In ancient times of the Northern Hemisphere, the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice was a time of great significance, with rituals and celebrations aimed at ensuring fertility for crops, livestock and people. It was believed that on Beltane Eve, the veil between the human world and the supernatural world was at its thinnest, allowing for increased interaction between the two realms. Light the bonfire and dance at the maypole. Spring sprung.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). In the poker game of life, you can play the hand you're dealt on its own merits, on your instincts, on knowledge of odds, on risk calculation... and when all else fails, you play it on a bluff. Since no one else knows your cards, it helps you to play all strategies with the neutrality that keeps your position mysterious.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll know firsthand what separates the champions from the also-rans in life's grand race. You have the guts, the grit and the gumption to tackle life's hurdles head-on. It starts with seeing them as little. Indeed, you've conquered worse. This week, there's a steel in your spine, a fire in your belly and motivation that will propel you for days on end.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The way you make people feel valued will set the tone for this week's positivity. To cherish someone is to hold them close, to let them know their worth runs deep in the marrow of your being. It's the quiet moments, the soft touches, the shared glances that speak volumes. You will often move people by simply showing up where your presence is needed.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Whether sharpening pencils, knives, intellect or artistic voice, the method is similar. Usually, there's a honing stage, then a grind, and don't forget the polish. There's also a point in which further refinement will dull rather than sharpen. Recognize when your efforts have reached their zenith.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You'll be running experiments, feeling scattered perhaps, but there's cohesion in your action. Embrace the planning, take your time, and when the moment arrives, you'll be composed, confident in your vision. Solo goals shouldn't overwhelm; keep them bite-sized like cake pops, and life will taste sweet till the end.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It's not hard for you to focus on others; in fact, you do it so naturally that sometimes you forget yourself. This week, you'll celebrate a dear one, mark their triumphs with gestures grand and small, and revel in their victories. A challenge: Whatever you give to others, would you turn a bit of it back to yourself?

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The challenges will demand your full engagement, which is what's so wonderful about them. You'll navigate the known, the unknown, the used-to-know-but-haven't-been-there-in-a-while and more. This week will draw on your willpower, intellect and boundless imagination. Note: Some things shouldn't be challenged, only embraced.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Though you are loyal to those close, you'll also see the value in venturing out. It's natural for familiar people to get their feathers ruffled over it because they don't want to lose the best of your attention. But you're doing this for your whole group. Your wins will be their wins. The more you believe this, the easier your process will be.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Ask any spider, anything seen out of but two eyes is going to be extremely limited. Your strength is your humility. You know that there is much more to know, and this opens you up to angles that others would never think from. This week, your intellect is keen, versatile and winning.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Perspective and time have a complex relationship — a theme that comes up for you this week in useful ways. You have this way of making time stop. You do it for others, you do it for yourself — but in either case, you really don't know how. It's not a conscious process, rather it's a natural outcome of how you pay attention.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). A sense of stagnation or monotony is completely normal from time to time. You have a wonder machine inside your head. You will cultivate curiosity and exploration within yourself, even when things might feel routine or dull. Boredom is a signal, not of lack but of opportunity.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Because you are cheering for someone, you will give that person so many chances — second, third, fourth — because you sincerely believe that when they finally win, so will you. In this, you are completely right. You will never be sorry that you extended compassion, wide margins and a berth for the possibility that magic would happen.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: Among the pleasurable challenges of the year will be the different roles you'll get to play — the lover, the leader, the coach and nurturer, the star. New friends gravitate to you. Ready or not, say yes to the juicy opportunity of next season. Don't be psyched out by appearances — the secret is that everyone looks ready when it's happening, and right before almost no one was ready. New skills and awareness will help you squeeze the sweet potential in all realms personal, professional, financial, spiritual and more.

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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