Few animals can claim such far-reaching impact as those architects of the animal kingdom, the busy beavers. Their engineering of waterways has boosted biodiversity, while their pelts once drove centuries of exploration, economic expansion and the rise of empires of wealth. This week's Beaver Moon highlights the ripple effect of industrious effort, for better or for worse. Every action begets a current; even the smallest dam diverts a river.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). This week, your perspective widens with dialogue. You will talk to people unlike you because you're not trying to be validated. You're trying for something much more important: understanding. You'll separate the minor differences from the shared values. You'll listen for the human pulse that beats beneath everything.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). This week brings a burst of inspiration. Use the temporary boost strategically. "Where would this burst make the biggest impact right now?" Maybe it's finishing a project or finally having a conversation that's been hanging over you. Channel your energy toward something that will still matter to you a year from now.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Needing less brings freedom. You know this in theory, but it's pretty challenging to let things go and stop adding that which could complicate your scene. Start by noticing what has you in its grip. You're tense when you don't have it. Affection, approval, control, success, a specific person — just noticing a dependence loosens its hold over you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Moody types can put you on edge. It's the inconsistency that has you on alert. When they're sunny, you relax, but never too far. When they're stormy, you brace yourself. Something good comes out of the tension of dealing with difficult people this week. You're sharper, smarter, bolder and more creative for the effort.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Emotional investment cuts both ways. Though arguably, anything that "cuts" at all "cuts both ways." Because there can't be one side of a cut, a coin, an interaction; in a multidimensional world it would be impossible. This week, it is your ability to see the other side that turns the split into an opportunity for stronger connection.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Epiphanies are rare. This week brings a breakthrough that comes together rather slowly as your perspective grows through context and connection. You'll see a big picture and notice the values and needs shaping this moment in culture, in your community, in your own life. Your work is part of a continuum —- a living conversation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The more someone matters to you, the more power they have to affect your nervous system. Love, friendship, creative collaboration — all require vulnerability, and vulnerability guarantees volatility. The same bond that opens you to joy also exposes you to pain. You're learning to soothe yourself without closing your heart.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You simply can't conquer everything at once. Focused intensity is the vibe this week. Pour it into preproduction to set yourself up for success. All tasks are lined up like dominoes. The setup takes a really long time, but when you do it right, you only have to do it once to make everything go off brilliantly.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The theme this week is building self-reliance. It will involve things like keeping promises to yourself, reflecting, spending time alone without distraction, eating well and moving in a way that makes you feel good. In short, taking excellent care of yourself, knowing that everything good grows from there.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You've taken calculated risks to get a certain result, with varying degrees of success. And though you're still after that same result, your motivation is changing. This week, what interests you is doing something because it matters, not because it might work. You've found something deeper, and the sense of purpose is its own reward.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). As much as you'd like to compartmentalize your emotions and apply them with discretion, it's a tall order. When your feelings are big, they can't merely be suppressed or managed; they must be moved. Physical activity and creative expression will discharge the intensity and keep it from spilling into every area of life.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your creativity is alive and thriving, even when you're not getting the obvious result. Trust that nothing is wasted. The false starts, the tedious practice, the things no one reads or sees — these are elements that count toward building the creative tools, knowledge and capacity. It's what makes your project more unique and enriching.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: Welcome to a Year of Promotion. It happens in all kinds of ways. Loved ones trust you with special roles and honors. You'll be given a new set of tasks and paid well to execute them. You'll often have a rapt audience, and you'll sometimes be surprised by who is in it. More highlights: Physical strength and grace. New programs are an excellent fit for your daily life. Your standards get bumped up, met and bumped up again. You'll be funded for an adventure, and you'll build it up with your own investment.

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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