August 15, 2004

The new moon in Leo is not only a fresh start, it’s like a gunshot announcing the start of the race. Mercury is still retrograde, though, so you may sprint a few yards, metaphorically speaking, and then double back to make sure you really went as far as you thought you did. Mercury retrogrades can come with a touch of paranoia.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Be as objective as you can in regard to your own life – try and see the patterns. Old baggage could cause you to repeat a bad decision. Stay clear of mesmerizing but out-of-control new loves. Though exciting, they’re dangerous.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The spotlight is on you just when you’re feeling the shyest. Many people believe that hoarding one’s talents is a sin – rise to the occasion when asked to share yours. Choose the most natural remedies to stay healthy.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Friends fawn over you – it almost feels strange. A surge in enthusiasm over something you did in the past renews your ambitions. You may wonder – what took them so long? You may as well soak up the praise while it’s coming.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your center of gravity shifts. What was important seems less so, as different values now dictate your life. A new romantic relationship can bring plenty of gain to your life if you’re willing to sacrifice some of your independence.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It’s gratifying to develop what interests you personally. Romance is born out of your need to first explore the world on your own terms. Don’t worry about how long you’ll be single – the world is not Noah’s ark.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 15). Your relationships are fortified in every way this year – you’re really coming into your own, showing the world who you are. Singles find romance through mutual friends in the next three weeks. A December vacation is like a dream come true – after working so hard, you’ll need it. You click with Sagittarius and Libra – marriage is a fabulous idea. Your lucky numbers are: 20, 45, 16, 7 and 28.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). In every way, you are intent on lightening your load. Use carefree (but effective) people as your guides. You’ll see progress just as soon as you eliminate the elements you no longer need, whether physical or emotional.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.23). Attaining the perfect energetic flow between mind and body is your goal. Exercise that emphasizes the positive power of your mind helps you achieve this worthy aim. Think of all you’ll give back when you’re feeling stronger.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov.21). A search continues. The one thing not to do is settle in when your heart doesn’t agree. Pay attention to signals coming from your body. Someone who is perfect "on paper" doesn’t have the inner qualities you need.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.21). You’ll hit a rare period of introspection. The insights others offer you may sound like old news, but there’s a reason you keep hearing the same advice. Consider that your advisers might actually be right.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.19). A sort of uprising is featured. You know what you stand for, what’s right and what you can no longer tolerate. It does no good to give lip service, though. Let your action tell the story instead of your mouth.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.18). You’re organized, focused and efficient, so it really bugs you that others dawdle. Speak up before you’re blamed for someone else’s laziness. Don’t let technical and transportation glitches keep you from what’s important.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Exceptions to the rule are bound to come up, so be flexible. Let yourself relax and enjoy what others bring to your life. Employ your humor when family members get testy. With a little diplomacy, you’ll come out on top.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: The new moon in Leo kicks off this last week under the Leo sun. This is one of the best days in months to start a project or relationship, as you’ll likely take off at warp speed, and there’s no time to worry whether you’re doing it right. That said, do it right. Because Mercury is retrograde, the details you forget will surely come back to haunt you like a piece of mail that’s been returned to sender. Monday’s Virgo moon is a foreshadowing of what’s to come. We’re headed for a period of getting our lives totally in order, and this can start with a small project, neatly accomplished before Tuesday night. If it’s only a list of possible things you can do to become a more responsible person (like having a better system for your laundry or, better yet, your banking), you’ll be off to a powerful start in the weeks to come. Tuesday features Jupiter and Saturn in a cosmic conversation. They’re like two celestial lawyers discussing the terms of our life contracts – Jupiter says, "Give the client all he asks for," and Saturn says, "Only if the client proves he (or she) can handle such abundance." It’s a good time to give the universe a sign that you’ve been paying attention.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Music is still where Madonna’s stars shine the brightest. Married to director Guy Ritchie, Madonna has wonderfully beneficial family life and has focused her energy on projects that will delight the small people around her. Leo ladies and lads recharge with the encouragement of those they trust. In order to keep family life in happy balance, Madonna should schedule as much grown-up studio time as possible.

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– Copyright 2004 Joyce Jillson