July 26, 2004

The moon in Gemini is a friendly, productive influence. If you find yourself on the phone for twice your usual minutes, don’t be surprised, but do consider getting on a new phone plan that accommodates this loquacious astrological vibe. You’ll feel like staying home and doing as much as you can from that base of operation.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). When it comes to adjusting to the unexpected, you’re a real pro, sort of like the NBA basketball player who can shift strategies mid-air. You’ll get points for grace. Loved ones are looking on in awe. What a role model!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There are so many loose ends that require your attention that it’s challenging to focus on one thing at a time – but one thing at a time is the only way to finish. Allow yourself to miss some in order to get into the mood to work.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your home life is humming with energy. Realizations about where you are and where you want to be cause you to shift into high gear. It’s like you’re seeing your world from the point of view of a stranger who just wandered in.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The spotlight is on your reactions. What you do with new information is original, whimsical and surprising to those around you. You truly know what it is to feel light of heart. Don’t follow every lead. Be selective.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Usually, your luck comes from just being who you are – a charismatic person. But today, the odds are also in your favor as "dumb luck" befalls you! Tonight, the decision is yours to make – so why is everyone else so involved?

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 26). This year you educate yourself well, letting others enrich you with their experience. You don’t have to go through the pitfalls this way! Now through the beginning of September is the time to knuckle down and make some serious money. Romance blossoms out of a solid friendship base this fall. Love signs are Aquarius and Pisces. Your lucky numbers are: 20, 5, 48, 2 and 15.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Being solid in your own agenda gives you a terrific base from which to help others – and helping others is how you’re joyfully fulfilled. You might deliver the funniest e-mail anyone has seen in a long time.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Taking in art, literature, music and intelligent conversation will get your gears oiled again. You’ll be back in a creative mode in no time. Perfect solutions are born of this fertile mind-set. Your choices reflect maturity.

SCORPIO (Oct.24-Nov.21). Because you’re a possibility thinker, you’ll be asking yourself the tough questions – like "Should I really be living in this town?" Pat yourself on the back for being brave enough to even consider leaving what you know.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22-Dec.21). You love to portray the one who’s got it all figured out, a big player and a real cool cat. And by stepping into the role, you do become this to some extent. But try to allow yourself room for vulnerability, too.

CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.19). Your sense of community is strong, and you take your responsibility to society at large very seriously – something that shows not only in the activities you choose but also in the attitude you adopt.

AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.18). Reach to the outer corners of your network. Connecting with people in a similar position will be the key to success. You’ll be rounding out your support group with some impressive and knowledgeable individuals.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Though the workweek has just begun, you’re already thinking of vacation. Don’t wait for your drive to kick in – it may not today. Set a low quota for yourself. Not all offers of help are great to accept. Tune in to your sixth sense.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I’m a Cancer, and for the last five years, my life has been in a state of constant turmoil. I moved home to help my father take care of my mother until her death. I have lost a total of 10 relatives, had surgery for a misdiagnosed injury I received on the job and am on the brink of financial collapse. I’m on workers’ compensation and trying to make expensive repairs to my home. Is this downward slide ever going to end? I’m an educator of children with special needs, and though I love my job, I am considering other options because I can’t really afford to continue to teach, especially with the cost of insurance. I long for a family of my own, but I would not be able to afford the insurance for myself and a child. I have no love life either."

Cancer, you’re actually in a mega-powerful cycle, so I urge you not to waste it. Right now, celebrate all of the areas of your life that ARE secure. You’ve got a job you love, a place to live and a relationship with your remaining family. Build from there. The sky is not falling. This "constant turmoil" is actually just regular life.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Geoffrey Rush has a range that very few actors can match. From playing Leon Trotsky to David Helfgott, Rush is impressively believable in even the most out-there characters. He stars this year in "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," about the sometimes-troubled comic genius. Cancer people love passionate pretending, such as acting and role-playing games.

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