Leo the Lion (July 22-Aug. 22):
Your plans and ideas may be challenged by another at this time. If you have done the necessary groundwork, you will emerge the winner. Do your best to generate a win-win situation out of the duel, and avoid a frank battle of wills. This is a week in which old issues may surface in any relationship.
For All Signs: Mercury continues to be unusually busy in the cosmic sky this week. Controversy can be found everywhere, personally and collectively. Don't accept everything you hear to be true. Some of it may be confused or distorted facts and ideas. Double check information, especially if it is unexpected or startling. Rumors are running rampant.
Aries: There is a lot of chatter all around you. Some of it may be disturbing to your sense of comfort. Don't buy into it. The dust will settle soon and whatever the event, it will be over in a few days' time. Use caution when driving or handling machinery.
Taurus: Intensity in relationships is the theme of the week. If you are not conscious, you could be pulled into schemes of manipulation or compulsive behaviors. Existing relationships could re-experience the pain of old wounds. You have a choice of whether to work it through or act it out in the same ways as the first time.
Gemini: You may feelargumentative this week. Choose your words carefully because you are prone to draw inaccurate conclusions. Make sure you understand what the other is saying before you act or respond to it. You will be prone to tell yourself what you want to think.
Cancer: You are caught between a rock and a hard place. You'll have to choose the least of two negative conditions. Often this kind of aspect suggests guilt versus resentment. You anticipate guilt if you do not do what is asked. And if you acquiesce, you will ultimately feel resentment. Do something quickly.
Virgo: You would be happy to take the first flight to Tahiti and never bat an eye over it. Short of that, you may be taking small mental breaks this week, with lots of daydreaming and drifting. Concentrate carefully on any project requiring calculations and multiple plans.
Libra: It is necessary that you give attention to an issue of control that threatens to split one or more of your relationships. Either one of you may be the one who is seeking power, and it may be quite subtle. You may be attempting to get what you want through manipulation.
Scorpio: Your concentration is good this week. Your ability to verbalize what is on your mind is very good. Changes may be occurring in your primary relationship. One or the other of you is probably trying to hang on to what is familiar.
Sagittarius: You have a desire to celebrate. The temptation to overspend is strong. Consider what would be fun and interesting that doesn't require a big expenditure. Activities concerning education, publishing, the law and travel have positive aspects.
Capricorn: Issues that have been brewing for a while in relationship(s) are coming to a turning point. You and another may be vying for emotional control. This can be very subtle and create long-term issues that occasionally explode to the surface. Look for the way to win-win.
Aquarius: Someone, perhaps your partner, keeps wanting to draw you into a debate over those principles that you hold dearly. Maybe this person is mainly seeking your attention. Don't let it get under your skin. If you don't want to discuss it, then excuse yourself and go read a book instead.
Pisces: No matter how well-meaning you are, others may misunderstand and be offended. The issue is over ego. If the Other needs to cling to it, let it be. You have a grasp of the big picture and many around you cannot fly in the ethers with you or understand your perspective. Sometimes it is lonely in the world of the Fish.
Are you interested in a personal horoscope? Vivian Carol may be reached at 704-366-3777 for private psychotherapy or astrology appointments. Web site: www.horoscopesbyvivian.com.