HOROSCOPE

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 16): The solar return shows you surrounded by people who love and support you, as well as those who challenge and defy you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 20, 24, 48 and 12. ARIES (March 21-April 19): You don’t want to be in competition with your love, and you’ll shy away from situations in which there will be a clear winner and loser.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your conversational choices will make a difference. This is a matter of destiny. Choose topics that are likely to lead to enjoyment.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21): You have more in common with an interesting stranger than you do with many of the people in your own family. So go on and strike up a conversation. CANCER (June 22-July 22): You’re in the running for an important role. Your previous success qualifies you for the job, but it will be your charm that get you the position.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You love to give; you’re a giver! And you expect nothing in return — well, almost nothing. You do like knowing that your contribution made a difference. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your cosmic gift will be strength, stamina and energy to burn. That’s a mighty gift, though it comes with a responsibility. Where should you apply it? LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): There will be some frustration in the way events unfold. It’s bound to happen with people like you who might prefer to have life go at their pace. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): Listen to your critics. Maybe they don’t know the ideal way to phrase things, but there will be something valuable in their words nonetheless. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.

21): You didn’t make the impression you wanted to make on someone. Good news: Now you will get another chance at it. Present your best self and you’ll become your best self. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.

19): It’s said that there’s a price for every gift and all advice. But the cosmic forces will be kind today, naming a price in the realm of what you’re more than prepared to pay. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.

18): Maybe you want people to like you, but you care more that they respect you. It’s not because this is what you need; rather, it’s for the good of all. PISCES (Feb. 19-March

20): The social secret is very simple. All people care about is how you make them feel. If they feel powerful, happy and significant around you, they will come back for more.