ArcaMax

Constraint often generates excellence. In many disciplines, the restriction itself is what makes the work beautiful. In this moment of Virgo Season, the rules rule. Whether the endeavor is art, sports, professional or social life, the lack of freedom will be the point. Ballet, orchestras, baseball, banking -- the beauty and skill come from what you can do within the structure. Creativity with constraints. That's the game.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Act without expecting yourself to finish what you start, perfect it or even fully understand it. Just begin. Even a small action carries momentum. Beginning gives the idea structure and energy. It turns it from a thought into a real thing.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There's overlap in your current fascinations, and it's no accident. The more you talk about the future, the more the picture sharpens. It's not time to commit, but it's fun to share the possibility.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Even if you've set smart, helpful aims, your brain might push back. It's not because it doesn't make sense, but because it feels like "one more thing you have to do." Resisting it becomes a quiet act of self-protection or independence.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). No matter what others reveal about themselves, you'll be objective, observe without judgment and take none of it personally. The measured detachment is respectful. You will walk away knowing your social integrity is on-point.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Others talk to prove something. You listen and learn. Indeed, there will be much to take in. Figure out what the actual power dynamic of a group is and save yourself from needless political meandering. Strategize your next win.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You'll feel mentally alive because something you learn or figure out will spark excitement. It won't just stay in your head. It will affect your whole body. That rush of understanding or solving something will invigorate and satisfy.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're around people who could potentially support you -- but they don't know how, because you haven't told them what you're aiming for. Once you say what you need, the sorting begins and you'll find out quickly who's aligned, who's interested and who's ready.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Today people will give what's easy for them to give. For some, this will be nothing. And those who have a lot and also get a "helper's high" from being generous will open their hearts and pockets to you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You may admire a person, but you don't really know them until you understand their vulnerabilities and shortcomings. As much as you may admire someone's star quality, you'll have an even deeper appreciation for their humanity.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You've been courteous. You've been patient, accommodating, maybe even holding back a little. But now it's time to compete. If you want something, you need to make a strong move. Being assertive doesn't make you mean; it shows you're serious.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). That one person irritates you too easily. There's history there, unfinished business, maybe even a self-protective reflex. Don't dismiss it. Handle it consciously or it could turn into something harder to clean up.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The good stuff takes effort. The frustrating parts of learning are what make it worth something. If it were easy, it'd be free. People pay for what's rare, and you can bet they will pay you for this emerging skill of yours.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 30). Welcome to a solar return tinged in excitement and glamour! But the best part is personal fulfillment comes to you as your choices -- correct, gentle and requiring the best of your work and soul -- will add up to a peaceful resonance. More highlights: A debt repaid. Relationships evolve to support, challenge and ease your way. A merging of assets allows for building a beautiful system, business or lifestyle. Sagittarius and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 18, 3, 33, 21 and 11.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Cameron Diaz recently welcomed her second baby with husband Benji Madden. It's just like a Virgo to embody the kind of healthy choices that defy age. Diaz, who has lucky Jupiter in worldly Sagittarius, has defied her age no matter what the number was. At the tender age of 16, she was traveling the world as a model along with colleagues well into adulthood. A few years later, Diaz was hired without any previous acting experience to play the lead in "The Mask."

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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