Once upon a time, two fish swam toward each other in the manner of a Dr. Suess poem about the Zax. "Who's in whose way?" snapped the South-Going Zax. "I always go south, making south-going tracks." Welcome to the season of "something's got to give" — and give it will. Let's keep throwing energy toward empathy and inclusion, toward acceptance of self and others, toward "please" and "thank you" and "let's..."

ARIES (March 21-April 19). If this were a journey through a landscape, this would be the rocky part, which is actually much easier to cross than soft, mushy stuff that would have you slipping and sliding. Here, the work is hard, but your feet can find purchase, and every step brings you closer to your destination.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Those who know the rules and break them amaze you. Those who don't even realize there are rules, less so. You might go so far as to wake them up with the information: There are always rules. As for you, it's a week of strategy. You'll follow and bend; you'll break judiciously.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). As much as you love smart people and intelligent interactions, you also recognize, in the full range of communication, that too many high-minded exchanges can get exhausting. You'll recognize points in the week when the scene can be elevated with informality. Connections happen when everyone is relaxed and not thinking too hard.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The main reason to be mellow and patient now is not that it will make another person's experience more positive (though it will). It's because you'll feel wonderfully in control of your own behavior, and you'll own the confidence that comes with that.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Though you're endowed with many talents that can be applied to making your part of the world a more pleasing place to move through, there is one gift that stands out from the rest: your gift for making people feel special. With your sharp mind and creativity, you've elevated much, but friendships are your greatest work of art.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Before you step out of your comfort zone, you'll assess the risks and benefits. You'll consider possible outcomes with the aim of making an informed decision. Then you'll do what you wanted to do in the first place because your desire is far more compelling and exciting than the intellectual processes included in "due diligence."

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're not out to win the Nobel Prize, but you'd like to leave things better than you found them. You're on the right track with your simple strategy: determine the next right move and do it. For most of the week, it will be unclear what the right move is. Fear not — your best is all you can do, and it will definitely be enough.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). When you see others struggle, you act immediately to remedy. And when it's you who is struggling, don't hesitate to ask for and accept assistance. You wouldn't want to rob anyone of their chance to help. Helper's hearts need workouts to stay vital and healthy. Well-being will be on the upswing.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It's not that you're more than your body, rather it's that you're something else entirely. You animate your body and use it to get to new environments. You care for it, demand things of it and enjoy it, too, all the while realizing it's your vehicle, not your being. The distinction will be meaningful this week.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). In the same way a whisper can speak louder than a shout, turning things down will amplify them. This week features fewer appointments in which more is accomplished. Budget cuts give you more to invest. By editing you grow in style, impact and energy. The only thing not to edit is relationships. Go full on and all in.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll have the opportunity to serve some justice. While it would certainly rectify a balance, it might not be worth your time and energy. Where is your effort going to forward your goals? "In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior." — Sir Francis Bacon

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Planning is a pleasure because it invites you to bring your fantastic imagination to the party. The bright ideas are flowing. Sure, they will be more ambitious than you might be able to reasonably execute, but that's what makes them so exciting. And even if you get halfway there, you'll be much further along than you would have been without a plan.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: A stressor is lifted, and the subsequent relief will open you to a cascade of good fortune, starting with your personal life. Your work crosses into altruistic territory, affording you the opportunity to live your values and apply your principles toward a positive impact. More highlights: You'll establish a new practice that gives you a useful philosophy and empowering outlook. Years of having your finger on the pulse of a special interest will pay off. You'll participate in dazzling social events.

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.

Photo credit: Claudio Guglieri at Unsplash