October 3. 2004

Venus glides into the discerning realm of Virgo, where she’ll be until Oct. 28. The beautiful planet gets a kind of cosmic tune-up in Virgo, like a well-tended woman’s day at the spa. Beauty, after all, comes with the cost of maintenance. This is the perfect time to zero in on what needs attention in regards to physical appearance and inner beauty.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Heated situations crop up, and you seem to be in the center of the excitement. Your opinion is very different from that of others around you, so be aware of when you’re stirring up controversy. Break your own rules tonight.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). New horizons are featured, but you have to seek them and be willing to go when called. Be open to unexpected gifts, skepticism aside. Someone wants nothing more than to share his or her happiness about life.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When you’re away from overbearing people, you’re in heaven. Kick back, and take care of yourself. Notice subtle patterns in your emotions and in your health. This helps you get into the peak performance zone when you need to.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). This is a day for doing something out of character – like maybe dreaming of distant shores. There are so many beautiful places in the world you’ve yet to experience. Make a list, and start planning your travels.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). People who make you feel comfortable are your favorite companions. Why feel the pressure to put on airs or even be fabulously entertaining? Sometimes, it’s just better to chill. Treat everyone equally.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (October 3). You’re prolific and will fill the world with your works this year. The person you align yourself with is the single most important factor to what you experience this month. So stand with the big winners. Adventure is featured in November. Be willing to travel far to get what you need. Career goals are met in January. Your heart is full of love in the new year. Your lucky numbers are: 20, 45, 1, 53 and 12.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Service is high on the ladder of spirituality, and you find fulfilling ways to make yourself useful now. Loved ones may seem to be miles away, but their thoughts will return to you this evening. Expect nothing, and you get everything.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Collecting data and being a fast learner are the orders of the day. You’ll get something valuable from being invisible in a situation tonight – your fly-on-the-wall status is much better than being the center of attention could ever be.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Fill your mind with pleasant thoughts about others. Though you’re a master of intrigue, you wouldn’t want to be accused of being emotionally unavailable, would you? Deep connections are forged with open communication tonight.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There’s culture to be experienced, but it’s not obvious. Research the newspaper’s entertainment section. You may have to drive to the next town! It’s worth it if you’re pursuing high-minded activities.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You hold an honored place among family. You can keep your position by refusing to engage in gossip without making the offending party feel guilty. Tonight brings the chance to give recognition and accept responsibility.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Though you have less in common than ever with an old friend, it’s still important to keep in touch. The feeling of connection you get keeps you in tune with all humanity. Also, being a little sentimental softens your thoughts.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your quality of life comes into question. You’ll peek through a window into the future. Do you like what you see? If not, now’s your opportunity to do something about it. Your digestion is delicate tonight – stick to "safe" foods.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: On the cosmic playground, two basic human needs are playing with and against one another this week – the need for social contact and the need for solitude. You’ll probably find yourself alternating between overwhelming togetherness and extreme seclusion, both states equally satisfying. Venus transits into Virgo at the top of the week, trumpeting the beginning of a mission. Whether it’s getting into shape, choosing friends who are a better influence or generally taking better care of your health, the goal will have a significant impact on your self-image. Venus in Virgo reminds us that beauty comes with the price of maintenance. Well-tended people command more respect. By the end of October, you’ll look and feel different. The Cancer moon Monday through Wednesday brings the focus to home and domesticity. Mercury waves at the sun on Tuesday, when you can expect loved ones to say what’s on their mind, finally. Everyone has been so tactful lately that it’s been easy to miss the real root of the message. Listen for the bottom line instead of getting sucked into the flattery and social graces that couch the exchange.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Pop rocker Avril Lavigne is a fashion-conscious Libra who set a major trend with her white tank and necktie. Will she start another such fad this year while doing publicity for her second record? No, but she could stir up interest in the area of design when her home is featured in a magazine or on a television show. Venus ruled, Libra folks are visual creatures and very particular about their environments.

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Copyright 2004 Joyce Jillson