Fool's Retrograde

In the mystical card deck known as the tarot, there is a card named "The Fool" featuring a plucky youth carrying his belongings on a stick over his shoulder. The blithe spirit has a blossom in one hand, and his head is tilted up to the sun. It's not an advisable head angle for today, considering the turn of Mercury. The Mercury retrograde suggests you pay attention to your footing while enjoying the beauty in hand.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). If the fool seeks happiness in the distance, then you happily fit the definition today. You'll scratch your itch to travel, research or merely dream about other places and ways to experience joy.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're fully aware of the serious business in need of tending, but since you're versatile, talented and able to work in an array of tones, you'll choose the one that's most conducive to fun.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). To sing along with life is to embrace the melodies and rhythms of the unknown. Anyone chiming into a song they've never heard is going to hit strange notes, but don't let it stop you from finding the harmony.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). There's a circus around you, and you'll get to choose a role. Better to be a juggler than a lion tamer. If you're a fool, you're the wise sort with the humility to laugh at yourself and the luck to stumble upon the wisdom in folly.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You'll embrace the foolish notion that you can have it all, and for moments it will seem like you're actually succeeding at it, or at least that you're having it "most."

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Perhaps fools rush in where angels fear to tread, but you never claimed to be an angel. You've a need for speed, and you're in the perfect place to enjoy a heady blast of fresh adventure.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You've a unique worldview and you will relieve suffering when you share your observations, which interest and distract people. "A clown is like an aspirin, only he works twice as fast." -- Groucho Marx

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It is said that a wise person learns from the mistakes of others, but a fool insists on making their own. Even so, you'd rather be a fool today because the learning is bespoke, complete and a lot more fun.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). First, set your tone, then make your move because much will depend on the spirit of your metaphorical soundtrack. Action makes things happen. Comedy makes it happen to the accompaniment of a bassoon.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The fool speaks, the wise listens, and the artist hangs back with a camera, paints, notebooks, pens and other tools to capture the madness and turn it into something that speaks to the human condition.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Even in the midst of folly there are opportunities and lessons. You'll join in with imperfect situations because you recognize that wisdom is not about superiority but about understanding the human condition.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). To the typical outsider, it seems the insiders are one united front, getting along swimmingly and having the best of times, too. But you're not fooled by the view through the rose-colored window. Groups are usually held together by tension.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (April 1). Life will be like sports, with the strong players like you in the big leagues. You'll keep working on your game and will attract a mighty fine team worthy of your skill. With practice and a little bit of magic, you'll pull off an astounding feat. You'll love someone so much, the relationship role will be key to your self-definition. Gemini and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 11, 45, 14, 13 and 8.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Aries lives by determination, courage and passion. Case in point, Susan Boyle auditioned for "Britain's Got Talent" in 2009 despite facing initial skepticism due to her appearance and continued to pursue a career in music later in life, releasing one hit album after another and touring all over the world, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and emotive delivery. Boyle has Venus in Aries as well.

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.