Horoscopes:

Playing it cool

By Imhotep

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Changing patterns is never entirely easy for people born under the Cardinal Air sign of Libra (23 Sept-23 Oct). But remember, my dear Librans, your intuitive understanding of the secrets of life, love and friendships is often amazingly accurate. When you feel unsure about something, there is always a good reason.

Librans, in spite of their reputation as dithering scatterbrains, can actually be very single-minded when they focus on some important task. Indeed, Librans are planners, who love to chart a detailed way out of their troubles. They also concoct schemes and strategies for resolving the dilemmas of their loved ones. Certainly, typical Librans are perpetually making plans and solving problems.

The Libran propensity for idle gossip will give way this August to more serious intellectual discussions. Libran minds will instinctively levitate towards the lofty realm of the intellect.

People born under the Fixed Water sign of Scorpio (24 Oct-23 Nov) will be put to the test in August. Most Scorpions, though, will pass the test with flying colours. Scorpions have the capacity to implode into dramatic, tidal torrents. Nothing these days seems to bestow on you a quiet spirit and contentment. But towards the middle of the month, Scorpions will be at ease with themselves and confident enough to face the big changes in their lives.

Uncharacteristically, Scorpions will spend a lot of time worrying about what other people think of them in the weeks ahead.

Scorpions know how to lay low and influence people and events. The Scorpions' overall frame of mind is, at root, risk-averse. Contrary to their bellicose reputation, most Scorpions prefer to stay on good terms with as many people as possible. This August will prove a golden opportunity for Scorpions to exercise their talent for manipulation and exert a strong influence on the people surrounding them. Indeed, Scorpions will be pulling all the strings, but strictly behind the scenes.

Scorpions must steer a course between impudently speaking their minds and being accommodating in allowing a loved one to get his or her way. In August Scorpions must come to an understanding, if you like, not to stir too disruptively. Still, a line must be drawn somewhere. Above all, Scorpions must exorcise all the ghosts of the past. Yes, break with the past, my dear Scorpions. But, you must not be tempted to reject compromises outright. Failure to break the stalemate would dash chances of an emotional package deal this summer.

People born under the Mutable Fire sign of Sagittarius (24 Nov-23 Dec) enjoy keeping everyone happy. In the next few weeks, Sagittarians will see that as their "job". Indeed, these days you have a deep need to be a supportive person, a giver rather than a taker. Fair enough, but please don't do it at your own expense.

But it appears that some are determined to spoil your good-natured fun. There is a war party out hunting for you. Bullies and bigwigs are determined to track you down. You know, in your heart of hearts that you are not the villain of the piece. And, fear not, their machinations shall come to naught.

Money isn't everything. And, Sagittarians truly understand that money can't buy love. They also know how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

But August finds you, my dear Sagittarians, wrestling with a difficult dilemma. Your energy levels are high, but your work is not fulfilling. You've got your hands full, but you feel you are losing your way. Technically, there are many ways out of your dilemma. If you are not pursuing a truly humanitarian career, you're unlikely to find it satisfying. You must pursue a labour of love.

Look out next week for Imhotep's reading of Capricon,

Aquarius and Pisces