Happy birthday for Aug. 12: Take charge, do your best to rectify pending problems and turn any negatives you encounter into positives. Change begins with how you use your skills, offer help and participate in everyday life. Smart details entail observation, planning and calling on your integrity and experience to do what’s right. Your numbers are 8, 15, 19, 27, 31, 38, 43.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Control legalities, investments and health issues. What you discover will point you in a positive direction and encourage you to do what’s best for you. Don’t hesitate to proceed once you have backed your feelings with facts and figures. A change will be enlightening and prosperous. HHH

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): It’s up to you to choose what’s next. Size up your situation, relationships and what matters most, then initiate change. Don’t ponder over things you can’t change; take flight and make your intentions count and your dreams come true. Love and romance are favored. HHH

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Mark your territory and gauge what’s possible. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted. Put your energy into getting ahead, expanding your knowledge, fact-checking and ensuring you take care of every detail before proceeding. Let your intuition guide you; caution and accuracy will lead to success. HHH

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Dedicate more time to self-improvement, health and well-being. Consider your options and financial position, and invest more time and money in how you live. Strive to ease stress and to live a healthy lifestyle. Children, family and socializing will require a disciplined attitude and patience. HHHHH

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Keep tabs on what others do and how much you spend. Generosity will lead to trouble if you insist on giving more than you’ve got emotionally, physically or financially. Protect against those trying to take advantage of your kindness. HH

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Research is your best friend. Take the time to investigate your options and to implement what’s practical, safe and within your means. Feel free to make last-minute alterations or head in a different direction if it suits your needs. Do what feels right, regardless of peer pressure. HHHH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Examine what others do, and make changes accordingly. Staying on top of situations will lead to opportunities. Timing is essential, and letting your intuition guide you will pay off. A domestic change looks promising. HHH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Stay active, social and in touch with the latest lifestyle and technological advancements. A well-informed mind will help you make better decisions and direct you to use your skills accordingly. Forward-thinking will put you in a leadership position. HHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Taking on too much too fast will lead to confusion and mistakes. Align yourself with experts and make decisions that encompass opportunities, not struggles. Maintain control and work secretively to deter others from stealing your ideas or talking you into unnecessary additions. HHH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’ll get the boost you need from the people you align yourself with today. Discuss your options, costs and prospects with someone who has experience and expertise in areas that perplex you. Refuse to let your ego be your downfall. HHHH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put your energy into something that matters to you. Whether it’s making your surroundings more functional or resolving domestic issues that can lead to trouble, take the initiative, be willing to compromise and build an environment that encourages equality, interaction, peace and love. HH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Adjust your day to suit your needs. Refuse to let outside interference ruin your plans or threaten your mental, physical or emotional well-being. Be resourceful, put a plan in place and refuse to overspend to buy someone’s attention or favor. Follow your gut and walk away from adversity. HHHHH

H: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. HH: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. HHH: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. HHHH: Aim high; start new projects. HHHHH: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.