Horoscopes: Monday, Aug. 7, 2023

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Negative examples and suboptimal circumstances help you see and appreciate your resources. Don’t be afraid of a shadow — everything substantial casts one. Shadows provide the contrast that enables one to see the vision.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Think ahead to avoid social traps and obligations. You’re at your best when you feel free to come and go as you please. As the adage goes, it’s easier to love your neighbor when you can choose where you live.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). If you’re accused of being distant, it’s only because you’re working something out in the world of your mind. You’ll do your best thinking while executing a task that’s very easy and repetitive, like walking or a long drive.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Relationships that were complicated become quite simple. The laws of cause and effect are so straightforward at the moment, it’s like you’re dealing in science instead of art. The best relationships have elements of both.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Oscar Wilde said, “Morality is simply the attitude we adopt toward people we personally dislike.” All the more reason to focus your attention on people you enjoy and admire, freeing yourself from the tiresome responsibilities of judgment.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Feeling comfortable is the first step to gaining the confidence you need to handle a situation. For now, get to know the lay of the land. As you learn more, you’ll ease into a state of self-assurance.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Someone is trying to get to know you. Since you hate to be put on the spot, think about what you might be asked ahead of time and craft your response. This is more about hitting the right tone than delivering information.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Friendships give you a peek into different kinds of lives and you’ll adopt some behaviors as your own. It hits home the importance of surrounding yourself with people who possess the qualities you admire.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). To move forward, keep stepping, no hesitation. Don’t stop to worry whether you are picking the exact right position, answer, direction or offering. Whatever you try, it will help you develop your potential.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Someone from your past figures in. It will stir up feelings — events representing the passage of time have a way of doing that. You’ll notice how you think of yourself differently these days.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Just because you make the first call or more calls than the other person, it doesn’t mean you’re less loved. Some find it difficult to initiate social interaction, which is indicative of a personality type more than a level of interest.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll get more attention than you expect. Diffuse the energy and it will feel less awkward to you. Give credit to your team. Turn compliments around on the giver, acknowledging their kindness and keen powers of observation.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 7). The year is divided into three journeys: one for the heart, one for livelihood and one for legacy. As intrepid as your approach may be, levity and fun are around every corner. More highlights: It will take several months to get on the inside of a group, and from there you can realize key goals. You’ll be shown appreciation in one of your favorite ways — with money. Libra and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 13, 4, 44 and 7.