Horoscopes: Friday, July 3

ARIES: (March 21 to April 20)
Progress is briefly halted but you appreciate the break. A less
hurried pace allows you to recharge your batteries and nurture close
relationships. You loath laziness, but relish the opportunity to
relax.

TAURUS: (April 21 to May 21)
Thoughts come and go but feelings remain constant. Planets in your
sign portray you as someone who is loyal and loving but possesses an
independent streak. Now is a good time to update your skills.

GEMINI: (May 22 to June 21)
Your desire to empathise may be misunderstood. Certain people
suspect you have an ulterior motive while others are afraidof being
fussed over. Keep doing what you do best and win the sceptics over.

CANCER: (June 22 to July 23)
A restriction is lifted and life returns to normal. Pleasurable
pastimes are forecast for Cancerians and people who share your
standards make the best companions. Positive emotional energy is now
at a peak.

LEO: (July 24 to August 23)
Your mind wanders but you remain on track. Tasks requiring long
periods of concentration bore you and it's during those times you are
most likely to daydream. To stay mentally fresh, take regular breaks.

VIRGO: (August 24 to September 23)
Your awareness of others is heightened. The upside sees you
interpreting subtleties in relationships, while on the downside there
is a tendency to read too much into certain situations. Try to
balance caring with curiosity.

LIBRA: (September 24 to October 23)
You are less inclined to dwell on situations and more apt to focus on
practical matters. Moon in the material sector switches your mind on
to making life more comfortable. Your eye for a bargain helps.

SCORPIO: (October 24 to November 22)
People are impressed by your unique way of thinking. Because the
energy is fertile, you generate rich ideas and splendid solutions to
problems. Whatever the mission, you are mentally switched on right
now.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23 to December 22)
The temptation is to rush through events. Plans originally drawn up
to improve your circumstances are now a millstone around your neck.
A desire to reach the finishing line overrides your quest for
perfection.

CAPRICORN: (December 23 to January 20)
You are prepared to settle for second best If your first choice
unavailable. An ability to make the most of any situation ensures
you emerge a winner today. Add your own distinctive touch to
occasions.

AQUARIUS: (January 21 to February 19)
Not everything runs according to plan. You have to be flexible and
meet changing circumstances head on or risk losing out on positive
new experiences. A touch of good humour helps diffuse potential
problems.

PISCES: (February 20 to March 20)
Others defer to your better judgement. Uncanny timing combined with
natural intuition makes you the go-to person in most situations
today. One of your more inspiring ideas could eventually lead to
financial success.

YOUR DAY
Treat problems in isolation and each person differently. There are
no one-size-fits-all solutions, so the challenge is to judge
everything on its merit. An aura of mystery surrounds affairs of the
heart.

YOUR BIRTHDAY
A rebirth in one part of your life is amazing. You emerge from a rut
and take up opportunities to learn new skills, change your image or
network people of power and influence.