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The halfway mark between the summer solstice and the autumnal equinox has been celebrated since ancient times in the Celtic holiday Lammas. Festivals honoring the light are echoed in the carnivals that ride through many towns this time of year, with games and rides that light up the evening hours with a blurring, whirring promise of fun.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). People feel safe with you. Because of this, the truth will move in where mysteries and manipulation once existed. It's your warmth that inspires others to let down their guard or give up the ruse.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Trust in the timing. Pauses just mean that matters outside the frame are being solved. Ultimately, even the lulls work in your favor. Hunger makes the meal sweeter. The reward, long-awaited, will be worth it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Feelings heat up. Channel your creative impulses into making something tangible. This process can provide a sense of release and offer a new perspective on your experiences.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You don't have to be perfect to be loved, liked or included. Perfection would be intimidating and tends to drive people away. People are drawn to your relatability, which is based in knowledge of your strengths and flaws alike.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You'll be an objective witness to your own behavior. This is advanced human behavior, and it takes maturity. To clearly understand your motivations and patterns, and make changes where needed, will allow you to evolve in the way you wish to.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The logic you once followed suddenly seems faulty, but you can't quite put your finger on why. Until you figure it out, try to navigate with something different. An innate knowing rises up in you -- use it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You'll make someone's tough day a lot brighter with your generosity. You'll give your last dollar, share your fries, do whatever it takes to get to that smile. Your sweetness is matched only by your strength.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The whole universe breathes with you. Anytime you want to remember this truth, just bring your attention to the pulsing ground, the sway of trees, and the vibrant force that fills your lungs and invigorates your spirit.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Shortcuts might get you somewhere fast, but you still won't be able to skip anything life wants to teach you. These lessons insist on being learned, if not now, then tomorrow or next month.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Wishing for what you want doesn't make you entitled. The entitled are the ones who expect that wishing is enough to bring things to hand, which is, of course, childish. Aligned aims, efforts and strategy will win the game.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Study the routines of your admired crew. Observe how they structure their day, manage their time and tackle their tasks. Don't hesitate to ask them directly for the steps they follow and the best practices they adhere to.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Because you're so used to hard work, it feels passive to sit back and gather inspiration. But absorbing ideas and experiences is crucial to producing your next round of quality work. Seek out books, art, music and conversations.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 1). It feels so right to take charge of your own experience. This lucky feeling meets you on the regular this year and is often your constant companion. The world is responsive to your needs and wants. More highlights: You'll be part of an excellent team and you'll also root for winning teams. Education pays off big-time. A magical process brings kindred souls together. Virgo and Sagittarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 50, 3, 39 and 18.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Even while swimming in the depths of the ocean, Jason Momoa is on top of the entertainment world with box-office success due in no small part to the visceral charisma of this charming Leo. Upcoming projects span genres from drama to animation to the fantasy world of the video game phenomenon that is Minecraft. The Leo star was born when the sun, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter were all in the sign of entertainment.

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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