Horoscope: Friday, Jul 17

You tend to be pretty self-assured, Aries, but self-esteem issues dating from long ago could surface today. You might feel like a schoolchild called on to recite. This could cause a few snags in your relationships or interfere with your effectiveness at social occasions. Try to remain objective. Don't lose sight of who you are. Don't let old insecurity interfere with your effectiveness.

Sometimes it’s okay to go a bit crazy or be a bit outrageous, especially when, as now, you are in need of cheering up. You don’t need anyone’s permission to have a good time – you just need to be confident enough to follow your instincts.

If you do not like the way things are developing in a particular area or environment then make your excuses and leave. It may seem as if you are abandoning the struggle but what’s the point of struggling when you are the only one doing it?

Some of your aims and ambitions will need to be adjusted over the next few days and the sooner you make whatever changes are needed the less disruption you will have to endure. Gemini is known as a flexible sign, so bend with the breeze.

There is nothing to fear but fear itself – that is the message you need to keep telling yourself now that the Sun is moving into one of the more anxious areas of your chart. Nothing can really harm you, you can only harm yourself.

Make sure you are on top of all the relevant facts and figures this weekend because there are those who would like nothing better than to catch you out and make you look bad. Details are every bit as important as the bigger picture.

Today’s cosmic picture warns that a deal you are being offered is not as simple or as clear-cut as it seems. Dig into the details more than you have done so far and make sure you are not being set up to be the financial fall guy.

Someone you've wanted to hear from for a long time, perhaps an old friend who lives far away, could ring you up today while you're out, Leo. You'll be happy to get the message, but it could result in a frustrating game of phone tag throughout the day. Don't get so irritated you give up. Keep trying. You'll eventually touch base, and you'll be glad you did!

Don’t commit yourself to anything you have not checked out for yourself this week. Even if a trusted friend says there is nothing to worry about you must take the time and make the effort to do your own research. There is big money at stake.

You need to see your life as it really is, as opposed to how you would like it to be. Only then can you make the decisions that will take you from where you are now to where you most want to be. Dreams always start with reality.

Dreams could shed light on some personal ambiguities you've been trying to understand, Libra. Your thinking is especially clear and logical now, and work should therefore be a snap. Money matters should go fairly smoothly today, particularly if paperwork or legal documents are involved. You should have practical insights that are stronger than usual, especially regarding finance, and so you could end the day feeling more than satisfied with what you've accomplished.

You can expect some kind of windfall over the next 24 hours, but be warned: what Lady Luck gives with one hand she may decide to take back with the other. If it happens, it happens. Overall you won’t actually have lost anything.

A series of challenging influences will point the spotlight at your domestic situation and you will have to make some tough decisions, both for yourself and for other people. It seems you are the only one with the strength to make those difficult calls.

A financial offer of some kind may be tempting but the planets suggest that an even better offer will be coming your way early in the week, so don’t be too eager to put pen to paper. What’s the rush? You’re not desperate are you?

It’s quite likely that you will encounter fierce opposition to what you intend to do today but don’t let that stop you. Keep your eye on the prize and keep moving relentlessly forward. Don’t stop for anyone, not even those you love.

Your level of health and physical well-being is likely to be very high, Capricorn, and thus you're probably glowing. As a result, you might find that those around you pay more attention to what you're saying than they usually do. You'll also find that your mind is especially sharp, and you're apt to be exceptionally quick on the uptake. Therefore, you might absorb a lot more from what you hear than you normally do. Make a note of it!

If you've been having trouble reaching a romantic partner, Aquarius, it might be a good idea to stop trying. Your friend is having a rough day and might not make the best company. In fact, your beloved could view a call from you as an unwelcome interruption and be short, if not downright rude. If you speak with your friend, keep it brief and plan to get together - just not today.

You should know by now that there are as many opinions as there are people – also, that just because an opinion comes from someone in a position of power does not mean it is right. Bear that in mind today, especially if you’re the one with the power!

Don’t let anyone tell you that your aims are misguided because only you know what you are capable of and what your destiny should be. If you feel drawn toward a particular vocation you must give yourself permission to explore it.