On the second new moon after the winter solstice, the dragon swoops down for his coronation. The next 12 months will be commandeered by the winged creature of fire. Of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, the dragon holds the distinction of being the only mythical creature — unless, of course, you believe in dragons. Indeed, the cycle ahead will challenge our notions of what is real, and what can be.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Be slightly more assertive about getting your needs met and your wishes heard. This may have to do with setting up your daily life to serve your own rhythms. Don't let the others dictate your timing. You've an excellent instinct for setting a pace that others will fall in line with, and this will be healthier for all.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). People change. You've seen it time and again. You trust it more when the changes are small and build on one another, seeming to take hold in a lasting way. This is what you want for yourself, and you'll have it. What you learn this week will inspire and fuel you toward your own new incarnation.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Relationships move the energy in your world. A relationship that's a little stuck will benefit from action in any direction. You could move things along with a self-sacrificing act, and you could also do it with an act of self-interest. What helps is knowing what you have to give, and what's in it for you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You'll communicate with eloquence. You've a deep understanding of the impact of words as well as the power of listening. You also appreciate that this ability does not come easily to everyone. You'll demonstrate great patience with people who are trying to figure out what to say, which is admirable and reassuring.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). An expansion of your social network adds excitement and ease to the week. As your network grows, each individual relationship gets better. Knowing more people gives you the experiences that help you relax and relate easily to each. You'll trust people because interactions teach you how they are likely to behave.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You're so focused on others this week, so you may miss the onslaught of continuous evidence that the world is better because you're in it. This week, if you aren't improving things, you'll be learning ways or watching for the opportunity to do so. Give yourself credit for the good you do in the world.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). In the same way that adding, subtracting or substituting anything in a recipe changes the dish, group dynamics will be altered by any change in the lineup. A group decision is on the itinerary this week. Make sure your key players weigh in on it, ideally all in the same room.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The secret that birds know well: Higher is not always better. Altitude poses problems of pressure, heat and visibility, too. And way up there, who can hear your song? Go to the realms where you're likely to have influence. Work the areas that provide logistical ease and an emotional climate you feel good in.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). While you can think a thing through in a flash, making it happen in real life takes about 10 times longer than you think it will. All the more reason to get down to the business of making things real. This is the only way to understand all the elements involved, including the time frame.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Stay on track with projections and goals. When you hear the word "no," it just makes you change your emotional outfit. Put an emotional windbreaker on and keep going. And if the windbreaker isn't enough, wear armor, or whatever will let you march forward until you get to "yes."

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). In even the sharpest minds like yours, memory can be unreliable. Keep careful notes of this week. Much happens that will go down in the annals of your personal history. A big feeling comes up, and you may not know what to do with it next. Agree to feel. It's the only way to get practice in emotional management.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The concept of "frenemies" will come into play this week, as the energy between friends contains notes of envy and other energies that may not seem, at face value, to be friendly. Keep in mind that there are many kinds of help. And whatever motivates you to be and do your best is a boon to your life.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: The passion you bring to your endeavors is infectious, igniting a fire in others to pursue their dreams as you do — relentlessly. You've an instinctual attraction to agents of mutual benefit. You're a genius at uncomplicating things. You'll create systems of ease that bring people together and help them earn, build and grow. Being at the center of this much excitement and creativity elevates your spirit and makes you feel powerful, like you can do anything, and you really can.

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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