July 24, 2004

The first weekend under the Leo sun is bursting with excitement, new plot twists and budding relationships. The moon enters Scorpio in the early evening, shrouding the night in a fog of sexual tension and sensual awareness. If you’ve been wondering what a loved one is thinking, you’ll now figure it out without having to ask.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). New talents are featured. There’s the tiniest inkling in the back of your mind that says, "Maybe I could do that," but you have no evidence of your actual aptitude. Use your Aries bravery to jump in and risk being rotten at first.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Security is the issue. Things that made you feel safe before (job, money, relationships) are fragile, transitory states in life that can’t be counted fully. The real security is the creative power of the universe that holds the planets in orbit.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’re developing excellent communication with your inner circle, which makes your whole world roll smoothly. Part of the process is admitting when you’ve been dishonest, even if it was something small.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Consistent effort toward a goal is more reliable than a whimsical wish. Travel, even close by, is uplifting. Don’t worry now about what you can afford. When you return home, you’ve got much more than what you started with.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ve heard of people sabotaging themselves, but you never thought you were one of them. However, now you may feel like disconnecting from the exact people you need to stay connected with. Resist! Stay connected!

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 24). Paradoxically, when you crack down on your self-discipline, you experience a new level of freedom. A major personal goal is reached in August. Travel in September includes new job opportunities. Big money in October is from a lucky deal. You could marry in November or March of next year. Cancer and Aries are sincere and exciting partners. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 5, 11, 3 and 20.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Flow with the changes that are coming at you from all sides. The shift from old to new is exciting and a bit stressful, too. Reach out. Have conversations with friends. It helps to know that others are going through the same thing.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). You make sense of other people’s ideas, fleshing out the details and taking things to a practical level. Spend time with people who can appreciate your brilliance. A loved one soon returns to your arms happier than ever.

SCORPIO (Oct.24-Nov.21). Show-and-tell skills are required! Sure, you’re out in the real world, pursuing grown-up causes, but these grade-school talents are still as valuable as they ever were in the cause of winning friends and influencing people.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22-Dec.21). This will be a lively day of rejuvenation and anticipation. Your ego is inflated by praise – it’s lovely to be recognized by people you respect. You continue to grow closer to what it is you meant to do in the first place.

CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.19). You’re feeling rather aggressive, but it can be put to a very positive end. Grab the horns of life like you’re not afraid of being hurt, and you’ll make the most of this lucky day. Don’t back off when you manifest what you want.

AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.18). You’ll see profits from things begun on your own and in secret. Let the energy percolate inside you instead of dissipating it by telling too many people. An hour or two on your project is enough to push it ahead considerably.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Socially, you are quite in demand. But spreading yourself too thin is a danger. When your concentration is too divided, you’ll miss an opportunity to connect on any real level with even one person.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I’ve been battling for the last five years, and I’m getting tired. I moved to Los Angeles three years ago to pursue an acting career (I know, an almost impossible field to break into). I knew it would be difficult, and I’m willing to struggle to achieve my goals, but I just feel as though I get no help. I was dumped over a year ago because my boyfriend didn’t accept my career dreams. I’m 33 and afraid I’ll be alone forever. I’m not attracted to the men who approach me. Acting is my obsession, but I want a family, too. Can’t I have both? Is there hope? My date of birth is Sept. 26, 1970."

Libra is the sign of both relationships and high art. If anyone can balance love and an artistic lifestyle, it’s you. But right now, instead of trying to get into a show, you’re making a show of your struggle with an artistic life. You do this because you’re afraid of finding out you’re not as talented as you think you are. Though I do see talent in your chart, I’ll let you in on a secret: Talent will only take you 10 percent or 20 percent of the way. The rest is attitude. Do what it takes to renew yours, and then, jump back in the game, this time with a solid business plan.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Jennifer Lopez has had a wild ride this year: heartbreak, marriage, controversy, intrigue but always looking fashionable and so well-coifed. Lopez is a lion-like Leo, so her mane and looks are very important to her. A new hairstyle and unique color choices this year could signal that she’s ready to make a big change in her public persona. Those close to her should watch out and give her room to prowl.

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