ArcaMax

Sometimes a little friction is useful. Think: Tires need grip to control motion. But too much friction can make a situation exhausting, like trying to move a heavy object across sand instead of ice. Just as smooth surfaces or streamlined shapes reduce physical friction, clear communication, emotional openness and well-planned logistics keep things moving along today.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your energy changes people, places and things. Even minor interactions prove this. Sometimes you lose sight of the difference you make, but being somewhat aware of it today will fuel and inspire your next move.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're quick on your feet today. Keep in mind that improvisation works best when it follows certain rules, like agreeing to the reality that is and adding on to it. Your spontaneous solutions will be brilliant, your whims inspired.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). A question is all you need to get things started today. Asking a good one will open doors and reframe challenges into opportunities. A shared laugh will lighten the atmosphere. Humor acts as a reset button, restoring balance and goodwill.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The moments that slip from your control teach you facets of your humanity. Knowing yourself in an imperfect moment allows you to connect with others. As your empathy grows, so will the fullness of your experience.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). How would things be different if you had their love? It's the question to ponder. It's not that you could come up with an entirely accurate answer, as there are many unknown factors, but exploring your expectations and projections will be most enlightening today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You appreciate beauty in ordinary scenes. This attentiveness adds richness to the day and fuels creativity. You'll be open to collaboration, but if it doesn't come it's even better for you because you'll enjoy your own company so much today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). There are things to be judiciously ignored for a time. Remember that most people are doing their best and acting in accordance with the understanding they currently hold. Give them time to work things out on their own and they'll pleasantly surprise you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You don't romanticize less-than-perfect circumstances, nor do you let them define you. These challenges add texture to your work, your relationships and your outlook.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Today would be frustrating for some people, but not you -- this is just the challenge that you eat for breakfast. Lived experience has taught you to reframe, improvise and continue. Resources appear as needed; skills surface when called upon.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The work you did counts, but not in the way you were going for. That's OK -- and even better than you think, actually. Effort can be redirected. Stay open to multiple paths and you'll thrive in a new reality you weren't expecting.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). What matters will occur face to face, and that's what makes it so exciting. You never do know what the other person might do or say, and each moment is filled with risk and aliveness.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You've already been many people, and more incarnations will unfold. Let it happen freely. You don't have to worry about losing anything that's "so you" because it's impossible to lose what is indelibly yours.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 24). Welcome to your Year of Emotional Fluency, in which feelings become useful information rather than interruptions. You read the room, honor your inner weather and respond with the emotional intelligence to make relationships golden. And yes, you keep getting promoted, befriended and paid for this very useful human skill. More highlights: thrilling times with a special person, game-night triumphs, an unforgettable collaboration with legendary results. Gemini and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 10, 40, 33 and 14.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Aquarius energy is strongly felt in moments where individuality dissolves into shared experience. Think: Neil Diamond's song "Sweet Caroline" which turns strangers into a temporary community. Like most Aquarians, Neil Diamond gets energy from spreading joy to humanity which he has done with his superstardom for five straight decades. With Mercury in Aquarius too Diamond's iconoclastic, Billboard chart-topping musical communication is legendary.

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