ArcaMax

Everything worthwhile costs something. You feel like you've wandered into one of those high-end stores where they don't bother to attach price tags. But adventure, love, art, travel, success, creative risk -- they all extract their cost in effort, sacrifice or pain, if not dollars. The point isn't to avoid the cost but to accept it consciously. At least get an idea of what it is.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It's OK to want to move up in the world. But it's also OK -- even smart -- to notice when there is no point in advancing. Take stock of where you are. The next rung up may actually be a step down.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). People usually do what seems best at the time. Trouble starts when there's nothing better to do. To give others good options like purpose, work, beauty and belonging is to provide a real service. It changes outcomes more than judgment ever could.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You may not be in the mood, but you'll still show up motivated, kind and fun. Keep giving love. Love inspires action, generosity and humor. It breaks the stagnation. Love is the antidote to stagnation.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Wanting food, attention, pleasure or rest is not always self-indulgent. In fact, cravings are actually signals of wisdom from the body and soul saying, "We need this." Your system is intelligent, and it's trying to guide you toward balance.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). What you roll out today charts like a hit single -- catchy, bright and totally you. It's not that the tune is brand-new. It's that your delivery makes it unforgettable. Your energy is a hook the world hums to.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You'll give your best because you care about the outcome. If others don't notice, don't retreat. Just remind them. Some people need a little nudge to recognize good work. You'll be glad you spoke up for yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Living in a rerun? This scenario has been running a long time, perhaps since childhood. It's unwanted, but it's still familiar -- and therefore, the pattern is comfortable in a weird way. And yet, you can, and will, break it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're skilled in one realm and assume success should translate elsewhere, but each world has its own rules. Stay curious, ask questions, and study the lay of the land. When you finally move, it will be with ease and momentum.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You were made from the same stardust that lights up in your idols when they perform. You only see the qualities you admire in others because those same qualities are also in you. When you celebrate others, you celebrate you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Today calls for subtle glamour. Say less, mean more. Mystery draws the eye like light behind a curtain. An artful reveal happens in glimpses. You can feel the room from behind that curtain and sense when to step into view.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You learned it before: When you ask a question and get no response, that's your answer. Don't wait around. Let it be a liberation and a cue to keep moving. You're working a numbers game here, and you won't have to go much further to get your "yes."

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Seeing others further along might make you wish you'd started sooner, but you're right on time. The fact that you began at all is what matters. Trust in the universal timing. Bonus: Love and support are gathering around this new chapter.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 8). In this Year of Astute Awareness, you will see the world deeply, curiously and with a reverence that turns observation into art. You'll love people through their chaos and your own, and you'll turn that labor into poetry, laughter and insight. More highlights: a viral moment, an inspiring mentorship and the chance to transform passion into profit. Pisces and Capricorn adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 10, 35, 44 and 16.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Sagittarians are known for truth-seeking and saying what they feel. In music and in life, Nicki Minaj doesn't shy away from expressing any part of herself -- body, spirit, mind with fire. Her strong opinions fly like sparks fitting for her fire-sign essence. Natal sun, Mercury, Venus, Uranus and Neptune are all ablaze in Sagittarius, as abundantly evidenced.

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.

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