April 20, 2001

Mercury, the planet of agreements, and Mars, the planet of lawyers and legal challenges, align in a way that will move stalled deals along. You can overcome difficulties with the fine print in contracts when both parties sit down together. Stock market gains are possible. You have luck finding imaginative ways to finance a child’s education.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Having fund with your best friend is today’s high point. May be a longed-for commitment is impending, but first, be thorough with all work routines, no matter how tedious they may seem. Imitate a Gemini’s sense of humor tonight.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Plans are made, and you feel content, even secure for a change! You’re appreciated and valued by all who know you. Work will be challenging this afternoon. You may even stay overtime while others are free to frolic. You won’t mind.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You have a magnetic quality that’s drawing the "in" crowd to you. Networking includes introducing the power elite to each other, which can only be good for you in the long-run! The evening will begin a weekend full of exceptional romantic appeal.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll fall in love with someone who reminds you of your mom or dad. At work, you are the boss’ favorite. You may become the target of jealousy among co-workers. If you remain kindly unbiased, your enemies cannot touch you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). A weekend getaway is better than no getaway at all. You’re considering whether to join a club. You may, however, consider that the group you want to join may have philosophical views that are different from your own. Can you handle it!

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (April 20). The excitement level is higher than usual this year. Pace yourself during May, when luck, opportunities, social occasions and temptations to treat yourself abound. In June, good fortune will continue to flow forth, but it could cost you. In July, travel plans may go awry, so you’ll consider renovating your home instead. A potentially lucrative idea will pop up in August. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 6, 18, 22 and 30.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re being taught by a supercharged A-type individual. He or she is extremely healthy for your shy streak, and you can learn much from the experience. Tonight, you’re one of the self-sacrificing volunteers for overtime at work.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A creepy co-worker may have dogged your footsteps lately. Your diplomatic kiss-off, paired with fate’s intervention, will relive you of this uneasy situation. Togetherness is this weekend’s theme, so enjoy it. Marriage is in the air.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Extend your hand to help an old friend or business colleague, who lost more than you know. The health of a family member is a concern, and you may be the one responsible for taking care of him or her tonight. Be patient.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). If you don’t spread yourself out too thin (there are so many interesting things going on!), productivity will be exceptional. Go out and party, which you’re eager to do, and you’ll make good contacts that will be beneficial in the future.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When you’re least expecting it, the boss will bestow an award of great value, promotion or important recognition. Don’t let your learned skills wane. Practice whatever skills set you apart as special. You’re found to succeed.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Change is calling you, so go somewhere new, where cultural richness can be experienced. Consider taking a course in engineering or going for another degree, because you yearn for intellectual growth. Exercise and be healthy.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). It’s very likely you’ll spend the weekend working on taxes or other personal financial issues, but enjoy socializing today. Have lunch with a friend that includes a newsy chat. The evening will include a rich, delicious and exotic meal.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: Whatever you plan this weekend, don’t get too adamant about it because the unexpected arrival of an out-of-town friend or relative may not only interrupt your plans, but will enrich the weekend so dramatically that you won’t want to miss it! Celebrations are in the air, and families will gather ‘round for any reason they can think of, especially to venerate elderly members. Don’t expect to find an empty picnic table at the park. With Jupiter in Gemini, short trips by car, bike or motorcycle are more than a fad. Everybody’s getting a laptop or hand-held computer so they can stay in touch while they wander. On Sunday, find time for someone you’ve neglected, and take your serious romantic partner along to meet those who matter in your life. It’s a less-than-casual time in romantic relationships. People want to get married. Having a look-see at potential homes will become a weekend pastime for countless engaged dreamers, and the number of wedding showers, baby showers and housewarming parties will soon multiply. Meaningless sweet talk always proliferates at such times, however. It’s fun to be flattered, so enjoy listening to sweet nothings, but take several grains of salt when new acquaintances are doing the flattering.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Gemini and Aries make a great romantic couple because they usually start out as friends. There’s a mutual respect for each other’s rapid-fire thinking and debating ability, humor and ideas. Gemini enables Aries to do anything, and Aries protects Gemini. Both of them tend to have a closet full of unfinished projects, but with sexy chemistry like these two have, they can just keep the closet door closed.

To find out more about Joyce Jillson and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com

Copyright 2001 Joyce Jillson