The strife packed into the Venus and Uranus configuration is agitated by Pluto, calling from the far reaches of the solar system like a crazed sports fan angry with the play. Some people thrive under heightened circumstances, though, and those are the ones who will make sense of this cosmic tension for the rest of us.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). In these early stages of a relationship or project, you may be in the mood to conceal your thought process. After all, what gives them the right to know everything that's going through your head?

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There's no getting around it; mad notions inspire crazy reactions. Your best bet is to steer clear of those who tend to rope you into bad situations. Also, know that you won't be able to dip but a toe in. Consider this a rip tide.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). As for this relationship, you'll understand it in retrospect, but you have to live it forward. Remember this and turn your brain off for a while in favor of enjoying togetherness without so much chatter in your mind.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). When people get more animated (or even more upset) than you're comfortable with, just remember that it takes a great debate to stir a great passion.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your fears about what's next will be allayed with the entrance of a friend who is doing exactly what you want to be doing in five years. This shining example will cause a change in your priorities.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Are you discovering yourself or creating yourself? The answer is: both. Don't be too self-conscious about it, and keep going until you're out of this awkward middle stage.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You can say the wisest words ever uttered to a fool and it wouldn't register, as the very nature of foolishness is that it doesn't embrace wisdom. In light of this, perhaps you should save your breath.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Here's a radical idea: When the fun part starts, instead of pulling out your phone to document it, open your eyes, throw out your arms and fully live it instead!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The truth is that you could do and be more if you had the support system to push you to higher places. Go on; create that for yourself. Ask for it. You deserve big love and tender care.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You're always looking for new ways to apply your talent, give your creativity and use your intelligence in the world. It helps that right now there is someone around you who deeply appreciates who you are.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Yours is not a hot head or a quick temper. Still, you have your moments. Tensions may rise around a Scorpio or Sagittarius or around anyone who you believe is judging you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The saying goes that it's better to starve with the good than feast with the evil. You're in a position of eating moderately well with people who have a little of both in them, which makes things more complex.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 6). You thought you'd given a relationship your best, but you'll surprise yourself in the next six weeks. You have more to give! Practice and be disciplined about it through April. The project depends on your superior input. There's a move in May. Once you settle into the new way, you'll plan an adventure for November. Cancer and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 4, 44, 48 and 31.

SCORPIO SECRET-SUPERPOWER BREAK DOWN:

The Obvious: As the sign of life, death and change, Scorpio is uniquely equipped to accept and face what other people are afraid of. This is the sign that cuts to the quick, separating the drama from reality, and the essential from the superfluous. Scorpios inspire others to be the heroes of their own lives.

The Uncanny: Scorpios are living lie detectors. They sense how others are thinking and feeling, and it's very difficult to get anything over on them. They detect split-second micro-expressions with the accuracy of slow-motion playback.

The Weird: Scorpios can weave twisted tales from the top of their imaginations that will stick with their audiences for months and even years. Their stories are often more memorable because they are not preoccupied with relaying what's "acceptable" and "normal."

The Extremely Useful: Scorpios make excellent delegators as they can honestly and quickly assess people's strengths and assign them to the right job without worrying too much about the possibility of hurt egos.

The Quietly Helpful: Scorpios have a special relationship with the truth in that they can always see the beauty in it.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Ashton Kutcher's highly publicized life keeps fans hanging in suspense, wanting to know everything about the new father's marriage to Mila Kunis and his many production and acting projects in the works. One thing is certain: This Aquarius actor will continue to make unusual choices — his sign can't help it! Aquarians see the world differently and act accordingly.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com and click "Write the Author" on her page.

Photo credit: Dean Hochman