January 4, 2004

Today’s astrological events will bring on remarkable changes over the next month. First, Venus enters Aquarius, the sign of altruism, entrepreneurial spirit and creative problem solving. Love has an oddball grin that says friendship comes first. The moon enters Sagittarius, and the sun enters Capricorn, setting a reverential tone for the week.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You want to do it all, but it can’t all be done – choose. Here’s a hint: It’s your connection with others that’s important. If you push yourself, you can create miracles. Tonight, forgive and forget, and you’ll become healthier.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Tremendous change and growth through a relationship are inevitable for someone with your courage. You need the space to do things your way. Impulsive ideas squeeze your pocketbook – exercise restraint.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Do work that has to be done early in the day so you have time to stretch, play and create romance later on. Partnerships have tremendous benefits, both personally and financially. Tonight, it’s not so important to be right.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It’s easy to know your next move when you don’t think too much about it; just let your body and intuition show you where to go. Love is the focus – you spend equal time chasing it and running from it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Politics, religion and the larger questions of life are hot topics. Energy focused on the profundities of living will solve the smaller and more personal issues in one fell swoop. Let a Gemini or Pisces into your life for luck.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (January 4). You are alive with passion this year. Your ambition brings big money. Try for a raise, promotion or new job in February. A dizzying romance swirls in March; creative powers attract the ones who are most attractive to you, possibly Leo or Aries. By July, you rocket upward at work, and your income soars, too. Schedule home fix-ups for September. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 19, 5, 39 and 35.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). What at first seems like a good idea may not turn out that way. Relationships that are worth it will prove themselves, while the fly-by-night romances quickly lose appeal. Think ideas through before you act on them.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Family plans change and grow. Keep impatient thoughts in check. Take your time with love. Logic and intuition may be at odds – go with the latter. Your advances may be overwhelming to someone shy, but don’t take it personally.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). This is an excellent day to make friends – everyone will be feeling social. Be patient with people trying to express themselves to you. Tonight, you’re in your glory, better understood and appreciated than you’ve been in a long time.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Generosity you often deal out is now dealt to you. Youthful influences spice up your personal life. Showing your maternal/paternal side is sexy to a romantic interest. Find money through mutual friends who talk you up.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Make the first move in a new relationship. A stepchild finally approves of you, perhaps because you both like the same music. Forget about stressful situations for an entire afternoon.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Partnerships are pleasing, and the company of children is highly rewarding. Affections grow where there are shared goals. Separate emotions from a financial issue, and you’ll get a better deal.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). When it’s time to go to bat, you do it, no questions asked. Your impressive dedication attracts wonderful people to you, and your natural charisma keeps them endeared. Financial goals and opportunities can still be met.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: The winter solstice is the event that starts this week on a mystical note – the passage of the sun into Capricorn is an astrological event that has been celebrated through the ages. Keep in your heart those intentions that last: connection with your fellow human, with nature and with the universe. Love planet Venus enters the sign of Aquarius, giving love a new face. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting something different from your companions. Kindness wins out over wordly versions of sex appeal, creativity wins over money, and friendship wins over status. Break with the conventional wisdom; it has little to do with romance now. The new moon on Tuesday falls under Capricorn’s rule over solar and lunar vibes – this wails out like the Aretha Franklin song R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Give it where it’s due, and you’ll have no problem getting it. Don’t give it, and you’re opening up a world of hurt. You’ll find it’s easier to attract what you want in a lighthearted way. Don’t get too aggressive, or it runs!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Diane Sawyer was born on the cusp of Capricorn and Sagittarius. This year, the sun enters Capricorn a little earlier than it did in 1945. So while she shares a birthday with Capricorns, Sawyer is a Sagittarius with a chart full of fire, not earth, influences. Sawyer is an energetic woman who thrives on spontaneity and attention. With a Leo moon, she gets a surge of vitality when the camera is turned on her.

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Copyright 2004 Joyce Jillson