July 4, 2002

The Fourth of July weekend kicks off when people decide to be very direct about what they want. Strained relationships are clarified and revived when the truth is known. Key educational and career decisions will be made now as you see what friends are doing and realize you should do the same. Promised checks may be delayed a week.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Whatever you focus your attention on flourishes. Everyone is impressed by how you keep your cool. Friends offer special invitations; you should be honored. You can put the romance back into a predictable relationship.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Someone else’s carelessness requires you to make an extra trip. Adjust your schedule around a loved one’s new routine. Avoid forcing romance; it develops naturally. Stash easily made cash – you’ll be glad you did.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Use some time alone to map out short-and long-term goals or plot your strategy. Broken promises will undermine a love’s faith. Love from the past can re-enter the picture. Education you’re considering is worth the expense.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Following your first impression will get you there faster! Catch up on correspondence. Your ideas may not be used, but they are strongly considered – a good start. Unexpected visitors are lucky.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The activity schedule is interrupted for a date with destiny. Keep in mind that all things are possible in love. Don’t rely on the usual system. Repairs need to be done by a professional, or things could get out of hand.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 4). You assume leadership in all spheres. At work, your negotiating and people skills are (finally!) rewarded. Raises come by September, with better hours and a competing job offer arriving in late November. You are prominent in community or school affairs next fall. Romance is on your terms in October, beginning with an exciting liaison over the summer. Your lucky numbers are 4, 7, 15, 22, and 39.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Make up your own mind, set goals and start fresh. There’s room in the winning circle, and you might even get a fantastic invitation. The neighbors are watching out for you. You’ll get a chance to return the favor today.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). You’ve made your decision; now stick to it. Love blossoms with your special brand of TLC. You can’t give too much to children and loved ones today. Playing it cool makes others appreciate your generosity.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). If you ask great questions, you will get juicy answers. Family demands deserve your attention, but you have a life outside! First dates, new love and creative efforts are key. Public speaking is risky, but the rewards are worth it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Start practicing now for an upcoming event. A book on your topic of need has some ideas that put the crowd in the palm of your hand. Get a new pictures taken. Loved ones want a memento of you at your best.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan 19). There’s real money to be had if you seize the opportunity to publicize your work. Time is on your side, so do all the thinking you need to do in order to feel comfortable with your plan. You’ve got an air of glamour tonight.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Make firm judgments. If you hesitate, you lose. A message (perhaps from a Leo) makes it even clearer what you have to do. Your opinions may come under scrutiny, but you can back up every move you’ve made.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March. 20). Optimism is high; you can put a positive spin on just about anything now. Making a commitment changes things for the better. Children benefit more from your time than from any amount of money you spend.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: Does my 15-year-old-son, a Sagittarian, have what it takes to make it in the music business? "I don’t want to encourage him if he will be hurt or disappointed."

As a mom with a Sagittarian son, you probably already know Sagittarius is one of the most optimistic signs of all. What is wonderful about your son’s chart is that he has the ability to pay no attention to negative comments or situations. His musical strengths include a brilliant knack for writing lyrics that appeal to his generation. Secondly, he is a futurist and often spots trends before even the experts do. Though he has these two outstanding qualities, he absolutely must perfect his musical talent. Whether it is guitar, piano or something else, practice and professional training are absolutely essential if he wants to be taken seriously by music bigwigs. If he doesn’t have this discipline, then he may have a rougher time as a performer, though it is not impossible. If he doesn’t have the interest in music making, then have him consider producing and writing lyrics with others. Sagittarians are the great impresarios. He would know just how to package other acts.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: He’s written many classics, but sometimes, Cancer rocker Don Henley doesn’t feel he’s getting his due credit. This will change with a tribute concert to him in years to come. In the meantime, he’ll make discoveries about himself while touring this year that lead to one of his biggest songs yet.

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Copyright 2002 Joyce Jillson