As the old year exhales its final days, Mercury becomes the liveliest force in the sky, forming mischievous squares that stir doubts, reversals and double takes. But who moves through life without questioning themselves? The rigid, the foolish and the incurious. Self-doubt is the mark of an aware, evolving mind. Those who never question, never grow. May your new year be filled with perspective, courage and a mind that delights in evolving.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You may play the end of the year a bit low-key. But even as you succeed in blending in to do the everyday "civilian" stuff, you know your true identity — you're a superhero. Half the gig is acting "normal" until it's go time and you can don the cape. Your action sequence is coming with the change of the season.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The week brings a mixed bag: warmth, progress, invigoration and longing because, through everything, your heart is reaching for someone. There's this ache for a moment that now lives only in memory or imagination, and that is a completely inevitable human condition. It's the tax we pay for caring about someone beyond arm's length.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You're finishing the year strong. You vow to yourself that the year's final tasks, conversations, projects and rituals represent you well. You'll give it that little extra sugar of detail, listen with real intention and give each effort a solid crunch of focus. High standards will continue to be your trademark.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Not every audience is for you. You've put thought and effort into what you bring to the world, and you deserve respect, curiosity and enthusiasm. Don't waste energy pandering to the distracted or dismissive. When you connect with the right people, they'll meet you where you are, and you'll all rise together.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Edits are not losses. Paring down is not sacrificing. Simplification will liberate you. This week, you will continue to strip away the excess — clothes, obligations, social noise, expectations, draining people, unnecessary spending, outdated roles and the like. With everything you let go of, you get more of yourself.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There's a lively, shifting energy this week. Are you moving from task to task because variety energizes you, or because you're searching for something that feels like home? You'll listen inward and notice which activities, people and places give you a sense of grounding and help you settle into the cadence of your thriving.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Inner growth doesn't only come from discipline-based practices such as meditation, study and service. Those help, but they're not the whole picture. This week is a reminder that enjoyment, pleasure and healthy self-interest can also create mental improvement in real ways. You'll find a calm that restores you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). This week brings relationships defined by structure, boundaries and clear conditions. Then there's the exception — that one treasured connection that lives outside the rules, where love is unconditional. You'll offer it sometimes effortlessly, sometimes with effort, but always with a devotion that doesn't waver.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). If only you could get to a destination by merely wanting to be there. You may go into this week believing you have just enough energy to dream and not enough to do. But once you start wishing, something happens inside you. The idea ignites an engine, and suddenly, you're motivated to move, work, connect and, yes, arrive.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There are moments this week when it seems like the world is throwing popcorn at your plans. Is it bad luck? A bad mood? No. This is a plot twist to push you toward a better storyline. Use the obstacles as cues to pause, pivot or try again. You'll get into a new rhythm, and the scene will start playing in your favor again.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It will feel good to relax your rules, soften your edges, open your heart and give freely all the warmth and acceptance people want. They need the cheerleading and the hope. That's what brings about the best result. You're thoughtful, positive, diplomatic and filled with the spirit of generosity.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Even if it were possible to make a perfect match, would you know it if you saw it? A better question: perfect for what? Since it's the imperfections and vulnerabilities that draw us together, you can embrace any awkwardness knowing that, ultimately, this is what makes sustainable, functional and bonded relationships.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: Step into your Year of Charismatic Expansion. Your natural charm opens doors you didn't even knock on. People advocate for you, recommend you and include you in exciting circles. Work opportunities grow through word of mouth. Romance feels playful and promising. More highlights: You'll feel supported in ways that surprise you, including a financial gift, bonus or endowment. You handle responsibility well and therefore will be given more of it, and inside this "duty" will be the most exciting and fun times of the year.

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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