March 6, 2001

On its backward journey, Mercury visits the magical land of Aquarius, joining the sun already basking in this very social vacation spot. Chatty vibes keep the conversation rolling, and on the surface, it seems not a lot is being said. Listen more deeply. When Mercury travels retrograde (backward), one picture is worth 2,000 word instead of a mere grand.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Sincere pleasantries are exchanged between competitors. Stripping off old guilt makes you feel socially and emotionally free. New avenues are available to showcase talent or to express yourself to a lover.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). An effort to improve your image is an exciting adventure. Let negative comments bounce off of you – those same people will come to you later for advice. A long-distance relationship has a good chance of lasting.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Recreational projects are no fun if you’re blowing off work to do them. Make use of your time wisely instead. Significant strides in the pursuit of romantic interest put you on cloud nine. Your creative juices flow strong in the evening.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You know your mind and are not afraid to share it – but that doesn’t mean everyone is ready to hear what you have to say. Be gentle. Don’t let emotional involvement lead to financial demise! Father/son relationships improve.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Tell the truth to friends and clients who’ve been taking up too much of your time. Once you clog those energy drains, you’ll start making the big bucks. You and your mate differ over a financial issue, but it’s not worth arguing over.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (March 6). You’ve got so much to offer. Friends will surround you all year. Many singles will marry (or shack up) in April. Those who want to play the field should embark on an adventure vacation in May – passions are ignited on a mountain hike or a trip out of the country. Groups are lucky in the spring. The beset signs for romance are Libra and Aries. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 26, 22, 34 and 47.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Someone powerful has a crush on you. However, how you decide to act on this knowledge is the dilemma. You quickly solve other people’s problems but are not inclined to look at your own. Vitality soars when you start exercising.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Unexpected family business conflict take top priority. Stick to what makes you happy, and you can’t go wrong. Try your hands at poetry, art or music. You can use creativity in even the most menial areas of life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A hands-off method at work curbs the antics of attention-hungry co-workers. Be a team player. Bonus emotional benefits come when you give to a friend before he/she asks you. A Pisces has ulterior motives.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). More money can be squeezed out of the pot if you make your needs known. Romantic progress happens when you take better care of yourself instead of focusing on your partner. Money is secondary to your want for recognition.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’re dreaming of your goals. Work backward to construct a framework for accomplishment. Friends propose a decadent retreat – go only if you can cover any missed work. A new love interest needs more demonstration from you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Talking with learned people overturns your thinking. The taskmaster in you take a break, but surprisingly enough, your overall production is as high as ever. Spending money is only one way to create adventurous scenarios in your life.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You are diverse, complex and absolutely irresistible. Cordially cancel a date you are attending out of obligation for one you will truly enjoy. You certainly won’t regret it. Sparks fly between you and a Scorpio or Aries.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I’m an Aquarius. When is the best time to ask for a raise and to see about other jobs that pay more? I’m in advertising."

Aquarians are experiencing a cycle of prosperity that began when the sun entered your sign Jan. 19, 2001. Friends and co-workers have excellent suggestions for you. Partnerships are always fortunate for Aquarius, especially the ones who work in creative fields. You respond best when you have someone to bounce ideas off of. Because you are so diverse, you need someone who can keep you focused in the right direction. The last week of this month is an excellent time to ask for a raise. Even with this success, going into business for yourself or working part time with a partner will bring long-term financial luck.

"What days this month are best for a quickie-Vegas-style marriage between a Taurus and Cancer who are deeply in love?"

The 25th through the end of the month, when Mercury goes direct again, would be an opportune time. Anytime before that could be hectic and confusing.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Actress Mary Steenburgen is part of a Hollywood power couple (hubby: Ted Danson) that can make a difference in more than just the entertainment industry. Fittingly so, according to her chart. Aquarius has a strong vision of a better tomorrow, and will often spend a lifetime in efforts to leave the world more clean and peaceful. Aquarians are often political activists, and true to this, Steenburger and husband Danson work continually for causes ranging from keeping our oceans clean to voter registration.

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