It is impossible to achieve total control of this existence, and anyway that would be dreadfully boring. However, as Uranus readies himself for a long retrograde, many will feel driven to subtract some of the haphazardness from the equation by taking responsibility for more and doing what is necessary to turn up personal power and influence.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Avoid the triggers of a bad mood. Limit your exposure to negativity. When you're happy, everyone around you is happy. Today you will influence many, so your happiness is kind of like a responsibility.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're impressionable. It's one of the ways you learn so quickly (though sometimes you learn the hard way). If other people in your life are telling you that someone is bad for you, listen.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You may change what you're doing in order to harmonize with the dominant environmental influences and forces, and that's only smart. Even so, you never completely lose your unique you-ness.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Things that look good on paper don't always play out in real life, and things that work in real life don't often come with the hype, as hype hasn't been necessary. Word of mouth and personal referrals will serve you well.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You may be tempted to veer off, but dig down and find the strength and focus to stay the course. Simply put, you'll be better off tomorrow for following the plan today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There is no magic formula to follow now. Logic prevails. Efforts that are correctly focused will lead to success. Repeat the same action several times — a habit is being forged.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). There will be a tangled little piece of drama to sort out. Then again, perhaps this isn't yours to solve. Suspend your judgment. Assume the innocence of others. Embrace humility.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Compromise is a part of living together peaceably. However, too much negotiating hurts a relationship. In the name of respect and simplicity it may be best to do what the other person wants without making a counteroffer.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Lead yourself. All sense of direction will stem from your clear, bright, compelling vision of the goal. It's worth spending time on. The right vision will help you set the strategy and execute the mission.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Listening isn't easy. To give quality focus to another is a skill that takes years to learn and decades to master, and some people will never get it. You're good at it, and you deserve to be around people in the same league.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It's all just a theory until you apply it. So go on. Decide the limits to your gamble, and then jump in and work it out. You'll either disprove the theory quickly and move on or be pleasantly rewarded.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You are organized; you have a plan; and you'll stick to the plan. Because of this, you won't have too much trouble finding people who understand your deal, want to support you and will go along for the ride.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 1). This solar return shows you inexplicably drawn to adventure and daring enough to open new doors and enter foreign territory in pursuit of it. Fast deals go down in September. December brings good fortune and family unity. In 2018: You'll figure out a way to be compensated for doing what you love. Aquarius and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 27, 12, 19, 28 and 45.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "He says he loves me, but he's belittled me in front of my friends, embarrassed me in public and he seems to make a point of keeping me from doing what I want to do. When I say I'm going to leave, he cries and tells me that he can't live without me and that he can change. This has happened twice. I never left. Will I be able to, and if so, when? I'm a Cancer and he's a Gemini."

Because you are a deeply caring Cancer, you are swayed by tears. But reach deeply into that well of intuition of yours and you'll realize that this relationship is over and that you have to leave now. There are, of course, many wonderful Geminis, so please don't let what I reveal about this particular person bias you against future Gemini relationships. The particular person you are with is an abuser. He may not physically hurt you, but he is emotionally abusive, and he does not love you. Love does not seek to embarrass you, nor does it try to belittle you or stop you from thriving. I repeat: You are in an abusive relationship. The time to leave is now.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Multiple-Grammy-winner Robert Cray is a road warrior bringing the blues to the world with a nonstop tour schedule. The Blues Hall of Famer was born when the sun, Mars and Pluto were all in the sign of Leo, the entertainer, and the moon was in earthy Taurus. Groovy Taurus moon musicians are known for their excellent "pocket," which refers to the musician's rhythmic feel.

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