April 17, 2004

Venus, the planet of love and beauty, enters Gemini. Now, Venus and Mercury are in mutual reception, making this an excellent time to use your words to get right to the heart of the matter. Speak love or speak money, but speak it clearly and concisely, saying exactly what you mean. Being vague only leads to big misunderstandings.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’re about due for one of your personal revolutions, so shake it up! A newfangled concept is fun to try even if it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be. Your need to experience something uplifting may prompt you to travel.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Luck is on your side all weekend. Use it to further a personal goal. Don’t tell anyone, though! Your favorite romantic interest also favors you. You can listen to a friend’s problem, but ultimately, help must come from the source.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). This weekend, your mind is more on work than play. If you can’t tell much difference between the two, consider yourself truly happy. Your family lays new responsibilities at your feet, but you have the right to choose what you take on.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Continue to be patient with an overly critical person. Your compassion goes a long way to healing not only this person but yourself. Invite a Gemini or Aquarius along anytime you need some comic relief.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Relationships thrive if you are thriving personally, too. If not, do something about it. Job seekers: You get luck and leads through casual social endeavors. You have a full life, so be sure to highlight this fact – avoid seeming needy.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (April 17). It’s a year when formerly closed doors open up to you. You’ll be offered things you didn’t even know existed! Efforts at work pay off in the next seven weeks, and now, you can decide what you want to do next. Travel in June could change your life direction entirely. A windfall in August gets you out of debt. You are particularly attracted to a Leo or Libra. Your lucky numbers are: 6, 39, 3, 23 and 50.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You encourage loved ones to achieve their full potential. Nurturing comes easily, but be sure to turn some of the care toward yourself, too. Small gains add up, and soon, you’ll be claiming your momentous success.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Minor shifts in habits will bring positive results. Sweethearts are jealous; don’t flaunt it if everybody wants you. Allow someone else to shoulder responsibility tonight – you’re helping build his or her self-esteem.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Document ideas on paper – you’ll be glad later when all you need is at your fingertips. Games are much fun tonight and have surprising results. Careful – tempers can still be tipped if egos aren’t stroked.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Infatuation comes on strong. So what if it doesn’t end up in anything real? It’s fun to explore the fantasy. There’s plenty of talk over dinner – much is untrue but entertaining nonetheless.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You have a critical eye and a ruthless approach to problem solving. Gardening, cooking and home renovations are all a blast. The family that’s productive together forges bonds that no amount of play could duplicate.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You shine in the social spotlight, so get out there! The perfect place for you is a cultural event or a party for people you admire. If you’re trying to please somebody, it’s easy to overdo it. Instead, please yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Hanging out with others whose ideals complement your own is favored. Together, you can create your shared vision in real time! Dates are giddy and uplifting – whether you’re going out with an ex or someone completely new.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I’m a Taurus born May 8, 1974. I’m having difficulty in a romantic relationship with a Gemini born June 5, 1973. I feel a tad jealous of the men she talks about in our conversations, though I know I have no right to be too demanding of her. She says she likes me, but sometimes, I wonder if she really does. It doesn’t show. None of the things I do for her seems to matter – it’s like she doesn’t appreciate it. Sometimes, I doubt she’s telling the truth, and other times, she talks in such an impersonal way that I don’t know if she means it or she’s just being a tease. Sometimes, I feel vindictive and want to get back at her, but I often end up swallowing my pride because I really love her. What do I need to do to make this relationship happy for both of us? How can I better understand her?"

Since you are a stubborn Taurus, I know you won’t follow my advice, and you’ll probably continue to be abused by this girl for three more years. But for the record, I’ll just say: Get out now! This is not love, and it is holding you back from success in other areas.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Eddie Murphy doesn’t hold back in his comedy. Aries like Murphy can have an all-or-nothing tendency and like to explore issues of identity. This year, Murphy could take on another movie project where he plays multiple roles but this time portraying real-life personalities. He has to take care, however: His portrayals could be so convincing that he leaves audiences wondering who really is on the screen.

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