From "abracadabra" to "bibbidi-bobbidi-boo," history has collected a hefty volume of words widely revered as magical. In these moments before a powerful conjunction of Mercury and Jupiter in the sign of the cat, there's a huge benefit to playing around with words and phrases to find the ones that fit. Muses favor you landing on your own personal "Open, Sesame."

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Additions and subtractions from the collective unconscious happens one song, one joke, one invention, one conversation at a time. Your contribution doesn't have to dominate the scene to make an impact. It just has to lodge itself in somebody's imagination.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Entertainment is never just background. Media becomes habit, sets your standards, shapes your aspirations and influences your definition of things like "normalcy" and "acceptable behavior." Pay attention to what you invite into your mind and your daily routine.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When it's not going as planned, it still could be going exactly right. Either way, a simple nod to the universe sets your emotional weather back to breezy. Nothing fancy. "Thanks for everything" will do.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Disappointment can feel tragic for a moment, as though you're a child who dropped the ice cream cone or let go of the helium balloon. But then you remember you're not a child. You have money. You can buy a new treat.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Even though you have plenty to do to further your own interests, you feel drawn to pause and help someone. Trust that instinct. You will find a route to your own goals as you detour through someone else's.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It's easy to stand by your principles when nothing is at stake. The real test comes when doing the right thing costs you money, status, convenience or approval. Which values are you willing to pay for?

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). As for that message that makes perfect sense in your own head but nowhere else, it's time to put it on paper. There it will be easier to break it down and examine it piece by piece to determine where the logic cracks.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A full schedule can create the illusion of progress without actually progressing. Before you add another task, appointment or obligation, pause to consider what the addition will do for you. It's not a selfish question.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Having a peaceful home doesn't guarantee happiness or solve every problem, but it sure does put you in a better mood and mindset to work on solutions and cultivate joy. Kindnesses at the kitchen table will lead to victories elsewhere.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your venture is in an exciting stage of uncertainty. It's too early to turn back. Focus instead on your first small win. It will change your definition of what's possible. After that, your ambitions begin negotiating with a larger imagination.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It may seem the work is easier, the industry is more welcoming or the prospects more promising "over there." But competition and drama exist in every line of work. They just wear job-specific uniforms.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). It's fun to make the audience listen, laugh or learn, but it only happens when the group is a good match for what you give. Research will be worth it. The ideal room is out there, waiting to be found.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 14). It's your Year of the Crown Jewel. Every collection has one piece people cross distances to admire. You attract like that piece. Cameras find you, people admire your shine and feel more special just for spending time with you. More highlights: Your reputation precedes you, and you can afford to be "expensive" in the ways that matter to you. A victory for the team. You'll know you're loved. Sagittarius and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 16, 28, 11 and 37.

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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