Some people appear to think highly of themselves though the bravado is a disguise for how they really feel — afraid, unworthy, inadequate. The kindhearted may see through this act and offer love and acceptance. And even though that alone can't change someone's self-worth, Mars and Pluto chime in saying, "It certainly couldn't hurt!"

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You don't need to take the safe path. It's not scenic or more direct. It's not smoother really. The only redeeming thing about that path is that it's known. Take the unknown and less traveled path.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). When you like a person, you often like how they laugh, sound, look, smell, reason and more. But if even one of those things is off, it can impede the progress of the relationship.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). If you feel you know everything about a person, you'll be uninterested in that person until something happens to shake it up and remind you that you can never know everything about a person.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You don't mind being a servant (everyone is in one way or another) but you want to make your own terms for your servitude, and this you should do. Spell them out. Write them down. Understand your rights and responsibilities.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Make a move to show that you know your own value. You are one of a kind. As you honor your unique character, the world will seem to cater to your sensitivities and proclivities.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Critiques are not personal and shouldn't be taken as such. The proverbial red marks on your essay are signals that there's room for improvement. Take the note; get better. Before you know it, you'll be a master.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Doors open and close quickly today. Drink more water. It will keep your brain sharp and ready to jump through the opportunities as they open up, without hesitation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). When one person in the couple is happy, the other is, too. That's love. Compassion takes it one step further — to be happy because another human is happy, perhaps a human you don't even know. That's great love.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Noisy, superfluous thoughts could easily distract you from what's useful and important if you weren't so vigilant. Ways to mentally quiet down include meditation and exercise.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The new currents will be strong as riptides. How does one keep from getting caught up in something as powerful as that? Don't fight it in a polarized way. That's futile. How can you move sideways?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). To be someone's soft place to land is a beautiful role. You've needed that in your own life, when it wasn't there and when it was. You know the difference, and so you're happy to provide.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Sometimes it takes laser focus to progress, and other times, like today, it just takes moving forward in the same direction all the others around you are going, like you're one fish in the school.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 1). Dare to make happiness a priority. People will mirror your happy state. Because they feel happier around you, you'll get better results, sweeter deals, more pleasing relationships and the satisfaction of knowing you made people's time here better. March shows you in a new position, and you'll be boosted again in May. Leo and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 22, 24, 19 and 1.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: The first step to building rapport is in valuing your own contribution to the pending relationship. TAURUS: The pressure eases once you fill in the blanks on some of the unknown factors. GEMINI: In some way, we are all connected and we can all help each other. With this attitude, you'll win the night. CANCER: People want to be liked for who they are, not for what they have. This you'll keep at the core of your interactions. LEO: Social discourse goes smoothly when everyone follows the same rules, which is why it probably won't go smoothly. Everyone has different rules. At least it will be interesting. VIRGO: Stop thinking in terms of authentic and fake and instead be guided by your own comfort or discomfort. LIBRA: Nothing is sexier than a good listener. SCORPIO: Instead of continuing an inner dialogue, take it to the air. Let the other person know that there are dynamics present impacting how you show up. SAGITTARIUS: Blind questions can get awkward. Ask other people to tell you a little more about themselves and the social flow will start out in a good direction. CAPRICORN: Commonalities may be something to go on, but they aren't everything. AQUARIUS: Many different techniques can be used to get the same result. Do what's comfortable for you. PISCES: Acknowledge where you are in the moment, especially if it means admitting you're a little nervous.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Given the solar and lunar influences, the Capricorn and Aquarius couple will have their turn to dance in the love light. Capricorn offers Aquarius real-world solutions, practical action, stability and power, too. Aquarius contributes with social ease, scientific thought and technological know-how, all with a touch of whimsy. This weekend they'll learn they can trust and rely on one another.

Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis@gmail.com.