April 26, 2003

Mercury, the planet of communication and day-to-day events, decides to travel backward, pulling a few tricks along the way. Suddenly, you will be able to see meaning in your daily routine and understand your communication style better. When nobody understands you, you have to be more objective about the way you’re communicating.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The saying goes, "It takes two to tango." You prove this untrue as you launch into your dance for one this afternoon. A new, bold, extroverted love interest comes along, attracted by your utter self-reliance.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Vitality is your astrological gift, and everyone notices. The special attention feels surreal – almost too bizarre to accept. The more people you can add to your circle, the more able you’ll be to appreciate life’s little victories.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your confidence is impressive all day. In fact, you infect someone impressionable with your charm. A lingering love problem finds its natural resolution when you are calm, trusting and sure that the right thing will happen.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Suddenly, it seems you’re responsible for duties that used to be shared. Domestic responsibility stifles your sense of freedom, but discomfort is temporary. Just relax, and refuse to be hurt by events that weren’t intended to hurt you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Conversing from the heart shows you where your vision intersects a loved one’s vision of the future. Singles: Tonight, you’re most alluring, but tomorrow, you’d rather be the pursuer and get who you really want.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (April 26). It really feels as if everything is going in your favor this year as a series of happy coincidences make a dream come true. This synchronicity you experience over the next three months springs from your renewed commitment to personal goals. Pisces and Sagittarius are perfect for your new sensibility. Couples continue to grow closer. Your lucky numbers are: 13, 5, 29, 34 and 52.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There’s a reason things are supposed to be done in a certain way, though you might feel like you’re the only one who remembers what that reason is. It’s the precious details that really get the blood boiling this afternoon.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Living a full life sometimes feels like four seasons in one day. The fast-paced plot may come full circle by evening, and tonight, you could start an entirely new chapter. Singles: When you come to someone’s rescue, romance ensues.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Spending time with a group of people whose values are aligned with yours provides a level of soul connection that is much needed on this day when an isolated feeling is hardest to shake. Artists struggle with their talent.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Small changes produce big results. You’re going to feel much better once the domestic clutter is eliminated. This could include actual physical mess, unfinished social business or relationship residue.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Before you finalize your plans, double-check with reality. Many don’t realize just how extravagant ideas might be, since the media makes it seem as though everyone is doing it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Trying to please a loved one is a task that takes much out of someone as thorough and conscientious as you. A reminder comes this afternoon that the endeavor is futile unless the undertaking also pleases you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There’s more than one pressing issue on your mind now, but the need that rises up, calling "Me first!" is the thirst for experience, something different and hopefully uplifting. Variety is a basic human requirement like food and air!

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I’m a Taurus born on April 30, 1955. I was a military officer for 20 years and had a wonderful career but retired due to a desire to lessen the impact of moves on my daughter. Lately, I’ve been feeling like I can’t figure out what to do with the rest of my life that would be as challenging as what I’ve already done. Any suggestions for upcoming trends? Also, I am married to a wonderful Capricorn but feeling attracted to a Libra man. Is there any hope for this relationship?"

Your self-sacrifice in order to create a more stable environment for your daughter was admirable, Taurus. You obviously care deeply about her growing-up experience and want her to have normalcy that is hard to duplicate when one lives in a new city every year. Now, don’t go and ruin the wonderful thing you’ve done by creating domestic unrest in your household by having an affair. I understand that, because of your sacrifice, you think you need more challenge in your life. What you fail to see is that you’re involved in the biggest challenge of all – making a marriage work and being a fine example to your child. Don’t screw this up.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Taurus people are ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty. That’s one reason Al Pacino is a lover of all things beautiful and could be asked to judge one of the world’s biggest beauty pageants this year. Of course, he’ll turn down the offer but continue to admire gorgeous women. He may help an unknown get a top modeling contract in June, when special powers help him connect people with destiny.

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Copyright 2003 Joyce Jillson