If today is your birthday: The recognition, financially, socially and career-wise, that all your hard work deserves is likely to be forthcoming in the next year. However, it might not be awarded you in the manner you are anticipating.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Constructive results are possible with whatever it is you're doing, but only as long as you perform in accordance with your highest standards. Don't let a lazy associate convince you otherwise.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Several significant objectives can be accomplished, provided you're not saddled with a co-worker who has little interest in doing a bit of work. Be prepared to do all of the heavy lifting yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Even though, upon reflection, you can see how you could do things better than what you promised, stick to the terms of your initial commitment. It would be far worse to get in over your head at the last second.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- You'll get much more than a paycheck if you render your best effort toward your job. Your self-esteem and self-worth will be greatly enhanced in ways hard to come by.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Bring into play all of your instincts, your memory and your logic if you find yourself involved in a difficult endeavor. Collectively, they can help you accomplish the impossible.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- It might take all of the gumption you've got to accomplish a critical assignment, but what you will get out of it personally will be worth it -- and that isn't likely to mean money.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Don't complain from the sidelines about something you're involved with that is being mishandled. Roll up your sleeves and shape things up yourself, from top to bottom if need be.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- If you've accumulated a bit of a surplus lately, don't blow it all on having a good time. At least use some of it on loved ones who would not only appreciate but also deserve a little special treatment.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Not everybody is as perceptive as you tend to be, so if you believe you can better the ideas of what others have to offer, speak up and let your thoughts be known.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Instead of always expecting more from others, make it your turn to devise some ways to repay them for all they've done for you in the past. They'll be happy, and you'll feel good about yourself.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- When attempting to complete a complicated task, don't pretend to know things you really don't. Seek out the information you need.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Although your intuitive insights might be a bit more accurate than usual, it will still be up to you to find a way to execute them as cleverly as you envision them.

Trying to patch up a broken romance? The Astro-Graph Matchmaker can help you understand what to do to make the relationship work. Send for your Matchmaker set by mailing $3 to Astro-Graph, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. COPYRIGHT 2011 United Feature Syndicate, Inc.

DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL UCLICK 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, Mo. 64106; (816) 581-7500