The crossing of love goddess Venus (who also rules the work we want to be good at) into the warrior sign of Aries changes the tone of feedback. We all have vulnerabilities, unhealed wounds and emotional sensitivities. This is what makes it hard to hear criticism, even the kind that will, if applied, take us to the next level of mastery.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You're not here to show anyone you're better; you're here to be better. The impression you make matters a lot less to you than the work you're committed to.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). When the conversation is over, let it be over. Don't replay it in your head. Anything you replay will be distorted. You have a much better effect when you don't worry so much about what exactly it is.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Love and life lessons can be learned through difficulty or ease. Both are valid methods of education, though lessons of hardship tend to be learned faster and deeper. Mankind is wired this way.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Warren Buffett famously stated, "Our investment philosophy borders on lethargy." Apply it to your energetic investments today, because there's much drifting across the radar that's not worth trifling over.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Life isn't a contest, and that goes double for love. If someone is trying to cast you as a competitor in what could or should be a non-competitive arena, your best bet is to opt out of the game.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You're not imagining it: The one who keeps paying special attention to you is smitten. It's very likely that you're not sure how you feel about this but the days to come will make it clearer.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). With your immense powers of creativity you will create scenarios in which you can shine. This is especially effective on the social front; friends love your brand of fun.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your story is more interesting than you think and is packed with valuable information and inspiration. How and when you share it will be important. Don't wing it. Work on it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You will fail many times before you will succeed. You can't get ready for the big leagues any other way except through trial and as many errors as it takes to learn the right way.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Often we assume that the people we admire are somehow happier than us and they lead glamorous, problem-free lives. Nope, not true, not usually, anyway. In fact, maybe you're the lucky one.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Someone shows up to take the heat off of you. You'll be glad that the attention is flowing away from you, but this is not a reason for you to pack up and go. Stay and contribute. You'll learn something.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Craft your communication to present your ideas and identity in the best light. Pushing "send" takes a fraction of a second, but the consequences can be lasting.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 4). You will grow in strength, popularity and vitality as you spend the bulk of your time repeating successful actions hanging around the people who make you thrive. Your family grows in March. May brings new avenues for learning and earning. July is a second chance at an old path. Things have changed. Cancer and Sagittarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 40, 7, 28 and 19.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "What kind of relationship will result from a Gemini and Aquarius connection?"

With Aquarius, Gemini's fascination is encouraged and supported. The novel and new have incredible appeal for this brainy air-air combination. Aquarius has a talent for dropping lucky opportunities into the lap of Gemini. And life with the water bearer is like a trip to another very cool planet, a shimmery and dazzling one full of shiny new toys and experiences — which Gemini, who lives to try and taste everything, digs. Gemini is the sign of youth, and the twins bring out water bearer's inner child. Stimulated by Gemini's seemingly endless interests and socializing, Aquarius finds Gemini's vivacity to be a pheromone, with the bonus of giving him the confidence in love he sometimes lacks. They both have an erratic orbit: the twins change up identities without warning and Aquarius is famously unpredictable. So nothing about this love is staid; it's pure excitement, just the way they like it. Romance sparkles, but if they should part ways, it's been a fabulous ride.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Gavin DeGraw will tour this year sharing the music of his sixth studio album, "Something Worth Saving." The Aquarian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist was born when the moon and Saturn were both in Leo, the sign of entertainment. This arrangement suggests that both great joys and difficult lessons are learned while performing.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/author/holiday-mathis and click "Contact."