June 03, 2001

Mercury in retrograde foretells that you’re not going to communicate those little details as easily as you’d like. But if you’re clever, you can use the information that comes out of miscommunications to understand relationships on a deeper level. It’s an excellent day to explore new vistas with your friends and relatives. Be more willing to give than take.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Harmony is attainable. Do your share, but don’t be taken advantage of by charmers. You’ll really exercise your creativity this afternoon. Double-check what bills have and haven’t been paid; you’re vulnerable to making mistakes in the evening.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Enjoy planning your future with someone who never bores you. There’s fun ahead, and you’re ready for the break. The evening calls for caring for others, doing a favor or a rescuing for a loved one. The favors will be returned one day.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Carefully assess any rumors you may hear. Buying into a baseless story could be costly. Investigate your psychic abilities; keeping track of dreams is one way to begin. An Aries is helpful. Ignore chatty co-workers if you can.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Stellar trends tend to bring good fortune. An admirer passes on good words about you. Newcomers brighten the work and social scenes. You can be the one who brings other together. Watch the friendliness that materializes.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Emotions can run high in family relations. Your need for freedom is pressing you to cut loose from restrictions, but exert your independence gently. Classes you’re taking are especially helpful. You will soon be able to start a new career.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (June 3). You’re a stand-out success, and you do it in record time. Take no favor for granted. In July, inspiration will strike. In August, backing for your bright idea is available through an unexpected visitor. Put up with hardships in September – they may apply to romance, too. Overcome all obstacles with a smile. In October, your prestige soars. Your lucky love sign is Pisces. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 22, 41, 39 and 3.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Enjoy time with those you love and care about. You may encounter romance at gatherings of old friends or meetings of your favorite groups. If you’re smitten, try to play it cool, or you may risk blowing it completely.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Love is exciting, but don’t try to hold onto one who is as slippery as you are, or you’ll get a taste of your own mercurial medicine. Someone is just in from out of town, and you’re in line for a visit. Clean up your home, and make a good meal.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Take charge. Show a close friend a good time, because you are just the person he/she wants to paint the town red with. Buying items from a rare collection could add to your cash assets. Think it over, because it is a big purchase.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There’s no way to stay behind the scenes, but there’s also no way to be the start of the show. Use your energy to be the kind of friend you’d like to have. It is a pleasure to do something selfless and giving tonight.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Where you’re going and how to get there is the subject, and you have friends in all the right places to help you get to your desired destination. A partner may take the lead today, but if plans go awry, it’s not your fault!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Reorganize fiscal priorities, and clarify financial goals. What you hold most valuable is what you must keep in sight. You are tempted to indulge in delicious, rich foods, so cook for others, and you’ll eat less! Practice moderation, too.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Restless feelings are easily channeled into sheer enjoyment, especially in sports. Be careful, and keep all competitions and rivalries friendly. Avoid people you don’t like. They’ll put a damper on events that are supposed to be fun.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: When Mercury goes retrograde, many astrologically savvy individuals put off signing contracts, initiating romantic hookups and making big sales calls. It’s not inappropriate to rethink your impulses under this transit, but to let it paralyze you into immobility minimizes the benefits this transit can bring to your life. Mercury in retrograde may cross a line of communication or two, but ultimately, it’s an astrological reminder to look under the surface. Appearances don’t show the whole picture. People who can rad between the lines will get more enjoyment out of relationships, as well as just observing life in general. The full moon in Sagittarius on Tuesday screams, "Get out and mingle!" Attendance is high wherever patrons can venture out into unknown territory and new people; take an exotic scenery, too. Wednesday, Venus enters its native Taurus, promoting romance and friendship in our thoughts and hearts. Gestures of love are well received Wednesday through Friday. However, as we approach the weekend, the Capricorn moon and the Gemini sun conflicted feelings. What adds more to your life, work or play? Both will bring intellectual challenges. The weekend is perfectly suited for taking a honest look at what, or who, helps your life purpose move along in the right direction.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Gemini actor Will Smith exemplifies the fun, free, easygoing vibe associated with his sign. Confident in his ability to mentally handle both the challenges and benefits of fame, Smith is affected less than those of other signs, who tend to take things more seriously. Smith and other Gemini men born in 1967 are especially fertile this year, and October is prime time for fathering new children. He is a paternal role model.

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