For Thursday, Aug. 23:

This year you will become far more assertive than in years past. Often, a misunderstanding develops out of nowhere, or people distance themselves. If you are single, you will want to meet a like-minded person. If you are attached, the two of you seem to have a natural pace.

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)

•••• How you focus your energy will change substantially. You suddenly will concentrate on joint financial matters and agreements. Tonight: A discussion does not need to turn into a fight.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

••••• Your popularity seems to soar. Do not question the moment; simply enjoy it. Tonight: Who, where and what?

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

••••• Your ability to do research and find answers emerges, perhaps by necessity. Confusion seems to surround a key question. Tonight: Take a walk by water, or choose some other stressbuster.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

••••• You have a big imagination. Often, that can be a positive thing, and other times this gift can be a double-edged sword. Tonight: Let the fun begin.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

••• Stress has a way of building if you are not careful, especially if there is a misunderstanding between you and someone else. Stay centered by paying attention to your general feelings toward that person. Tonight: Express your fieriness.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

•••• You might be more out of sorts than you realize. Could you be misinterpreting others’ words? Tonight: Talks over dinner.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

••••• Keep expressing your feelings, but do not be surprised if you get an odd reaction midway. Be generous when dealing with this person. Tonight: Buy that special item.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

••••• You are in your element. You could be confused by a boss or older friend. Be diplomatic. Tonight: Whatever you do, choose a physical activity. You need to let off steam.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

••• Know when to pull back. You might feel as if you must do something, but in reality you do not know what that is. Tonight: Take some much-needed time.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

•••• You know what you want, and you know that you have no interest in stopping. You will be more centered than you have been in a while. Tonight: Where the crowds are.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

••• Note how much pressure builds to get you to do certain things in a particular way. Explain why you do what you do. Tonight: Try to be more reasonable.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

••••• You want more information, and you are determined to get it. An initial attempt at being direct might not work, and actually could backfire. Tonight: Let your mind wander to good music.