December 22, 2001

The moon in Aries gives you plenty of energy to head into the thick of the holiday season. Productivity is high. Most of your shopping and wrapping can be completed by the end of this afternoon. Children will need constant attention. Taking risks is the norm, but it’s not advised for young people whose courage could outweigh their ability to reason.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It’s your inner warmth that makes loved ones feel at ease, so don’t worry too much about keeping a perfect home. Chores can always be completed later; take time to read to children instead. Be kind to your neighbor.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Organizing, clearing your desk and getting rid of the junk in your closet are all symbolic acts that will prepare you for a big love relationship. Friendships will carry you into a whole new territory, causing a bit of neglect in other areas.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your words carry weight. Guard secrets with your life – a confidential matter could become public. Someone is counting on you to be charming and witty. You are at your most captivating when you’re interested in a subject.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Decide quickly which job offer you want to take – your competitors are breathing down your neck. You won’t be able to complete a home project this weekend unless you delegate to others. Invite new acquaintances over for dinner tonight.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You have more resources available to you now than ever before. Team up with creative people if you want to develop a lucrative business. You’ll be in high gear this afternoon, checking off big chunks from your long to-do list.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (December 22). This will be a year of making daring choices. Your magnetism will be high for the next seven weeks, and you’ll end up with more admirers than you know what to do with. You will be in excellent physical shape as result of a new exercise and diet plan you begin in January. New romance in February and May will be hot, especially if it’s with a Leo or Gemini. Your lucky numbers are: 27, 12, 14, 45 and 9.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ll feel as if you can accomplish any task that is thrown at you. Avoid making decisions late at night, as you are completely brilliant during the morning hours. Celebrate small victories, or you’ll have no incentive to stay on track.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Elusive or influential colleagues will be easier to reach this afternoon, perhaps with the aid of a go-between. Your new strategy might be the grounds for a promotion – develop it. Move your exercise program to the next level.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re in line for a surprise – a relative who loves you will bring good luck when he or she visits. When your family finally accepts your significant other, you’ll feel a lot better. You’ll get invitations worth considering this evening.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Be wary of sudden romantic proposals – go at your own pace. Take an offer into account, but don’t commit yourself just yet. Romance with a Libra can make your problems seem very small. People will gravitate to your social ease.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your mate may be manipulative, but you have to admire his or her tenacity. Learn something about your own talent when you support someone else’s creative efforts. Patience is the greatest virtue during the holidays.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Experience will help you sharpen your judgment in financial matters. Children need to learn the value of hard work, and you’re playful enough to present life’s lessons in an appealing way. Your silent communication skills are uncanny.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Mundane errands can wait. Daydreams will help your financial situation if you have the guts to act on your ideas. Detours will lead to beautiful surprises. Socializing is vital for advancing your career goals – you may get a promotion.

LOVE FORECAST FOR 2002: WHO’S TRUE FOR YOU? Each sign’s idea of true love has a different twist. If you know what qualities you’re looking for, you can narrow the search for true love down to one special person. If you’re trying to snag a certain individual, knowing his or her top three must-have qualities will help you land a date. So, here they are: Aries: Excitement, challenge and sex appeal. Taurus: Trustworthiness, sophistication and kindness. Gemini: Humor, optimism and education. Cancer: Loyalty, sensuality and a provider instinct. Leo: Generosity of spirit, listening skills and friendliness. Virgo: Communication skills, work ethic and leadership qualities. Libra: Open-mindedness, social savvy and intrigue. Scorpio: Directness, joie de vivre and bravery. Sagittarius: Determination, adventurous spirit and high energy. Capricorn: Healthy outlook, team spirit and charm. Aquarius: Flirty personality, compassion and broad appeal. Pisces: Winning style, competitive sense and sensitivity. Good luck in finding your soul mate.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Just when we thought "Elaine" had all but disappeared, Julia Louis-Dreyfus will make a strong appearance on a series in 2002, which will be more successful than the attempts made by her co-stars of "Seinfeld." Mercury conjuncts her sun in Capricorn, keeping her sharply strategic when it comes to her ambitious aims.

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Copyright 2001 Joyce Jillson