Retrograde of a Material World

The Mercury retrograde that started April 21 and ends May 14 reminds us that though we are living in a material world, financial fluctuations are often caused by immaterial things such as emotion and perceived value. Money is paper with no intrinsic worth beyond the meaning we infuse it with. Mercury challenges our assumptions and asks us to keep digging for better assessments.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll spend time thinking about how you might accommodate others and make them want to contribute to your dreams, and you’ll also take a deep dive into your own preferences and wishes. Somewhere in the middle is a beautiful, flexible plan.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Don’t worry about the right words or Knowing the appropriate thing to say in every situation. You come at people with your heart open, and that’s just what they need now.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Keep adding to your arsenal of favorite things, as these are soul-soothing tools that will keep you centered when life brings you challenges. You’re at your best when you’re enjoying yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). In a healthy group, the burdens and blessings of any individual become a part of the collective. Hard things, work and celebration should feel easier together. If that’s not the case, consider changing something about the group, or trying a new group.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Avoid those who lead your focus to the negative. They are draining to be around, and you’re better off on your own. When it’s just you, you’ll keep your focus to all that’s sweet and right in your world.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The simpler your purpose, the more successful you’ll be. All the better if you can condense it down to three words, for instance, “to spread cheer.” Effectiveness boils down to knowing and naming your purpose.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll set reasonable expectations knowing that every Relationship has peaks and valleys. In some relationships, the high point is the relief you feel after the fact. “My wife and I were happy for 20 years. Then we met.” — Rodney Dangerfield

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). No one can know everything, and those who pretend they do only annoy the others. Those with nothing to prove have no problem admitting the gaps in their knowledge. You’ll enjoy finding answers with a fellow curious mind.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). People say, “forgive and forget,” but what happens more often is, “move on from something you vividly recall.” Blame the human process, or credit it, whichever feels right. The important thing is not to repeat mistakes.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You were doing your best, and now the stakes have changed. You don’t just want to top yourself; you want to be the best there is. You’ll figure out the skills to make you competitive with those you admire and then surpass the competition.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your interests have shifted throughout your life and will continue to do so. Attractions change as well. Curiosities get satisfied and then new ones spark. You’re easy with it all today, allowing yourself the leeway to explore.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Ambitions sizzle in your belly, but somehow your attitude is still laid back. It’s not a conscious choice. You are intuitively navigating this territory with the right attitude to make things work for you.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (April 23). It’s your year for making spectacular impressions. You decide what effect you’d like to have, and you stick the landing. Relationships will bring you novelty. Love puts a glowing filter on your lens of the world. What’s more surprising is the enchanting experiences that come through work. More highlights: A certificate that gives you bragging rights and the modesty not to exercise them, and smooth transportation to far-off places. Scorpio and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 1, 44, 38, 9 and 20.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Famous by the age of 6, Shirley Temple tap danced into the hearts of millions, a sunshine ray in the Great Depression who brought hope and entertainment in a sorrowful historic era. The world’s biggest little movie star set many standards continued by Hollywood today, including early start times on a set. The curly-topped Taurus had four natal luminaries in Aries, the sign of youth, vitality and the warrior spirit. Her Neptune, the dream planet, was in entertaining Leo.

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 ebook. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information.

Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

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