A Friday the 13th under hardy earth sign influences reminds us that it’s the mishaps and harsh realities that make fighters — also charmers and style icons and entrepreneurs and artists and sports heroes and explorers and healers and geniuses. Though we may superstitiously fear the hard knocks, we would not be mighty without them.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). If you think there’s something about you that should be acknowledged, it’s OK to be the first to draw attention to it. Maybe you feel you shouldn’t have to, but it’s the quickest way to teach people how you want to be treated.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll respond to the tone your loved ones use while giving the verbiage much less credence. You’ll also sweeten your song to contribute to an improved mood and create your preferred atmosphere.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Even transactional relationships can be helped by a sense that human connection has value beyond what is being exchanged. Be careful not to rush to the accounting.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Ever-aware of how people are driven by their own needs and perceptions, you will take no opinion as the truth. Instead, you’ll consider each view and glean what’s useful to you and to the current situation.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Beauty hits numerous criteria at once — so many the effect becomes impossible to quantify or explain, so we sum it up with phrases like “je ne sais quoi” or “X-factor.” You’ll know it when you see it today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your resources are expanding so notably that soon your “make it work” ethic will no longer be as relevant. If an individual, location or object fails to reciprocate the effort you invest, move on.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If you’re making mistakes, it’s a good sign that you’re in the right league. If it’s big enough for you, it won’t be immediately easy. Remember that mistakes are cause for celebration, not humiliation. Humor will help you find your way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Stick with people who lean toward the positive but don’t lie down in it. A balance of optimism and realism will inspire your best productivity. A dash of pessimism keeps it spicy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Sometimes you don’t even know your thoughts until you share them. Another bonus from expressing yourself will be finding out how popular or unpopular the idea is and who agrees.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Because you want people to tell you the truth, you’ll lower the obstacles that prevent them from honest talk. Let them know that you sincerely want to improve and that you need their input.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). No one has a personality at birth. It’s an ever-evolving work of art. You’ll find yourself in unfamiliar territory. This is the perfect place to take a risk because nobody here knows you anyway! Try new ways of being.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If you understood everything before it was explained to you, you’d miss out on the opportunity to learn… and learning is your favorite! It’s why you’ll ask questions today, even if you think you already know the answers.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 13). New purpose gleams golden with a goal demanding somewhat more of you than you anticipated but giving you exponentially more in satisfaction, resources, love and beyond. More highlights: Exciting company in lively locations give the feel of traveling even when you aren’t. Promises kept, deals made and a purchase you’ll be proud of long into the future. Aquarius and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 43, 22, 1, 16 and 18.

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 creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.