In the “Saturday Night Live” commercial parody “Jiffy Express,” the shipping company offered help for those who forgot a package had to be at its destination yesterday with the slogan, “We’ll take the package… AND the blame.” The Mercury retrograde has a similar deal for us, happy to be the foil and take one for the team.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It’s a good time for asking hard questions. For instance, do you seek a deep understanding of a complex matter, or is there something different going on? Are you trying to control the uncontrollable?

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Knowing the answer is only the start. You’re all too aware of the work ahead: the long process of implementation, adaptation, recovery and repetition. Do not doubt that you have everything you need to succeed. One thing at a time.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Transformation is just what love does. It changes anything in its path. Whether you give your attention and warmth outwardly or focus it on yourself, it happens the same. Hearts blossom; not a forced process, but one of acceptance.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Loved ones can comment with a sharp precision that only comes from a deep understanding of your vulnerabilities. You’ll use these pokes for your personal growth. Take heed, stay positive and buckle in for your extraordinary emergence.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ll strike a lovely balance of being aware of how you are perceived without being overly worried with what people think of you. You’ll hold back some, give just the right thing and make a fantastic impression.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Helping is your main drive. Whatever else is going on for you, you’ll set it aside to be there for your people when something comes up. They don’t always acknowledge your heroics, but today you’ll get the nod.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The awareness of sleeping comes after one has been startled awake. Today’s lucky disruption will be an energetic shake-up that will cause you to open your eyes to a level of consciousness that was inaccessible.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Love fosters a kind curiosity all its own, seeking to find out what people need and how you can help. You connect with people on a heart level and your compassion drives your interest in them.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You embody the spirit of an adventurer who defies convention, seeking experiences few would think to do and even fewer would actually risk. It’s about time for another one of your courageous escapades. What’ll it be?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Our eyes have been trained to see the subject and let the negative space float into the background. Let the negative space be important and a whole different picture emerges, one that will be more interesting and useful to you today.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You get clarity on a specific area you could improve on, and you’ll see an accessible way to this end. There will be much helping, doing and giving, but nothing you give diminishes you. All that you give makes you bigger.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There’s a negotiation to hash out. Keep in mind that some people, for whatever reason, are incapable of sharing. With them, you’re better off just giving what you’re willing to part with and expecting no return.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 14). Like a sculptor sees the statue inside the marble, you see artful potential in problems. Your ability to adapt and thrive will be truly remarkable and will earn you loyal kinship and financial gain too. More highlights: It will be your pleasure and pride to provide for those in need, you’ll break a record, and you’ll elevate your health and physique. Scorpio and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 7, 44, 18 and 39.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Teen idol turned star of stage, screen and style, Vanessa Hudgens influences like a Sagittarius, with fire, precision and aim. Capricorn is another prevalent energy in her chart, with four luminaries steeped in the energy of the powerful sea goat. Both totems are blended creatures, signaling complexity and versatility. Look for Hudgens in the comedy “Downtown Owl” based on the novel by Chuck Klosterman.

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