When they say that "your happiness depends on you," how does that make you feel? Empowered? Bullied? As if perhaps even the most expert human doesn't understand happiness very well? Probably true, and besides, feelings are never right or wrong. Give credence to your own ideas about happiness. Under this new moon, it's anyone's game.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your warrior nature will be called out in a situation so ordinary and low-key you'll be surprised at your own reaction. In Mr. Miyagi's words, "It's OK to lose to opponent. Must not lose to fear!"

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). No matter how great your day may be going, there's always a tiny part of your mind too aware that somewhere in the world someone is having the worst day ever. Instead of letting that bring you down, you let it help you feel grateful.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Neuroscientists have captured it on film — molecules morphing into memories — so is it such a stretch to say there's actual mass to what you remember? It will certainly feel as if that is the case today.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Social faux pas are easier than ever to make. An unanswered text or the wrong sort of social media comment could cause dissonance. Counteract by being more sensitive and conscientious than you think you need to be.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Maybe the repetition of certain behaviors seems silly, but if it means something to someone, then its significance should be noted. Rituals matter to people — unreasonably so! Don't waste time negating this.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The potential for fresh faces is high today. You've the space for a new friend to drop into your world. If the other person also has the room, things will develop very quickly. If not, it will be a slow-grow situation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Be aware that many don't have the high emotional intelligence it takes to bridge gaps of understanding between people. You do, and you'll be called to use this talent today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There are several ways out of the entrapment of false need. Being grateful for what we have inoculates us from a lot of superfluous needy feelings. So does differentiating between need and want.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You'll wind up in an unexpected yet enjoyable conversation. It doesn't have to lead anywhere to add sparkle to your life. But if it does develop into friendship, that will be great, too.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There is an exhausting amount of nuance involved in casual social relationships. The trick is to be sensitive to your place without putting too harsh a limit on your natural instinct.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You've been the "mini-me," and you've had a copycat of your own. These situations usually end in the same way — with the realization that the similarities between even very similar people only go so far. Today is no different.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There are times for listening, for talking and for saying nothing, just offering a compassionate heart and perhaps a hug. You're sensitive to what mode is right for the situation, and you'll lead with this understanding.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Oct. 8). You'll figure out how you're uniquely strong and lean into that with gusto. You'll dazzle the onlookers, among whom will be old and new connections. More highlights of the solar return: a long plane ride and travels that are the envy of your friends, a pleasing offering to elders, and part two of a key relationship. Cancer and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 6, 40, 7 and 18.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTION: "How do you come up with the horoscopes? Do you guess? Do you feel the future? Are you psychic?"

After I read the ephemeris and pick out significant transits, I combine my studies about what these transits have meant to astrologers for hundreds of years with my current interpretation of these transits for today. I then take into consideration the nature of each of the 12 signs as I look at how they might be affected by the emotions and activities highlighted by what the stars are currently doing. Also, I look at how planets are aspecting (making angles) in each realm of the sky. Then I simply try to speak to the concerns, dreams and issues that each sign may be having for that day and give answers, encouragement and tips to help people deal with the obstacles and treats that I believe the day is going to bring. As far as being psychic and feeling the future, I believe we all have psychic ability that we are using to a greater or lesser degree. I exercise this part of myself regularly, just as a bodybuilder does when he or she lifts weights; therefore, my "psychic muscles" are fit, unlike my biceps.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Academy Award winner Matt Damon was an English major at Harvard until his acting career started to take off, causing him to drop out of the university. This artistic Libra has Venus, Jupiter and Neptune in Scorpio, indicating a strong intuitive sense. No matter how logical and intelligent an option may seem, Damon won't take it unless it checks out positively with his internal sensors.

Write Holiday Mathis at [email protected].