Horoscope, Saturday, August 11, 2012

The Leo sun loves a performer, and if that person is also courageous and secure, the good times keep rolling. Performers often can be insecure, though, ruining the fun. Having to deliver constant praise and encouragement to the talent is an exhausting price for an audience to pay. Everyone appreciates the one who entertains for the love of it.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). A cynic once said, “A lie told often enough becomes the truth.” But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still a lie. Insist on truth-telling, especially when confronted by those who benefit from convenient lies.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Sometimes you have to make a mountain out of a molehill — especially if there’s a giant mole tunneling through your yard. Don’t be afraid to demand that your concerns be taken seriously.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Taking time out of your day to do something wonderful for someone else is becoming a habit for you. You love how it feels to give, and it almost doesn’t matter how your gifts are received — almost.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ve been so wrapped up in work that certain friends and family members are feeling neglected. Put away the phone, switch off the computer, and embrace some much-needed quality time with them.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Much of the day’s activities will have to do with solving a puzzle. Whether you’re learning new software or trying to find your son’s left shoe, a process of trial and error will lead you to your goal.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You have a talent for building momentum within projects. Something that seems arduous and static in the beginning stages will be very strong once it gets going.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You don’t like to complain, but the time has come to air your grievances. To your surprise, friends and family will be relieved to hear them and will take steps to rectify them.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Being aware of the ways in which you are not happy will help you to get happy. But do not linger on the negativity. Instead, pick one problem, name it, and work to make it better.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). When two people say approximately the same thing to you, you’ll probably take notice. But when you hear it from three unrelated sources, that’s a sign to take immediate action.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your likes and dislikes are, as they say, “nothing personal.” You’ll follow the one who wants the same thing you want. The one who wants something different will be of no interest.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). “Shopping” doesn’t necessarily mean “buying.” Perhaps the only way to accomplish the former without the latter today is to leave your money and credit cards at home.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Make sure you’re on time for your next appointment, even if it’s a casual, leisurely meet-up. Promptness says something about your character that people will hear loud and clear.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 11). Your tendency to underestimate your effect on others makes you one of those people who don’t know their own beauty or strength. This is partly because for the next four months your purpose is all consuming and your projects are fascinating. After the hard work of November and December, love and travel will be featured. Pisces and Capricorn people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 14, 39, 7 and 13.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: A Scorpio writes: “I’ve been a total jerk so often that I wonder whether it’s just who I am. I’m eaten up by all the stupid things I’ve said, the times I’ve disappointed people, and a few choice moves I made that were just plain lame. How does a person get over their own jerky personality?”

Did you ever stop to wonder why skeletons hide out in the closet? It could be that they feel bare and want your clothing. Maybe it’s time to dress them up and give them a little style. A well-dressed skeleton is far less scary than a skeleton who hides in the dark au naturel. And perhaps they will feel so much better in their new outfits that you will be inspired to parade them around and introduce them to your friends. They just might be the life of the party — even though they are dead.

What I’m trying to say, dear Scorpio, is that the very thing you’re ashamed of could very well be something awesome and interesting about you, if you dress it — or think about it — differently.

P.S.: Jerks don’t usually have the self-awareness to sit around and think about how jerky they’ve been. You’re human.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: To those who aren’t naturally technologically minded, the computerized tools that play a major role in everyday life seem nothing short of magic, magic that was made accessible in part by the wizardry of Apple co-inventor, the wonderful Wizard of Woz. Steve Wozniak is a Leo who was born under a Cancer moon and has many intuitive water sign influences in his chart, suggesting strong intuitive powers.

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