August 23, 2001

The moon is in sexy Scorpio, awakening sensual curiosities and letting passion flow. Luckily, a stable Virgo sun presides, helping us to direct these feelings into practical and safe pursuits. Virgo sun is improvement-oriented, inspiring us to use everything in our surroundings for growth and personal development. The moon conjuncts Pluto – this lends an increased desire for change.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). An atmosphere of ease and security prevails. Give into appetites for creature comforts or harmless vices. Your skills as a coach or teacher are in demand. Hire people to help you look your best.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Money is slightly tight now – in order to succeed in business, go for quantity and good deals. It’s not too early to start planning for the weekend. Attend to cleaning and repairs. A potential sweetie asks you out.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The morning is full of energy. Forgiveness has never been so easy – your friend or a love is eager to continue building the future stages of your relationship that he or she will forget any wrongdoing without regret.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Appetites for comfort, security, and warm, fuzzy love are at all-time high. It’s hard to decide just who can provide for these needs the most. You have an adversary completely fooled.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Today’s events put an end to romantic vaccilation. A path is being forged in relationships – plans are made. Energy is revived, and it sparks an incredible creative flow. A Libra is on your side.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 23). Who knows better than yourself on how to lead plunge head first into success? The key this year is in treating and rewarding yourself kindly. Splurge on classes, seminars and image-enhancing services through the next three weeks. Singles meet love while pursuing interests in October and November. Travel in January leads to a sale. Best signs for romance are Aquarius and Capricorn.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The exploration continues on verbal and sexual levels. Social whims take over the workplace. Intelligent conversation is the sport of choice. Members of the opposite sex cannot resist you today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Those who speak well are dully compensated. Personal growth is slow but certain. Stay cool and articulate, and you’ll handle and command the most difficult challenges with ease.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Affection from friends and family are part of a magic, spiritually healing antidote. Many form permanent attachments or propose marriage. Cut out certain unnecessary social expenses.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Get rid of anything superfluous, as you’ll soon be flooded with new assignments and concerns. This afternoon, you recover lost goods. Submit applications for business and education now.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You have luck with finances, especially if you disregard any limitations. Abstract matters are becoming increasingly accessible. There is instant chemistry between you and a new acquaintance.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Make promises now and you’ll stick to them. Exercise is fun when you include friends – they give you the stamina you need when you go for the extra mile. Use your influence to get a friend a good deal.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your stunning performance on the job attracts positive attention. Celebrate a victory with closest friends. Give only constructive criticism if any. Consider pursuing a new source of income.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "It seems you always focus on what the moon is doing in your column. Why?"

Since the moon is the fastest-changing luminary and the closest one to the earth, its cannot but influence us. The moon’s cycle (or lunation cycle, as it is called) is 29 1/2 days long. The cycle begins with the new moon, when the moon’s surface is in the dark, and ends in the full moon, when the surface is completely visible. 13 complete cycles of the moon occur in any given year. The first quarter of the moon is characterized by the conjunction of both the sun and the moon. At this time, the moon rises at the same time as the sun. The second quarter of the moon is exactly between the new moon and the full moon, and they are both positioned at right angles. The moon appears during the second quarter as a half-crescent of the moon kicks off with the full moon. The sun and the moon are now opposite one another. Halfway between the full moon and the new moon, the fourth quarter of the moon begins. Again, they are stationed at a right angle. The moon can then be seen at this time in the second half of the night.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Hank Williams’ rootsy sensibility and down-home appeal are two Virgo qualities that add honesty to his career in country music. His straight-shooting Sagittarius moon reveals an adventurous emotional outlook. A Sagittarian moon lends courage and fire to conquer difficult endeavors, for instance, the world of music. Mercury went retrograde on his birthday, an aspect that inspires communication, especially of the far-reaching, inspiring kind like Williams’ music.

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