Why did the dragon (or demon Rahu or celestial dragon) swallow the moon? Maybe hunger? Greed? To tease us? Maybe just because he could. The lunar eclipse reveals something by taking light away for a while. Somehow the missing piece tells the bigger story. We realize what we need in the moments we don't have it. We also realize what we don't need — what we might lose to win.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). What if you lost self-blame? After all, you couldn't possibly see what actually happened from every angle, living in your own body and mind as you do. And blame simply doesn't help. Let it go.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). What if you lost your self-consciousness for a moment, or an hour, and simply became more yourself instead of the version you want them to see? It's a risk. Maybe it will feel more scary than you think is worth that risk. But the more you do this, the easier it gets.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). What if you lost the habit of supplying every answer? A few extra minutes can reveal a better question. People admire certainty, though life often rewards the person who waits long enough to see the fuller picture.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). What if you lost the thing that is making your work take so long? Is it perfectionism? Is it a commute? Is it an unorganized environment that keeps you searching for the tools and resources you need to finish fast?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). What if you lost your intensity of feeling for that certain person who tends to occupy your thoughts? Perhaps it's easier said than done, but simply holding the intent will eventually loosen up your energy to focus on what will bring greater balance and peace.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). What if you lost preconceived notions of what people expect from you? You're a generous giver. Someone wants to love you, not for what you do, but just for the person you are when you're not doing anything at all.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). What if you lost your attachment to the first draft? A painter steps away from the canvas to return again tomorrow. A carpenter measures twice. A writer goes in with a red pen. More passes can equal more depth, clarity and precision.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). What if you lost the idea that important things should feel dramatic? Most turning points look ordinary while they're happening. The most profound statements are often understatements, or even just specific pauses. What matters most is told in a whisper.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). What if you lost your version of the time frame and let things tell you how long they need? In baking you know by the smell. In gardening you know by the sprouts. In love you know by how people orient to you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). What if you lost your "yes"? Not every opportunity needs or deserves your participation. Time is a valuable currency. Every commitment spends some of it. You can trust your gut to tell you when a quick "no" will uncomplicate your life in the best ways.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). What if you lost the instructions and just did it your way? By putting things together before you see how others did it, you discover the material version of your unique instincts, the true reflection of your point of view and your most innocent and natural tendencies.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). What if you lost your need for the last word? Winning a conversation and winning a relationship are two different things. Some power moves actually lessen your power. Ego needs may feed the moment, but cooperation can feed the future of a relationship.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 28). Welcome to your Year of Noble Works. There's honor in the hours you put in to progress the mission. There's magic that happens when sweat meets an excellent plan. Time off is made sweeter with the knowledge that your leisure is well-earned. More highlights: Powerful forces help you finish strong. Extremely useful prizes and avid fans. Capricorn and Aries adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 6, 33, 10, 18 and 13.

For more Holiday magic, visit HolidayMathis.com. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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