If you must use the word "never" this week, the best sentence you could use it in is, "You never know." The cosmic configurations suggest avoiding words like "always" and "only" in favor of embracing the openness of words like "perhaps" and "possibly." Midweek reminds us that long shots are still shots, anomalies happen every day, and someone's got to be the recipient of crazy good fortune — why not you?

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Like a necklace in the drawer, somehow a problem seems to knot up on its own. The mindset that created it can't undo it, which is why this week shows you asking for input from a diverse set of thinkers and really listening to the feedback. It elevates your thinking, and by the end of the week, all is straightened out.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're making the work look easy. That's why people around you assume it's no big deal. They may even heap more on you, thinking it will be minimal effort. The trick is to give people insight into what you're actually doing — share the process, the time, the details — without turning it into a complaint. You'll gain fans in the process.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It's a fine week to begin imperfectly. Indeed, that is the way the best things — maybe all the things — begin. There will never be a moment when you finally have enough information to get started. Comprehensive, up-to-date information might be an impossible ideal. Waiting for perfect understanding means waiting forever. Just go, star. You're good!

CANCER (June 22-July 22). If you're looking for signs that a relationship has changed, finding them will not be a problem. If you're looking for evidence of an eternal bond, finding that will be easy-peasy, too. Actually, no matter what you look for, you'll find some version of it. The message that rules this week: Only look for what you really do want to find.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The kitten seeking shelter from the storm wants in the house. The kitten seeking a moment to play in the fresh air and sunshine wants out. So, is the house a shelter or a cage? As with most things in life, it depends on who's looking — and what they're longing for.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). One of your relationships will get the lion's share of attention this week, not because it demands it but because you have the vision and emotional intelligence to know that what you do before what is required is what truly matters. Filling the otherwise uneventful moments with love and thoughtfulness is what builds lasting bonds.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). When you start something, you think the purpose is the outcome. You want to finish the book, launch the project, solve the problem. But something happens to you while you're making the effort, and that's where the real gold is this week. The best part is that you feel and appreciate, in real time, the person you're becoming.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You admire those voices in media that come through with great personality and singularity. Perhaps you're so drawn to them because you sense that you also possess an originality that defies category. You don't always know what to do with it and who to share it with, but this week presents you with a direction worth exploring.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Even though your aesthetic depends on discernment, you could accomplish much more by establishing a few simple rules and then quieting the inner judge. There's no need for constant internal commentary about what's good or bad, cool or uncool, beautiful or boring. You can let go of the judge without losing your taste.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Wrapping paper makes a difference, and so does the bow. If it weren't for the shiny paper, a lot of people wouldn't realize that what they're handed is a gift. But you don't need the wrapping paper, because you see what is real — every breath, every environment you're in this week is worthy of being wrapped and bowed.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There may be no way around the slog this week, and that's kind of the point. This is where you earn your muscle tone. It's about pushing through the mood and letting momentum catch up with you. There will be beautiful moments of grace. Suddenly, you feel like it's not so bad, and then, before you know it, you're at the finish line.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Self-knowledge doesn't come from thinking alone. Experience provides the lessons, and stress reveals which parts of yourself you want to keep and which you don't. But the moment of truth is in your next choice. That's what proves you really learned. You'll get evidence of it this week.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: It's your Year of Stellar Stewardship. Abundance is attracted to you this year, too, as the universe recognizes and rewards your excellent management of the good stuff. You'll make meaningful contributions and help more people than ever — directly, personally and without draining your own resources. In fact, giving makes you richer in all the ways that matter. More highlights: public praise, family harmony and a heartfelt exchange that guides your direction toward the best fit for you.

For more Holiday magic, visit HolidayMathis.com. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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