Horoscope, Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The fully ripened Aquarius moon poses as low-hanging fruit waiting to be plucked and savored. You may feel the same way about a juicy opportunity. Don’t wait! With today’s cosmic momentum on your side, you have a chance to learn, connect, progress and be in a completely new place by tomorrow.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ll be willing to open new doors and enter foreign territory in the pursuit of fun. And you don’t have to wonder what will bring you pleasure, because you’ll be drawn inexplicably to such things.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You know what your threshold for frustration is, and if you see that a task is likely to cross the line, you are wise to either delegate it or take it on as a conscious exercise in personal expansion.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Engaging, entertaining people are said to have “a lot of personality.” There are instances when “a lot of personality” gets tiring, though. Small doses are the secret to finding enjoyment with everyone you encounter.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Success could come from anywhere, so stay open-minded. Something that starts out as a small but good idea will rapidly snowball into a pretty big deal as long as you don’t do anything to stop it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Few people are so satisfied with the example of relationships they have seen in their family of origin that they would hope to re-create the exact same dynamic. You’ll get clear on what you want from your inner circle.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Ask yourself why you want to do, have and be what you want to do, have and be. The answer to “why” will open a full range of options to save you time, energy and money.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). When you think of all the things you’ve done while wearing your shoes, you’ll have an excellent idea of what it really would mean to walk a mile in someone else’s.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Whatever got your mind reeling last night, it’s all over now. Your inner sea is tranquil, dear water sign, and there’s just enough of a breeze for smooth sailing.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The Zen Master Suzuki Roshi suggested, “To control your cow, give it a bigger pasture.” You need room to roam. If you’re having trouble sticking to the plan, it’s because the plan isn’t expansive enough for you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Having no expectation of what is to happen will make what does happen more magical for you. Things will work out, and all you have to do is smile and watch.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Research, questions and theoretical explanations will not help you figure out the puzzle before you. To learn how things work, watch them in action.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You may be able to shape someone’s opinion or change a person’s mind. This won’t happen by force. Sit back, and watch how things develop. You’ll soon see your perfect opening.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 1). You refuse to let others define your life. You do it your way and are not only satisfied with the result; you’re also well compensated for your effort. This month brings free and fearless moods. What you do on your own for the first time will bring a giant thrill. Family makes you proud in December. Travel in May. Aries and Pisces people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 4, 22, 39 and 16.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: “He says he loves me, but he belittles me in front of my friends, embarrasses me in public and seems to make a point of keeping me from doing what I want to do. When I say I’m going to leave, he cries and tells me he can’t live without me and that he can change. This has happened twice — and I still haven’t left him. Will I be able to, and if so, when? I’m a Cancer, and he’s a Gemini.”

Because you are a deeply caring Cancer, you are swayed by tears. But reach deep into that well of intuition of yours, and you’ll realize that this relationship is over and you have to leave now. There are, of course, many wonderful Geminis, so please don’t let what I reveal about this particular person bias you against future Gemini relationships. The particular person you are with is an abuser. He may not physically hurt you, but he is emotionally abusive, and he does not love you. Love does not seek to embarrass you, nor does it try to belittle you or stop you from thriving. I repeat: You are in an abusive relationship. The time to leave is now.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Leo musician Robert Cray has won multiple Grammys for singing the blues. This Blues Hall of Famer was born when the sun, Mars and Pluto were all in the sign of the entertainer and the moon was in earthy Taurus. Groovy Taurus moon musicians are known for their excellent “pocket,” which refers to the musician’s rhythmic feel.

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