The Mercury retrograde in Pisces can feel like a dropped call from the heavens, Cupid's betrayal or a bum steer of the GPS. If what we're counting on isn't worthy of the trust we put in it — well, that's good to know sooner rather than later. There are so many places to gather intel from. So many untapped sources of love, work, meaning and sustenance — some of which are inside your very own soul, glowing gems just waiting to be of use, ready when you are.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You see it one way. The dog (bird, spider, colleague or partner) sees it another. Your imagination and empathy are so strong that you can pretty much step into whatever viewpoint you wish, so play around with the lens until you find one that's more fun, empowering or enlightened. Your breakthrough comes this week.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Working for people's attention is an ineffective strategy because people like to give their attention. They don't like it wrestled from them. The effort that counts will happen before you ever get in the room. Find out what people need and want. Bring it. They'll repay the effort with their full attention and more.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). A big project is on the agenda. Whether you are designing, coding, organizing or high-level socializing, some approaches will work, others won't, and that is exactly how you find the one that's so you. Every misstep, adjustment or sideways try is getting to something that couldn't exist any other way.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are there for your people to the extent that is humanly possible, responding quickly to be with them in joy, need and important moments. You don't make the decision to be there, as that would require time to think. Instead, you activate and you go — a no-brainer, an instinct, a reflex of the heart. Your love makes it so.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You're a natural-born coach. You'll notice where people hesitate, you'll remove obstacles, and you'll pass along skills until those you teach are confident in what they can do. You'll be thrilled to see the growth of those you teach. You'll feel proud when they make decisions on their own without waiting for permission or approval.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Group work toward a common purpose is the hope this week. Check to make sure before you get too far into this, though, because if there are any misunderstandings, now is the time to sort them out. Make sure you're all on the same page. Once that's established, it's smooth and steady progress for weeks to come.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). To be loved and respected by yourself and others, you don't need to change in any way at all. But you still want to. You want to learn and practice skills to have more options, more excitement, novelty, adventure and more security. And that's what this week is about for you — being proactive. You'll take initiative. You'll steer the ship.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Valor is just courage with skin on it, not necessarily on the battlefield. Today, you'll show everyday valor by telling the truth when it would be smoother to gloss over it, or standing up for yourself without turning it into a fight. You'll do the right thing even when it costs you. It'll be so worth it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It's easier for you to be patient with others than it is for you to find patience with your own process. But this week, you're the one who needs your compassion the most, as the work before you is creative, interesting and ultimately, very meaningful. Allow yourself the full, messy, exploratory path without rushing, criticizing or expecting perfection too soon.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Why does the veteran miss the war? One reason is that familiarity is its own draw, even when what we're familiar with is terrible. You'll be called to a quality or circumstance that echoes back to another time. Critical thinking will have you questioning the appeal. Do I really need or want this? Or is it just attractive because it's familiar to me?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You're not inclined to voice your opinions today. Why do you hold back? You see the truth, and you're not afraid to voice it, but you're socially astute, empathetic and ultimately strategic. So you make your best guess about what will actually help the situation before you give it breath.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The best people for you are the ones who see and focus on your strengths. You don't need to seek hard teachers and critics to become better, as life does that for you at the perfect moment. Revel in this week's multitude of things going your way. You can't go wrong by surrounding yourself with sweethearts.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: Welcome to your "My Way" Year, when there's very often a sense that everything is indeed going your way, or could go your way at any moment. There's opportunity in commonplace occurrences, which quickly turn into uncommonly magical scenarios. You have courage and will rise to the occasions you used to shrink from. More highlights: You will be nurtured, pampered, entertained and enthralled by very special relationships. The thing you do for sheer joy will earn big bucks. Domestic improvements galore.

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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