ArcaMax

Mercury has been in retrograde so long now, we've gone deaf to the beep of his backup alert system. Still, there's a peace that comes with today's gear shift -- a moment of silence that lends itself to a glorious exhale. Feel that sense of relief that rushes in to fill the being? Ahhh, clarity. Then here comes the opportunity to close a loop, emotionally or otherwise, with elegance.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You'll be faced with a complex problem. First, strip away everything that's unnecessary. Once you're at the bare bones of the idea, the relationship, the task, ask, "How can I elevate this?" Hint: Nothing elevates like lightness. Levity lifts.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll be making plans that involve many. Think about what's worked before. Stick to tradition in some ways. Veer from it in others. Build on it throughout. Because you think things through, you just might do the impossible and please everyone.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Stuck in a loop of judgment or comparison? Stop trying to figure yourself out right now. Instead, pour your energy into doing what absorbs you -- a project, a task, anything that lets you forget yourself for a while.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). A special connection feels easy and unguarded. You're not managing the vibe, you're living in it. You'll say the thing, ask the question, or lean in close, just because that's what feels natural to you both.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You've already arrived at the "cool." No need to chase what you already are. But yours is the kind of cool that doesn't wear sunglasses indoors or speak in aphorisms. Yours is the cool of quiet mastery, of fully lived experience.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). One good move inspires another. It's like you were built for this and so you in turn build from it. Structures rise and solidify as your instinct locks into what works -- taking daily steps to support you along your journey.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You'll wonder if you could be more successful in a different position or with other work. The financial aspect aside, an effective criterion by which to determine the right position for you will be the job's capacity to add value, depth and richness to your life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You'll be in a position to bear witness. Keep in mind there are those who will try to get away with anything and everything they can. Where justice is denied, everyone suffers. When you uphold justice, you do it for all.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Explaining things well will be important today because people are either listening so closely they are apt to catch the slightest mistakes and discrepancies, or they are listening badly and only the most concentrated truth will shine through.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). In matters of safety or legality, or problems of medicine or math, great accuracy will be important. But for most things your approximations will be enough. Your negotiations will sing. Your freeform is just the form that works best.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Talk about potential mistakes because you can prevent many. When told about a pitfall to avoid, people are open, curious and into the problem-solving. When told that they made a mistake, people turn defensive and jump to justifications.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). More than one person gives you something to solve. Blame it on your excellence -- the fate of one who is known to have answers. Remember it's also OK to have answers like, "not today" or "I don't know" or simply "no."

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 11). You're someone rare. Someone self-aware enough to hold complexity without flinching. Someone who turns over every rock of the soul not to suffer, but to understand. One can never quite feel one's own rarity completely, but you'll glimpse, honor and be honored for it this year. More highlights: entrepreneurship, financial comforts, professional promotion and deeply joyful relationship harmony. Virgo and Sagittarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 15, 49, 12 and 13.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: From fairy tales to galaxies far away, Chris Hemsworth has ruled many realms -- and now he's diving into the wild world of reality with "Limitless," his Disney+ docuseries exploring human potential and longevity. The Leo powerhouse is also delivering blistering action to the next "Extraction" sequel. With his sun, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune all in fire signs, Hemsworth's on-screen magnetism is natural, while his Libra moon brings balance, grace and thoughtful artistry to his every move.

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.

Copyright 2025 Creators Syndicate Inc.