They say mothers forget the pain of childbirth, which explains how siblings happen. And so it goes with many experiences: the sting fades while the pleasure keeps its color — but not today. A square of Venus and Mars serves up a taste of the strife. If you still want a fresh start while remembering exactly what happened last time, this new moon is for you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Fates favor your focus on one key partnership, and all you have to do is dare to ask for what you want. New moon mantra: By going for it, I learn what it will take to make it work.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The wishing phase is over, and you can skip the waiting phase altogether. This is the part where you make your lists and start checking off the small actions. New moon mantra: Every little thing counts.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It's like the cosmic breeze has blown the dust off an old favorite, and you're inspired to take it out for a spin. New moon mantra: The mistakes taught me how to take better care of what I love.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You've longed for relationships to settle into a place where you don't feel pressured, you look forward to connecting, and you don't have to fake enthusiasm. It's naturally happening. New moon mantra: I can just be me.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). A conversation you've been rehearsing in your head will become easier when it's actually happening. Say the first true thing, then wait for them to offer theirs. New moon mantra: I speak to connect and listen for the same reason.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). This new moon helps you shore up the difference between the price of something and what it's worth. It especially matters where your own work is concerned. New moon mantra: I set the price that's right for me and fair for all.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The starscape is your image consultant, helping you keep what's working and update the rest. The new moon in your sign lets you introduce yourself however you want to be known now. New moon mantra: Here's who I am today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You take life's experiments in a more creative direction when there's no team or audience to please. See how it feels before you show the world. New moon mantra: I'm in charge of me.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The past comes a-calling. You once dreamed of a future involving this particular piece of the past. Do those same plans still interest you? If they do, try again. New moon mantra: I build my future with people who want the same things.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You're ready to take on more responsibility. It's not about power over people; it's about making your vision come alive. Show people what you can do, then ask for the opportunity you want. New moon mantra: I do it for the betterment of all.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You agreed to something that made sense at the time, and now you know more. There's a way to change the agreement and still keep your word. New moon mantra: Mutually acceptable agreements are one negotiation away.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The story you tell yourself about the situation can have more power than the actual situation. Your fresh start is more like new way of looking at the story. New moon mantra: I'll find an empowering way to see it.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Oct. 10). In your Year of the Graceful Orbit, your journey is marked by a grand and graceful order. The right attractions keep you moving and bring you back, in time, to everything that matters. Your days have structure and elements of predictability, while still being exciting and new. More highlights: Events with a sweetheart. Hard work, then long stretches of fun. A knack for finding investments that pay off like jackpots. Aries and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 10, 4, 44 and 18.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Nearly half a century after his passing, Ed Wood Jr. continues to inspire books, retrospectives and passionate fan campaigns for a definitive box set of his films. If you believe creativity has intrinsic value even when the art itself baffles, you're aligned with Libra. Wood's work endures because audiences recognize the sincerity behind every ambitious attempt to make something wonderful from almost nothing.

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.

Photo credit: Mike Petrucci at Unsplash