A degree of self-assuredness can drive ambition and motivation. Mars taking on the mountains as a Capricorn climbing goat stresses the need to distinguish between healthy self-confidence and arrogance, the latter of which is characterized by a disregard for others, a refusal to consider alternative perspectives and an inflated sense of superiority.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Feel like you’re being watched? It’s because you are, and for the very uncomplicated reason: you’re one to watch. Inquiries, imitations and envy will be next, nothing you can’t handle… comes with the territory.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll pick up new information and skill and you may even make money while you’re learning. This education may not seem earth-shattering while it’s happening but will prove, in the end, to be extremely valuable.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll find yourself in an environment where others feel comfortable providing constructive feedback. You’ll accept it with grace, apply it with humility and then sit back and watch the subsequent unfolding action with great delight.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your first impulse will be to take things on, but prioritize very carefully. Don’t be so attentive that you rob others of the high that comes from making their own decisions and solving their own puzzles.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You prize gentleness and seek the nearness of kind and considerate people. You’ll avoid those who show signs of harshness. A soft-spoken and compassionate approach to interactions brings about surprising results.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your encouragement has a certain style to it. The people you cheer on feel absolutely unbeatable after one of your boosts. There’s no substitute for your presence, and you’ll be supportive in-person when at all possible.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Even though the situation is brand new, it’s already time to adjust the rules. Some of the boundaries are fine for the short term but not sustainable. What can you do to afford yourself bigger margins for error, creativity and, ultimately, greatness?

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The challenging aspects of life, like hard work to be done, difficult people you must get along with and the need to stretch resources, are all entirely manageable. It’s the pleasures that will require your diligence and restraint.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There’s something you crave but don’t want; long for but have deemed “unhelpful” or “unhealthy.” The old stand-by, out-of-sight, out-of-mind will work for you. Whatever you’d like to reduce, stash it away and your attention will naturally redirect.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ll be fielding all sorts of communication today. While context is important to meaning, the most important communications are universal. When you let the details go fuzzy and get a sense of the general tone, can you tell what basic need is being expressed?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). To avoid the hollow victory that comes with the attainment of other people’s goals, you’ll dig down deeper to name the aims that are meaningful to you. Then, even if the prize doesn’t quite fit, it will still enhance your journey.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll be in a position to choose new company in some way, perhaps through hiring or dating. If you’re not sure what to think of a person, look at the person’s chosen environment, including relationships, responsibilities and day-to-day dealings.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 4). Muses will call you forward. Inspiration this big attracts all the resources necessary to set your projects assail. You’ll understand problems from many angles and come up with solutions people will pay for. Invention, innovation and entertainment will be your realm of mastery. More highlights: found money, romantic flames. Virgo and Libra adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 9, 2, 22 and 12.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Capricorn Louis Braille changed the world with his invention of a tactile writing system adaptable to almost any language. Braille was a determined Capricorn with communication planet Mercury in Capricorn as well and Venus in future-thinking Aquarius. As a tribute to his accomplishments, NASA has named an asteroid in the innermost regions of the asteroid belt “9969 Braille.”

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. COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM