Today's lunar and solar conjunctions to Mercury, minister of commerce and communication, are like a velvet theater curtain dropping at the end of the show. And then the lights come up — hopefully slowly enough not to be too jarring. You were in the illusion of a different world, and now it's time to adjust to the world where your car is parked.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Someone wants to hear about you. There was a time you didn't know how to tell your story, and maybe you even minimized, hid or simply avoided talking about yourself much. Now you're finding a way to share with confidence.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Chasing the "hot" opportunity means facing lots of competition and gatekeeping. The more people want something, the harder it is to get. It's all the more reason to follow your own curiosity instead. The more original your aim, the smoother your path.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You'll know the power of visualization, and you'll merge practical goal-setting with mystical creativity. Picture your ideal outcome vividly so your subconscious understands what to build toward. Then trust your inner dream-weaver as an ally.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Experienced people have advice. Some want to help; others are in it to feel powerful or maybe to show off. Stay gracious but cautious; listen, learn and show respect, but don't rush to take sides, make promises or adopt anyone's approach.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your drive to accomplishment is always present. Sometimes it's steady and manageable, like a kitten's purr. Today it's intense and impactful as a lion's roar. Ambition will take over your decisions and push you to act.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). In a moment of stark lucidity, you will clearly see and fully understand the most difficult thing of all to comprehend: the environment you live in every day. This rare glimpse into the familiar illuminates a way forward.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Awareness and action go together. Our minds often protect us from information, storing it in the subconscious until we're ready for it. Realizations come when you're capable of doing something about the circumstance.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're headed into an adventure. Maybe you feel ill-equipped. Maybe you're starting early, or late. Whatever makes you different, lean into that. You've undergone so many incarnations in your lifetime already, and you're about to add another to the story.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Kindness may not be as flashy as other qualities like daring, or power, but having the courage to be kind when others aren't is powerful, thus allowing you to claim all qualities and inspiring others in the act.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It takes a lot of energy to think. So when a person overthinks, energy gets wasted. Avoid circling the drain of thought. Move your body, change your focus and use that same energy to create instead of worry.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You know that success doesn't have to come at someone else's expense. In the spirit of collaboration, you'll come up with an arrangement that benefits everyone. Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) will inspire, energize or help make the deal happen.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). We don't always know what we're getting into. And sometimes participation is not our choice in the first place. Nonetheless, you'll make quick work of the job and learn something in the process. Not fair, but you'll benefit, so all is well that ends well.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 20). Welcome to your Year of Creative Triumphs. You're the star of your own story, though you'll share the stage generously, lifting others while shining yourself. Someone fascinating joins your orbit, and they are equally fascinated by you. More highlights: collaborations that stick, an investment that pays for years to come and family-centered fun. Virgo and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 15, 9, 27, 40 and 32

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Scorpio presidents of the United States have included John Adams (Oct. 30), James Polk (Nov. 2), James Garfield (Nov. 19), Teddy Roosevelt (Oct. 27), Warren Harding (Nov. 2) and, most recently, former President Joe Biden (Nov. 20). There's abundant Scorpio energy in Biden's natal chart with the sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars all in the sign of transformation, hope and constant renewal. These water sign aspects are balanced by a Taurus moon of financial acumen.

Holiday Mathis' debut novel, "How To Fail Epically in Hollywood," is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

Photo credit: The New York Public Library at Unsplash