July 17, 2004

The moon goes void of course in the afternoon, making it harder to tap into strong emotions and easier to entertain different viewpoints. How can we make a decision when so many good reasons support both sides? The Cancer sun throws a light on domestic issues. It’s lucky to start a home-improvement list, financial plan or relationship map.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You enjoy the company of a special person and feel a special zest for life when he or she is around. The attraction is powerful, but don’t let it override your own inner chorus. Healthy living is an interest worth following.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Make sure your choices are supporting your true worth. You deserve the best in life, so what is standing between you and that special something? Ask for workable solutions, and a few will drop seemingly from the sky.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You may start out feeling like you can’t win, but you wind up feeling like you just did. There are minor eruptions as family members or friends squabble over the dumbest stuff. You know when to contribute and when to stay out.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The role you play in the big picture becomes clear. If you don’t like it, the changes start now. You need time to yourself. Take as much as you can without letting children go neglected. An older family member would love to help you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The thing about a plan is, it’s seldom right the first time. You’ve got to review it, revise it and rework it several times before it’s a genius situation, but you’re in this for the long haul. Being close to exciting and inspirational people helps.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 17). Your generosity is astounding this year, and because of it, you attract abundance in every area of your life, most importantly in the area of love and relationships. Next month, you’ll have competition in the career department, but it’s overcome if you’re focused on beating your own records. You’ve got a tight connection with Leo and Pisces. Your lucky numbers are: 36, 1, 11, 50 and 19.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Loved ones need to be understood and will bend over backward for someone who just listens. Lucky for you, this is your specialty. Serious discussion leads you to rediscover deep, abiding passion.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). It feels fantastic to get down to business. Self-expression has more to do with the goals you choose to pursue now than what you have to say. Let the voice mail answer some calls while you work on your to-do list.

SCORPIO (Oct.24-Nov.21). You’re obsessed with unraveling a mystery! Twists and turns in the plot keep things interesting, so try not to be too frustrated by the pursuit. It turns better than actually getting what you want.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22-Dec.21). You find a niche and fill it with a brilliant idea. Extra money is best spent on an educational investment or one having to do with technological advance. Also favored now: short expeditions, classes and cultural events.

CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.19). Moneymaking ideas are featured, and it’s a lark to brainstorm with your intelligent friends (like Aquarius). You love mixing business with pleasure this way. One caution, though: Avoid re-inventing the wheel. Do your research.

AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.18). Simple works best, though people around you make it harder than it should be. Step back, and observe for a while before getting involved. Be careful not to dominate what should be a cooperative situation.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll be dishing out some of your tough love. It’s challenging to know when to help and when to lead strictly by example. You’re incredibly wise, and you’ll be able to figure this one out like nobody before you could.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I’m a psychic who recently started advising people other than my close friends and family. Sometimes, I don’t know if I should tell the person I’m advising everything I see. Is it sometimes dangerous to know what’s ahead for you? Are there some days you should look at your horoscope?

There are no good or bad omens in the stars. It is our perception of the aspects that makes good news or bad fortune. Therefore, facts that are garnered from the application of astrology are neutral in a sense. When we take those facts and apply our own desires and prejudices, the facts take on the form of victories, setbacks and so forth. Is there a time it is better not to know? At certain points in our daily decision-making process, we may feel a resolve to act one way while we still investigate other methods of action. At these times, some people may be irritated by information that opens up too many options, confusing them further about how to act or what step to take next. Holding off an astrological forecast until the individual is ready to be open to new ideas might be the best way to handle such circumstances.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Hip host Carson Daly sorts out all the new pop stars for us. His MTV show "Total Request Live" rakes in high ratings on the well-watched network. This year, he could be romantically linked with someone who happens to love the free publicity. The relationship doesn’t come without its perks, though. Cancer stars really like promoting people – encouraging others gives them warm fuzzies.

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