August m-pyrical horoscopes

Brian Francis did it again. Check out your own on Planet Waves:

Aries (March 20-April 19)
These days, you're getting a sense of how you can do quite well being a bit less impetuous, more predictable, and over all, inclined to put politics above making a personal splash. I'm not sure who we have to thank for being your role model, but at least it's someone you respect, and one who has made his way in the world. It may also be someone who you want to have a greater role in your life, but might have never dreamed it possible. Perhaps the friendship has developed so long that you don't think it's likely it'll change; perhaps you have the feeling lately that this person is about to move on. Or more to the point, you're sensing your own need for independence as standing out above all else. But you can take steps to balance your need for standing apart with your need for companionship. Both are basic nutrients.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You've got quite a bit of credibility, but I don't suggest you push your luck. Credibility is exactly like credit. You build it by taking risks, but as you build, you need to be exceedingly realistic about what you can come through with. At the moment, less is more. You'd be wise to count an uncertainty factor, and alert people long in advance if you think you're going to be delayed, if you overextended yourself, or if factors are showing up requiring you to trim back your plans. It would be reasonable astrological advice to suggest making no new commitments, personal or financial, through the end of the year. By then, you'll have a lot better sense of your resources, a better understanding of where you stand with others, and a real idea of what you personally need. And the virtue of prudence will be obvious.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22)
Your insecurities are likely to play a bit of havoc with you this month, but it's time you started taking these storm surges as opportunities to deal intelligently with the whole issue of fear. The problem with fear is that it rarely encourages positive action of any kind. Rather, it seems to be much more effective at paralyzing us from taking concrete steps toward solving our problems. But fear is also addictive, in that it's compelling, it's an intense emotion, and there can, at times, seem to be no escape. I suggest you do yourself a favor and admit that fear itself is a specific problem. This will allow you to apply your creativity where you have some influence, and to sort out what really matters. Of course, the object of life is to do what you want, rather than win a victory over anxiety. But you have to start somewhere, and this is a pretty good place.