HOROSCOPE-Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Can you really read other people's minds? It's possible that you presume way too much about their motives. Maybe you like the idea of building suspense by not revealing your hand, but silence can only add to the mounting tension. If this isn't what you want, start talking to them today. A little polite conversation will make things seem more civilized and let everyone relax. Clearing the air won't take the wind out of your sails, so don't worry about leaving yourself stranded at sea.

Your public and domestic lives are in perfect order at the moment. You feel quite content in your relationships, and you know exactly what you're working toward. Ah, what sweet certainty! Hard work comes easily to you now, because your actions are backed up by a strong moral core. You know not only what you're trying to accomplish, but why. If other people aren't as clear on your goals or the reasoning behind them, you've got another day to explain it to them.

Normally you're a natural in a crowd, but today, you just can't seem to get into the conversation. To your ear, it's all just a lot of distant chatter. No one's making much sense, and they all seem to be talking around the point instead of focusing on what you think is important. Still, try to be polite. You can at least pretend to pay attention, can't you? Then, in a couple of days when you're feeling more yourself, you can seamlessly pick up where you left off, and no one will be the wiser.

Today could be a little rough, if you let your sensitive side take over. Good thing you've also got a remarkable amount of backbone to draw on during times like these. You can actually get a lot done if you put your shoulder down. Focus on work, and show your boss how dedicated you are. Most of all, make sure you're moving toward a specific goal. That way, slings and arrows will bounce right off your hard shell. And don't worry -- you'll definitely know when the worst is over

Even if you're feeling grouchy and insecure, you still can't take it out on everyone around you. Morose glares and sneering replies won't endear you to anyone, and deep down, you know that. So draw on your inner actor and pretend you're in a much better frame of mind. If you smile at people, they'll smile back. If you look for a compromise, Leo, they're a lot more likely to want to work with you.

It's unfortunate but true -- plenty of people around you are far less informed. Sometimes you get annoyed at their shortsightedness, but not today. No, today you shine as a beacon of sound knowledge and fair-mindedness. Of course, it's really just increased focus mixed with your usual detail-oriented approach to life. But hey -- if you pass for wise, so be it. Whatever it takes to bring others to your corner, right? If you play your cards right, you'll have a whole team willing to do your bidding.

You can't decide anything today. All options are equally good or equally bad, depending on whether the glass is half full or half empty. But optimism won't last long under this kind of strain. Even if you're a mild-mannered, go-with-the-flow kind of person, uncertainty will make you moody and stubborn. That's only going to hold you back, you know. Maybe it's best to avoid others when you're feeling like this. They don't deserve you in this mood. And neither do you.

Be sensible without switching off your sense of adventure. Nothing can hold you back now. The corrupt establishment will crumble in the face of your righteous rebellion. The forces of darkness will shrink from the bright light of your efficiency. So what is this, some kind of movie? Actually, it's your movie. You're writing, directing and starring in it. As temporary commander of this ship of state, you'll rule for another capable day. As a star rising in the arena of your charmed life, you'll rock for a lot longer than that.

You see the world in a bright, unique way, and original ideas are your stock in trade. Today, be straightforward about taking the credit -- or the blame -- for where those ideas have led. If you got a little too carried away on a project at the office, own up to it and start brainstorming ways to fix things. In fact, this sort of thing may happen a lot today, so be ready for it. Your best approach is honesty, which shouldn't be difficult -- that's always been one of your most admirable qualities.

Take a deep breath right now, and then another one. Keep that mind-body awareness going until you're grounded again. This is just one method for calming yourself. Do whatever works to help you do everything purposefully today. It's not that you like walking around in this high focus state, it's more that you need to do it. One random act could launch a whole unpredictable month. You'd prefer to plan that month instead, staying on task and within your budget. Of course, there are such things as happy accidents if you can handle the risk.

You've always demanded freedom, and enjoy being ahead of the trends. But that stubborn streak likes a structured life. Go figure! Now's the perfect time to give that small, conventional facet of your personality the stability it craves. Rather than setting off in some brand-new, untried direction, spend today finishing up current projects. Work with all the focus and diligence you have. Then, in a few days, you can see what happens when you've cleared the decks of old business, inspiration is at its peak, and you're raring to go.

Qualified people are the good guys this time. If you know what's what and you have the chops to do it, you'll get to wear the white hat. Yes, the rules are clearly on your side for now. The sky's the limit, thanks to your high standards and stratospheric expectations, but keep your head out of the clouds. Oh, and be sure you're getting enough oxygen up there, too. Forgive anyone who falls short. You'd gain nothing by dropping down on them out of the blue.