as they haven't been before. In all of these situations, individuals must apply a certain amount of courage to each event, and in doing so, most will find that they have it within them to overcome anything that might threaten to curb positive growth or forward motion.

The realization that there is only so much a person can do to ensure a certain outcome can be the saving grace for many. Indeed, a combination of willful action and the ability to go along for the ride can prove most effective. Anyone who recognizes what can and cannot be controlled will have a leg up.

ARIES (March 21-April 4) -- Pay attention to the signals being sent in unconventional ways. The sender is trying to reach you on a new wavelength. (April 5-April 19) -- You may have to share a certain experience with someone even though you are in the mood to go it alone.

TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- You needn't do what someone else does simply because others tell you it's the way to go. Trust yourself to know what's best for you. (May 6-May 20) -- Something you thought was a certainty proves to be more of a crapshoot than anyone expected. Are you feeling lucky?

GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- You may feel as though your enthusiasm is not what it should be, but this is the result of peripheral circumstances that will soon change. (June 7-June 20) -- You may find yourself gravitating toward those who choose to do things in a different way. You're in the mood to go exploring.

CANCER (June 21-July 7) -- You mustn't let a few bumps in the road keep you from reaching your destination. Focus on what you really stand to gain. (July 8-July 22) -- You may be shaken by the decisions you have to make, but you can certainly forge ahead with the help of another.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -- Progress may have to be measured in smaller increments than usual, but it is still progress. You'll soon be nearing your destination. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- You mustn't let certain circumstances affect you more than usual. Watch what another does, and follow suit.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- Your view of the future needn't be affected by your impressions of the past. It's the here and now that matters most. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -- You know that someone is waiting for you, but there's only so much you can do to dictate the pace.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- You may be communicating with someone on a whole new plane, and he or she will respond in a way that excites you. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- Certain obstacles are unavoidable, but you know how to get past them with a minimum of fuss. Delays should be brief.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- While you are trying to focus on your primary endeavors, someone close to you is readying you for something else. Be cooperative! (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- You should be able to proceed as if nothing is wrong, even when you are preoccupied with one or two unusual minor issues.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- Your ability to get above the fray will help you immensely. What troubles others needn't trouble you at all. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- You know what's coming and how you must prepare for it. Others may disagree and offer advice, but your way is best -- this time.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- You'll want to keep track of where you are and the progress you are making in order to keep from second-guessing yourself. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- You're eager to get where you are going, yet you want to enjoy the ride. The trick is to recognize a hidden opportunity along the way.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- You can surely remain on schedule, despite the fact that much of what you will be doing would not normally be on the docket. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- The fog should lift, leaving you with a clear view of your surroundings and a better idea of where you're going.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -- You'll want to shop around before deciding on something that cannot be traded in. Be certain! (March 6-March 20) -- You may not be able to make any lasting decisions without consulting someone you trust to clarify certain matters.

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