A Balm for the Tenderhearted

They say love is a many splendored thing, and they also say love hurts. Both statements are true, but perhaps because of the negativity bias that comes with being human, it is easier to come up with evidence for the latter statement. These early stages of Venus and Mercury in Cancer promise to be a tender balm for love's ache, which is always, eventually, worth it.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Those who are unwilling to tolerate what they don't like will miss out on the main growth opportunity of the day, which has to do with accepting how things are until the time when they can be changed.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Without a goal, how will you know if you score? You won't, and that's the point. Rather, the point is that it's good to do pointless things sometimes, if only to remind yourself that living is its own prize.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You'll be praised. You may think the props are unwarranted, as you're not doing anything you would consider grand, rather you're just showing up to do what you said you'd do. Nonetheless, you'll help many by merely promising small and delivering on it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Social stars are on the rise. Being well matched is about sharing a range of comfortable topics and intensities, values and vibes. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the way humor presents and plays.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When things didn't go your way, you came at the problem from a different side, reconfigured the scene and ultimately created such vast improvement that you were grateful for the instigating incident. History is about to repeat.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Reconnecting with loved ones can strengthen your support network and enrich your life. It can also irritate you to no end and remind you why you lost touch. So you're judicious, and you often opt to meet new people instead of scrolling through contacts.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). When your fine taste gives you expensive appetites, you feel it's a burden. But today, your taste will be a boon, as it shows you an affordable path to the kind of style and experiences that money can't buy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're more concerned with being warm than cool, but somehow today you'll manage to achieve both at once. People want to be like you, they want to be around you, and they want to belong to whatever you ascribe to.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You'll get specific about what you want and need because the typical answers are so ubiquitous that they no longer mean anything to you. What would be good for you is different from what would be good for someone else.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It is possible for your body and mind to experience fear-like symptoms and your spirit to, nonetheless, be fearless. This is the warrior dynamic that kicks in when you know you're fighting for the right thing.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You like to feel you've earned everything that comes to you. Don't be too literal about it today. Be open to receiving. If you haven't technically earned it yet, don't worry, you will. You wouldn't be tapped in unless someone thought you were ready.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Tighten the plan. Leave little to chance. Openings invite chaotic elements to drop in. Keep the inside information on the inside. If you're not sure about a move, wait. Do nothing and there will be nothing to undo.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (June 18). It's your most prolific and productive year to date; tight plans become beautiful experiences. More highlights: You'll discover the power of your voice, get clear on your message and sharpen your ideas. Everything aligns to communicate and inspire. You'll be appreciated, adored and publicized. Aries and Aquarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 15, 18, 32, 12 and 8.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Whether he's heading "Back to the Honky Tonk" on tour or serving up glam and grits on his Broadway rooftop bar in Nashville, Blake Shelton does it with charisma, heart and humor. The Gemini star was born under a Pisces moon of old souls. Pisces moon people often know their path from an early age. Shelton moved to Music City at 17 and the rest is history.

Holiday Mathis' debut novel, "How To Fail Epically in Hollywood," is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.