Describe and declare the enemy, which is fear itself. On this final full day of the Mercury retrograde, there is little to grow your power more than overcoming your fear. The first step is to put words to it. Words are powerful. Giving words to something wordless is empowering. Naming your fear diminishes its potency.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You'll be like a magician today, "effortlessly" pulling off a spectacle. The real magician's secret isn't how the trick is done; it's the fact that it takes over a hundred hours of practice to execute five dazzling minutes.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). If there's one thing to reliably count on, it's that people will invariably behave in ways you do not prefer. And yet, you still believe that you'll find the gems, get along and be happy. You're right about that, too.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your cosmic gift today is a good one — tenacity — through which so much is made possible. The caveat is that you must apply this ferocious drive only to your own projects. It's too intense an energy to share.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You've a playful, receptive energy for everyone you meet. Because of this, most people soften and open up around you. Spontaneous connections are a reflection of your warmth.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There are no perfect people. Good relationships are about accepting the imperfections of people and appreciating many ways that strengths and weaknesses fit together.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You already know not to go to the grocery on an empty stomach. Likewise, distinguishing want vs. need over the next 10 days is trickier if you hunger and thirst for more life. Stay well-fed on all levels.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). There's a streak of exhibitionism going through the day. You have something important to contribute and the general public will be receptive to it, especially with your entertaining approach.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The soldier doesn't rush forward to battle without a strategy. The teacher has a lesson plan. The doctor reads a chart. Everyone is doing their prework today, including you. It will take many hours and be worth it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Talk to your team. If you don't have a team, then start to assemble one. An ingenious plan evolves. Also, when you respect the protocol of organizations, it respects you right back.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Just when you think you're alone, you realize that, in fact, you are being observed by someone who is assessing how well you might fit a particular role. It's up to you to make this your business or not.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Small decisions do have a way of rippling out to great effect. One effort that's worth making is in matters of love and friendship. Whatever you do to keep things fresh and exciting will go a long way.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Seems like much of today's schedule falls under two categories at once — "potentially boring" and "mandatory attendance." Don't let that get you down. A bit of mischief gets tossed in there to perk everyone up.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 2). You'll connect with experienced teachers and apply what you learn to a moneymaking venture. The new year brings renewed physical energy, and you'll be emitting powerful vibes, boosting your attraction quotient and drawing desired circumstances, as well as people you weren't expecting, into your orbit. Gemini and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 30, 1, 12 and 19.

COSMIC QUESTION: "These times are so tense that I feel like I'm on edge just about most of the time. Tips for a sensitive and anxious Cancer?"

For those who are sensitive to tense vibrations, the current cosmic weather may trigger extra nervousness. Many people who suffer from anxiety do not recognize the early indicators that they are about to launch into an anxious episode. Getting tuned in to these warnings and counteracting them can prevent the negative emotions from escalating. Individual symptoms vary but common precursors to stressful events include feelings of extreme self-consciousness, tunnel vision, light-headedness, dry mouth, muscle tension and shortness of breath. If you experience these symptoms, then don't try to tough it out. Recognize that you're experiencing undue stress and be kind to yourself, actively drawing on your arsenal of calming tools, like this one:

WATER THERAPY: Though especially effective for water signs (Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces), aquatic conditions can be instantly calming for almost everyone. Ways to use water rather obviously include drinking it, taking a hot bath, shower or a swim, and watching rain, waves, ripples or any body of water. Also, listening to recorded sounds of water like waves crashing or a rainforest shower can be a soothing balm to the soul.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Grammy Award-winning torch singer K.D. Lang is a triple Scorpio who plunges to the depths of her soul with every note, but don't ask her how she does it. Scorpios are so intuitive that they often can't tell you how they accomplish their work. Lang lives up to her Mercury and Venus in Libra, the sign of harmonious partnership, with a long list of happy collaborators including Elton John, Tony Bennet and Ann Wilson.

Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.