October 17, 2001

The first part of the day could feature a dramatic exit of sorts, as Leo’s high-energy wind is being let out of the atmospheric sails. By evening, the sun will have crossed into Virgo’s land of improvement, and you’ll start thinking about what needs to be done right away. Just don’t try to fix what isn’t broken. Ask friends what they think about a project.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Take a deep breath for the sake of a relationship. Think things through. Bring your creativity to a difficult situation, and you will surprise yourself. Go out on a relaxing dinner tonight. Good fortune will bring you new contacts and friends.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Don’t settle for anything less than 100 percent from co-workers or yourself. Those who are strong-willed deliver best when put under pressure before noon. A family member holds your ticket to an important sold-out event.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Look for opportunities to bring home additional income through part-time work. In order to convince someone to help you, you must first debunk a mistaken belief. Romance with a co-worker is possible, especially if he or she is a Cancer.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll be accountable for a recent event. Being generous and selfless attracts someone you didn’t know was watching you. Coming up with a compromise will end a long-standing dispute. Family harmony is featured tonight.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You have a reason to celebrate – you may even be recommended for a special job. Be open to events that can make your dreams come true. Someone close may act in an unusual way. He or she craves all of your attention.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (October 17). It’s a year when you obtain the level of freedom you seek. Loved ones live up to your expectations now, and you’re thrilled. Be sure to enforce positive results with yourself and others. Your lucky money months are November and February. Singles hop from date to date in the next five weeks, but they will be tempted to take romantic offers in the middle of fall. Your lucky numbers are: 6, 31, 60, 5 and 31.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Public exposure helps you make a lot more money. Still, it’s better to avoid getting swept into competition. Let family members influence you in choosing an appropriate career path – they’re on to something. Trust your instincts.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Contribution is the theme. Singles meet new love interests through family. You could make a love connection by flirting outrageously. However, don’t bother pursuing a romance that would ruin a friendship. Make smart decisions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Refuse to abandon a project before you have finished it. Keep track of dates and times – someone will be crushed if you forget a social obligation. Get-togethers and group discussions let you know you are not alone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Though there are plenty of distractions, stick to your course. Revamp your personal style to attract the one you’ve had your eye on. Battles over money maters obscure the real problems in your love relationship.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Use your influence on behalf of someone who could use the help. It’s still not the right time to make a long-term agreement. It’s easier to relax when you have money in the bank – you’ll come up with ideas that will reap cash.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your mind is the ultimate computer, so don’t be fooled into thinking you can’t do without the latest technology. Learn to trust yourself. You don’t realize how much a loved one admires you. Seek the comfort of a good friend.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Old ways die hard, but once you’ve kicked a habit, it’s gone for good. Your feelings about a certain relationship have changed. Though it may never be the same again, the new version can be even better. Be honest and straightforward.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I’m really concerned about a Libra friend of mine who never seems to find love. He’s attractive, with a little extra weight perhaps, but why should that hold her back? I tell her she’s beautiful, but she won’t have it. I’m getting married in June and feel very guilty about having someone when she doesn’t. Will she find love?"

Your friend has several planets, including Venus and the moon in Libra, which means that you may be correct in guessing that she wishes for a successful love partnership, and that her shyness is a hindrance to her that she probably wishes she could shed. She had a Venus and Uranus conjoined in Libra near her sun, so although she is charming and may be very attractive, her poise and confidence have been shaken by unwelcome surprises from former partners. If your friend isn’t working in a field that enables her to use her super brainpower (Mars in Aquarius trine her Venus/Uranus conjunction near the smart Libra sun), she needs to work on it. Her skills with computers, languages and electronic technology will give her confidence. Technical professionals are the correct "type" for her, too, and she’s bound to make a lot of wonderful, worthwhile male friends, one of whom will be Mr. Right. Don’t worry, she’ll take a wonderful date to your June wedding and be very happy!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Michael Jackson will ask for, and get, his highest ticket prices ever in the next six months. However, unforeseen issues may keep him from delivering the show he intended. It’s a year for Jackson and all Virgos born in 1958 to learn emotional and financial flexibility. Virgos can easily influence their own destinies!

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