In a week that starts with a Mercury change to Gemini, we're reminded that most misunderstandings can be traced back to one often overlooked truth: the other person is not you. Even twins have distinct thought processes, values and perceptions. Even shared experiences are unique to each individual. We can never fully know the mind, heart and perception of another. The first step to learning someone is to drop assumptions.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). When it all goes smoothly, you're winning. But when you hit the part with friction and obstacles, you get even luckier. Too much ease is the enemy of progress creatively, professionally and personally. This week, you'll be most inspired and motivated by the problem that needs a solution.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're no stranger to the higher degrees of wanting, such as yearning, longing and old-fashioned desire. But you also know that often turning down the heat on those emotions, to whatever degree possible, makes your life better. This week, it's when you're released from wanting that the thing shows up at your door.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There's no need to spend money on products that promise to create higher levels of attractiveness since it's super easy for you to be the most attractive person in the room these days. All you have to do is be present — posture open, no device in sight, aware, observant and curious. Fascinating new connections are in store.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Big ideas have come to you in little ways — a glimpse, a glimmer, a silly little thought, an accident or a joke. Recently, one idea has stuck with you, and it's not going away. The more you revisit it, the better it gets. It's ready for some testing. Take it out of the abstract and into your reality. This one has legs.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There's a bit of a bottleneck building in your life this week — one tight spot where things get stuck. Work piles up there, energy backs up, and everything starts to feel slow. Instead of trying to fix everything, focus on that one spot. It's probably very specific and a little uncomfortable — a decision, conversation or action you've avoided.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). This week's creative and planning work involves a big project. While details matter, they don't matter yet. Go in with broad strokes. If you dive into tiny details too early, you can spend a lot of energy on parts that might change anyway. Think of it like blocking out a painting before fussing with eyelashes.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You can care about a relationship and still be willing to let go of the version that doesn't meet your standards. It's less about rejecting a person and more about upholding an ideal and believing that anyone who wants to be a part of that will gladly rise to the occasion. This week you'll uphold your boundaries and so will they.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It may feel like it's taking you a long time to learn a process or rise in rank, but it's your ambition and impatience that makes it so. You're right on time. Relax and believe it. When you move with measured pace, you learn thoroughly, follow all the steps in the right order and build with sturdiness and strength that will hold.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There's no benefit to being strategic with your affection, secretive about your feelings or stingy with praise and acknowledgment. Just give. Even a small, real acknowledgment can take the edge off a tense moment. It helps both of you remember that the relationship is worth more than the problems that come up.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It's like beliefs have two forms: the idea in your head, and the version that shows up in your behavior. Sometimes they match right away. Sometimes there's a gap, and you only see it when life puts you on the spot. This week, action will be the mirror that shows you what's real, not just what sounds right in theory.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The best gamble to take is the one that involves your own effort and work. Because when you invest in yourself, you either win or you learn. For gambles outside your control, do the research. Know your chances of winning and make sure the prize is worth the risk. You don't mind slim odds so long as you know exactly what they are.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Socializing and networking will benefit you in exciting and unforeseen ways. You're especially good in groups of complete strangers. It frees you to be whoever you want to be. You're fun, you're bold, and you're lucky. Rack up the numbers — the more new people you meet, the luckier you'll be.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: It's your Year of Brilliant Exchange. You'll swap ideas, trade key resources and take part in wonderful adventures in which curiosity leads you into rooms filled with possibility. You'll study, teach and exchange ideas that elevate everyone involved. Work feels rewarding and well-compensated. More highlights: a romantic connection sends you on an adventure with a defined goal. Home upgrades are worth the expense. Bonuses and gifts from the ones who want nothing more than to see you thrive.

For more Holiday magic, visit HolidayMathis.com. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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