ArcaMax

Mars and Pluto conjunct in Aquarius ask, "How would things be now if you had gotten everything you wanted back then?" Perhaps not as good. Sometimes we want what's best for us, but often hindsight has us happy we didn't always get our way. So, when you wish the cosmic gift came with a gift receipt, just wait a season. Maybe it's actually something you can use.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You're not trying to make a memory, but you'll make one anyway. In fact, you can assume others will remember today for years to come. So, what experience would you like to create? You'll steer it well.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The "curiosity gap" describes when someone sees enough to know there's more, and their attention and motivation increase. Cliffhangers, teasers, unfinished stories and gradual self-disclosure all work on this principle, and you will, too, as you let conversations slowly unfold.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Unruly emotions bubble to the surface. Instead of trying to squash them down, find a way to express them, whether with games, exercise or art. When you get it out, someone will meet you with insight you couldn't get on your own.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Motivation is like skin care -- a ritual that needs daily repetition. How can you keep yourself motivated? Add a muse, a deadline, a pep talk, a reward system -- anything to keep it compelling to return to and easy to repeat.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When you want something so much, you're always going for it, even without realizing it. Things come together in an exciting way now, the result of moves you've been making toward your goal over the course of many months.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Sticking with only the people you know is boring for everyone. You keep the social swirl lively by extending invitations widely, including new energy and creating an atmosphere of openness and kindness.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Keep marching forward. Don't inch, don't tiptoe, don't run. March. The steady, measured, determined gait will not only get you there, it will make it easy for others to follow. People rarely march alone. You will be joined.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're on a roll. Stay focused on what's going great in your life and the great happenings will just keep coming. This momentum will continue to build until it's interrupted. The trick is to guard against interruption.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It feels like you're either using every moment or the moments are using you. Whichever way it goes, the result is the same; life is action-packed. You'll have tangible products to show for your effort.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your belief in fundamental human equality and strong aversion to arrogance will come into play. Humility is strength, not weakness. The low stance is the high road. Once again, being grounded will lead to a better outcome than dominance or superiority.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Improvements happen all around you, which is no coincidence, since you're the one improving things. You feel most like yourself when helping solve a problem. And when there's no problem? That's when you take what's fine and make it sublime.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You are skilled at the art of making people look good, introducing them in a flattering way and saying the things that make people feel seen and respected. You'll use this talent well today.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 27). It's your Year of the Bon Vivant, and you'll revel in good living. Your wit, style, stories and way of seeing the world put you on the best lists. Invites and opportunities abound. You'll hit an effortless run of good luck. More highlights: Family bonds heal, strengthen and extend to new people. Professional life fits better, and new habits enhance your health. Sagittarius and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 6, 20, 14, 37 and 28.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Patton Oswalt recently released an audio-only comedy special, "Black Coffee and Ice Water," featuring insights about parenting his teenage daughter while trying to make sense of these increasingly complex times. Like an Aquarius, Oswalt is constantly experimenting with form. Whether he sends his art out in film, essay or old-school comedy album style, he makes audiences laugh, cry and think. The Aquarian artist was born under five air sign planets.

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