November 17, 2001

It’s a perfectly lovely day for romance. The Scorpio sun/Sagittarius moon combo keeps our sexy and mysterious desires in view. It’s easy to capture and hold someone’s attention if they think you have a burning secret, so don’t feel you must voice everything. Saying what is on your mind doesn’t always bring happy results.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Enjoy dynamic connections through friends. Keep your competitive edge honed – you’ll need to be on top of things for this afternoon’s challenge. Your carefree approach to fun will be a magnet to romantic hopefuls tonight.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Because you dedicate your strongest efforts to self-improvement, sizzling romance will materialize. Make changes to your schedule in order to accommodate love. Bookstores are fantastic for meeting singles. Short trips will be lucrative.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Solve a persistent problem with your ability to be direct. Desensitize yourself to criticism – it’s nothing personal. Romance will involve someone younger than you. A terrific sense of humor will be your best asset all weekend.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). With so much to learn, you’ll be up late doing homework, research or planning. Anyone who has questioned your abilities in the past is now very impressed. You’ll experience hot passion this evening.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Align yourself with those who share your goals. You can resume something that was interrupted, but only if you really want. Try out a product before buying it. New friends and old romantic partners are featured this evening.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (November 17). You’ll branch out this year. You had no idea how much you were limiting yourself in the past, until doors open and show you an entirely different way to live. Once you admit that you have been afraid of living as successfully as you could, you’ll be set free to accomplish more than you ever dreamed. Your winning love combos are Taurus or Cancer. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 25, 19, 33 and 16.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Relay your needs, stand back, and be amazed at how they are met by even the most unwilling of individuals. Asking more of others is healthy, and you’ll find they will actually be agreeable when tending to your requests.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Letting your anger out can actually be healthy. Keep the faith; you can get out of a rut. The evening features organization, especially throwing and giving your junk away. Don’t encourage the attention of your admirers.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll receive new information that will stun you – assimilate quickly, and change your plan of attack. Dating tip: Write down your most fascinating life events. Next time, you’ll be prepared when people want to know about you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). A chance meeting will develop quickly into something romantic. Begin a new project with plenty of enthusiasm. A friend will need your extra support. Be as honest as possible. Don’t be nervous about a first date.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Celebrate your success this afternoon. Have fun at the movies, the theater or an outdoor game this afternoon. Keep in mind your long-range potential, instead of short-term financial gains. Sparks could fly with a Leo.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The team needs a leader, and you fit the part. Friends will flock to your side when you show true devotion to a cause. You’ll have the gift of gab tonight. A woman who gets on your nerves is teaching you a lesson in tolerance.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Withdraw from people who aren’t honest. Waiting will bring you just what you want. You feel happiest when you put children first, so attend school functions. Couples will need to find more common goals to be happier.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I am starting to learn about astrology and was interested to know that many other planets affect one’s personality, besides where the sun is on someone’s birthday. My question is: Will I find that passionate, romantic, sweet, handsome man I’ve been looking for? I’m an Aquarius. With Mars going through Aquarius, will I meet my soul mate? I know your knowledge in astrology will help me."

Mars’ energy is a powerful undercurrent that, on the surface, might seem similar to love but is actually closer to obsession. When Mars goes into an individual’s sun sign, the results are an influx of intense drive, power and all-consuming focus toward objects of desire. With Mars in your native sun sign, you would be more likely to sweep someone off his feet or defend your territory. You would even possibly become more fertile. Venus’ energy is closer to love. As Venus moves into your sun sign, you are m ore likely to work through problems, make commitments, prove loyalty and give selflessly. For you, this will happen in several months. Don’t let that stop you from dating until then. All of the experiences you gather from dating Mr. Wrong will help you be in top form to attract Mr. Right.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Hard-hitting Ken Griffey Jr. uses strategy to win both on the field and in life, something Scorpio athletes are adept at doing. The sun’s union with Venus in the strong-willed sign of Scorpio makes Griffey a force to be reckoned with in every area of his life. The agile mind of Mercury in Sagittarius promises he can think outside the box and come up with unusual solutions for commonplace problems. Next year, he could have big success branding a frozen dessert. Don’t be surprised if he surprises us first.

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