For Sunday, Aug. 20, 2006:

You can be overly serious at times this year. Easily, you become critical of yourself and others. Perhaps what might be better is to assume more responsibility in your life and not feel so burdened. You will need a lot of time to yourself. Curb a tendency to spend money on hunches and take risks.

The Stars Show the Kind of Day You’ll Have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Others have a lot of energy and get you moving. Let their nurturing style come out. You cannot avoid a serious conversation, no matter how much you want to. Stay centered and keep family your highest priority. Tonight: Flip burgers.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You have a lot to say, and you find the right words. Your actions toward a child or potential loved one evoke strong reactions. You might not be comfortable with a serious or difficult family member. Tonight: Catch up on a friend’s news.

You might be sorely tempted to make a major purchase. Do some checking before you make a decision. Also consider how much you really need this item. A little self-discipline could make you happier later. Tonight: Buy a favorite dessert.

You are in prime shape and much more energetic than usual. Be careful, as someone could interpret your forcefulness as hostility. Backtracking could be more difficult. Curb your spending. Tonight: Do what would make you happy.

Know when to backtrack. Also, the less said, the better off you will be. Right now you could come off as a heavy or very difficult person. Use your instincts with an expenditure. You know what is necessary to do, and also what might not be. Tonight: Take some personal time.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Your style is that of a winner, even if you are a bit more assertive than usual. You might not be conscious of a difficult situation and what it is doing to you. Hook up with friends and make the most of your free time. Tonight: Where the crowds are.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Be willing to accept the limelight. A strong sense of direction and knowledge of what you want define your plans. Use care with anger turned inward. You might let it out in an inappropriate manner. Holding it in also could be harmful. Tonight: Don’t count on making this an early night.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Take time to enjoy your surroundings, whether you take a drive into the country or go to an art museum. A different setting helps you think through different issues, especially with work or an authority figure. Tonight: Try a new type of cuisine.

Plan on quality time with a special person. You will both appreciate this special time together, though you might have a difficult time understanding each other. A more nurturing approach works. Tonight: A must appearance.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Others seek you out. You might need to contact someone at a distance. A day trip to meet each other halfway might be a great idea. Make appropriate plans to visit others who are at a greater distance. Tonight: Bathe in your popularity.

You have a way of drawing others in. The responses you get are dynamic and at times a bit stronger than you might want. Be willing to deal with someone’s protests. If you’re tired, curb physical activity or take a nap. Tonight: Add more spice to a key relationship.