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What's the first thing Venus does in her Leo journey? Form a fire sign trine to Neptune -- a flame reflected in the pupil of a lion just before the hunt. Because before we get what we want, we have to want it. And before that, before we even know we want it, that's the instinct that ignites the body, flares in the belly, seeks fuel for the heat -- the appetite that animates.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). There's been a lingering idea or goal quietly sitting in your mind, something you've considered but haven't acted on yet. Now, it's front and center. You can't ignore it anymore; it's demanding attention. Take the first step.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). A dynamic is getting tense. Don't micromanage or fix the surface issues. Look past symptoms and go straight to the root. What was overlooked? Was there a lack of respect or clarity, or a crossed line? Once that's acknowledged, the tension will ease.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Liking yourself is one thing. But today, there's room for something deeper -- something like admiration. What would change if you saw yourself as someone remarkable, someone worth fierce loyalty and daily praise? Try it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The thrill of what's next will overtake the drag of what was. You'll get absorbed in the pace. Everything feels surprising and new. You won't have the bandwidth for anxiety. You'll be too busy living something real and vibrant.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You've already lived through chapters that forced emotional growth most never touch. Here come even more blossoms on your branches. Don't worry, you won't be tested again. You've already learned the lesson, and now you're just having fun with the growth process.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You've experienced inner conflict before -- your logic pulling one way, your emotions another. That tension can slow a person down, but not you, not today. You use it like a divining rod, twitching toward the source, bypassing everything that's dry.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Yes, you prefer the low-key setting now because you value the company you seek there, even if it's the company of your own soul. So it's stillness over spectacle, presence over performance, a simple setting that allows for real attention and unfiltered thought.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Intimacy is the issue. Should you let them glimpse the beautiful world of you? Should you let them hear your real voice? Or should you continue your run and let them catch up if they can? That is the question.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You said yes to something thinking it would be temporary or simple. Nope! It's grown weighty, costly and layered. It requires more time and resources than you originally wanted to give. Still, now it has new surprising benefits, too.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Just like planets orbit a star and moths are drawn to the flame, people naturally gravitate toward the hot topic. Today's is juicy indeed. And it's your favorite flavor -- dramatic and charged, but not so serious. No one gets hurt.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your gift in conversation doesn't dominate or dazzle. If it were to do either, it would mean that your side was out of balance with the other. Your way is the way of gentle curiosity. You nudge with curiosity; you connect in humor.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Peace lands in your circle. A friendship smooths out. Couples agree on next steps. Neighbors soften. No dramatic breakthrough -- just soft adjustments that let things feel livable again.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 26). In this year of abundant love, do not forget for a moment how the deepest, best relationship of your life is with you. Prioritize the commitment to yourself, as it will keep you making choices of vibrant vitality. More highlights: You'll say yes to love, no to obligation. You find fun instead of problems, freedom instead of friction. Your body becomes your companion. Your solitude is lush. Your friendships are delicious. No guilt, no drain -- only glow. Libra and Aquarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 20, 1, 12 and 5.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: We are used to seeing Melissa McCarthy in comedy, but her deep pathos is about to come to the spotlight in the documentary crime drama "Unspeakable" about the 1996 JonBenet Ramsey tragedy. Whether playing a grieving mother, a loyal best friend or the sea witch who ruins everything, McCarthy brings her signature humor and compassion to every role. McCarthy was born when Mars was in entertaining Leo, and her natal moon in caring Cancer.

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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