August 3, 2004

It’s a hands-on day. Venus and Mars strike an enlivening dynamic that makes it impossible to continue to sit around and see what happens. We’re driven to jump in and mix it up. This is true both in love and at work. There will be talking out of line and inappropriate interventions, but that’s all part of the mechanism of change.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Anything that can be improved upon (in either your external or internal environment) goes on a long list. It’s so easy for you to see your shortcomings now, but instead of dwelling on them, give yourself constructive criticism.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). What seemed just fine yesterday now feels deficient, including your small apartment or older-model car. Do whatever you can to bolster your self-esteem in non-materialistic ways, as dwelling on what you don’t have wears you out.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Like a twin who depends on his or her sibling to set the mood, you may rely too heavily on outside forces to determine your attitude. Prevent this tendency by considering carefully what you decide to react to and what you let slide.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). When you meet someone who has achieved much in an arena where you yourself would like to become successful, offer to take this person to dinner – somewhere nice, of course. Acts like this will cause you to expand your life.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The enemy is that part of you which feels the need to complain. It’s a powerful force that compels you to moan, but if you resist, you’ll find your power. Why go on like a broken record when you can do something about it?

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 3). This birthday marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. You’re feeling more in control of what happens, and you’re standing up for yourself and handling situations that were once difficult. This wave of confidence attracts a new job in September. Singles find love at work in the fall. You are especially compatible with Capricorn and Pisces. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 25, 41, 22 and 54.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The ground rules at work are shifting and shaking – it’s like a continental drift that will eventually change the landscape of your profession. Instead of being scared, be on the cutting edge, or at least interview people who are.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Handle business early when you’re like a walking computer, fantastic at keeping the figures straight and itemizing long lists in your head. Tasks you would usually do by rote seem to have a whole different meaning now.

SCORPIO (Oct.24-Nov.21). You’ll feel like letting up on that strong self-discipline you’ve established, but don’t. Now is the time to persevere. If you let yourself get off the productivity train, it will be weeks before you can get back on.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22-Dec.21). The more interest you show in something, the more interesting that thing becomes. Great joy is found today when you decide to be a connoisseur, a fan and an enthusiast. Fellow devotees would love to chat with you.

CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.19). You’ll be flowing with your emotions, but don’t let them determine what action you take. Be driven by principle instead. You’ll spend the morning getting a clearer understanding of what you need for the big and little picture.

AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.18). You’re experiencing a growth spurt and may become suddenly uncomfortable with who you are. If you’re unhappy with your outer shell, consider the thoughts you’re thinking about what you look like.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If you feel like you’re just going along with the status quo, today brings a wake-up call. You don’t have to decide exactly what to do about it just yet, but take an honest look at your situation. Put off signing contracts.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "Joyce, these days, I’m not as happy as I usually am, and it worries me. My job situation is not where I want it to be, and I haven’t been in a serious romantic relationship for a while. I have a lot to be thankful for, and cognitively, I realize that, but I just feel like I’m in a funk. Please let me know how I can turn things around. I’m an Aquarius born on Jan. 30, 1978."

I advise you to start enjoying your single status because it isn’t going to last. I predict you’ll meet someone special around your birthday next year, and your whole life will change. You’ve got no time to waste now. I know that in your current mood it’s difficult to get motivated, but if you do nothing else to improve your life in the next three months, do this: Fall in love with a fitness regime. If you can afford it, get a trainer. If you can’t, get into a class. You’ll not only see immediate results, but your energy will be better than normal, and you’ll regain your enthusiasm for life. For now, don’t worry about your job or your love life. Concentrate on setting some goals that have to do with travel, leisure and personal development.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Fall brings "Joey," the hotly anticipated spinoff of "Friends" starring Leo actor Matt LeBlanc. Leos excel in a group just as long as they know they are special, and LeBlanc’s character Joey is certainly unique. LeBlanc’s year of changes also includes a baby girl. Marina was born in February of this year, and Leo folks thrive when caring for a child, so I suggest LeBlanc give the nanny lots of time off.

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