March 14, 2004

Saturn ends a retrograde phase with a grinding halt. The planet of lessons needs time to get back its old momentum, and you may feel the same way, especially in regard to personal growth. Relationships that seemed to turn around and take two steps backward now progress again. If you want to know if growth is real, it’s got to be tested.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Maybe your big objective should have nothing to do with the future for a change. Instead, put focus on figuring out what’s perfect about today. For stress relief: Figure out where your clutter comes from, and get rid of it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll feel you’re watching the same story but with different characters. You may have to admit to the fact that on some level your emotional baggage is still being shuffled and moved from situation to situation. It’s time to drop it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). A cleaning project will bring you peace, just as soon as you figure out the best way to get started. (Why make life hard on yourself? Ask someone who has already accomplished this task for tips.) Enroll family wherever possible.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The most exciting things happen on a whim – that is, if you follow through. Reach out to friends – they’re waiting, just like you. The one with the hilarious sense of humor will keep you laughing all evening.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). An in-between stage is awkward. Decide what you really must know in order to move forward in a relationship. You don’t need truth serum, a hot iron or hypnotism to get someone to confess – all you have to do is ask.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (March 14). This year brings an overwhelming feeling of acceptance. Get into (and stay in) a winning circle this month by first fighting off suppressive influences, which you can do with great skill. The inner warrior will conquer financial issues, too. June features a windfall. If it makes you more human, it’s lucky for your love life. Capricorn and Leo figure in. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 33, 25, 1 and 18.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Practice being a light spirit even when the day presents you with heavy questions. Relationships need time to settle into a groove. Your levity will allow you to speak the truth tonight and be heard.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Ignore errors that are of little consequence. Loved ones appreciate that they can count on you not to be petty or shallow. A Virgo can help you make a master plan for de-cluttering and also help you follow through.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). When you make a decision, you’ll shake everyone up – and why not? You’re probably just the one to shock someone into action. Ask friends and family to help you dispose of what you don’t want. One man’s trash…

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Instead of figuring out a way to cut your budget, think of a way to increase your income to afford necessities and plenty into your reserve, too. Plan a surprise party. Why do you need an occasion?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). A false belief could be holding you back. A reality check comes from someone younger – probably a Gemini or Leo. Listen up. Conversation provides info you can use to free yourself from your self-created bondage.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Maybe you’re solidly sick of what a loved one is doing. Don’t worry – this person will change, as soon as he or she is solidly sick of it, too. Be generous with your prayers. Mentioning every single one of your helpers is lucky.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Nothing is more boring than perfectly seasoned and refined social interaction. Get a little spicy – loved ones are exhilarated by your unpredictable approach. Friends rely on your endorsement.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Saturn is the stern professor of the zodiac, but the lessons are life lessons and often more of a pass/fail nature than A through F grades. Our stern teacher has been exploring a retrograde transit that ends on Sunday. If you feel you’ve taken a few steps back in your personal life recently, things will be set straight again, but this time, you can continue your journey with the confidence that you’ve really studied well. If not for tests, how are we to be sure that we know what we know? Wednesday, Venus and Saturn are in an auspicious relation to one another. Judgment is enhanced, which is good news for those on a quest for beauty, romance and aesthetics. None of these things have to cost much, either! Friday, just when relationships settle in, the Sagittarius moon urges us to stretch – personally, professionally, aesthetically and geographically. When you see what you want, instead of being jealous, figure out a way to get it, or some form of it, for yourself. In the workplace on Friday, a static situation sees a breakthrough. Saturday, the moon moves into the last quarter. Be aware of the cost of things on all levels, but especially the karmic expense.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: James Van Der Beek is a hunky Pisces with Mercury (communication) in emotional Pisces as well. These aspects show sensitivity and the ability to relate to a wide variety of people. Philanthropic moves attract career success this year for Van Der Beek. He could endorse a popular product this year and give his compensation to charity.

If you would like to write to Joyce Jillson, please go to www.creators.com and click on "Write the Author" on the Joyce Jillson page, or you may send her a postcard in the mail. To find out more about Joyce Jillson and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. - Copyright 2004 Joyce Jillson