Often the difference between a slog and an adventure is simply anticipation. The mountain climber dreams of the view at the summit. The baker dreams of the cake. The activist dreams of the change. A series of conjunctions in the early degrees of Aries season encourages us to claim our specific vision, sharpen the picture and keep it ever in mind, as it will make the work seem somehow simultaneously more important and lighter.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). In ancient Greece, hospitality — xenia — was sacred. Zeus himself was believed to walk the earth disguised as a stranger — the OG "secret shopper" ready to reward the good hosts and punish the bad ones. This week, you take your role as host or guest very seriously and will be rewarded for your warmth, ease and beautiful hospitality.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll build a mystery, but not by being secretive or hiding in any way. Instead, you'll contribute often, show up strong and give generously. But because you make it about them instead of you, they find themselves drawn in, wanting more and knowing a lot about how they feel around you, but not a lot about you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your conviction will make big things happen. Just remember not to "sell it" when it's already sold. People will follow your lead because they believe you have a vision, even if they don't know what it is or don't quite understand it. Resist the urge to explain yourself. Lead by example. You make it look cool, and they will copy you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Even though you mostly try to think positively, there are also times when you think that what has happened in the past defines you and you just have to live with it — but it doesn't, and you don't. You can always turn things around. You'll prove it this week. Consistent strong performances change things.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Oddly enough, an event that was hard to live through proves very satisfying to remember. And from where you are now, you can see how it helped you grow. It turns out that a past disappointment wasn't a complete disaster because it sent you off on a new path, perhaps a whole new identity, and you're now grateful for it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Humans are individually self-aware and socially dependent. Sometimes you wish for less of all that — a quieter inner narrative, and one that didn't care so much what others think. This week, you get your wish. Immersed in a project, you'll find yourself confidently and blissfully unaware of outside opinion. The work itself will be enough.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). This week brings opportunity. Make sure it's a good match. Does it offer the work you enjoy? Or is it the glory of the title that excites you? That small distinction could save you from signing up for something you'd grow to resent. Being seen is a human need, but don't let that entangle you in work you don't prefer.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). No one wins an argument by restating a point of view until the other person sees the issue as they do. This week, you employ advanced communication skills. You seek the disagreement under the disagreement. When you learn the moral or philosophical roots of the clash, you start to make headway toward mutually amiable solutions.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your body often knows what feels right for you before the rest of you has a chance to catch up. This week, you feel like you're on the fence with a decision, but that's not quite accurate. Your body already knows. All you have to do is ask it, accept the answer and release the need to ruminate or justify taking a defensive stance.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Invitations come your way. Presentation matters, especially the metaphoric envelope. Some invitations are wrapped in warmth, others in scheming or desperation, and others in urgency and pressure. When the invitation isn't in a fun wrapper, it activates resistance. Resistance is often protective wisdom.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll be reminded how nobody really escapes high school. Whatever the wins, glories, vulnerabilities and fears were, they don't really go away; they just take on new forms. You'll get the chance to right a wrong or face a fear, and it will be healing — a hard-won victory that's been a long time coming.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There are so many benefits to being a safe place for people to land. By welcoming their vulnerabilities, you learn more. You know how things and people really work, not just what they want you to believe about that. And you send a message to yourself: It's OK to be me — strengths, weaknesses, all of it.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: Welcome to your Year of Extraordinary Experience, with days that represent profundity in small experiences and "big deal" events alike. Passion is more about intensity of feeling than largeness of expression. Your potent energy will make things happen, especially with niche focuses. New enjoyments come into your world, and you'll be increasingly specific, finding what you love and doing what you're good at. Projects lead to mastery. More highlights: legacy building, domestic beauty, systems that scale and money to play with.

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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