“There’s an art to life’s distractions,” sings Hozier, though it may be one of the more difficult arts to master, considering how notoriously tricky it is to guess what will bring happiness. Hollow pursuits will tempt, but it might just be an unappealing bit of work that actually has the most potential to kindle joy under this clash of Mars and Neptune.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Lovers whisper words that would make no sense to anyone else. Colleagues crack up over their own in-speaking. Friends exchange nonsense that means everything. Private jokes make the world go around.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You know how to be the star of your show, but now you’ll shine in a foreign arena too. In this round, you will rule. You’ll dominate the tasks, win the competitions and generally take over.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). At any given moment, most people are responding to obstacles and impulses particular to them. Since none can fully understand another person’s experience, you’ll cushion your responses with wide margins of compassion. Go easy on everyone, including (and especially) yourself.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). A sense of belonging is nurtured on two sides of an equation, the giving and the taking. You’ll feel the security of being well taken care of and your comfort increases when others are receptive to your contributions.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Aim for tangible, quantifiable outcomes and you won’t go wrong. A coach can help you along. You’ll get the most out of feedback that doesn’t pander or meander. Ask for direct advice from straight shooters.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The framing of things matters. The reality of a situation has more potential than you think; you just have to ask different questions of it. Someone who is in a different place in life will help you get a more helpful perspective.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your winning attitude is a match for any task. Your empathy is your great talent and your strong suit. Bring it to discern the most effective ways to contribute to a situation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The new you is on the horizon. Your apprehension is a form of intelligence, keeping you alert. Heed the internal signals that rise. When the time is right to make your move, you’ll know it and be certain. It will, at that time, seem like the only option.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You could confront your feelings, although you’ll probably have more luck when you simply accept them. Keep in mind that emotional fitness, like physical fitness, takes practice. Move and lift the heavy things until they feel lighter.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When people seem very controlled, you’ll wonder what they are hiding. Their restraint prompts you to poke around and see if you can get a reaction and more information. You need a better sense of a person’s character before you place your trust.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The most interesting parts of the day will be those in-between moments, small details, fleeting feelings, normalcies and oddities that make you smile. You’ll enrich others as you share your thoughts and direct their attention.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). To make yourself present to another person’s pain is to expose yourself to it and risk being hurt as well. Even so, you’ll show up with an open heart, ready to share in the full range of sorrow or joy. That’s what friends do.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 28). It’s a year of great imagination. Your wide awake to inspiration whether it floats on silent wings or clamors in like a marching band and will use both kinds to build something incredible in your life, to be enjoyed by many. A pivot at work brings more money in. New trust, faithful companionship and wondrous heart connections are featured too! Taurus and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 6, 19, 23, 32 and 14.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: John Legend will celebrate his solar return with his Napa Valley collaboration, Legend Vintage Exclusive wines, one of the many offerings the Capricorn crooner brings to the season. The range includes the piano version of his latest double album and a wide array of holiday decor and gifts, handmade by underrepresented Etsy sellers. Legend’s natal moon and Mercury in Sagittarius bring the passion while Jupiter in Leo, the sign of the entertainer, speaks to his talent for producing smiles, songs and swoons in the hearts of audiences everywhere.

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