Horoscopes: Friday, August 19, 2016

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Self-centeredness is an epidemic these days, and, to some extent, we all are part of it. Before you make your presentation, pitch, or explanation, make sure others know why it's relevant to them.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). About the endeavor that once terrified you: As you get past trepidation and on to the rewards for taking action, you can't believe you were ever afraid.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). From Vito Corleone to Mike Tyson to Anjelica Huston in any role she's ever played, the ones who speak softly often have such strong intentions and methods that taxing their vocal cords seems completely unnecessary.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Even those who say there are no stupid questions have to admit that good questions have the power to elevate. Someone will prove his or her intelligence by asking a thought-provoking one.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Post an opinion; change the world! Wait, it doesn't work like that. The world changes by making a connection, having a conversation, coming to a new understanding, and making agreements.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You know where the sugar is going to come from, and you also know what leaves a bitter taste. In today's case, there will be no surprises. You'll get precisely the flavor you put into the recipe.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're someone's favorite. Does the preferential treatment make you uncomfortable? If you can handle it, your gracious reception of all this delicious attention keeps it coming your way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Power is subjective. The one who is revered in some circles is totally unknown and without influence in others. Your perception of how powerful a person is will matter, but it won't translate.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The words get prettier when people are trying to impress each other. You will find yourself on both sides of the equation, throwing out high-minded sentiments as well as catching them.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You have access to the things that will fortify your soul. Do you know what your soul needs? Soul nutrition likely doesn't arrive in the brand-name packaging you thought it would come in.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You've a new attitude, and your elevated confidence will inspire moves that you wouldn't have thought to make this time last month (or even last week).

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your good feelings about the day are warranted, as important and fortuitous events are likely. A strong, effortless connection will be made with your fellow water signs, Cancer and Scorpio.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 19). Do not miss the opportunity to travel, especially to foreign lands. Long after the expense of this has been forgotten, the experience will continue to invigorate your life on every level, including spiritually and socially. The end of the year will bring miraculous connections for family and finance. Libra and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 17, 2, 27, and 31.