August 26, 2004

With Mercury still retrograde, and both the sun and moon in signs that like to be super subtle with emotional sharing, some actions taken will be misconstrued. The lunar influence is Capricorn, so the confusion could center around who’s being shown respect, how and why. To avoid trouble, pay attention to protocol, and be as clear as possible.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The theme is connection. You unconsciously quest to better understand the nature of friendship, to reconnect with a forgotten friendship or to learn the true meaning of friendship. Tonight, the cat is out of the bag.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your imagination needs to be nourished, and this happens best when you get out of your normal environment and experience something new. It won’t happen naturally. Some planning and effort must take place.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Errands and appointments rule your schedule, but what happens during the pit stops in between will be the most fascinating. There’s much to envy about a fabulous friend, and these feelings are best kept private.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Practical matters need speedy resolution. Your relationships (especially the romantic ones) run much more smoothly when the bills are paid. At work, you’ll be required to do a lot in a small stretch of time.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your rare qualities are highlighted. Your relationship with a certain person is different from any other relationship either you or this person has. Recognize its uniqueness, and appreciate what this tie brings to your life.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 26). You count your wealth in many currencies this year – love is at the top of that list. Relationships get tighter as your commitment becomes more definite. New income sources are featured in the next six weeks. Getting the proper skills will ensure that you get a position you’re aiming for this fall. Love signs are Cancer or Leo. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 10, 45, 49 and 29.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your own achievement has surpassed your expectation, and that’s a remarkable feeling – for about an hour. Then, true to form, you’re trying to improve again. If you’re not communicating with family, break the pattern.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Everyone has an opinion, but that doesn’t obligate you to follow the advice. Feel free to live your way. The old success wheel will start rolling when you develop your individuality to an even higher level. Romance is in the air tonight.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Family members show love and support in their own funny way. Special relationships help you with job advancement. You needn’t feel guilty, as the benefits will be mutual. Your contribution at work is greatly enriching.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Pace yourself, and don’t let demands run you ragged. You can only do so much on your own and may find it necessary to delegate more of your load. Start by getting the help of your nearest and dearest.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You have superhuman energy! You may use it to further everyone else’s agenda, but don’t forget about your own projects. A friend’s self-confidence is directly affected by your opinion. Be compassionate, but don’t be neutral.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your normally easygoing attitude is overthrown by a consuming feeling of exhilaration. A creative life force is surging through you now, and it touches all you do with a passionate fire. Appreciation for your work is coming.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll be exploring your ideals and maybe changing them, too. You’re a complex being with needs that can only be met in your own quirky time. Adventure and spontaneity are the remedy for your restless spirit.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I’m very confused now. I’ve been having dreams about my ex-boyfriend, and they turn out to be true. Sometimes, instead of dreams, I suddenly have a feeling that something is happening to him or that he’s making an important decision, and then, I find out that my feeling was true. The dreams I have of him are vivid, and I can remember details when I wake up. I don’t dream of other people except my deceased father. Do you think my ex and I are sending each other telepathic messages? Or is it only me who is getting vibes from him? He’s a Pisces born March 18, 1969. I’m a Cancer born on July 3, 1962. Maybe all of this is just a coincidence, but it’s making me feel really weird. Does this connection have anything to do with our signs?"

Yes! The two of you are born under the two most psychic signs of the zodiac, and your connection is absolutely special. There’s nothing to be afraid of about being in tune with your intuition. You get messages all of the time, but you’re only listening to the ones about your ex because you want to get back together – a terrific idea.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: On-set high jinks could put kinks in director Tim Burton’s summer plans. He is working on a remake of the beloved film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" with the ubiquitous Johnny Depp in the title role. Virgo people try their best to ensure each project they work on goes smoothly. Burton should rely on his assistant directors to sort out snags instead of taking on the extra burden himself.

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