August 2 (Thursday)

Mars goes direct, signaling a big "GO" for ambitions that have been stalled by means beyond our control. It could take a few days for you to get important news about a loved one. By the evening hours, confrontational Venus/Mars dynamic gets our feelings out in the open regarding romantic or monetary concerns. Of course, actions speak louder than words!

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Instead of using your talents in the same old ways, branch out and apply yourself to something new and financially rewarding. Your mate thinks he/she knows your heart inside and out. You find new inspiration from old friends and ex-mates.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Don’t take on too much, and enjoy your creature comforts – you deserve it. Friends make great investing partners. Hard work is necessary for quite awhile, so be patient and diligent. Take care of yourself. Get back into your daily exercise routine.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Social obligations might cause stress, but spending time with family will make them go away as if by magic. Logistics sort themselves out nicely. Forgive those who have done you wrong. There’s no maturity in staying angry. Embrace the unknown.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). When push comes to shove, you win hands down. Begin putting your thoughts into writing, for it can only bring favorable attention. A surprise long-distance call brings good tidings. Take the initiative, and provide a strong friendship to someone in need.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You are the cause of anxiety in a relationship, so don’t be egotistical by thinking it’s the other person. Spend money to fix what is broken. You’ll feel more relaxed about finances as investments start to reap profit. Organize your home.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 2). Relax and enjoy the journey to success, detours and all. Family influences or assets play a huge role in attaining it, but ultimately you are the key. Don’t be surprised if you find a new source of income in August! In September, enjoy family reunions or a big change brought about by a child or creative project. You may marry in December. Your best love signs are Leo and Scorpio. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 21, 53, 29 and 35.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Go forward with an artistic plan, instead of waiting for the money to fall into your lap – a windfall isn’t necessary to the success of your creative effort. An enemy needs help. If you offer aid to an unfortunate one, you might make a friend.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’re an excellent example for others, and eventually, they will recognize your leadership skills. Keeping a close relationship to a wise Leo makes you a more knowledgeable individual. You call the shots in a love relationship. Decide with your heart.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your superiors are keeping an eye on you. Instead of doing things exactly the way they’re always been done, be imaginative. Repay a loan as soon as possible. Your crush knows you have the hots for him/her. Don’t fool yourself.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). What seems risky at first turns out to be a sure thing. Those you love are ready to come to your aid with whatever they can offer. Keep your promises, even if they were made in the distant past. Your reputation is flawless.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Friendships are featured. Your closest friends may cry on your shoulder, but don’t let your advice take the place of professional care that may be necessary. Strangers applaud your artistic abilities. Answer the phone; don’t screen calls!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Completing all your tasks in one day makes you feel accomplished, confident and in control. You fuss about details this morning, but if you can stop worrying, you’ll realize they don’t matter. Use positive images to dispel your fears.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Public appearances are important in maintaining your clout; taking extra care with how you dress can make the different. Emotional displays aren’t necessary. Give romance the same attention to give work. Budget your time.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "My daughter is a Libra who has been bullied in school this last year and is now suffering from low self-esteem. She’s convinced she’s ugly (she’s very attractive), and I don’t know how to get her to believe in herself."

It is devastating for any child to feel rejected by her peers, but it is particularly debilitating for a little Libra. Because Libra is so visual, it follows that your child judges her appearance according to unattainable standards of beauty perpetuated by media. She mistakes "different" for "inferior," and projects this belief onto her classmates, who reflect this negative self-image back upon her. Libra, being the sign of partnership and balance, cannot bear to be ostracized. Libra seeks only to get along with others, and will almost never single anyone else out as different. This is what you must use as leverage to change your child’s thoughts about herself. Point to individuals in the media who are considered beautiful because their qualities are unique. Stress originality, and make her understand that being different doesn’t mean being ugly. Working on your child’s self-esteem is a process that will take much time, but will be well worth it.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Patrick Stewart is a serious Cancer native who displays his acting versatility – from Shakespeare to "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Most Cancer actors are gifted with emotional flexibility, especially hiding feelings so that only a flicker shines through the character’s eyes. The contrast of Mars in Leo in Stewart’s chart shows an inner struggle between entertainment and artistic sides of performing. He is a very talented and devoted man.

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