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Are you skilled in the art of reading the room? The most effective communicators never skip that step. They shape the message to fit the audience -- aware that people respond when they feel understood. When options seem disconnected from lived experience, reactions follow. Under the late Cancer sun, the wisdom is in emotional attunement -- and offering direction that's truly reachable.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You'll find the right words to motivate and inspire. Today positively glows with honesty, humor, softness and self-awareness. It's such a "you" cocktail -- clear and sparkling, with a wry twist of existential citrus.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The first few interactions may cast a longer shadow than they deserve. Take control of your experience by consciously curating the influences around you. One small refusal could preserve your whole day. One surprising "yes" might redefine it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Someone you love brings their chaos to your doorstep. Your calm presence will help more than anything. It's funny how much strength lying back requires for helpers and doers like you. But today you will fix things best by not fixing them.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your curiosity is a catalyst. Don't walk it back. Ask the bold question. Maybe the room goes silent just as you say something unexpected, and that's OK, too. You'll spark the most interesting exchange of the week.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). One small financial decision will echo further than expected. The money matters, but the feeling behind it matters more. A quick impulse reveals your values -- how you love, how you long, what you're still hoping for.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). A compliment lingers -- not because you needed validation but because it affirms something you've been working toward in private. Let it sink in. You're growing in ways the mirror hasn't caught up to yet.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A familiar tension revisits. This time, you don't flinch. You stay in the room. You listen differently. Your perception is keen. You have social radar, emotional intelligence and the ability to read subtext like a pro.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A professional setting brings surprising warmth. You'll bond with someone who was all surface before. A shared laugh or quick confidence changes the whole dynamic. Mutual respect turns into something a little more electric.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Being right isn't the goal anymore -- progress is. You'll tune into what others are doing, how they move, what drives them. This awareness helps you adjust just enough to align, collaborate and finally make something work.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). A friend's odd reaction isn't your cue to retreat. Something else is going on. Extend a neutral grace and watch how quickly things reset. Later, they'll thank you for reading the room -- and for leaving room for them.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Hold off on naming your strengths -- and your weaknesses. You're not the best judge of either. Today brings a nudge to expand beyond old definitions and push into territory that surprises even you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You're not just hoping things will work out, you're doing something to make them work. Your positive outlook comes from actual effort, strategy or follow-through. Because of that, people trust you. They feel safe relying on you, collaborating with you or investing in what you're doing.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (July 20). You find so many ways to win this year. You win by choosing, by attaching, detaching, doing and not doing. If you miss out once, you circle back with better timing and a higher payoff. More highlights: A dreamy collaboration. You'll move through a transition with surreal grace. You'll achieve star style with bold edits of your look, your story and the way you show up. Gemini and Aries adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 8, 18, 30 and 24.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Carlos Santana radiates Cancer's soulful depth, with the sun, Mercury and Venus all in the sign of empathy and strength. Rising from mariachi-trained roots in Mexico, Santana pioneered a fusion of rock, jazz, blues and Afro-Cuban rhythm -- his guitar phrasing feels like a healing embrace. Cancers are nurturers, and his Milagro Foundation and spiritual beliefs reflect protective, caring energy. At 77, he remains a mesmerizing live presence, recently extending his Las Vegas residency and delivering virtuosic performances all over the world.

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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