Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018

The direct motion of Mars is in full swing, and for most of the day the warrior moon in Aries will rally behind the assertive (or perhaps aggressive) energy of the red planet. People who don’t know their own strength usually find out when what they thought was a casual gesture has unexpectedly large repercussions.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Someone who has come to your emotional rescue in the past is now in need of a little attention. This won’t be a “rescue” per se; rather, it will be the sort of nice acknowledgement that keeps a rescue situation at bay.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You can’t exactly control everything you think. Your mind is like a great dragon, far more powerful than you, but you can ride on its back and steer it. It’s likely to go where you tell it to.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll be attracted to the people who can do little things right, correctly assuming that this is a sign that they might do their best to get the big things right, too.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll be in the support position today, and the role will come as a nice break to you. “We can’t all be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap when they go by.” — Will Rogers

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Look at the facts, references and all the evidence you can find, but don’t base your decision solely on these things. Let your gut feeling weigh in. Evidence can be falsified. Your gut is less likely to be fooled than your mind.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You hear yourself differently depending on whom you talk to. That’s why it’s important to talk to many different types of people. People with different status levels, skills and cultures will help you understand.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A core of self-appreciation will help you improve quickly. When you know, at a very basic level, that you’re OK, you won’t be defensive in the face of feedback. You’ll take every note and build from it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Brilliant interactions are often less interactive. More contact means more tangles. Believe in people’s abilities to solve their own problems, and let them know you’re there to back them up if needed.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). All results will be the results of action. The one who takes action gets to change the landscape, define the story — indeed, to be the star of it. Even passivity can be active, with the right level of awareness.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Small things matter, but petty things don’t. It’s not the size that makes things trivial; it’s the significance. Pay attention and you will understand the difference and avoid mixing into anything that would reduce you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’re inclined toward the big questions today, although this will be displayed in a very down-to-earth way. The big questions can be answered with simple acts of cleanliness, organization and kindness.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You may make an innocuous and breezy comment, but others won’t hear it that way. Some consider you the official word from above. Your position gives your words weight.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 30). There is something inside you that’s as luminous as anything on the planet has ever been. Clear away anything that shades this secret. Go where people see you, and use your talents. The respect you’ve shown the authority figures in your life will pave the way for many lucrative opportunities in 2019. Pisces and Sagittarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 33, 38, 4 and 18.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: “I noticed that you don’t pair Aries and Libras together. Is there a reason? I have been dating a Libra for almost three years. Things are great, but what do you see long term? I appreciate your insight.”

There’s not a reason in the world that Libra and Aries can’t make a fabulous match, both in the long term and in the short term. Both are what’s called “cardinal” signs. This means that they are the initiators of the zodiac, not afraid to start projects or relationships and ready to build where no person has built before. You are a very independent person, and your Libra is more of a team player, so you avoid the power struggles that many couples endure. Usually your Libra defers to you, and you feel so relaxed in the relationship that you don’t mind giving up the reins whenever Libra wants to lead. I can see your partnership extending into the realm of business as well, especially businesses that involve a quick profit turnaround, such as flipping properties, construction, day trading, etc. Best of luck!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Whatever the movie role for Cameron Diaz, it often has included dancing. Perhaps it’s because directors know that the Virgo superstar (with Mercury in show-stopping Leo) possesses an infectious joy and audiences want to dance with her. Virgos are known for an ever-young quality and a commitment to health. Diaz is in fact an author on the topic with her best-selling “The Longevity Book.”

Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis@gmail.com.