The tortoise knew he was slow, and unlikely to win a short race against a hare, but the race wasn't short. The longer the road, the more stamina counts. The tactic — to plod on no matter what — wasn't merely a strategy for the tortoise; it was a lifestyle. The lunar oppositions and alignments remind us: Limitations are strengths.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Someone longs to be listened to and it will be your pleasure to provide quality attention. You do this so naturally, not because anyone wants you to, but because you're genuinely interested in people and what they have to say.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Whatever the question, the answer will be to add more love. Love heals, fortifies and detoxifies. Love is the fix and the prevention. And though love is beautiful as a verb, when you don't know how to do it, just be it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). An exchange that might seem inconsequential to the casual observer is, to you, a profound message. Don't let anyone else tell you what it means. It's what you think that matters. Interpretation is the essence of life.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You will take charge of your own happiness, not because the others disappoint you, but because they can't possibly know the nuances of the very specific kind of enjoyment you're looking for. You'll be your own best company.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You've a talent for turning situations in your favor without upsetting the apple cart. You may steer the action, but you do so from such a subtle place that others believe they are the ones controlling the wheel.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Consider your creed. It will be lucky to write it, hone it, change it or share it. Whether your aims and beliefs are similar to the group, or unique to you, affirming your stance keeps you aware and on-purpose.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Impressing others gets boring rather quickly, but impressing yourself is a gift that keeps giving. You choose the right focus and momentum builds quickly. You're totally engaged in the adventure.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Complaining is contagious. Spend time with the action-oriented instead. Let complaining be a cue to redirect your attention to a plan of action. This simple trick of focus can dissolve your frustration and help you see alternatives.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). A problem has you stuck. How you're thinking about it is not the only way. There's no right or wrong here, only more and less helpful perspectives. Ask around. Gather insight. You could make a new friend in the process.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). What you want to experience also wants to experience you. The serenity, the thrills, the sense of wonder — when you embody these feelings, you give them expression in a world that sorely needs them.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The detour is the path. So don't worry if you get derailed or have to go over, under or around some major obstacle (likely in the form of a person) to reach your destination. Your journey will be richer for the trouble.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You're alert and looking for ways to help yourself and your people. But the situation today is not a game you can strategize your way through. You can relax, stop analyzing, and just let things play out naturally.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 3). This year presents you with a role as a visionary. You'll provide opportunities for people to work alongside you for a cause that will make a difference. More highlights: You'll stretch creatively and connect with diverse talents on a remarkable presentation. You'll sit on a board. Your offers and proposals will be celebrated, especially the romantic ones. Gemini and Aries adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 17, 19, 13, 20 and 12.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: In an astrologically auspicious move, Martha Stewart opened her restaurant, The Bedford, at The Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas within days of her last solar return. Stewart's natal stars are beautifully reflected in her life mission to bring beauty, new ideas, a fresh eye and abundant creativity into the homes of people everywhere. Stewart was born when the moon was in Sagittarius, the sign of sophistication and worldly influence, and Mercury, the planet of communication and day-to-day events, was in Cancer, the sign of domesticity.

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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