When trouble calls, face challenges with valor and determination. And when there is no trouble, as is forecasted today by calm Capricorn luminaries, make the most of peace. This entails savoring the sweetness of life. It also entails readying yourself for the next trouble (which, to be clear, you should not seek prematurely under any circumstances.)

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The complex task you're faced with today will require a combination of learning and instinct. By following established methods, you can do very well, though it should be noted that the price of greatness is risk.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Because things work differently in different places and times, misunderstandings are more likely between people of different cultures and ages. These relationships will also be the source of deep and universal understandings.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When you have the eye for it, as you most certainly do, beauty surrounds you. You see the single blade of grass growing straight out of the pavement. You see the sun glint in smiling eyes. It's like it's all there for your delight.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). While there are days when it benefits you to stay wide-eyed with your head on a swivel, this isn't one of them. Narrow focus is needed. Put blinders on and march ever forward. You can't stumble over a thing if it's behind you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Pleasant circumstances are delightful, but it's the unpleasant ones that grow you. For instance, had you never been left to fend for yourself, you wouldn't be this self-sufficient. You'll love what you can accomplish alone today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Being keenly aware of the habits of those close to you, you know how to cater to their preferences or disregard them strategically, depending on the effect you're going for. You've got game today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your smooth manners provide shock absorbers and grease for the wheels of social interaction. You're creative, spontaneous, sensitive and empathetic. Any friend of yours is lucky.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). People are more likely to remember those they perceive as having a higher status, not because they are shallow social climbers but because humans are hard-wired for climbing. In a new arena, making yourself memorable is key.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You've the opportunity to help a person you wouldn't have expected would need it. It's the start of the reciprocal altruism necessary to nurture beneficial relationships.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). In striving for harmony and happiness, it doesn't hurt to brush up on the rules of etiquette, so long as you avoid the pitfall of monitoring other people's behavior.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You respect people and their time and their privacy. They sense it; they trust you; and they tell you things you maybe wish you didn't have to know. Discretion takes self-control, but it's important.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You'll be in a position to do a deal. It's appropriate for some visiting, speculation and negotiation to go down. It's a dance. Three times back and forth is acceptable, but not four.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 9). It won't start out as a creative situation, but you'll bring your visions and process to the picture and transform it. This is an attractive thing to watch, and people will gather as you work your magic. Next come the investors. You'll get a proposition in June. Your "yes" is not just an answer; it's a line of action. Sagittarius and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 44, 41, 9 and 32.

COSMIC QUESTION: "I've been doing EFT tapping during the pandemic, and I don't know if it's all in my head or what, but I think it's really helped me with anxiety. Have you ever done it? What is your take? I'm an Aquarius, and I try out new stuff a lot."

Also known as psychological acupressure or tapping, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) was founded by Gary Craig. It calls on principles of traditional Chinese medicine, specifically acupressure, to manage the energy of the body through tapping on meridian endpoints found on the top of the head, temples, chin, collar bone and elsewhere throughout the body. Specific phrases are recited while tapping, targeting an emotional component of the physical symptom.

Thousands of people claim achieving life-changing results from this practice, which falls under the umbrella of energy work or energy psychology. Other energetic practices include breathwork, reiki and much more.

My take is what works works. Aquarians like you typically appreciate the scientific aspects of phenomenon, and EFT may fall short in this way. While there may not be empirically sound evidence here, why would there need to be if it's working? Besides, open-minded people who are willing to experiment are typically more fun and interesting, don't you think? They have all the good stories. I'm thrilled for your healing!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Carole King is one of the great treasures of American music, with seven top 10 albums including the iconic "Tapestry," which spent six years on the Billboard 200 chart. Her natal sun, Mercury and Venus in musical Aquarius are accented with three grounded Taurus influences. Taurus rules the voice and the sort of earth rhythms easily accessed in King's music.

Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

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