Weekly Horoscope for Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019

Aries (March 20-April 19) — You are likely to feel on firmer ground now than you have for many weeks: with a much clearer picture of what you wish to do, and more confident in your ability to carry it out. This may be a good time to use any enthusiasm — or nervous energy — as fuel to power your creative and skillful endeavors. Set your sights high. How far you get depends partly on your willingness to persevere through any moments of difficulty, and on daily self-discipline; that said, an ambitious yet broadly realistic outlook will probably serve as useful motivation in itself. We often err on the side of underestimating ourselves. Maybe try hovering closer to the opposite end of that line. – By Amy Elliott

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — At present you seem to be grappling with a specific problem relating to the past, which might feel like it’s clinging to you at all costs in spite of every attempt to shake it off. Perhaps a different approach is necessary. For one thing, you could treat it like a puzzle to be solved. In addition, consider whether there’s an aspect of this issue you may be avoiding looking at, in case doing so opens up a can of worms. Possibly the thing to do is to confront this facet head-on, and bring the full richness of your analytical powers to bear. You could well discover a whole new technique for dealing with the situation, and learn valuable information in the process. – By Amy Elliott

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Mercury, your ruler, has finally entered new territory following its recent retrograde, and as a result you’re likely to be breathing somewhat easier. A problem that appeared to be a sticking point may now suddenly appear bite-size and solvable. As you prepare to move on to fresh turf and more adventures, keep attuned to your instincts and your most profound aspirations: these will help you keep control of the steering wheel. It’s conceivable that you may be revisited from time to time by whatever doubts beset you in the past few weeks; yet if they do appear it’ll probably be in a far weaker form, and if you keep them at bay they can’t be fed. – By Amy Elliott

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — It can be tough these days figuring out what is real. The internet can call into question the most fundamental of facts, in part because it’s harder to pay attention to our physical senses. Yet this is the first thing to do, if you’re feeling confused. Getting offline isn’t a sweeping solution to what is in any case a complex problem; yet it can help you get back in contact with your body when the distortion becomes too much. Slow down your thought processes and consider how your body is responding each moment. Are you comfortable? Hot? Cold? Tense? Hungry? Tired? What about your mood? Avoid judging the responses; just feel and notice them. – By Amy Elliott

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Over the next few days the dazzling Sun-Venus conjunction in your sign is still in effect. This is a great time simply to celebrate your accomplishments. Creative originality is at the very heart of your being, and this week it is blazing forth in all its glory, along with the near-irresistible charm that Venus is bestowing. However glamorous you may appear to others, though, the most important takeaway is the ability to love yourself. This is a vessel that sometimes you need to replenish actively. Therefore, take notes, and whenever you feel particularly good, preserve it in your memory. This is something even the most carping of critics cannot touch. – By Amy Elliott

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — In recent weeks you’ve turned a good few pages in the ongoing story of who you are, and the person you are becoming. At present you are on a long-term mission to discover certain core truths about yourself. As you do so, remember that you are a complex individual with a powerful brain and many moving parts. Do not underestimate your capabilities, your flexibility, your capacity to grow, or anything else. Likewise, don’t try to box yourself into categories for anyone’s convenience. You have a good deal to give, and would find it easier if you embrace yourself as a holistic being, flesh and blood, and not a set of discrete components. – By Amy Elliott

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Are you feeling inclined to be sociable, or not so much? It appears from your charts that either you want more privacy and feel a little overwhelmed by invitations and obligations, or you’re interested in getting out more, but are perhaps seeing sparse opportunities to do so. You might be fluctuating between the two. Potentially a helpful approach would be to make time and space for a bit of both, thus satisfying your need for company and for peace. Perhaps you could spend an evening with one or two close friends and let the conversation go where it will; if it strays into deep or unusual topics, so much the more interesting. – By Amy Elliott

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — If you’re feeling rather frustrated about the lack of progress in a career-related matter, you may need to question some of your core assumptions. This is ultimately likely to expand your pool of options and make your task a good deal easier. However hard you’ve been clinging to certain beliefs, opening them up to scrutiny will probably save you a headache or two down the line. This may include reassessing the abilities or contributions of people alongside whom you’ve been working: someone may have a previously unnoticed gift to bring to the table. You may need to hold space to allow this to emerge more fully. – By Amy Elliott

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Continue to approach your goals one step at a time, however anxious you might feel to see rapid or concrete progress. It may be necessary to scout ahead for any potential snags before moving forward. Likewise, consider how your intended course is likely to impact the overall environment. There are certainly situations in which it’s necessary to provoke controversy or conflict, and others in which doing so would not be helpful. It would be best not to withhold your truth from the world merely in order to keep the peace; likewise, generating heat for its own sake just adds up to a waste of energy. Keep to the narrow path. – By Amy Elliott

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Your charts suggest that you are likely to better understand a point of contention if you look deeply within yourself, in the realm of instinctual and almost primal sensations. There may be a particular feeling that you’ve been suppressing or ignoring, but which is nevertheless important. Often, these straightforward impulses, untinctured by civilization, are keys to fundamental truths. It’s generally helpful not to hide from them, but to acknowledge them as they are; which is to say, to acknowledge ourselves as we are. Doing so will not rob you of the power to think and act as you wish. These things remain under the governance of your free will. – By Amy Elliott

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — It would seem you’re unsure or doubtful about your level of power in a negotiation or a relationship. You may feel as if the other party has a clear advantage, or is too charming to resist. Yet, as with all such interactions, it’s worth entertaining the possibility that your impressions could be mirages of projection rather than accurate pictures. In any case, you have more clout than you realize. If you think carefully, you’ll probably discover you have a shrewd grasp of the situation, which will also enable you better to comprehend other people’s motives. If there is a glamour over someone, with a little effort you can see past it. — By Amy Elliott

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You may well still have some recharging to do, though by all means let your creative spirit flow freely and find expression if you feel so moved. You are likely to find inspiration at this time in the abundance and beauty of the natural world in all its forms. With Mars entering your opposite sign on Sunday, that could include honest, vulnerable one-to-one interactions, especially where desire is present. Opening up your plain, unvarnished self in the presence of others is a way of honoring who you are at your very essence. This can take tremendous courage, but it is also freeing in a unique and profound sense. — By Amy Elliott