It's a good thing we can't pick and choose the characteristics and behaviors of others because if we could, we wouldn't grow kinder and more loving. In this first week of the Martian move to Taurus, our superstar teachers are uncomfortable situations that tempt us to conflict but challenge us to acceptance. Even though life brings many instances of choice, there are also a lot of package deals, especially in relationships. Love, friendship, family — those don't come a la carte.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You recognize beauty in your daily life, but it's easier to see it when it's out of the ordinary, which is an excellent case for travel. Getting out of your environment is lucky this week, and you don't need to go far or spend much to fill your life with gorgeousness and start thinking differently, too.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Through the lens of infatuation, good qualities seem ever present and bad ones are diminished. True love makes it clear that there are less-than-desirable qualities in every flawed human, and they are to be loved an accommodated and sometimes even preferred as they contribute to the wonderful whole of a person.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). A motivational statement doesn't have to be true to work. For instance, a child may not grow any bigger or stronger just because they eat their broccoli, but it also doesn't hurt to get used to eating nutritious food. This week, you may choose to tell yourself that something is true just because it helps you do the right thing.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You give back. You pay forward. It will all result in a significant improvement in a key sector of your life. Your life is like a sphere, and there is no part that doesn't affect the other parts. You can try to compartmentalize and keep parts of your life apart, but it will be futile this week because everything has an effect to how this ball rolls.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It's a laid-back, easygoing kind of week, but when it's time to make an impression, don't relax too much. It's better to be overdressed than underdressed, to speak up and contribute, to make more than one gesture to relay your intentions — and it's never a bad idea to be kinder than is necessary.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Oscar Wilde suggested, "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." If you need an excuse to spoil yourself, just remember that self-appreciation will be the foundation from which you give to others. To put yourself in a good mood and give yourself lots of resources is to pave the way to generosity.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). While there are advantages to being social, strategic and politically savvy, you will get ahead of the competition the old-fashioned way this week: by doing better work and being consistent. You'll make friends wherever you go, so don't worry about having a partner or team going into a situation. You learn more as a solo artist.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There will be a few obvious hurdles, though nothing insurmountable. Once you put your mind to it, you can do anything. The trick is in deciding what's worthy of putting your mind to. Small projects with big love are the ticket to happiness because there's so much satisfaction to be had in finishing things.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). People get used to a certain kind of attention from you, and you've made efforts to ensure that it's an amount that's sustainable and fitting considering all your other obligations. This week will bring special circumstances that require special attention. Bring something new to relationships to properly mark the occasion.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Casting matters. Everything is better when you have the right person for the role. When the match is excellent, nothing will stand out. Let this be the signal to give appreciation. Too many take compatibility for granted, but it's a very special circumstance. It's only obvious how special it is when things are not working.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You don't have to worry about the morality of the end justifying the means if you simply forget about the end altogether. You will find yourself in a beautiful flow as you focus completely on the feeling of doing a thing, the mechanics of how you're getting it done and your approach to it in general.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Intolerance is suffering. Tolerance is peace. You don't have to like what another person is doing to respect their right to do it. "Mind your own business" and "To each his own" are phrases packed with wisdom. You'll feel like you're gaining ground, and the reason for this progress is your ability to focus on your own work.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: You'll grow the "nets" that matter to you, from net profits to net worth to networks. A year of good bonding, spiritual entwinements and fun connections. You'll grow your plans from the solidity of good relationships. You'll be a leader, and a generous one. More highlights: Sports, games and creative risks are favored. Your mind will wrap around ideas and the rest of you will follow. You will create important things with your powers of imagination, your vision of the future and your intellectual fortitude.

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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