THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS: Your natural flair for relating to people is highlighted this year as you attract many new friends, business associates and opportunities. A loving exchange in August sets the tone for happy relationships. September brings a shift in the way you make money, and you’ll feel freer to express yourself through your work. People show their belief in you in November and you’ll be celebrated. There will be lively social action in December and January. A relative’s success affects you favorably.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). There have been times when you thought someone else could help you more than you could help yourself. This week you will realize what an amazingly powerful ally you can be to yourself as you act strictly on your own behalf. It’s not selfish, just necessary. Your highest and best actions are best for everyone.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You are smart, capable and successful in one area of your life, and you believe that should transfer to another area. But there is much to learn about how things work in the other realm. Admit what you don’t know and gather information. When you do move forward in the new realm, it will be with speed and ease.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll work hard to make a standout impression. But if you don’t get properly recognized, you’re not likely to put in the effort next time. You may have to ask for acknowledgement because some people are so self-involved that it’s difficult for them to “give it up.” You won’t be sorry you made the extra effort.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). When you’re in a competitive mood, you easily move up the power structures you choose to be a part of. But sometimes you just don’t see the point in advancing. Take stock of where you are. The next rung up may actually be a step down. Give some thought as to how to build more freedom and creativity into your work.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When you listen, you do so with both your ears and your intuition. You have a keen sense of what people are really saying, especially if it’s veiled criticism. That’s why the company you keep will be crucial to this week’s success. Surround yourself with genuinely upbeat people and you’ll remain on track.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ll have stellar social opportunities. Apply advice from British statesman Lord Chesterfield and you will be successful: “Never seem more learned than the people you are with. Wear your learning like a pocket watch and keep it hidden. Do not pull it out to count the hours, but give the time when you are asked.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Even though you could point out the problems around you if you wanted to, optimism is the most empowering mode to operate from. This week it’s pretty easy for you to stay on the sunny side. Even inanimate things will seem to respond to your enthusiasm. And your influence over others will be quite obvious.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll entertain. Big effort will go into making things look easy. Your work to create an aesthetically pleasing, accessible and meaningful gathering will be appreciated. Ultimately, it’s about creating an atmosphere where people can connect with one another. This fete could be your crowning achievement.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Think of the many different forms you’ve already taken in this life. Growing up has often been an automatic process. But there have also been times when you’ve had to decide who you were going to be and make it happen. You’re about to change again, and it will be an extremely conscious change.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You are aware of people’s feelings and will be tempted to coddle and protect others, some of whom should not be coddled and protected. Pushing your luck is a good thing this week. Don’t be afraid to rock the boat. Sometimes the boat is stuck on a reef and must be rocked in order to get unstuck.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It’s not what you know that counts, and neither is it who you know. It’s how you present the information in both of those categories. A classy attitude is discreet, but not to the extent that you blend in without inviting questions. Tease your audience, craftily revealing yourself at the most opportune time.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Put that fiery passion of yours into even the most mundane tasks. You’ll run into a VIP, an interesting love prospect or an ex you want to impress while washing the car or going on a daily jog. Take advantage of the opportunity that comes your way on Thursday. It will bring good luck if you follow through.