July 7, 2002

Mercury goes direct, unleashing everyone’s secret ambitions. Plans that have been put on hold will finally move ahead. Phone calls could bring excellent responses. End quarrels in the love department by revealing the truth. Relatives may help you deal with child-care issues. Graduation celebrations will bring those who are old and young together.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You are extremely resourceful. Find inspiration within yourself instead of asking for help when you don’t need it. Financial gain will be yours if you’re patient – it won’t come all at once. You can repay a loan by working a part-time job.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The condition of your spirit and mind is in excellent shape. It’s time to enlist, enroll. and move your body toward a fitness goal. Working side by side with people you admire gives you the turbo boost you need to finish a project.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The commitments you make today will hold fast. Get together are lucky, especially when family members are present. Take advantage of leisure time now, because next month will be a whirlwind. Your sweetie has perfect timing.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). If you tease yourself by saying that you will take time out to follow your heart’s desires and don’t follow through, it’s almost worse than making no effort at all. It is very important to set goals you can keep Tuesday night; don’t fool yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Reverse a wasteful trend. You can be extremely successful when you stick to a plan. Romantic issues are a mix of pleasure and pain, but the love you feel is worth it. If you’ve been responsible in the past, you have nothing to worry about.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 7). Your siblings, relatives or roommates will bring you luck this year. Attend parties, and throw one every once in a while. Use your humor to get through to people of status. By September, you’ll experience a major shift in your finances – be thrifty. You’ll fall in love with someone while traveling; he or she will probably be a Leo. Make a tough decision in February. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 18, 21, 29 and 32.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sep. 22). The good fortune you reap is the result of your earlier efforts. Keep promises you’ve made to yourself. Do what you said you’d do with the money you’ve saved. Reignite an old love relationship by taking a walk outdoors.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Get some rest if you want to recharge your batteries. Accomplish your goals by taking things one step at a time. You can figure out how to please your mate and still spend within your budget, Your thoughtfulness will please everyone.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Set higher standards. It pays in subtle ways to be stylish on a date or in a meeting. Plan a party – being a gracious host will get you rave reviews. Don’t let a loved one take his or her frustration out on you. Be strong now.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The more confident you are, the more money you’ll make. Being assertive will pay for itself in the near future. Ultimately, the only way to come out ahead is to put your health first. If you feel drained during activities, rest up.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan 19). Research a subject before taking a leap. Follow your instincts, and do your homework; you will receive a big financial gain. If you have taken love for granted in the past, the consequences could become woefully apparent.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You will receive brilliant recommendations if you ask for them. A hobby or side job could lead to a new line of employment. Those who say they’ll show up may not, so don’t wait around for them anymore. You’re ultra attractive.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March. 20). Establish clear boundaries with a family member, and talk about what you expect from him or her. A strained situation should be laid to rest. Someone close to you feels it is important to win. Give him or her the pleasure of victory.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: On Monday, the new moon in Gemini emits an energy boost that will allow everyone to get to the bottom of a family dispute. Gardeners can get rid of nasty pests and weeds once and for all. Expect your desk to be piled with work by mid-morning Monday. Handle top-priority items first, because truthfully, no human could accomplish everything you’re being asked to do. By Tuesday, higher-ups may come to these senses and offer you help, a raise or both. One strange phone call this week could turn your life around. Be open to new people. Note: Keep a log of office meetings, conversations and expenses, doing so will serve you well when office-politics disputes erupt Friday afternoon. Small-business will be struck by the luck bug Thursday – expansion could bring financial security. Travel this week features unexpected delays, yet all could go well if you stay positive. Are you applying for a loan? Go to the bank Tuesday or Wednesday if you have good credit, if you’ve had financial troubles in the past, Friday will be a good day to ask for one, when loan officers and other officials overlook those problems. Get romantic with a platonic friend Saturday night, and keep things light.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Sexy Shakespearean actor Joseph Fiennes could be a hit playing a man of the future this year as he and other Gemini men born in 1970 take a gamble with their career. Will he break hearts by marrying his dream girl this year? If she’s his best friend, it’s likely. A Gemini man wants to marry someone with whom he can carry on an intellectual conversation. Wit is the sexiest quality in a woman to the daring twins.

If you would like to write to Joyce Jillson, please go to www.creators.com and click on "Write the Author" on the Joyce Jillson page, or you may send her a postcard in the mail. To find out more about Joyce Jillson and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.– Copyright 2002 Joyce Jillson