For the Week of Wednesday, Aug. 12 Tuesday, Aug. 18

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

Take a moment to evaluate a situation before you take action. Look for alternative solutions when faced with opposition. An emotional argument will not ease stress or tension. Pay close attention to details when dealing with matters that can influence your earning potential.

Set your differences and beliefs aside, and take care of your responsibilities. Patience will pay off. Don’t be too eager to share your ideas or plans. Someone you least expect will use the information you offer against you. Use your intellect and energy to get ahead.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

Fix up your surroundings.

Do something to put a smile on someone’s face, and do your best to bring about a positive change that you can enjoy with someone you love. Explore possibilities, but not at the expense of damaging a relationship you have with someone special.

Think twice before you speak or take action. Do your best to keep the peace. Keep an open mind. Consider what you can do to make things better for you as well as for those you love. A kind word or gesture will get you much further than making demands. Put friends and family first.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

If you want something done, do it yourself. Keeping busy will give you a chance to put a situation in perspective before you make a move. Time is on your side. Go over your expenditures carefully before you make a purchase that will put you in debt. Be practical, and avoid overspending to please someone you love. Evaluate your relationships with others. An emotional mind game will turn into a fiasco. If you crave change, look inward and focus on intellectual growth, physical and emotional improvement, and enlightenment, not trying to change others.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Channel your energy into something that will make you the best you can be. Do what you can to help others, not hinder them. The changes others make may not be something you agree with, but it’s best not to interfere. Go about your business and align yourself with people who share your beliefs, concerns and interests. Utilize your strength to ensure that you make a positive difference. Don’t expect others to pitch in and help.

Pour your emotional energy into something you feel passionate about, and it will bring you closer to someone you love.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Listen, observe and learn all you can on the 9th. Someone you respect will offer inside information, but before you forge ahead, it’s necessary to verify the facts. An emotional situation will spin out of control if you aren’t careful about handling matters. Acting in haste will put you in an awkward position.

Bide your time, and focus on the truth. Being stubborn won’t help your relationship with those who work or live with you. Show enthusiasm, and you’ll get the help you need to reach your goal.

Less talk, more listening and a whole lot of discretion are favored.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Play by the rules. Spend less, avoid situations that are excessive, indulgent or can put you in jeopardy. You can make a change, but first, your motives must be clear, and you mustn’t take advantage of anyone. Stubbornness will be an underlying factor if a problem surfaces involving government agencies, institutions or large corporations. An emotional issue will arise based on insincerity, false information or emotional manipulation. Think about what’s entailed and the potential consequences before you get involved in a joint venture.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

Take time to analyze a situation that arises before you take action. An emotional argument will not solve a problem; it will only add uncertainty and bad feelings to the outcome. Make home improvements, but stick to a budget, and get approval from those you live with before you begin. Take pride in what you do, and keep busy to avoid conflict. Do something you feel passionate about, and you’ll attract favorable attention from someone who can help you get ahead. Focus more on personal improvement and less on trying to please others.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov.

21): Don’t jump to conclusions. Find out the truth, verify facts and question any information that comes to you secondhand. Focus on health and personal gain.

Trust friends and family before you believe what an outsider tells you. Monitor the changes taking place at work before you take action.

Being well-informed will give you the leverage you need to come out on top. Emotional spending will not help your financial future. Don’t take on debt that will affect the way you live. Offer compassion, understanding and romance to someone you love, and you’ll get a positive response.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Reevaluate how you handle your cash and how you earn your living and make adjustments. Invest time and money in your future. Look for an opportunity, but following someone will not lead to happiness or personal satisfaction. Do your own thing, and you will avoid being held back by someone eager to use your skills and connections to his or her advantage. Your charm will help you persuade others to pitch in and help out. Make sure you can follow through with your promises before you proceed — truth matters.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.

19): Be careful what you wish for. Act in haste, and you will end up in an emotional tailspin. A debate with a friend and relative will pose a problem. You’ll be prompted by loved ones to make a change at home, but before you accommodate others, consider the financial burden you will have to endure. A change of plans is only useful if it doesn’t add stress to your life. Do what’s expected of you before someone complains or tries to take over. Outside interference will make you look bad. Spend time with someone you love. Romance and building a strong relationship are encouraged.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.

18): Personal or professional partnerships are encouraged. Connect with people who share similar goals, and it will help you weed out any trouble spots that might hold you back.

Rethink your plan if you don’t agree with something that transpires. Offer your opinion as well as solutions to avoid wasting time with someone or on something that can ruin your plans.

Fine-tune your strategies, and you will find it easier to deal with opposition. A change of plans on will be a signal for you to head in a direction that won’t leave you depending on someone else.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You’ll be disappointed if you count on getting help from others. Be prepared to bring about the changes you want to make all by yourself. Your ideas will catch on and take off. Make whatever changes are necessary to ensure that you get the platform you need to market what you have to offer. A little charm will go a long way.

Promptly handle an emotional issue that arises, and you will avoid facing uncertainty as well as additional expenses. Spending time with someone you love or doing something that will enhance your looks will lift your spirits.