May 23, 2004

As this lunar cycle winds to a close over the next few days, we are able to get finality in areas of life that have felt vague or unfinished. Nobody likes to say goodbye, perhaps for fear of the void that follows. It’s not painful, but we fear it all the same. Have the courage to make an exit. You just might love what comes into your life next.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Family members may be taxing your emotional reserves. After all, when was the last time you did anything just for you? Getting enough time is the problem – but not really. If you make the time, it will happen.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You are joyful and teach others how to have more joy and playfulness because of your natural exuberance. Your sense of humor gets you out of a tight spot with a family member. If you cherish harmony, don’t boss anyone around.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). What you are willing to let go of becomes the issue. If you need to be forgiven, ask, and it shall happen. Hopefulness prevails. If there is something about your image you’d like to change, a Cancer or Libra helps.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Someone exciting pops onto the scene, rearranges everything and then exits just as quickly. Be open to going on the ride, since resistance is futile. A starting interruption of everyday patterns might be just what was needed.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Return calls immediately, as good news requires action. Your social life is featured: It never pays to turn down what looks like an opportunity. How much you can do has a direct relation to how much you think you can do.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (May 23). Freedom is the word that describes this year best. But it’s a paradox. The more responsible you are for the world around you and for what happens to you, the freer you become. Changes at work give you a chance to move to a new situation in July. You’re the life of the party in August and will have a fascinating romance – possibly with a Leo or Libra. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 3, 7, 1 and 5.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Mixing business and pleasure is perfectly acceptable. However, don’t force yourself to be playful. Genuine spontaneity is a beautiful thing, requiring that you stay in the moment.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Teaching makes you aware of what you’d like to learn next. Start planning it. Even if you’re happy where you are, it’s lucky to read the classified ads. A brilliant idea could very well break you out of a rut.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Notice what others do, not what they say. Attractive people stir your spirit of competition. You’ll be the one with the fabulous attitude when things go awry, which they will. Being a sport adds to your charisma.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Get blocks of unstructured time going in your life. Breathing room helps you do better in every area. Today features little mishaps and accidental meetings with people who will be important to your future.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Giving from the heart makes a huge difference in someone else’s life. Concentrate on family and spiritual values – energies will be renewed. Singles make love connections at church. Hearty laughter is healing tonight.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Though you may have had your doubts, family and friends prove loyal fans. Much excitement centers around what you’re doing and the way you’re living. If you take too much credit, others will start to resent you. Be modest.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Get behind family members with enterprising ideas; you have a talent for connecting people. Someone pursuing new friendship will only find out how valuable his or her relationship with you really is. Shopping is lucky.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: It’s an exciting week but only the tip of the iceberg compared to the changes that will come. Years into the future, you’ll look back on this period as a time when the groundwork was laid for an entirely new chapter. A couple of "buildings" must come down in order for this psychic renovation to occur. You’ll be saying some goodbyes before Thursday, and as long as you are, why not add a few more to the list? Say goodbye to debt, to thinking you need to spend money to impress people and to using money as source of comfort. Say goodbye to fair-weather friends, catering to sweethearts at the expense of getting your own needs met, and yes, say goodbye to being a martyr at work, too. Want more ideas? Ask the new moon late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning (depending on where you live) for advice. (If you’ve never talked to the moon before, you might be surprised by her soft, soothing tone and her way of cutting to the quick about what’s been bothering you.) With both Venus and Neptune retrograde now, we’re not satisfied by the same things that pleased us last week. Re-envision what could make you happy.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Skateboarding hero Tony Hawk’s digital manifestation is more familiar to most people than his real body. Thousands of guys use their thumbs to skateboard in his Underground and Pro Skater video games. Not only that, Hawk has his own line of clothing and shoes. As a Taurus, Hawk has the just right kind of dedication, power and discipline to be a great athlete.

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