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Mars breaks into Gemini to mix up the social realm. Relationships are for the brave because, on some level, they are an agreement to invest enough of yourself that it matters. The imperfection of reality is a guarantee that at some point whatever matters will bring pain. But if you're not agreeing to some amount of pain, you're not agreeing to being engaged in life.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). There's a group that looks interesting, and maybe also a bit intimidating, but that's only because you don't know them yet. You have more in common with this group than you might imagine, which you'll find out soon after you break the ice.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It's silly to borrow trouble. For starters, you can seldom return it in a timely manner, and the fines are steep, too. It will be lucky to borrow other things today though, so don't be afraid to ask for what you need.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). One strong leader brings up the level of the whole group. But the leadership won't happen by way of instruction. It will be modeling that makes the difference.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your curiosity is a credit to all around you. You have a way of stirring up a sense of wonder, and everyone around you will feel it now and be awed by things they normally might not even think about or notice.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your ears are perked up and ready to get down to the bottom of a mystery. The truth has a ring to it. Even so, it still sounds different depending on who is telling it because people tell the truth in different ways.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). An exchange of casual thanks will be more profound than it looks. That's because gratitude has power. Some credit it as a source of healing, others as a savior of things such as health, sobriety, creativity or joy.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The opposite of insecurity is connection. Today reminds you that this connection can be to a person, idea, a way of seeing yourself, a dearly loved value or other. You'll gain confidence as you dedicate yourself to something larger.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Information doesn't have to be particularly juicy, personal or interesting to be stamped "top-secret." Sometimes it's just about you being you, which is sacred by itself. It's instinctive to you to keep random things on a need-to-know basis.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It is said that the strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack, but little is mentioned about the wolverine, whose strength is traveling and hunting alone, which also has its perks, which you'll enjoy today.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It is possible for a heartfelt connection to happen in the briefest of moments, and when it does, it will go deep and wide, making your heart more elastic. Whether the connection will also be long-lasting is another matter entirely, and not of relevance now.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You have many interests, but one exciting ambition will drive the action today. You'll be the most productive when you are the least critical of yourself. Harsh critique isn't helpful in any way today, no matter who it comes from.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). An expansive mental state is a gift of the day. The way you relate to yourself, for instance with self-talk, self-care, reflection or other, can also be thought of as the way you relate to the universe. The essential part of you is universal.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (July 20). Your gorgeous way with people will be celebrated and rewarded with money and status. A new interest quickly turns into a source of entertainment, relationships and personal development. More highlights: a spontaneous road trip, the growth of your network and reputation, and the success of someone you cared for or taught, which brings you the most fulfillment of all. Gemini and Capricorn adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 15, 13, 29 and 19.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: After Carlos Santana tours the world through the summer, he begins a series of intimate concerts with a residency at The House of Blues in Las Vegas. The legendary guitar hero is a titan of blending styles, whether it's rock, salsa and jazz or the design mixes that have made him, among other things, a fashion mogul. Known for following his intuition into all kinds of pairings, Santana has natal sun, Mercury and Venus all in the sign of the soulful crab.

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.

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