August 13, 2004

The Virgo moon focuses on health and self-improvement. It’s easy to be serious about starting the new year off on a good foot. Mercury joins Uranus and Neptune in the ever-friendly Aquarian realm, emphasizing our interconnectedness. We need one another, and it will be a bit easier to say it out loud. Make phone calls to friends, and support them.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You have the instincts to make a lot of money. Conversations regarding the handling of domestic affairs are worthwhile. They’ll head off any potential differences of viewpoints in a meeting. You’ll be very stubborn tonight.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Try to pin that special someone down to some kind of commitment. Unconfirmed plans will keep your future goals up in the air – take important steps now. Don’t ignore a challenge any longer. An old flame will return and ask for a date.

GEMINI (May 21 -June 21). You’ll have more peace of mind when you learn to go over your monthly bank statement on a regular basis. Keeping money and friendship separate will help you hang onto both. Follow your interest in a new sport or dance.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Decisions based on your super-high expectations are dangerous. Be reasonable and focused. Indulge yourself, too. Others may try to use you as an emotional crutch, but a bit of love will create true friendship in the long run.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). A little behind-the-scenes bluffing might be necessary in order to throw your adversary off the trail. Life is subtly preparing you to play a bigger part in the drama life. Work for an inner sense of satisfaction, as well as for the paycheck.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 13). Power up! It’s a year for decisive goal-setting and professional rewards Know your worth, and don’t settle for less than your true value. February and March feature your development of a new concept. Get ready for a slow, steady financial growth in the spring. You’ll enjoy more time for pleasure and romance in June. Your lucky love sign is Taurus. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 33, 19, 44 and 41.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Reschedule and interview; it will be better for you in the long run. A frustrating medical problem you’ve been trying to handle yourself may respond better to professional care. Begin shopping for that furry pet you’ve always wanted.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Productivity is up, and anxiety should be down. Making a financial agreement could be difficult because you sense that there are unknown factors ready to come to light. An important bill that arrives may require your immediate attention.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have a special flair for dealing with the public. Your good manners will open the doors to the most elitist functions. Even though you maybe disenchanted with someone, don’t make a hasty decision. Look before you leap.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). If you can’t shake a particular hunch or feeling, take action. A new phase of communication could open up for you. Demonstrate your willingness to meet a partner halfway. Law down the rules to children.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Be deliberate in everything you do, though unruly beliefs may pop into your head. Your mate is swilling to be flexible, but only if you are, too. Take every opportunity to express yourself. You are particularly agile now.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your enthusiasm allows you to be extra confident. You’ll receive a bonus from your boss. Be aggressive in love or when looking for a job. Everyone will get the message when you stand up for yourself and your convictions.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You fit someone’s romantic criteria perfectly. A cutie will ask you out soon. People you barely know will have a great effect on you. Ignore a neighbor who asks for too much. Letting yourself be used is as bad as a crime as the user perpetrates.

astrological FEATURE: STAR SUPPORTERS OF 2002 (PART ONE OF SIX): Who will help you get what you’re looking for in the new year? Aries: You’ll seek out those who helped you in the past, but with who you’ve been out of touch. Fellow fire signs Leo, Aries and Sagittarius are the luckiest. In particular, a Leo sparks your talent creativity by telling you what he or she is doing. Say to yourself, "I could do that!" and find a new career, hobby or lifestyle that re-energizes your ambitions. A Gemini is a close friend and confidante who will be there for you – treat this friendship with special care. Taurus: You shouldn’t mind being candid with those who are close to you, and they won’t hold back when you ask for the truth. You’ll be able to count on a Scorpio and Sagittarius often this year. An accurate view of the world will help you reach your destination. In order to make a successful plan that really works, your best collaborator should be a mentor who has been there before. A Cancer will be especially generous with his or her advice, wisdom and contacts. One caution: Those who are jealous of you will be no help at all – keep them at a distance while you welcome your true supporters. Luckily, it’s easy for you to tell the difference.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Capricorn Mel Gibson could be featured in an architectural magazine as a designer of an impressive home or urban structure. His chart is rich with earth-sign influences, and building is the perfect expression of his stable nature. With his moon in Virgo, his audience will be surprised to know that he has to work hard at being outgoing and may be quite shy. With Mercury in Capricorn, he can talk his way into any good situation.

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 2002 Joyce Jillson