When the sun hangs low in the sky, shadows become giants. A low mood causes similar distortions of perspective, stretching small issues to proportions that may seem insurmountable. That's why it's better to work on the mood, not the problems. You can protect yourself from the mischief of a midweek Mercury retrograde by giving yourself what you need to raise up the sun in you. Once you feel better, problems settle into their proper size.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). We live with imperfect things more happily when they are about the same amount of imperfection as the neighbor seems to be dealing with. Perhaps you'd be better off without the emotional rigamarole that comes with sizing up the competition, but this week, it would be silly to fight the urge. Everyone compares. Just try not to spend much time on it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Though brevity is the soul of wit, it can also be the cause of misunderstanding. This week, it's more important to be thorough than witty. Be a generous and abundant communicator. Double back to check if what you've said has been understood. Don't be afraid to reiterate. Excellent communication will win you hearts, minds and money.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Welcome diverse opinions, approaches and styles. People are not going to do things the way you expect or prefer this week, and that's the beauty of it. The healing of society hinges on people who can listen to one another without the intent to persuade or emerge as victors.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). There's no way to simulate a social life. No theoretical knowledge could ever duplicate its unpredictable course. The education you get from talking to people and getting to know them through real-time social interactions will be an invaluable key to your thriving, so say "yes" to the invites.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You'll be reminded how attractions are highly subjective. Some connections are made because you put yourself out there and try, and others because you don't. Making space for others to come to you is anything but passive. You'll put your energy into observing and understanding others with as much openness as possible.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The plans don't matter as much as feeling good about them. Your well-being will be enhanced by a relaxed approach. Keep reminding yourself that not all progress comes from work. A magical unfolding will be a hands-off, natural progression moved along by hundreds of tiny decisions and outcomes of your day-to-day life of best intentions.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Compliments pepper your week, but these bright reminders of your wonderful qualities will only power you to the extent you believe them. That caveat is what makes complimenting you so tricky. Only those who tend to specifics will get it right. You'll also love the challenge of giving others accolades that land.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). This week encourages you to develop strategies to help you manage and work through emotions effectively. You don't expect the world to be forthcoming with trigger warnings. Instead, you'll spend as much time in safe spaces as possible; you'll navigate toward the light, and you'll create boundaries to protect your feelings.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Know where you're going logistically, strategically, physically, but don't plot your point spiritually. What you seek is not a place, nor is it a feeling or even a state of being. It's acceptance. What you seek is to lose your need of seeking. You'll be visited by an expansive peace this week. Let it in.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The pretty picture of nostalgia is inaccurate, clinging to only the good parts of the past. Future fantasies are equally unhelpful because the ideal scenario for that time is impossible to know in this one. Dig your heels into reality. Delight happens when you commit deeply to loving, tolerating or working with all that is.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Don't try to do too many new things at a time. Choose one small improvement to work on. It is through a small but daily practice that you'll be able to give your future self a gift — something you've always wanted. You'll create a habit that gives you energy because you don't have to use your precious and limited daily reserves of willpower on it.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Among the blessings of the week is the affirming feeling of being around someone who totally gets you. This person could possibly be a stranger. Sometimes, those who have the least information can be the most open to the immediate experience of each other, what we're feeling and what we need.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: You'll act on strong intuition with stellar results. When you see what you want, you'll recognize it immediately, grab on and hold tight. Family, work and love will all mix together in one beautiful recipe for your emotional nutrition and thriving. More highlights: A fine teacher will help you go to the bank with what you learn. You'll also become an expert at giving direction and instruction in certain areas. Let others know how you like to be helped and, while they're at it, delighted.

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: Patrik Storm (Alstra Pictures) at Unsplash