October 9, 2003

The Capricorn moon activates a sense of responsibility. If self-esteem means trusting that you can do what you say you will, this aspect is notably esteem building. Loved ones feel comfortable because they can trust one another and perhaps even predict each other’s next move. With the sun in Libra, making joint decisions is favored.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). When it’s time to buckle down, you’ve got the self-discipline everyone else only wishes for! Singles: Embrace new love. Couples: Break down barriers to self-expression. Reacquaint yourself with your support system.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Get completely organized to ready yourself for fast changes. Surprises drive you in directions you never before thought possible. Whatever you’re tired of gets thrown out or revamped. Switching gears bring a financial bonus.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You have the power to change what needs changing. Drop projects that hold little reward or challenge for you. A self-effacing sense of humor will help disarm your adversary. Above all, don’t demonize an aggressive competitor.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Command respect – you deserve it, and you get it. Some of you realize that you can apply your job skills in a more lucrative line of work. This one shift will make you feel 10 times more creative.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You can make life easier for the people you care about. But don’t be fooled – staying out of the problem could actually provide the most help of all. Co-dependence is a nasty habit. People feel better when they take responsibility.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (October 9). Your needs are changing, and so is your ability to fulfill them. This year, it’s important to be surrounded by beauty, and that’s right where you end up. A lucky job comes through this month and sets the tone for your new year. Exceptional efforts are rewarded. Your resourcefulness turns the financial tables your way in January. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 44, 10, 12 and 33.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re on the verge of expansion – an open mind is the first step. Waste no time in making your needs known. Get on inspirational e-mail lists, or consider hiring a personal coach to push you toward one shining goal.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Keep promises, and you’ll earn trust. Inventors and artists have breakthroughs, but don’t talk about it to outsiders. Keeping recent advances close to the vest will cut out the competition and ultimately save you from regret.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It’s easy to accept yourself, faults and all. This approval allows you to have greater compassion for others. Instead of putting out so much attention-getting energy, you’ll be putting time into what feeds your soul.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Numbness is an avoidance technique. Instead, face the man in the mirror. The goods news is that you’ll come out of the process with a meaningful, attainable goal that is actually fulfilling to chase.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The magic isn’t out there somewhere – it’s in you. Once you realize that you are the one animating this crazy scene, you’ll be able to choose which dramas to take on and which to avoid.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Recent financial risks look like they may not get the return you hoped for. Don’t take the so-called "expert’s" word for it. Wait another day, and do some research, too. A search engine will lead you right to the answer.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). People who respect your power are in short supply. Consider why this is so, and make a shift. You may need to step up in a new way so that others pay attention. By the afternoon, you should see a turnaround.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: I am a Libra (Oct. 5, 1956). My co-worker of 20-plus years (a Virgo) is about to go on disability, which will lead me covering two jobs. My job is only justified until our system is converted to our parent company’s system, but no one will commit to a conversion date. Should I stick it out and get severance, or should I bail as soon as I can? My job isn’t fun anymore, but the money is great. Please help!"

These are the tests of character that will give you great confidence and self-esteem if you rise to the occasion. It is extremely difficult to do a job well when you are uncertain of your future and whether or not your job matters to the people around you. Look deep inside yourself, and find new purpose for your position. The test of character is not how you respond when the job is going your way but how you respond when the chips are down and the team is deserting you. When higher-ups see how you perform under these adverse circumstances, then you’ll be offered the best they can give you. It still might not be enough, but you’ll take this self-esteem into your next position and be able to go in on a different level than if you bail now.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Artistic Libran songstress India Arie espouses her message of individuality and girl power in a new medium this year. She could be a partner in a multimedia venture aimed at raising awareness of women’s issues. A company may offer to pay Arie a huge sum of money to back a product she doesn’t believe in. She’ll of course turn the offer down and perhaps make news with the rejection.

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– Copyright 2003 Joyce Jillson