If the alignment of Mars and Neptune had a song, it would be "The Impossible Dream" by Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion. The lyrics recall a quest that includes, among other things, "To try when your arms are too weary, to reach the unreachable star." It sounds rather grand, but happens in small ways for today's courageous.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You're not out to change the world today; you just want to find a better way to live within it. Mostly this has to do with learning what's there and asking others how they're doing it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You don't always want attention or people around you. But when you do feel like company, the quickest way to becoming more attractive is to get happy. So how are you going to get happy?

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Just because one person is serving another doesn't mean that the person is any less valued than the other. In fact, it takes a big heart and a solidly developed sense of self to serve others well.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Chemistry, mutual admiration and shared humor are among the many things that contribute to the longevity and health of a relationship. However, nothing contributes more today than forgiveness.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You don't always get the credit for what you do. Maybe that's a good thing today. If you have too much praise heaped on you, you'll attract jealousy and high expectations for next time — two pressures you don't need.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You've been taught that it's impolite to express boredom, and over time this has caused you to be oblivious to the symptoms. Wake up to boredom now. Boredom is a sign that you're not in the right place. It's a sign to move on.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The playfulness that's so cute in animals (including the human animal) is also very necessary; it gets the creature ready for life. Playing is often a simulation, a chance to hone some skills to prepare for the challenges to come.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Whether something is offensive or not depends on many factors including (but not limited to) context, zeitgeist, social mores and, most importantly, who is the messenger. Know what story is yours and is not yours to tell.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Going with the flow just isn't appropriate in every situation. As your own advocate, you'll need to speak up today about what you need and what you don't understand. Get the knowledge and resources you're due.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There's a significant event in the future that seems to be reaching back through time to poke you. This poke is a signal to heed. The event may seem very far off indeed, but if you wait until it's not, it will be too late.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You don't have to overthink your part in the timing of things. To be prompt will be enough. Promptitude will keep you within the boundary of good manners, fine reputation, dutiful service and bountiful fortunes.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Among your many rights is the right to be left alone. This you desire not out of anti-social instincts but out of a sincere need for the peace and solitude that will engender a reconnection with the things that make you who you are.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 8). Your past generosity has set the stage for some excellent karma to swing back around, and the solar return sets off the bounty. Other highlights include finding information you've been seeking for years, a sale that makes you proud and the feeling that you're finally coming into your own in a certain exclusive social world. Leo and Aquarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 38, 20, 44, 1 and 7.

LEO AND THE HOLDAYS: Leo often tries to do too much during the holidays. This is a sign that really wants to please everyone and takes the delight and entertainment of others as both a challenge and a personal responsibility. Leo also has a tendency to accidentally involve too many people in the holidays, which adds to the difficulty. That's why holiday burnout can happen before December even begins! Leo may begin to feel sad and overwhelmed simply due to a lack of sleep. And fatigue makes everything seem somehow more dire than it is. So for Leo, the secret to staying centered during the holidays is to sign up for very little. Keep plans to a minimum. If Leo is traveling during the holidays, make sure there is plenty of time to finish work and pack. Airplane flights that happen at a reasonable time will be well worth the extra expense. Red-eye flights and early bird flights may not be worth the lost sleep. Above all, Leo benefits from focusing on his own enjoyment. When Leo does the things that will make him happy, his glee will touch the heart of everyone around.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: When she's not busy feuding with other rappers, Nicki Minaj exhibits her fiery passion through wild Sagittarian fashion. Recent looks have included a risque referee, a bodysuit of dollars bearing her face, and a wide variety of latex looks. Born when the sun, Mercury and Uranus were in Sagittarius and the moon was in quick-thinking, communicative and versatile Gemini.

Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis@gmail.com.