ArcaMax

When starting out -- in life, love, work, anything -- a lot of what happens is out of our control. We're born into certain circumstances, we meet people by chance, we stumble into opportunities... it's luck-heavy. Over time, what we say yes to, what we build or walk away from, the roles we claim or reject will matter more. Whatever we've done with what we were given, that's the part we get to keep.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It's safe to let go of anxious overthinking and focus on what you can control right now. Show up, give your best and move forward. Don't spiral. Don't fixate. Just handle what's in front of you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You have conscious goals about love, success and virtue -- and then there are subconscious aims that could conflict, like seeking approval, avoiding discomfort or chasing status. Where's the motivational misalignment? Self-honesty gives you the agency to course correct.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Now the territory feels unfamiliar. You might get turned around, but in doing so, you stumble into serendipity. Shifts in perspective as delicious as this don't come every day. Fresh eyes equal new possibilities.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It's easy to be mad at those who reflect endlessly about making a difference and don't actually help anyone else. Empathy demands more than just performance. The one doing hard, practical, daily emotional labor with no audience will give help that improves.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your charisma doesn't quit, and you don't even have to think about it. At this point, it's ingrained. You don't chase attention; you design it. You're in rare form -- keeping intrigue high without saying too much. The slow drip of self-reveal keeps people on the edge of their seats.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There's a cost to waiting. Things may be easier later -- but not everything should be easy. Decide now. Deciding is power. You're dealing in a part of life that is best served raw, real, awkward and quick.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You may flub a note here and there, but these are not mistakes. You are learning the instrument, refining the song, practicing how to be fully yourself. Also, it's OK to take rests and let silence set up the next refrain.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Haircuts, clothes, style... it can all be genuine expression -- or protective disguise, depending on how it's wielded. Today brings a chance to see yourself more clearly. What are you saying without words?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You don't always need to be producing. There are enough products in the world. Today it's more important just to bring your being to the situation. Keep following the interesting. Keep watching. Keep letting life reveal itself to you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your creativity is coming in hot, and you're fast on your feet. It's not about having all good ideas; it's more a matter of saying, acting out or recording the ones that come to mind, to find what works.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The work you once offered as outreach now can be offered as a strategy, only because not everything you make should be offered as a gift. Some things are investments. Some are sacred. Some are just yours until you decide otherwise.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Even in chaos, your life is rich. You are loved. You are freer than many. You're making choices. Big, brave, consequential ones. And you're not missing your life -- you're in it. And it's beautiful.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 14). Attention to the aesthetic makes life run smoother in this year marked by your exceptional taste. Pleasure is often the engine. Whimsy, beauty, silliness -- the ignorant call it fluff; you call it fuel. Indulgence opens up bigger channels of attraction and ease. More highlights: Your custom approach to solving problems earns you top dollar. You'll travel with flair and make a bold, beautiful purchase that marks your moment. Gemini and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 13, 1, 20, 8 and 15.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: The recent Apple TV+ doc "STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces" reveals the thoughtful, trailblazing journey of Steve Martin, from wild-and-crazy guy to elder statesman of comedy. Leo to the core, Martin continues to co-star in "Only Murders in the Building," the Emmy-winning series he also co-created. A multihyphenate of the highest order -- playwright, musician, novelist, art collector, family man -- his enduring star power is matched only by his generous creative spirit.

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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