August 9, 2004

Mercury goes retrograde in Virgo, where it will remain until Sept. 2. It’s the little things that make a difference. Paying attention to the finest details will help the gears of life run smoothly, and ignoring the small points will create instant chaos. This is a terrific time to develop an appreciation for all the elements of life we take for granted.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Around every turn, there is someone eager to complicate your thinking, not out of maliciousness but because of a need to validate their own faulty reasoning. Strive to use the elegance of simplicity to accomplish your work.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The stars reinforce your steadfast personality. If you were thinking of dropping a project, you will now have the steely resolve to cross the finish line. Nothing can frighten or deter you once you’ve put your plan in writing.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You do things that other people admire, though they may not say so out loud. Look in the mirror, and give yourself the recognition you deserve. Watch out for a tendency to choose inappropriate rewards, though.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your opportunities are strong, but other factors may obscure them from your view. Open your eyes wide! Let today be a wake-up call to you. Whatever you’ve let slip is now in danger of getting out of your grasp.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your entire psyche is honed to make good luck happen. Take a chance on off-the-wall prospects. The old way wasn’t working so great anyhow, now was it? You meet someone new while extending your kindness.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 9). This year, you step onto life’s stage with incredible confidence and self-possession. No wonder you’re so in demand over the next seven weeks. Be careful about whom you spend time with, and make sure you’re both giving and getting something from the relationship. Career aims are met in October. Love signs are Virgo and Taurus. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 24, 19, 39 and 10.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Some dreams are elusive, like shooting stars. Make a resolution that yours will not wind up a notion that you thought up one day and never acted upon. Get working. People’s limitations cause your schedule to change.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.23). An activity to which you devote many hours today is not only difficult and time consuming; it’s often thankless. The commitment you show is a testament to your character, though, and in the end, you won’t be sorry for your efforts.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov.21). Once a realization comes to you, there’s no looking back. You could be struck with the idea that you’re breaking your back to chase and maintain a lifestyle or unnecessarily putting up with a person’s antics.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.21). There are things you’ve got to change in order to make it all work now. If you’re willing to let go of preconceived notions of your perfect world, you’ll find that something even better takes its place.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.19). Whether it’s getting to know your teenage children better or relating to clients from a foreign land, in some way, you’ll be peering into a different culture. Soak up the details, especially the lingo and values of this group.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.18). It’s a vivid day, one that will go down in the memory banks. You’re in the mood for adventure and flights of poetic fancy and will seek companions who know how to deliver on such high demands.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’re so stimulated by knowledge that learning is one of the most crucial things you can do now for your happiness. When you’re happy, you’re also extremely attractive. So find ways to broaden your horizons.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I’m a female born June 10, 1954. In 1999, I purchased my own business. A few days later, my father, a Scorpio, died of cancer. After that, everything has been downhill, including my relationships and business. I have reached the end of my rope. I’m gay, so that should explain most of my family history – no partners right now or children. Is there anything in my chart that I can look forward to?"

Yes. But, first, you’ve got to make an effort to educate yourself. Geminis like you need constant mental stimulation and are usually the most satisfied at the beginning of a venture when there is plenty of learning to do – just think about how happy and stimulated you were every day when you were first starting your business. Well, it’s time to tap into that again by selling the old and getting into something new. Taking specialized classes, perhaps in sales and marketing, will help you re-invigorate your business so that it’s in fine shape to be sold. Then, enrolling in more courses will not only show you a new path but will introduce you to potential love partners. I encourage you to heal a rift within your family in October. It’s not worth carrying the grudge anymore.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: This year, accomplished and intellectual comedian Steve Martin isn’t pooh-poohing physical comedy. He’s literally bending over backward to take on the role of Inspector Clouseau originated by comedy great Peter Sellers. He also stars this year in the film "Shopgirl," based on the novella he wrote. His characteristic Leo stamina has helped keep him engaged in the comedy game, both written and physical.

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