July 26 (Thursday)

The Virgo moon has us planning the day and night out precisely, and the Cancer sun backs up those expectations with emotional anticipation. Try to relax – when we expect less, we get more. If you can’t help but be aware of shortcomings, try at least to focus on your own! Mercury and Mars give everyone the courage to be aggressive.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). True friendships come through now. You can call on favors to get things accomplished quickly. A dependable family member can help financially. It’s your turn this time; believe in yourself, and get to work.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Past efforts you didn’t know were appreciated could now bring recognition or even awards. You deserve more out of your love life. On the domestic front, talking things out solves a number of troubling differences.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When you show chutzpah, you’ll gain admirers. Honor your own needs in a relationship by asking for what you want. A certain plan maybe more costly than anticipated. The key to avoiding failure is patience and timing.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Bring glad tidings to someone who complaints all the time. In the long run, you make more money doing what you love than by doing what’s expedient. Exercise brings energy to your body. Put off final decisions until things settle.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ll find it easy to adapt a changing circumstances. What is tried and true is not necessarily the best way. Be progressive. Staying in school gives you an advantage in life that goes far beyond the money you will make.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 26). On the whole, new relationships take you to wonderful new places. An opportunity to travel in the next three weeks leads singles straight to love. Legal and financial settlements bring a windfall in November. The long-range goals you and a sweetheart set in January could include marriage or a baby. Look for love with Capricorn or Scorpio. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 12, 24, 36 and 31.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Talent requires self-discipline. The activities or hobbies you begin now will produce financial rewards later. Others may be less attentive than usual, but you stay consistent. Someone in a hospital needs your visit.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Moodiness in your mate is only temporary. A friend asks for help, but don’t loan money carelessly. You’ll feel your personal power surge this week. Go out tonight; new people met could be future love interests.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re coming out of a difficult emotional period. Your hunches are right on target, helping you achieve gains vocationally and financially. The festivities are not the same without you; show up, even for a short while.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Nothing goes as planned. A confused, unrealistic attitude about business or finances will postpone things indefinitely. Pay bills, and keep credit up to date. If appearances don’t appeal to you, change them.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Love can take a back seat to your burning desire to get ahead in a chosen field. Don’t be nervous over imagined fears and worries. Your spouse’s variable temperament could affect you. Take care of important errants early.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Writing and communication is strongly accented – don’t let your talent go to waste. Self-indulgence will set you back, so concentrate on how fulfilled your already are. Balance your checkbook to allay financial confusion.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Don’t leave valuables where they might tempt weaker souls. Excellent romantic rapport brings satisfaction. Fun and entertainment are spotlighted. A child has a surprising sense of humor, which could make your day.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: The Virgo lunar transit makes us see easily how loved ones can improve. It seems right to criticize, but hard to forgive others when they do it back! Many detailed plans are made this weekend ,and expectations are high. Configurations involving Mercury and Mars give everyone the courage to be aggressive in the pursuit of love and fun. Aries: You’ll have luck when you are over-generous with loved ones. Taurus: Someone who’s now "just a friend" thinks you’re sexy. Gemini: Sports or a game of wits will introduce you to a new love. Cancer: You are in your power and will have your pick of many eligible singles. Leo: Take it easy – romance won’t happen unless you relax a bit. Virgo: You’ll be amped up all weekend; what you’ve been planning for will happen beautifully. Libra: Blissful unions are in your future. Scorpio: You’ve been feeling fickle and could agitate more than a few singles with your indecision. Sagittarius: A trip out of town will show you in the sexiest light. Capricorn: Look for love with someone who has a similar responsibility level. Aquarius: Someone who once turned you down is now turned on by you. Pisces: Take care of your own soul and relationship snarls will work themselves out.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Cancer and Gemini are as complex as it gets this weekend. Cancer is feeling enormous, and Gemini is rambunctious, bright and powerful. These two signs become the best individuals they can be when they strive to find a balanced partnership. Gemini leads in the a.m., and Cancer takes over after nightfall.

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