Horoscope: August 8, 2016

Your stars today

Aries | March 20 – April 18



Rarely has it been so important you take time to be with those who you care about. Long ago loved ones learnt that although they sometimes come last in your priorities, they’re first in your heart. Still, every once in a while you need to show it. That time is now.

Taurus | April 19 – May 19



Appealing as making a single decision about a certain domestic or family matter may be, don’t count on it. This isn’t so much because of the individuals involved. It’s that the actual circumstances have been unsettled and will remain so for a while. The solution? Make plans but ensure they’re flexible.

Gemini | May 20 – June 19



When you made an excuse, it seemed a diplomatic way to extract yourself from an unwise arrangement. Since then, however, your manoeuvres have come to light, and worse, upset others. Explain, apologise, then alter your plans to accommodate the individual in question. And, most important, learn from this.

Cancer | June 20 – July 21



Although it was early last week, you’re still reflecting on the practical and financial insights ushered in by the New Moon. The last element is about getting vital facts from certain important individuals about what they can contribute to certain arrangements, financially or otherwise. That’s the final, and missing, puzzle piece.

Leo | July 22 – August 21



If you’re feeling unsettled and, perhaps, unsure of your priorities, that’s as it should be. Last week’s Leo New Moon shook things up and, in the process, forced you to view several existing arrangements and future plans from a new, and unaccustomed, perspective. Take time exploring this. You’ll be glad you did.

Virgo | August 22 – September 21



In late July your ruler Mercury moved into your sign for an unusually long stay. This, which lasts until early October, and includes a period of retrograde movement, will be hugely instructive. Knowing that, list any perpetually puzzling questions. You’ll be amazed how many of them you’re able to answer.

Libra | September 22 – October 21



Diplomacy comes naturally to you. However, with both your ruler Venus and Mercury in the most strategic portion of your chart, even you could find the constraints you’re facing aggravating. Be patient. The insights that surface over the coming days will so alter your priorities you’ll be relieved you said little.

Scorpio | October 22 – November 20



While there’s no escaping this week’s disruptive planetary influence, the shakeups you’re facing are timely. In fact, a few are forcing you to rethink if not consider eliminating certain arrangements that are more of a burden than a joy. In several cases, in fact, their sole virtue is their longevity.

Sagittarius | November 21 – December 20



Last week, on Tuesday, Mars moved into Sagittarius, triggering a cycle of both review and action. While you’ve probably already made a few changes, most need thought and a certain amount of investigation. Urgent as these seem, with Mars in your sign until late September, you’ve ample time to explore your options.

Capricorn | December 21 – January 19



Annoying as the delays triggered by the recent clash between Mercury and your ruler Saturn were, they forced you to discuss certain matters you’ve been avoiding. This wasn’t because you were hiding anything. Rather, you feared they’d be a distraction. However, what you learnt more than justified the time those conversations took.

Aquarius | January 20 – February 18



After a series of upbeat discussions and promising encounters, you’re feeling optimistic, even about situations that have been a source of concern recently. Promising as these events appear to be, the current cycle of change will continue. Bear in mind what seems most unsettling now could benefit you hugely, and within weeks.

Pisces | February 19 – March 19



Often, the best response to criticism is to say nothing. To ignore it. However, judging by the current planetary setup, others could well misunderstand some element of your words or actions. Knowing that, talk over the matters in question at length. Your objective? To eliminate confusion without calling attention to it.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8^th, 2016.