Your lookahead horoscope: August 23, 2026

IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY

Opportunities to move up in the world won’t be in short supply over the coming year, but will you have the courage to take advantage of them? The message of your birthday chart is that you need to believe in yourself as much as the universe does.

IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY

You have never been the sort to brood on the past and as new challenges arise over the next few days your focus will be on meeting them rather than wishing things had somehow been different. It’s that attitude that makes you such a winner.

ARIES (March 21 – April 20):

If you find yourself caught between rival factions over the next 24 hours your best course of action by far will be to declare your neutrality and refuse to get personally involved with either side. That’s not cowardice, it’s plain common sense.

TAURUS (April 21 – May 21):

It is of the utmost importance now that you don’t let people who are more powerful than you scare you away from asking the right questions. They may be a bit intimidating but the facts are all on your side, so speak up.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21):

You may be tempted to focus on small matters you know you can deal with, but that would be a waste of your talents. Instead, look at the bigger picture and decide if there is anything you can do to help change it for the better. Then act.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23):

You don’t usually spend much time weighing up the pros and cons before making a decision but you should do so now the sun has left your sign. You may look and feel confident but most of all you need to be confident of the facts.

LEO (July 24 – Aug. 23):

Any disagreements you may have with family and friends and people you work with will mean nothing once Mercury enters your sign on Tuesday, so between now and then try to dial down the overly aggressive atmosphere. It’s no longer needed.

VIRGO (Aug. 24 – Sept. 23):

Too often in the past you have made things difficult for yourself by aiming for perfection when you don’t need to. However, with Venus in your sign you can relax and not worry so much about end results. Focus instead on having fun.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 – Oct. 23):

The cosmic picture is changing rapidly and in a matter of days you will be more optimistic about your prospects and more inclined to take a chance or two. What you do as part of a team is guaranteed to work out for the best.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 – Nov. 22):

The sun’s entry into the career area of your chart will be enhanced early next week by Mercury moving there too. What that means for you on a professional level is that you will find your voice so you can sing your own praises. Sing loud!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 – Dec. 21):

If you start making plans for the weeks and months ahead you will set off a chain reaction of ideas that could take you on an interesting journey before the end of the year. Be adventurous － follow a new path rather than an old one.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 – Jan. 20):

If you are tempted to splash out on a major purchase over the next few days it is essential that you do your homework so you don’t regret the decision later on. Make sure what you buy is insured and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 – Feb. 19):

As one of the more emotional signs of the zodiac you sometimes get worked up about things that are not worth the tears, and that’s something you will need to guard against over the next few days. If you must cry, make them tears of joy.