From detective work to psychology, theater to commerce, understanding the motivations of humans is crucial to the outcome and trickier than it seems. Figuring out our own motives can be even trickier and requiring of the same tools, like objectivity, honesty and compassionate nonjudgment. It will come up often this week. Every behavior has a payoff. To change a behavior, understand the payoff.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Unusual tasks and roles are part of this week's offering. You may benefit immensely from doing things you're not great at, but make it easy on yourself by limiting the time and depth of your obligation. All in all, the best opportunities of the week will be a little strange. It's fun to say yes when the ask is small in scope.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Affections are not always returned in kind. It's pretty common for someone to love much more, less or differently. Since appreciating someone who likes you back in a similar way and amount can be a rare thing in life, it's something to celebrate. This week, you'll revel in reciprocity.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Even though someone's success doesn't technically pose a threat to your own, you can still feel some kind of way about it. Though it's futile to compete when you're not in a competition, it's also unwise not to compete when you are. Much comes down to this: What's the game, if there is one?

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The path to improvement often begins with doing one right thing that happens to be just a little harder than the usual route. One good move will lead to many other specific and correct actions, and soon, many things are better at once. Positive change is underway this week.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Silence doesn't lie or get its facts wrong. Silence wastes neither breath nor words. People read into silence more than they get out of it. There will be opportunities to let silence show you its power this week. "The talkative parrot is shut up in a cage. Other birds, without speech, fly freely about."— Saskya Pandita

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Uncertainty and awkwardness are part of the growing up that can happen at any age. Being out of your element is a little scary, but it's also exciting because you know this is how you become who you want to be. You sense yourself getting stronger, smarter and better for moving forward with a brave heart.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Things change. People grow. Most things can be fixed, so have faith. There's nothing to gain from letting despair get even one toe into your world. Regardless of how long something has been broken, every moment holds the potential for renewal. Embrace the opportunity for rebirth.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). This week, you'll have the comforting overall sense that whatever you're doing, it's working for you. You're somehow able to hold on to hope without clinging to expectation. The things you want don't always happen, but your life is better because you aimed for them.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You feel deep gratitude for the specific ways someone contributes to your life, but you don't always think it's the right time to express your feelings, nor are you sure of the best way to do so. This week features opportunities that arise naturally and feel easy and creative. You'll have just the right words to share your appreciation.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When events create pressure and anxiety, it's often because you're thinking you need to get results in a short period of time. Extend the time period. Pretend that you, like the gods, have all the time in the world and something happens. Anxiety drops away, and you end up working without all that stress.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Strange things happen, and it's not always a good idea to call attention to them in real time. Sometimes, the most graceful move is just to shrug your shoulders and move on. Realization and solutions may come later, and they may not. If you're the one meant to solve a problem, eventually, you will.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your sophisticated mind can make room for conflicting ideas, and you'll operate with grace in incredibly complex circumstances. The important thing is not to judge yourself as you go. Nothing is effectively assessed by itself. The larger context not only matters; sometimes, it's everything.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: Does it fortify you to know that you elevate the group just by being your best self? You won't seek power, but it will be bestowed on you by those who need you to step up and lead. You'll develop as a teacher, too, and help others discover their gifts. More highlights: Relationships become deeply bonded, affectionate and will create a lasting sense of emotional security. You'll get in on the ground level of a venture. A formal event will be exciting to plan, and the execution legendary.

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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