The United States of America celebrates its 247th birthday today. As a political entity, it is an old country, but as a cultural entity, it is a very young country. This year's celebration happens just after the luminous Buck Moon, which is arguably as spectacular as fireworks and will offer some competition for the most impressive things in the sky tonight.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). There's no such thing as being too practical today. If it works, keep it. If it doesn't, lose it. Keep building in small ways and suddenly you will find yourself miles up from where you were.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You don't have to do much to have an effect now. Just show up. Your presence is powerful. You change the atmosphere just by being in it, and you sway the behavior of people you don't even realize you are influencing.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Good relationships involve people who will thrill and excite, challenge and upset you unpredictably. Forget about trying to control relationships today because it won't work. Let go, then see what happens.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Today's recipe calls for one part assertiveness to five parts empathy. Strive for an atmosphere of open dialogue and mutual consideration. Through constructive conversations, a plan will come together.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). While it's generally better to act out of principle and for the approval of others, sometimes a bit of people-pleasing is the quickest, most strategic route to the common good. You've a knack for it today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You want change, so make it easy on yourself. Focus on adjustments to the bits that seem accessible and amenable to tinkering. Trying to alter the core of things will only make the process cumbersome. Go lightly and think small to create momentum.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You don't have to compete to win. Rather, the winning move is an assist to the others. You will give help without really knowing who is or isn't on your team. It doesn't matter. Goodwill in any direction benefits you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Group proceedings will run well and culminate in brilliant, fair decisions. You interact with others and they feel heard. You make it easy for everyone to move forward in the spirit of common interest and camaraderie.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It's one thing to enjoy and quite another to be a fan. The latter version is curious, investigative and active in appreciating the finer points. Go on marveling. You'll soon become what you admire.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Feelings have no inherent moral qualities, so it makes no sense to judge them as bad or good. They are reaction and information to process and move through, which you most definitely will today.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). With full awareness that schooling is different from education, you'll consider yourself educated on matters that experience has taught you about. You will also be able to bill for your expertise.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Understanding that you cannot do everything on your own is the first step to eliminating unhelpful stress. Think of one task to offload and go from there. There are people around you who can make your life easier, and all you have to do is ask.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (July 4). You blow the old energy out with your candles, then the bright future arrives like a daybreak, right on time. You'll run with a fun crew. Your days are infused with a lovely sense of romance. More highlights: You'll package ideas for optimal effect, financially and otherwise. An exchange between different generations will be life-changing. Gemini and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 13, 40, 1 and 6.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Malia Obama reportedly will soon make her directorial debut for a Donald Glover-produced film project. The former first family member notably has the same birthday as the country she was born in. A loyal Cancer with Venus and Mars in communicative Gemini indicates one who is fast on her feet, a quick thinker and excellent debater. Moon in Scorpio points to a rich inner life and a love of privacy, yet the spotlight has irresistible magnetism for someone with a natal Mercury in Leo.

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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