A Retrograde Challenge

If you had to blame all the unpleasantness of life on one culprit, unmet expectations would be a solid choice. Reality is not inherently a problem. What makes it a problem is a person who thinks reality should be something other than what it is. The retrogrades of Venus, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto challenge us to improve at the art of setting expectations.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ll be reminded of how we are all equal, but none of us is the same. The best relationships respect differences and allow for individuality. You have a choice of who to interact with. Avoid controlling types.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You will be more sensitive to location than usual. Stimulating environments offer inspiration and a sense of expansion. There are also places that repel you — an instinct worthy of your heed.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). In your desire to connect with someone, you’ll be as flexible as an acrobat to make it work. It is intention, plus the willingness to meet the other person where they are, that makes the connection possible.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Ward off interruptions before they happen because if you’re able to immerse yourself in a project, you’ll hit a deep-concentration zone and be highly productive as you sync up with everything around you, to astounding effect.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). With the right person, every little thing can be a thrill. And when it’s thrilling alone, congratulations. You’ve either evolved to the point of being your own true friend or were this all along and the bond remains unbroken.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You served the needs of others before your own. You had your reasons, which made sense at the time. But the times have changed. Now, if it matters to you, it matters period. Pour your efforts into your own satisfaction.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your curiosity leads you to interesting people now. You have a talent for research, especially the sort that happens in person. You’ll ask good questions — casual, non-intrusive, and specific enough to crack the story wide open.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Optimism, even the irrational variety, is serotonin-producing. The serotonin doesn’t know or care how likely a thing is to happen; it just wants you to feel good. Sometimes you have to make up reasons to be happy to get the joy flowing.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It used to take effort to fit into a group, but now it’s a natural extension of who you are. There will be impressive cohesion to your team dynamic. Everyone will operate as a single machine to get the task done.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It’s famously difficult for adults to make friends, which is why you don’t mind making multiple attempts at it. Friendship is worth pursuing, and someone must take the initiative or it’s not going to happen.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). True confidence doesn’t need to draw attention to itself. Healthy self-esteem is invisible. Those who constantly talk about their own accomplishments, talents and other signs of worth may be displaying more insecurity than the self-deprecating.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). A caring heart will do absolutely no good without action behind it. You will find concrete ways to help. What you focus on will change. You’ll turn trouble sources into fonts of thriving.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 10). You’ll embody the very thing you used to envy. “He need not envy greatness who can serve as a model of it.” — Baltasar Gracian More highlights: Professional twists deliver you to a position that’s a perfect fit. You’ll be more daring socially, and your personal life heats up. You’ll orchestrate a tribute that turns into an adventure. Virgo and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 15, 38, 5 and 40.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Antonio Banderas stars as Renaldo in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” a courageous counterpart and loyal friend to Indy. Banderas was a soccer player until breaking his foot at age 14 and going on to be one of Spain’s most famous faces. Four fiery luminaries speak to the regal Leo’s passion, including the Aries moon of a warrior and lucky Jupiter in Sagittarius, the sign of worldly sophistication.

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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