ArcaMax

Anyone who has fixed their heart on something that didn't pan out knows the feeling of having it pull away, taking the plug with it as joy slips down the drain. Having a working knowledge of the phenomenon tends to make people more careful about where they hang their hopes. The moon at odds with Neptune calls for compassionate management of expectations.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Without difficult people, we wouldn't have the chance to stretch the boundaries of our patience and understanding. They challenge us to grow, helping us discover the true strength of our kindness.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). New experiences include the opportunity to express yourself. You may feel foolish at first because doing something new can be awkward, and this is the risk inherent in discovery. Revelations, not regrets, are the goal.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Even though you're in a bit of a hurry, it will not benefit you to sprint without warming up first. And if you don't make it to a sprint, that's OK, too. Be proud of the little steps; they are enough to get you there. Slow progress is progress indeed.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Think things through. If someone wants you to act now, you'll be lucky to take that as your cue to instead act later. Second thoughts, or a carefully labored plan will be much more auspicious to follow than your initial impulse.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There's no such thing as dead space. What seems like a blank is alive with possibility. Maybe you have ideas about what to put in the area, but if you dare to leave it bare, you'll be surprised and delighted by what drops in on its own accord.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Expressing yourself through art, journaling or other sharing can offer a safe distance from the chaos of immediate feelings, and organize the turmoil into patterns that help you understand your needs and sort your next moves.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The boundaries between business and friendship may blur, creating the illusion of effortless generosity with no one keeping score. But deep down, you know better; when it comes to money, everyone keeps track.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). If you need extra incentives to give yourself the tenderness and attention you crave, consider that this care will not only provide comfort in the moment, but it will also prevent you from being overly involved in petty social accounting.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Some weeds are prettier than the other plants that were planned for the garden. Even so, a garden is a plan and a weed is that which grows there that wasn't part of the plan. Consider what is showing up as a weed in your life.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Love in all its forms -- friendly, compassionate, romantic, familiar and other -- will be your steady north star. These connections will inspire your decisions and be the constant, abiding promise that wherever you are on the journey, you're in the right place.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Listening to different perspectives can be a powerful way to clarify your own thoughts and feelings. The conclusion you arrive at will stand apart, a testament to your intellectual independence.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Whether the outcome you seek is in the material or emotional world, action will get you there. You'll think better thoughts while moving through an environment conducive to your health.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 11). In love's collaboration, you'll exchange little pieces of your soul and become a unified presence taking on the world. You'll be celebrated for leadership and diplomacy. A wave of popularity has you being treated like royalty. More highlights: You'll take home a coveted trophy for mastering a game, partly because you recognize that it is a game before anyone else. Leo and Libra adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 20, 14, 15 and 40.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Capricorns are known for their determination and work ethic, traits that shine in Mary J. Blige's journey from a challenging upbringing in Yonkers, New York, to becoming a Grammy- and Emmy-winning global icon. Her recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the release of her album "Gratitude" underscore Blige's characteristic Capricorn persistence and love of legacy. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul now embarks on the "For My Fans" tour to honor the ones she sings for.

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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