Today’s horoscope, July 17, 2024: We are watching the clock

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY, BY HOLIDAY MATHIS

A bold playfulness rises with the moon, angles Venus in Leo and then negs Jupiter. We are like children watching the clock in the seconds before recess. But wait, it’s summer, which means no school. And is it really necessary to get permission from a bell? The Sagittarian moon dares you to grant it to yourself.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Widen your circle. New blood will invigorate your social and professional scene. The initial approach is the hardest part of the job today. Once you work up the nerve to jump in, the rest will happen naturally.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Even with your “no regrets” policy, certain moods can set in that cause you to ponder what you’d do differently if you could, and it’s not a waste because the examination influences your future choices.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). In the party of life, motivation is usually fashionably late. There’s something you’ve been thinking about doing, and it’s a little ambitious, perhaps even scary. Don’t wait for motivation — just start without it and it will show up at the perfect time.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are purposeful but open-minded. You welcome an array of experiences because anything that forces you to adjust is an excellent teacher. Being comfortable in a variety of contexts is the hallmark of sophistication.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You learn it from Marvel movies and from life, too — no villain is complete without a good side, and no hero is complete without flaws. Today highlights the complex mix inside — you see it in others and appreciate it in yourself, too.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It’s normal to feel bewildered in this vast ocean of life. If you get a little lost, try anchoring to a hull and sticking with the vessel like a barnacle. You’ll go everywhere the ship goes and love the journey.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). There are accomplishments you want because of what they represent to you. The actual value of the reward doesn’t matter nearly as much as your underlying purpose. Some things you just have to do to prove that you can.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). When people seek your approval, it is flattering to a point but can also become draining. And however nice it is to know that you’re respected, you’ll be more drawn to the emotionally self-reliant.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You have so much more knowledge than you think, you could write a whole book, put out an entire class, or even a school of thought. It starts small though, by organizing and ordering your thoughts.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ll be a bit of a tease, realizing the great fun that can come from a playful approach to life. The equally lighthearted will find you irresistible, as will a certain someone with a heavy heart.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ll act boldly. Does knowing others will copy you affect your choice? There are social opportunities coming your way. It won’t hurt to have a number of icebreakers and fun topics in your conversational bag.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You weren’t exactly working toward a leadership position, and yet if no one is doing it as well as you know you can, you’ll step up. It’s best for everyone — a happy outcome.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 17). You’ll be often buoyed on strong currents of passion this year, which makes work feel like play and play feel like an important quest. You’ve a special charisma that kicks in to help you magnetize the very things you’re most attracted to. More highlights: three celebrations, a shift in your style that creates ease and allows you to cover great distances, and a perfect report card of sorts. Virgo and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 12, 2, 20 and 15.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: In his new release “Mind of a Country Boy,” Luke Bryan reveals very particular and relatable joys and concerns known especially to rural Americans. In addition to sharing his inner thoughts, Bryan shares his heart and philanthropy in organizations such as the Brett Boyer Foundation, founded in memory of his niece. Bryan’s sun and communication planet Mercury were in Cancer, the sign associated with home and America, two prevalent themes in country music.

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.