December 8, 2002

Morning brings on the kind of mood that requires cleaning supplies. Enlist unsuspecting friends or family to help you move the furniture so you can attack those mysterious recesses. At the same time, you’ll be preparing for a lively evening under Leo’s showoff lunar vibes. You’ll feel squeaky clean when the spotlight swings your way.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The extensive effort you’ve been making is beginning to pay off, so stick with it. Whatever the problem, it’s not worth fighting with the neighbor. Change your routine. A family wants to know you believe in his or her abilities.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). If you’re serious about your financial goals, you’ll need to spend more time pushing new business, talent or creative whims. Stop letting people use you – exceptional friends are worth looking for.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Group projects may bring more frustrations than progress. If you’re in charge, take five before blowing your stack. Family needs may keep romantic ones light and on the back burner, but this keeps you in control!

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are operating on a highly productive level, and you’ll soon see the results. An idea of huge proportions comes to you midday. Diet and exercise must be examined with care, as health is an important part of the new you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When you go after silly fantasies, you’ll be lead toward larger ambitions. The spotlight is on the value of things. There’s nothing wrong with being thrifty. Learn an honest way to get what you want in love.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (December 8). You know how to nurture yourself this year and feel strong enough to take on more than ever. Welcome people into your life who are unlike those who’ve come before. An adventure in January includes dressing and moving differently. Join a dance class or sports team – you could you’re your one and only. Lucky love signs are Virgo and Pisces. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 11, 20, 34 and 51.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Settle differences; better health comes from this resolution. Home duties must take precedence in the afternoon. If things slide now, you’ll be creating much work for later. Casual acquaintances become potential new romances.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). A loved one is doing the best he or she can, so try to be understanding. Take the time to regenerate interest in an old project, and you’ll be happy you did. Those involved in sales or public relations get noticed.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Love needs a slow touch. Don’t stress when a friend has a change of heart. Invest in your appearance – it’s fun and makes you feel creative. On the social front, be honest and avoid making excuses.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Travel and romantic escapades beckon, and you’ll be tempted to blow your whole paycheck – but this is a bad idea. If you slow down, you can enjoy the moment without going broke. Deal with feelings of unworthiness.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). New ways to manage stress attract helping hands. Loved ones share experiences and have a completely different interpretation. You’ll never know how someone is feeling unless you break down and talk.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Relax. This prevents you from wasting your time and energy going down the wrong path. No matter how strong your opinions, you profit by extending compassionate empathy. Unreturned calls will be difficult to make.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Love has highs and lows in the next three days, but don’t dwell on either. Instead, fill your world with interesting, lighthearted people. Feuding couples come together for children. Healing is accelerated by a Gemini or Virgo.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: The center of our universe gallops through the realm of Sagittarius with a new motto: "Let freedom ring!" You should be able to feel the excitement build even in your most mundane activities. There’s just a glimmer or something new to give everything a different perspective. For many, travel is an irresistible urge. But instead of going over the river and through the woods, exotic and distant shores are calling. Thanksgiving in Mexico or South America? Well, it’s certainly unconventional, but that’s what these skies have us dreaming about. Don’t be so quick to translate these feelings to your love life. This is the time to practice restraint and realize the difference between fantasies and reality. The moon shifts from outrageous and outgoing Leo early in the week to precise Virgo. Whatever you plan goes well because of your attention to details. Just don’t be too critical of yourself or anyone else. After all, you don’t have to wait until a holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas to show family members how much they mean to you (or what a perfect host or hostess you are!). Make it a point to let loved ones know you’re thinking about them every day.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: the irrepressible Ozzy Osbourne is a Sagittarius fire sign whose everyday life is entertaining enough to fascinate audiences on the reality television show "The Osbournes." Such is the lifestyle of most Sagittarians, though they themselves think their lives are normal. Sagittarius thrives on change, flux, chaos, adventure, passion and any kind of heat.

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Copyright 2002 Joyce Jillson