May 4, 2004

This lunar eclipse, the sun and full Scorpio moon face off across the sky, daring one another to draw first. Will emotions get the best of us, or will the ego be stronger, refusing to give in to feelings? The Taurus sun is as stubborn as the full Scorpio moon is seductive. For certain, it’s an intense day when internal forces cause us to reveal more.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’re steeped in fun – is it possible to have too much? No! You may be engaged in an activity that would normally be called "fun" but doesn’t feel that way. Hint: It has to do with the company you keep.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Unusual proposals change your direction; the world is opening up to you. Catch up on phone calls this afternoon, and you’ll be in the know about social activities. Tonight, a struggling relationship finds its feet again.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your attention to money matters will get you off to a powerful start – at other times in your life, you would have buried your head in the sand, hoping it would all go away. But now, you’re present, focused and ready to handle it all.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Potential sweeties consider you to be a challenge and a puzzle, which is a fine thing! After all, nobody wants to pursue a meaningful relationship with someone who comes across as available to anyone.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Friendships play a significant role in your relationship, as they influence you to behave in a certain manner toward your mate. Separate what is genuinely you from the character you’re just trying out. Experimenting isn’t bad a thing!

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (May 4). You give up trying to make everyone happy and get truly balanced this year. One smart move in the next month will put you in a position to move up on the job or, for some of you, move into a new line entirely. Relationships are tender, expressive and fulfilling – you may exchange promises in July or October. Love signs are Pisces and Virgo. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 21, 14, 5 and 24.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Energy waxes and wanes, and so does your stamina. Physical limitations could prompt you to depend on other strengths you have in order to get the job done. Open up your creativity! Take chances! Increase your chi!

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). At work, concentrate on the process rather than the final product. An unsatisfactory romantic situation will turn around – all you have to do is release the need to be right. Your new attitude attracts storybook romance!

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). If you don’t make decisions that honor your values, you’ll soon find yourself doing someone else’s bidding. It’s your choice, but rethink it! You’re the headliner of your life, so why take a back seat to the peripheral players?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You don’t have to try to make moments special – they just are. People don’t need a reason to like you and work well with you – you are enough just how you are. Believe this, and your interactions will click.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Wherever possible, make the first move. You’ll do important preparations for activities that blossom later in the week. Tonight, remember that everyone wants the same thing: to be accepted.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Emphasizing independence and originality will attract romantic luck. Someone previously indifferent takes interest! Resist manipulation – from salespeople, children, bosses, anyone! Some will give an ex-love one more shot.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’re impatient with the process of change, and you’re probably getting ahead of yourself. Take steps to return to your usual grounded state! A Taurus will help. When you’re in the moment, your timing is always perfect.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I read the horoscopes every day because, though it seems really unlikely that it could be in any way applicable, I remember the day that my horoscope told me that ‘The survival of the fittest is the name of the game, and you’re at home in the jungle.’ That day, we played a basketball game on our home court. It was a close game, we played very tough, and we pulled it out at the last minute and won. Ever since, I check my horoscope every day to see if it coincides with my life."

Thank you for writing. This is exactly the kind of example that is most gratifying for astrologers to read because, although the advice and description we offer can’t be specific to an individual’s exact chart, the general color and atmosphere of the day is what we are trying to offer the reader, and this can be surprisingly accurate. The dynamics of the solar system, especially the planets near the earth (moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars) do combine to create the energy environment for daily actions, encounters and events. Research of these influences is usually rewarding enough in terms of "coinciding with life," as you say, to be of continuing fascination to any student.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: George Clooney recently helped his dad, Nick Clooney, raise money for the elder Clooney’s congressional campaign. George’s intolerably handsome looks have helped out his career and his father’s fund-raising efforts, but a star is not made on good looks alone. His Taurus sensibilities have allowed him to pick successful projects, and I predict his loyalty will help Dad become Rep. Clooney.

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Copyright 2004 Joyce Jillson