February 8 (Thursday)

Mercury transits into Pisces, giving intuitive powers a boost. This, combined with the moon in sensual Taurus, creates a certain profundity; life may feel more vivid on many levels. Being able to get the subtext of what people are telling you and acting on gut feelings has a handsome payoff. The Aquarian sun draws us to people outside our normal routine.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It’s not selfish to put your feelings first; all will benefit as a result. Too much planning will take a spark out of a romantic situation; spontaneity is the key for passion. Ask questions at work; listen to complaints; be flexible; and be perceptive.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Loosen up; you’re tense. Colleagues appreciate some sense of vulnerability. Meditate or exercise to relieve stress. Relatives who have been meddling with your affairs will now disappear, and you can relax and take a deep breath.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Channel your anxious energy into some form of physical activity. Working overtime can be very lucrative, so volunteer. New relationships are full of surprises. Don’t let an old friend twist your arm; stay sensible. Your intelligence shines tonight.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Obstacles that block success only exist in your mind. Stay strong in your beliefs, and rewards will come. Exercise pulls you out of a bad mood. Your brilliant insights impress your boss. Keep trying to connect with a calloused individual.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Have faith in your own ability, rather than waiting for others to show appreciation. A breakthrough comes from a project that you thought was doomed to fail. You are judged by relatives; ignore their opinions. Stick to what makes you happy.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (February 8). You have unparalleled luck this year! In the next two weeks, schedule interviews and first dates. Unique career opportunities in March mean more money by June. A windfall may stint your turn to be in the spotlight! Your friends and relatives will repay you for your generosity. Your marriage months are July and January. Your lucky love signs are Cancer and Libra. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 10, 33, 47 and 18.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your anxieties eat you up if you keep them inside, so express yourself to loved ones. First impressions are crucial; put your best foot forward – all eyes are on you. A double date leads to luck and romance. Praise a young one tonight.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). An unorthodox approach to a creative project is successful. Keep a sense of humor, and you’ll minimize stress on the job. Luck is in your corner for self-improvement projects. Romance is likely develop with a Capricorn.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Stay abreast of political goings-on – you are in position to take a stand. Pay close attention to financial transactions, or you will be overcharged. If you hint around, your romantic partner will treat you to a night on the town.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your tact and sensitivity save the day for an oblivious partner. Love deepens when you keep the lines of communication open. Business associates will sweeten the offer when met with your refusal. Take the next offer.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Let your mate in on your uncertainty; sharing brings you closer. Accept the boss’ challenge, and you’ll better understand how to get ahead at work. You have luck in sports – you could meet a love potential on the playing field.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Flexibility allows you to do much that a rigid sense of timing would not permit. Keep a sense of laxity. Show up at a social event to further your cause. It feels good to belong and to relate to friends. You will make bold gestures tonight.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Establish a healthy routine today; your willpower is strong. Taking initiative in love leads to a pleasant rearrangement of your priorities. Couples get closer; singles find someone while investigating unusual and extraordinary interests.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I know that I’m a little (too) old to start a new business, but I have a very good idea, and want to know if I should follow through with it. My birthday is Aug. 2, 1921. Are the planets and stars in my favor for building a business?"

In your case, the fact that you are older than your competition only adds to your success. Try to get good media coverage once you’re confident your business can deliver whatever is ordered of it. May of this year is an excellent time for a major promotions efforts. Your Leo sun and Mars on the cusp of Leo is what’s driving you to be acknowledged on a grand scale for your accomplishment, and it enables you to stick to a project or goal with unequaled determination. Your Cancer moon, Mercury and Mars on the cusp are active, emotional and energetic influences that keep you moving and looking optimistically to your next accomplishment. Your chart reveals a strong need to be acknowledged and appreciated, as well as the desire to care for others. Jupiter and Saturn in Virgo are excellent planning positions; they’re there to help you see this through. With your Leo charisma and Cancer devotion, you can pave your way to success. Age is nothing but a number.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Stunning Aquarian Morgan Fairchild has a Leo moon that instills in her a love of the arts, especially acting, and a powerful need to be recognized. With Venus, the planet of love, in retrograde motion at the time of Fairchild’s birth, her relationships tend to be internalized and very private. Mars resides in Libra, the sign of beauty, favorably aspecting her moon, which assures of place for Fairchild in the public eye.

To find out more about Joyce Jillson and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com

Copyright 2001 Joyce Jillson