Paul Laurence Dunbar wrote, "We wear the mask that grins and lies, / It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes." Written about concealing suffering under racism, the poem resonates more broadly as the moon goes dark in this retrograde moment. What would we risk by being more ourselves? Who sees through the mask? Around whom can we drop it?

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You've been playing it cool about something you want very much, but there's really no good reason to anymore. Your enthusiasm will give you away anyhow. You might as well let people see how much this matters to you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You've been the reliable one for so long that people assume you have everything handled. Well, you could use a little help yourself now, and there are those who will be delighted to return a favor when given the chance.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You're good at making people laugh, even when you're not in the mood for it. Today, someone sees your actual mood. What a relief to be understood without having to make a big production out of explaining yourself.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You've kept a certain opinion to yourself because you think you know how people will react. But today, you'll finally field some direct questions on the matter, and you'll have excellent answers. Your candor will open the conversation.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There's someone you'd love to impress without trying to. Just trust that who you are without all the fanfare is more than enough. The attraction will deepen over an ordinary exchange. Your unguarded self has plenty of appeal.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Because you're so good at a particular job, everyone assumes you enjoy it. That's quite a leap! You'll get a chance to admit what you'd rather be doing. Your preference will be taken seriously, and a better arrangement follows.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Saying yes is often the easy way. Most things will seem either inherently agreeable or too trivial to argue about. But the little concessions are adding up. State your preference. People will accommodate you once they know how to.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have a fascinating private world, and you know the pleasure of keeping some of it to yourself. People are curious about you, with good reason. You'll enjoy deciding what to reveal, to whom and when. A little mystery looks so good on you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). When everyone around you seems to know the subject, it's normal to pretend you do, too. Then again, if you ask questions instead, you'll get an answer, and several people will be grateful you had the nerve to ask.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Because you have a reputation for being serious, your playful side is especially entertaining. Someone will discover your taste for absurdity and become an instant accomplice. The two of you will have trouble keeping a straight face.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You've edited a story about yourself so many times that you've started believing the shortened version. Someone who knew you back then will remember the interesting details. You'll enjoy reclaiming a chapter of your own history.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You've been protecting someone from knowing how much you care. Perhaps you fear changing the relationship. Today, you'll give yourself away in some small, unmistakable fashion. Their response will tell you plenty.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 8). In your Year of Fascination, one interest holds your attention and keeps giving back, leading you to a rich new world of people, places and ideas. The potential is lucrative and impactful, making a difference in your life and community. More highlights: Fulfillment through teaching, caring for and protecting others, growing in physical strength and two travel holidays. Pisces and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 15, 23, 38 and 41.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Gordon Ramsay invites audiences behind the scenes in the Netflix docuseries "Being Gordon Ramsay" while continuing his remarkable television run with "Hell's Kitchen." The Scorpio chef built a global brand by pairing exacting standards with relentless curiosity. With the sun, Venus and Neptune in Scorpio, Ramsay reflects the sign's drive to master a craft and keep raising the bar.

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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