Neptune takes its sweet time in an orbit around the sun, spending around 14 years in each sign and completing its orbit in about 164 earth years. So its entrance into feisty Aries, the zodiac's first spark, is a significant cosmic moment. The hotheaded implications will be softened by idealistic Aquarian alignments, and we will have plenty of time to sort out those classic tensions and clashes that seem intrinsically woven into human society.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). This week focuses in on your support system, which is strongest when it represents a mix of different ages, cultures and talents. You'll be reminded who your best friends are — they are the ones who say nice things to you, but they also say true things because the relationship is strong enough to bear the weight of honesty.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). For a long time, people believed that growth only counted if it hurt somehow, whether emotionally, physically or mentally. "No pain, no gain" is the old way. There are plenty of changes that happen without suffering. Progress can come from kindness, and consistency, too. They might take longer. Choose methods that feel supportive.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). This week, you're quite focused on a particular relationship. You now have been in it long enough to see patterns. Adjust your expectations to match demonstrated behavior instead of imagined potential. You'll conserve your energy by working with what's actually happening and what's been proven.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Today, you'll get back to something resembling your best moment ever. You know the one. It was so peaceful — just a beautiful slice of time when nothing seemed wrong in your world. The mindset will come back and make itself true, and the more often it does, the easier it is to find within yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your sense of timing is elegant this week. You sense when to speak, when to wait and when to move. This grace makes progress seem natural. People stand aside to make room for you to get and do what you want. You'll feel most like yourself at the end of the week in a creative scene where play and experimentation are happening.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You are detaching from old scripts. Yes, there was a time you felt you had to earn your position through extra care, outsize charm or submitting to the role of "accessory" or "helper." But that was then. This is now. Today, you release all guilt or longing tied to roles that no longer serve you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Check in with people to make sure things are working from their side of things. This will be especially important in professional environments. When one side is carrying more weight or getting less value, the situation usually changes or falls apart. When an arrangement benefits all, it tends to continue naturally.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You wish people understood certain aspects of your daily life. There's something you've been carrying lately that you haven't had much space to talk about. Imagine feeling supported. What would that actually look like in practice? You will magnetize support to yourself as you focus on it with intent and consistency.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). These things happening outside of your control, counter to your objective — things that seem to be happening to you are maybe happening for your benefit. If it's hard to see now, it will be made clear further on down the line. Life may not be fair, but it doesn't have to be fair to be good.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Revel in the act of planning. Events will be as big as you make them. Your excitement about upcoming events will truly be at least half the fun. The other perk about planning well and in advance is all the money you'll save with smart choices, since last-minute options are usually the most expensive ones.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You stand at a vantage point that offers options. This is, in part, about the people around you. Each one is a different experience. You're ready to delegate or share. Collaboration not only multiplies results and makes the work lighter, it totally changes things. Each person represents a unique destiny.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Being supported will make a big difference in what you're able to accomplish and how you feel about your life. Relationships need tuneup and maintenance efforts just like a car. This week, you'll make sure all relationships are in good working order. When the personal life feels smooth, the other areas of life fall neatly into place.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: It's your Year of Reach, Risk and Reward. The very nature of reaching is a risk because it changes your balance. But you'll secure your anchors and get your structures and supports in place, thereby allowing yourself the range you need to safely expand. Your ability to anticipate your own needs is nothing short of genius. You'll share your success and eventually teach others your methods. More highlights: a special and tender tie, a change of venue brings a lot of fun to your world, and successful pursuits around education, money and position.

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.

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