May 24, 2001

The two planets of love and money, Venus and Jupiter, are in a conspiring aspect, creating opportunities for those selling and promoting artistic projects. People will respond to packaging, promotions and celebrations. The stock market favors companies associated with entertainment, gaming products and cosmetics. Make your resume visually appealing.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). First impressions make or break you. Extend kindness, and even though it may not be acknowledged, you’ll eventually be rewarded. Keep track of your credit card expenses, accounts and bills, because there’s an oversight in your favor.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Guard yuor reputation. Be careful what you say in jest, as someone will take you seriously. You have luck when you break out of your comfort zone, so do something challenging and new. A trial separation from your mate may be a mistake.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Confirm holiday and weekend plans early, or you’ll miss out. Be very clear about how much you want to spend, or you’ll end up paying for everything. Confide in a surprise visitor, and the solution to a problem appears.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). What excuse are you using to cover up your fears about branching out into new areas? At least be honest with yourself. An older relative backs you up in a family dispute. Don’t let procrastination undermine yuor progress.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Voice safety concerns at work or with a child’s school, and you’ll be called the hero. A colleague’s or partner’s mistake blemishes your record. Barter with a friend, and both of you will get something of value. Go out with Gemini tonight.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (May 24). On June 15, you’ll stumble upon an opportunity that will dramatically change the course of your life for the better. From July 16-Aug. 18, expect money, profitable gains and inheritances. Jobs related to fashion, communications and banking are financially lucky. A former mate limps back to you, but by September, you’ll be mesmerized by a sexy Aries. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 16, 29, 34 and 51.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Discuss subjects you’ve long avoided, and a relationship will take on new life. Your romantic partner traveling on business misses you more than he/she realizes. Be persistent on a deal, and a company will make a big purchase.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Someone is spinning tall tales, so don’t be swayed into investing or putting your hopes in just anyone. Fortune smiles when you look up with a friend and true advisor. Be director about what you want; the universe supports your honesty.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A short-term retreat is sometimes the best move. Restore yuor energy, and revive old business plans next week, when financial factors improve. Read everything you sign, because contracts are not what they appear to be.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your financial target is close, but you still have to make one more choice – decide without listening to outside influences. Constant vigilance is necessary regarding an unstable mate. The less you say, the better.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Summon the courage to break from friends who no longer support you or whose ethics you question. A partner seems distance, but only because he/she is trying so hard to succeed at work. You have luck making phone calls.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). A chance of a lifetime is being presented. Make sacrifices to get opportunities. Remember, first impressions count. Ask a foe for help, and this person will magically become an ally. A Scorpio has helpful advice. Take it.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ve been blindsided by several blows, but remain cool, and the outcome will be pleasing. A belligerent neighbor is all hot air, so ignore his/her threats. A romantic encounter after 6 p.m. will be superb. Go on a blind date.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "Help! I need to lose weight! I’ve tried everything. I’m a Capricorn, born on Jan. 12, 1956, and food is the only thing that makes my sedentary lifestyle and high-stress job bearable. Do you have any astrological suggestions?"

Your chart shoes an abundance of willpower and courage. When you know what you want, you can easily make changes. But the stars point to indecision in your life. You know you want to get out of your present situation (your job, out of living with a less-than-fit body and with yuor unexciting life in general), but you have yet to formulate a plan or goal. Ask yourself, "Who am I jealous of?" The answer will help point you to the life you could be living. Once you decide what to do, the activities necessary to achieving your goal will become clear to you. If having more energy fits in with you plans, and it undoubtedly will, then you will start a diet all on your own. The best days for a Capricorn to start this long-range plan are May 30, June 3-6 and June 15. Great delays to begin the diet are June 18-28.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Gemini actress Anne Heche posesses the natural curiosity to get to know peple on a deeper level. Known for her dramatic private life, expect her to suddenly marry and move to an out-of-the-way place to live. Heche’s happiness will bring out her comedic gifts, and critics will call her the "new Carole Lombard."

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