Horoscopes: Friday, August 7

ARIES: (March 21 to April 20)
Your flair for self-promotion helps sell an idea.You are self-deprecating rather than showy and others easily fall under your spell. Make the most of opportunities once approval is received.

TAURUS: (April 21 to May 21)
You avoid heartache by being realistic.No-nonsense energy challenges you to deal with the here and now rather than worrying about past or future points of reference. Direct but diplomatic language helps your cause.

GEMINI: (May 22 to June 21)
Lowering your defences takes the hostility out of situations. Moon, the emotional indicator, streaks through your cultural sector, and its presence reminds you to walk in someone's shoes before taking pot shots.

CANCER: (June 22 to July 23)
You begrudgingly fall into step with the majority. Any disquiet you feel is suppressed for the sake of peace and not because your heart is in it. Find a suitable outlet for that pent-up energy.

LEO: (July 24 to August 23)
As you make a textbook transition from one situation to another, attention to detail is your strength. Pedantic energy from Mercury gives you a keen eye and mind, while the Moon provides adequate self-belief.

VIRGO: (August 24 to September 23)
Impulsive action is not recommended. Instead you should either delay gratification or run plans past your peers. Wise heads must prevail during this electrically-charged period and the buck stops with you.

LIBRA: (September 24 to October 23)
You pick the eyes out of challenges and are admired for your clever responses. Knowledge is your ticket to success, so play to those strengths of problem-solving and clear communication of ideas.

SCORPIO: (October 24 to November 22)
There is a fine line between concern and prying. One tactless question is all it takes to cross the boundaries of good taste, so think carefully before you speak. Associates may be touchier than usual.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23 to December 22)
Putting a positive spin on events is your forte. Rather than deviating from the truth you embellish it, and as a result others are inspired by your words. Satisfaction comes from knowing you have helped.

CAPRICORN: (December 23 to January 20)
Your memory serves you well. Observant Mercury assists with recall and you remember details and faces at important times during the day. Even new ideas are forged from past experience and accumulated knowledge.

AQUARIUS: (January 21 to February 19)
You exercise caution and prefer long-term wealth creation over get-rich-quick schemes. In a similar vein, histrionic people leave you cold while low-key types seem more attractive than usual.

PISCES: (February 20 to March 20)
A conflict between head and heart sees you grappling with a problem. Whenever moral or ethical issues arise you prefer to deliberate rather than make quick decisions. Principle above profit is your motto today.

YOUR DAY
Criticism is thinly veiled at this time. People are analytical but fair and tend to make oblique comments rather than speaking their minds. Humane causes come into closer focus today.

YOUR BIRTHDAY
Your financial zone is highlighted and if one avenue of investment or earning fails, there are second and third chances. Conduct yourself in a business-like manner but remain open to new opportunities.