January 11, 2004

These are the last few days of Mercury in Sagittarius, a time when so much is explored and started that it would be impossible to finish it all. But finishing isn’t always the point. Figuring out what projects are truly hot is easier when you have that not-hot project still lying in the pile gathering dust. Throw it out, and concentrate on the rest.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Showing off your past accomplishments will generate a buzz about your talent. More work soon follows. Necessary changes need to be made in the area of your physical health. Impulsive ideas squeeze your pocketbook, too.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You want to do it all, but it all can’t be done – choose. A heartfelt moment between you and a Gemini could be the start of something romantic. A relative is generous, but you deserve it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’re wise, and so you compromise when necessary and even blend when appropriate. The truth is not black and white, but is a million shades of gray. A creative interest deserves some time.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). If you don’t like what you’re getting, change what you give. Working with children restores your playfulness. Travel opens you to creative ideas that could lead to a new career.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). A happy accident brings you face to face with an important decision that must be made. Family members are there for you, so give them a call. A financial matter left to chance will turn out fine.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (January 11). You’re the master of your time and energy this year, and feeling in control is a great pleasure. Your love life is exhilarating now, and you are very attractive, but don’t let the good experiences go to your head. Loved ones want much from you in March. Some get married in May. Money luck flows your way in April. Lucky love signs are Pisces and Libra. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 28, 51, 16 and 4.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Others may overdo, but you’ve got a keen idea of what’s necessary and what’s not. A dose of discipline isn’t difficult to conjure up when you’re focused on helping others have fun. Being coy works to your advantage.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Wild ideas help your love life. Look your best wherever you go – people are watching you, and opportunities are plenty if they like what they see. Your actions affect the lives of those you don’t even know!

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Explore your autonomy, and just generally let loose. This afternoon, it’s easier to relay the message you intended to relay. Those who just haven’t been on your wavelength now start to click in. It’s nice to be understood.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Take advantage of success-oriented skies. If you don’t begrudge success to others, your own project will take off. Do not play games with a potential love interest. Honesty is the way to this person’s heart.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Stop striving, and start living! Make sure your words and deeds match up perfectly, or else there’s a lot of explaining to do. Singles meet hot romance quite by coincidence and could fall head over heels.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Trust your inner knowing, and follow a creative approach to problem solving. Avoid impulses that will be costly later. A spending plan helps you obtain goals. Domestic accord may be strained.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Tying up details will take up most of the day, but it’s still very productive. Setbacks end in good fortune. Distance puts a problem in perspective; now, you can tackle it. It’s never too late to start investing!

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Mercury in Sagittarius gets us all going along a path of exploration and new beginnings. Unfortunately, that means we won’t be able to finish everything! Luckily, we’re able to discern what really matters by taking note of those projects we have let linger. Get rid of those that are still hanging around before Wednesday, when Mercury transits through Capricorn, a trip that lasts until Feb. 6. The trend in communication that this transit brings on is somewhat reserved. Venus enters Pisces on this day as well, bringing wisdom and openness to relationships. Thursday is the luckiest day of the week, as Mercury and Venus remind us of the true meaning of love. No amount of money, power or physical beauty can be used to attract love. Love is a state of the heart, open and accepting. Giving and receiving love are the same. The Scorpio moon on Friday brings a charge of sexual attraction. Be careful when you say things like "That’s just not me" or "I’d never do that." Those kinds of phrases seem to invoke mischievous energy that makes sure you end up with what you reject as "not you." Saturday, the moon enters Sagittarius, and the adventure is totally unexpected.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Kid Rock is a Capricorn singer and writer who has managed to somehow bridge the gap between musical institutions as far apart as rap and country – quite an accomplishment. This year, Rock could take up a musical cause and bring deeply traditional music to the mainstream. Capricorn is the sign of respect, and one of the ways people of this sign earn respect is by paying it to their forefathers.

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– Copyright 2004 Joyce Jillson