October 17, 2004

The Gemini moon kicks off this weekend with a friendly buzz. Who is doing what with whom seems to be everyone’s business, and this makes for lots to talk about when the gang gets together. With the upcoming Venus transit, what starts as a bit of information could grow into a full-blown scandalous rumor by tomorrow.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Just when you think you can predict a loved one’s behavior, this person will surprise you. So don’t make assumptions, and take nothing for granted. Careful planning is favored this afternoon. Picture a perfect week ahead!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You may think about what you deserve and don’t deserve, but the universe is much more broad-minded about this concept. Perhaps you don’t have to work for every little bit of acceptance. You are, and therefore, you are loved.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your independent spirit is hyperactive. You’ll feel like it’s you against the world, but it’s not. You’re working on a team, and your team includes people you don’t even know. Think of new people you meet as being on your side.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your critical voice steers you well toward becoming an expert, as opposed to someone who merely does a task well. But tell that internal chatterbox to chill out for a while this afternoon. There is perfection in imperfection.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Life provides challenges, but like a body builder who is determined to become freakishly strong, you might pile on more weight (so to speak). Be extremely judicious about how far you push yourself, or you’ll get hurt!

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (October 17). You’re fearless in so many ways this year. The next month shows you putting your self-concept on the line and blossoming into a fuller person because of this bravery. Next month, diversify, experiment, and take chances – especially in matters of education and employment. Love with an Aries or Cancer is terrific. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 40, 24, 11 and 53.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You may require a last-minute rescue. This endears you to your "hero." Don’t worry so much about what the score is. Sometimes, you repay a good deed by doing good in the future for someone else. Things always work out.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Remind yourself of all that’s going right for you – that’s a lot! This helps build your inner stability. Once bolstered, you’ll feel confident enough to explore the world and engage people who are very different from yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Exceptions will be made in your favor all day long. In fact, the only pressures you feel are self-imposed. Leave room for creativity in your own schedule, and give children plenty of room for self-expression, too.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Others depend on you to set them on the right path. Unfortunately, this is something every person has to do for himself or herself. Trying to propel someone into an attitude only causes resistance. Get on with your own life.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You are fascinated by mysteries and rituals and will create some for yourself. Having your own special and private way of doing things can strengthen your relationship with yourself, allowing you to have more to give others.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Excitement sweeps you into a different mind-set – this is an eventful day! An embryonic hope is uncovered tonight. Now that you know what your unconscious desire is, you must either act on it or release it.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If you get the chance to mix and mingle with the unknown, don’t hesitate to say "yes." New people give you the opportunity to conceive yourself anew. You could present a side of yourself that surprises even you.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Romances that seemed destined to dwindle like the temperature will get a second wind. New possibilities enter our minds as we loosen our grip on the way things are. This placement for Venus also emphasizes creativity. Activities done on a lark become something slightly more serious. Could this be a way to make extra money or something to give as a gift? People are more appreciative of handmade sentiments and will put a higher value on them. The Gemini moon through Tuesday morning brings a playful vibe. If you’re willing to experiment, you could just come up with a magic recipe for creative success. Tuesday starts the workweek with a flurry of activity, but most of it is social. Everyone has to catch up on the latest news before anything gets accomplished. Small talk is important, so don’t try to skip the niceties! Friday, Mercury transits into Virgo. Make sure you understand your contractual agreements – loans, insurance policies and financial arrangements.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Dashing Virgo Hugh Grant has become the romantic-comedy king. Virgo men tend to come across as modest with a self-effacing sense of humor – irresistible to women! I predict an engagement for Grant this year, though Virgo men have a tendency not to marry until much later in life. They are always looking for the same perfection in a life mate that they demand in themselves.

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