Horoscopes: Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Once upon a time you got into a relationship deeper than was good for you, and now you know. You can appreciate those who give as much as you do, have a similar excitement level and are just looking for ways to show you love.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Raise your energy with a pep talk or another sort of physical and psychic invigoration. It may feel odd to manufacture the hype, but the energy boost will attract opportunity and prevent the day’s events from draining you too.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). What people think of you matters less and less to you. You put your ego on the line and it’s more than many people are capable of. This is the risk that lets you continue to expand in skill and confidence.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Improvements are hard to see in the short term but just consider where you were last year. You didn’t have the sense of purpose you now possess, and you’re more aware, effective and aligned too. Let yourself feel proud.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Self-esteem is earned through estimable acts... but only if you can remember you did them! You get so used to being you that you don’t see the ways you contribute and make a difference every day. Keep track to keep going.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Sometimes people make your life better by being in it, and other times people make your life better by staying out of it. Whichever way it’s going, trust life’s process. All is naturally unfolding to your benefit.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The love, care and respect you give yourself not only feels wholesome but also shows others that you’re someone to treat with love, care and respect. You’ll start a cycle with this. Feel good and allow for feeling good!

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There are those who are limited in their capacity to be curious about others or make them a priority. Whether this is a temporary state or a character trait, it’s better to seek attention from people who can actually give it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Whatever your current mood, it’s only a starting place. Coax yourself into a creative mindset from here. Set aside the time. Get the environment situated to support your work. Creating opens your heart.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Give the pursuit a break. What you want will come to you after you’ve stopped chasing. Whether you do something else or nothing at all, it’s better than grasping at a thing and thereby pushing it further out of reach.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You are right to be extremely choosy about adding anything or anyone to your life. When it’s love, the caring and maintenance (which always comes with acquisition) will be more pleasure than chore.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). As much as you want to be free of a memory, willing yourself to forget won’t work. The harder you try, the more focus you put on the unwanted thoughts. There is only one way out, and that is through. Recall, process and let go.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 18). You’ll lead with a heart that dares and draw people into the excitement. The thrills of new opportunity will be balanced by secure relationships you can count on. More highlights: an upgrade to familiar comforts, participation in a fascinating and diverse group, and education that opens a professional door. Aries and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 20, 19, 17 and 7.