Humans are notorious for trying very hard to prove the ideas in which they are ideologically invested. We tend to make up our minds first, and then look for the evidence to support our decision. It's an unscientific approach to life (that doesn't mean it's without merit) and nonetheless the one that will prevail under these last days of the stubborn Taurus sun.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It's uncomfortable not being in control. Of course, it's especially hard to let go and trust when you have reason to doubt the leader. Today it might even be grounds for taking over the leadership position.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It's not an exaggeration to say that sometimes love matters to you as much as life itself. Therefore, you can't really overthink it. It's complex and mystical and completely worthy of all the thought you put into it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Productivity doesn't always manifest in the same way. If you can help another person behave better, kinder and with more awareness of the big picture, you've done more than your share.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Do not underestimate the power of nonconformity. It can, in fact, change the world. As you customize your lifestyle to suit yourself instead of the social norms, new contours will emerge.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You want to override bad memories by adding good ones. Bad memories tend to have more impact (a function of biology), so it will take quite a few more good ones to do the trick. It's a worthy use of your time and energy today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Is love a serious illness? You may wonder this, because you feel physically terrible when your love suffers and absolutely high when your beloved is joyful and mutually enamored.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You don't have to reach out, communicate better or be proactive in the least. You've done the work already. Now the path before you is being cleared. Trust and be ready to move forward.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You'll enjoy making predictions and then waiting to be proven wrong or right. It doesn't matter either way, though, because this is about your creation, really. Whatever really happens, you will be the one who made it so.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The difference between romantic love and platonic love can be a close call. Also, things can change along the way — creating new mixes, different chemistry and fresh experiences. Stay open to possibility.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). In your quest for truth, do not let yourself be diverted by what you wish to believe or by what you wish everyone believed. The only way to see what's really there is to do away with expectation.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Instead of concerning yourself with what's equitable. Though it makes sense to think in terms of equitable distribution of tasks, attention, money, etc., it just won't happen. Create something that works for both people.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You're plenty smart enough; it's just that reason and logic are not going to lead you through the situation. Your instinct will get you there. All you have to do is listen and follow.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (May 17). You will create a contract for what you want to change in your life this year, and you'll find the inner drive and resources (including the right people) to help you make that happen. Distractions part. Mostly, your desired result will be front and center of your mind, which makes this one of the most productive years to date. Cancer and Capricorn adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 18, 9, 40, 13 and 20.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTION: "My friendships aren't what they used to be, which is to say they were fun and now they seem labored. It's like no one gets me. Also, some of my friends have problems but they don't listen to my suggestions and so their problems persist. Should I actively seek new friends, or is this just something I have to go through? I'm a 35-year-old Leo."

Yes, seek new friends. Also, astrologically, this is an excellent time to come up with a new set of social standards for yourself — guidelines that can be applied across the board to simplify your existing relationships as well as get new relationships off on a good footing. Here's a rule that will serve you well and save you time, energy and frustration: Don't offer unsolicited advice. You're a generous soul, and you truly want to help people. But most people don't listen to advice that is solicited. Unsolicited advice usually only annoys people. They wonder why you think you know what's best for them. Sure, you probably really do know what's best, but that's beside the point. It may seem radical, but for now, try not intending to help people. Just listening to them and being the strong energetic presence that you are will help more than you realize.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: The untimely loss of one of Hollywood's favorites, Bill Paxton, was a sad start to 2017. Born under a Taurus sun, he embodied the down-to-earth good ol' boy qualities of his sign. With an intuitive Pisces moon, Paxton connected with audiences, loved ones and friends on a deeply soulful level and had a knack for choosing winning projects. Look for him in his final project, "The Circle," with friends Tom Hanks and Emma Watson.

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