Horoscope: Wednesday, Aug 19

You can get whatever it is that you desire today but you will also have to pay a price for it. The universe will reward you for all the hard work you have done but it will also ask you to sacrifice something that means a lot to you.

The more someone tries to persuade you that there is nothing to worry about and that you should leave everything to them the more you will need to take charge of the situation. Listen to what your inner voice tells you – it won’t let you down.

The more you push yourself now the more you will benefit over the next month or so. You have been grappling with some serious issues of late and it’s not always been easy for you, but as from tomorrow a pattern will begin to emerge.

Today’s eclipse highlights your domestic affairs, so where family matters are concerned you can get a great deal done over the next 24 to 48 hours. Loved ones will happily follow your lead, so be confident and show them the way.

You don’t have to get involved in a colleague’s personal affairs but you probably will. You can tell that they need help and you are not the sort to ignore a call for assistance, even if the call is implied rather than explicit.

Venus moves into your sign in midweek and almost immediately you will notice that you are both more giving and more forgiving. Let the object of your affection know they are loved. They know already, of course, but it’s nice to be reminded.

It's the perfect day to head outside, Cancer. You'll likely be feeling positive and energetic, and the fresh air, sunshine, and physical activity may be long overdue. Even if this is a workday, make the most of your breaks and lunch hour by walking. This evening could be the opportune time to get together with friends.

Today is well suited for making new friends, Leo. Your sense of adventure is undoubtedly up to it! You will be your usual confident self, but others will seem to respond to your charisma even more than usual. At a party, you may meet someone who lives far away who invites you to visit at a later date. What a wonderful opportunity for travel!

A more thoughtful and inward-looking phase begins this weekend but don’t withdraw from the world altogether. Stay in contact with people whose views and values most closely match your own, even if you have to do it from afar for a while.

As Mercury, your ruler, moves into the area of your chart associated with how you think and how you communicate you won’t have just one good idea, you’ll have dozens! Make a list of them but don’t try to do them all at the same time!

It’s not like you to react to criticism but certain comments have got to you and you WILL have your say about it. Before you do, cool down a bit and promise yourself that you won’t go over the top. Don’t lose that lovely Libra sense of balance.

A huge get-together of some kind could take place today either at your home or the home of someone close to you, Libra. It's possible this may turn into more than just a fun party. You might become involved in conversations with people who become valuable business or social contacts. Expect to have a wonderful time no matter what you do today.

Your phone may seem haunted today, Scorpio. Calls might be filled with static, you could get some phantom rings, or callers may insist they tried to call when your phone never rang. There probably isn't any supernatural force at work, but it might be a good idea check with your phone company. There could be problems with your equipment.

You should make an effort to be patient and tolerant, especially at the office, even though you might not feel like it, Sagittarius. You'll likely take a lot of deep breaths as projects get delayed and meetings drag on. There isn't much you can do about it. Stay focused and trust that everything will be resolved by day's end. In the meantime, don't step on anyone's toes. Your colleagues' nerves are raw.

You must do things the right way this weekend and that means obeying the rules and playing fair. Others can use underhand methods if they wish but you have much higher standards that you must not betray. You will only hurt yourself if you do.

Try not to be too aggressive this week. Money matters and business affairs in particular will go better if you use persuasion rather than coercion to get your way. Turn on the charm and let others know that you’re all on the same side.

Finish what you started before embarking on something new. The planets warn if you leave a task incomplete today it will prey on your mind tomorrow and over the weekend and you won’t be able to enjoy your social life. Get it done!

Do you follow certain rules because you agree with them or because you don’t want people to notice that you are out of step. If it’s the latter you need to get past your fear of being noticed and follow rules that have more meaning for you personally.