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The moon in the sign of lionhearted Leo likes to remind us that love and pain are bookends with volumes between them. All those stories hold up because of the tacit agreement of those ends. Love cannot exist without pain, as the risk of pain is what makes love LOVE and not some more transactional arrangement.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Giving a compliment that resonates with a person's true self, rather than just their facade, can be tricky. Observe and listen closely to what the person values and what they express with genuine passion. Compliment something that reflects their inner qualities.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Follow instructions to the letter and in the traditional order. Success will rely on things happening in a proper sequence. Also, note: You won't be happy because it's perfect. It will be perfect because you're happy.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The merits of honesty are obvious, but not always as fun as a sweet exaggeration aimed to flatter or comfort. You'll gladly provide such a nicety to others when you feel it will count, and you'll freely accept such efforts, too.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The past returns to you, and your reaction will be visceral, accompanied by a complex concoction of mixed emotion. Memory Lane isn't always nicely paved, but the trip, however rocky, can make you grateful for the smoother road you're on now.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Impactful work won't please all. Unanimous approval should in no way be considered a good sign. It could indicate fear of nonconformity or of voicing it. It might also point to a product that aims for the moderate satisfaction of many, and the pleasure of none.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You're a worthy opponent and an interesting one. You keep everyone guessing. You're well-aware of your weaknesses. You don't have to be the strongest in the game to be the best at playing it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). When a fine musician hears a melody, the chords are implied. When you hear a story, the backstory, emotional tone and other relevant pieces come together for a comprehensive understanding that allows you to play the situation like a song.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Not all prophecies are self-fulfilling, thank goodness. Even so, predict only good things for yourself today. Focus on what you want and no other outcome. Leave the prevention, vigilance and hypervigilance for another time.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You don't need to be in a social mood to be gracious because the manners ingrained in you are more powerful than any passing mood. Also, the motion of enacting puts you in a vibe, and good things happen from there.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You will be an expert manager of expectations and in setting them just so; allow for the maximum enjoyment and satisfaction of an experience. Just about anything can be made into a treat given the right context.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The mountains remind you things are bigger than you, the ocean tells you of forces more powerful, and the tiny gleaming dots that are stars say that size and power matter much less than hope and perspective. Keep looking up.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). A new place will feel like home, not so much because there's something familiar there, but because it hits on a very deep level with a sense of belonging. It's as if the space aligns with your essence, creating an instant connection that feels both comforting and right.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 28). It's a year that shapes your image and hones your sense of self in the direction of your dreams. More highlights: You'll thrive in a variety of settings and operate in different groups, developing a style that incorporates many influences. Your efforts ultimately culminate in a captivating product, earning you the enthusiastic approval of a crowd. Aquarius and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 12, 40, 29, 5 and 17.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: In the upcoming drama "The Friend," Naomi Watts plays a writer who adopts the Great Dane that belonged to a late friend and mentor. The film reignites the on-screen chemistry with co-star Bill Murray, who she shared the screen with a decade ago. Watts is a lovely Libra with Mercury, Venus and Neptune in magnetic Scorpio. Such a configuration brings intensity and charisma that are grounded by Mars, Jupiter and Pluto in hard-working Virgo.

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.

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