Break Out of Your Shell and Be Dramatic

Self-indulgence can be good for you now, as the Sun lights up your Second House of Self-Worth through August 23. Loosen up the purse strings to buy yourself goodies that enhance your appearance or lighten your heart with a playful spirit. The New Moon in Leo on August 12 is a major signal to brighten your appearance and enhance your attitude. If you're concerned about coming on too strong or feel too shy to do this, pretend that you're acting. Yes, it may not be the height of sincerity, but there's something extremely beneficial in imagining that you're playing a character in a movie -- if that's what it takes to present yourself with more pizazz.

Use your imagination to broaden the boundaries of possibility, and then fill them in with a personality equal in size. The Full Moon on August 28 lands in your Ninth House of Higher Mind and Faraway Places, pointing the way to connections that come when you travel or engage in educational pursuits. This Full Moon in compassionate and imaginative Pisces forms a tense 90-degree square with expansive Jupiter, indicating a potential for emotional extremes. Feelings may come pouring out, be they tears of joy or of despair. Either way, recognize that the intensity of this time may be out of proportion with reality. Still, it sometimes takes drama to melt away the fears and open a channel for deeper connection with someone you care about. Just don't confuse sentiment with love regardless of how similar they seem.