July 16, 2001

The sun has made a grand entrance into theatrical Leo, and passion is alive and well. Under this exaggerated influence, it’s easy to say more than you mean. Give loved ones the benefit of the doubt, and don’t be hasty! Remember that obstacles to success are only in our imagination, and they can often be handled in one courageous phone call.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You will make financial progress through your unconventional methods. Even if the forum is unfamiliar, follow your values, for they are constant. You gain instant respect from others by setting standards and sticking to them.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Reorganize your personal life in preparation for a magical week. If you give in to a partner’s whim, the favor will be returned. You’re lucky to have a whimsical influence in your life! You’ll have plenty of fun when you include a Pisces.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your social skills are in rare form. Feel the drama build in a love relationship – you know when this is heading. Time away from it all is what you need tonight. Put yourself in a position conducive to deep introspection. Write down your thoughts.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are magnetically drawn to what teaches you more about life. Love encounters can evoke powerful emotions, so be careful. Escaping tonight with a book or movie is as productive as any work you could have done.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You glow with confidence. Resist anyone who tries to commit you to one plan of attack, and be wary of those who don’t match your enthusiasm. A good work ethic pays off, and this week, the dividends are visible immediately.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 16). Your desires and ambitions become more defined. As you see more clearly, you make the best decisions. In August, there’s an opportunity to make a new life on familiar ground. A relationship with a young person calls for more patience until September, when you will be proud! The best signs for romance are Aquarius or Sagittarius, so be alert. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 9, 15, 36 and 33.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your recent revelations will help you unexpectedly. Keep expanding your knowledge, and don’t look back. Modesty might be a problem – don’t let others downgrade your work or contributions! A connection with a Taurus is lucky.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Turn off the phone so that nothing will distract you from your best work. An adversary may offer you a direct challenge, and you’ll probably win if you accept – but is it worth it? Tonight, give some thoughts to your calling in life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Don’t settle for the ordinary. Special people do special things. There’s so much social action – it all begins with the word "yes." Friends help your career options if they’re properly informed. Be specific and forthcoming.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Remain open and willing to move forward. Do not take joy in another person’s troubles, or you will be alone during your own time of need. A feeling of importance comes from a surprising source. Romance is in the stars tonight.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your adversaries will quickly back down if you exhibit self-confidence. Take apart old ideas and reinvent them to suit your tastes. A Libra’s indifference to your feelings is no longer important, as you have bigger fish to fry.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Eccentric behavior brings attention and prestige. Have faith in the ideas you discover on your own, rather than those handed to you on a silver platter. Independence is appealing to others. Release anxiety with exercise.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). This is a wonderful day to dream. Anything you write will further your luck, even if you’re just jotting down a secret wish! Call on a romantic interest to find out where you stand in his/her heart. Assertiveness is the word of the day.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "Reading my horoscope often makes my day seem better or worse, depending on what it says. But I keep wondering, where do you get your source of information, and what are their sources of information?

I would hope that reading your horoscope would never make your day worse, as that’s not at all the intention. View your horoscope as information that can help you make decisions that lead to harmony, success and fulfillment. As for my source, like most astrologers, I get my information about the planets (and the sun and moon’s positions) from a book of astronomical tables called an ephemeris. The tables are compiled in books and contain planetary positions plotted many years ahead. Keep in mind that it’s the interpretations of planetary positions that differentiate astrologers. Just as physicians, stockbrokers and social scientists all work from virtually the same database available to experts in their fields, so too do astrologers. But what the data mean depends on who presents it. My philosophy is that astrological knowledge can improve every situation and help you, my readers, to get the things out of life you want and deserve.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: David Duchovny explores outer limits beyond the "X-Files" this year by directing a digital movie. Leo performers prefer to be in front of the camera, but still can’t resist the opportunity to prove themselves in a new area of expertise – Duchovny is no exception. His classic Leo traits requires him to be in the spotlight at all times.

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