Speaking and listening can involve the same parts of the brain, which is why it's hard to process the information you're hearing while simultaneously coming up with what you'll say next. It's like trying to throw and catch with the same hand at the same time. It takes patience to stay ready to "catch" until you've learned. Once you learn, you'll have something relevant to "throw."

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The secret to keeping your brightness is not filling every hour with responsibility. You need time to explore, to play, to follow a random curiosity just because it delights you. Silliness and fun count for a lot today.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Some listen to learn; others listen to respond. They skim the surface, get a general idea of the content and start formulating their response. Avoid these types of people today.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When others listen to you, it gives you a chance to listen to yourself. Today, it will be surprising what you learn in that regard. Sometimes we can't understand personal truths until we hear ourselves say them.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It's dangerous to get too accustomed to validation arriving on a predictable schedule. Reliable praise and attention can actually hurt your development. The superstar move is to care less about reception and more about your mission.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Today, you're hyperattuned, tracking several streams at once. You'll pay attention to your own presentation, another person's micro-signals and the broader social field — and when you notice tiny flickers of interest, that's a strength to lean into.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There's someone you're keen to learn more about. You're interested in what happened to them, but you're even more interested in how they experienced what happened. Sharing on that level will build bonds.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Follow the tradition today. You can save time by doing it the way it's always been done. Later, you can figure out the twist — the improvement, the original take. But today, there's nothing that needs to be changed, only appreciated.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Though it hasn't been all roses for you, what makes you special isn't martyrdom. It's consciousness. You are watching yourself in real time and trying to adjust wisely instead of reacting blindly to all that's happening — and there's a lot happening.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your biggest competitor won't be a stranger from the other team. It will be someone on your own side, or maybe even someone you used to be or plan to be. You'll deal with this person and move forward.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You may have taken it for granted that you enjoyed certain activities simply because they filled your time. But pause to ask: How did you get here? Strong influences were involved. New awareness lets you choose more intentionally.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). In an uncertain world, certainty is a popular craving, and you're feeling it today. Those who can create an illusion of certainty (all certainty is illusive) have a special draw for you now, even though you're well aware this confidence may be more of an attitude than a reality.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Adventures aren't always a whole expedition. Quests aren't always passionate and all-consuming. You'll get a surge of vitality from drops of novelty, such as a new route, a new question or a new way of saying something familiar. Lightness is fun.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (March 24). Welcome to The Coolest Year, in which your chill attitude attracts friends, fans and admirers. Your sense of purpose teamed with an aesthetic you enjoy has you moving through the world with style. More highlights: Knowledge compiling on a niche subject will bring new people and opportunities to your realm. You'll invest well and be patient, which serves you and your family for years to come. You'll make a difference with a group that really needs you. Aquarius and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 1, 5, 22, 3 and 4.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Jim Parsons, the Aries actor known for his role as Sheldon Cooper on "The Big Bang Theory," has been secretly paying medical bills for strangers. Born at the very start of the zodiac, Aries energy initiates action rather than announcing it. Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of decisive movement, and his philanthropy reflects that instinct to act immediately when something needs doing.

For more Holiday magic, visit HolidayMathis.com. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: Helena Lopes at Unsplash