Sometimes we unconsciously complicate things because we believe complexity makes things deeper or more valuable, luxurious, sophisticated, intellectual ... but no. It's not always so. Yes, intricacy can be fascinating. Chaos can thrill, and embellishment can be worth the expense. But the first week of Libra season begins balancing all by methods of subtraction. Relationships, work systems and routines get stripped to simplicity to beautiful effect.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You're like a game show contestant who has one shot to answer correctly. You'll hit the buzzer fast, on instinct, even though you're not certain you know the answer, but you have a feeling that the heightened pressure will focus you, and the answer will come. Yes. That feeling will prove correct.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). This week highlights augmented powers of visualization. Before diving into work, take a moment to mentally rehearse. Picture yourself moving through tasks with the effectiveness and style that's so you in the best way. This "mental movie" primes your brain to recognize successful steps, opportunities and behaviors.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You have a ton of energy and will be discerning about where you invest it. Sometimes you'll give where you sense an immediate return. Sometimes you'll contribute where the return will be delayed, but ample — as long as you don't waste the gold. Conservation benefits you, too. The more you hold back, the more magnetic you are.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Drifting happens. Even when you have a clear idea of the work that needs doing, sometimes you just can't seem to get yourself to do it. Instead of criticizing yourself for losing focus, notice when it's happening, then gently redirect your attention back to where you want it. Kindness toward yourself in these moments preserves energy for refocusing.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Strength is already in you. You've survived heavier things than what this week brings. You'll get through deadlines and responsibilities with the same spirit you've always shown. It's a vibe that attracts. They think you know something about resilience, and they're so right. You'll catch yourself knowing you're stronger than you ever believed.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You're stepping into a new arena where growth is not only possible, it's advertised, encouraged, competed for and richly rewarded. The stakes seem high, and this can cause a bit of nervousness and angst, and that only means you're about to do something meaningful.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Even though you already excel at your craft, you still thrill to the idea of further instruction because you genuinely love to learn. And this belief that there's always more knowledge, skill and understanding to gain will have you once again sharpening your brilliance this week. You'll make an exciting connection while you're at it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Every decision draws on a limited pool of cognitive energy. You'll avoid the mental weariness that builds up after making many choices by repeating what works. This week, you'll wear, eat and do what's easy so you can apply yourself to the challenges that matter to you — a move of champions!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The room can have a big fireplace and an impressive hearth and still be cold because no one lit the fire. But the smallest spark can start this up. You're that spark this week. You'll enter scenes ready to give. Your attention is a flame. Soon the whole place is warm with your energy.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). This week, you'll encounter people who care about the same things you care about, but they have a different way of showing it. Whether they organize their time differently, eat differently, work differently or approach relationships in another style, you'll learn from the way they live their values, and they'll learn from you, too.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Not everyone can express love as well as you do, but you can be sure that love surrounds you, some of it obvious, and more of it invisible but not inaccessible. Look for the subtle signals — the text, the glance, the energy shift. You'll feel the proof that you are deeply cherished.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You'll learn faster when you're not under pressure. It's why picking up skills on your own works so well for you. You end up following your curiosity, solving out of necessity and repeating what works on a practical level. It's not theory, it's lived experience.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: Welcome to the Year of New Roles. You'll try on three, lose two and be awarded for one. Admiration, harmony and progress are major themes as you work inside dynamic groups for a cause that you can all be proud of. Next season brings a lift to your physical realm. A relationship invites so much joy, you'll feel reborn — laughing with family, attracting strange luck and pocketing paychecks for doing what you love. And a spontaneous adventure adds sparkle to your year, carrying you someplace new in spirit and in geography.

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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