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Knowing there's little that influences your quality of life more than the company you keep, choose your inner circle very carefully in these days of the Mercury retrograde. As for the loose associations of your network and acquaintances, you never can tell where these ties will lead you. It's beneficial to make as many introductions as possible. An attitude of inclusivity will serve you well.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Much will come of saying yes. You'll join in a plan you wouldn't think to do on your own, which leads to an adventure. New places and faces will populate your experience. The best part is how easy it all will be.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Where the goal is to get it done right, you will get the most qualified person for the job and it will eliminate that pressure. When the goal is to make things interesting or fun, a less-qualified person is a better fit.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). One person's forgetting is an opportunity for another's remembering. Also, there will be a chance to jump in and save a social situation, perhaps with a gesture of compassion, humor or hospitality.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Secrets build trust, curiosity and a bond that is both thrilling and fragile. People are more likely to trade secrets than they are to simply give them up. In sharing secrets, we reveal our true selves, layer by layer.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your cosmic gift is one of grace and charm. The way you communicate will have a greater impact than the content of your words. Your intentions will come true even when you don't articulate them. People just feel you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Whether you accept or reject a change, it's going to happen. You don't have to acknowledge and integrate developments into your experience, but you'll be more powerful as you do.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Choose your companions wisely. Even the brightest days can feel hollow when spent with those who drain your energy. It's better to weather a storm with someone fun than bask in sunshine with someone who dims your light.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). People will have various preferences for tending. Some would rather appear strong than receive care. Others don't trust help or just prefer soloing. Your needs are evolving and so are your methods of meeting them.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Someone's small but constant demands for your attention will pull your focus, and this makes your goals seem far away indeed. To move toward your aspirations, it's essential to set boundaries and prioritize your own needs.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You deliver the work only to realize there is still a mountain more of it to do. The cycle needs three steps: work, breathe, celebrate. The breather and the celebration are essential to the cycle, and it would be detrimental to leave them out.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Relationships will always involve complexity because humans are complex. Step back for a broader view of fascinating patterns and dynamics that are not visible up close. Nuanced observations are paths to empathy.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Villains aren't all bad. Heroes aren't all good. Each case is unique and so is each read of the situation. Your preferences and tolerances will be highlighted. You'll find a way to help everyone get along.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 5). The more you make the uplift of others a focus, the better you feel. You'll accomplish amazing feats expending but half the energy they once required because you have so much love, admiration and support around you this year. More highlights: A fitness goal will be reached. You'll sock away money for a huge investment, and you'll entertain like the star you are. Aries and Taurus adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 20, 14, 26 and 33.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: The original moonwalker Neil Armstrong, who famously declared, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," preferred to deflect the glory of his distinction and focus the spotlight on the team that made this historic walk possible. This is a common Leo habit. With the cat's charisma on their side, those born in the sign of entertainment cannot help but draw the spotlight to them, though they usually prefer to share it or redirect it.

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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