July 9 (Tuesday)

Mercury and Saturn in Cancer put everyone in a naughty mood. It’s time to have fun. Parlay this lineup into better relations with your kids or siblings. Foes in the office may come around to your way of thinking when you use self-deprecating humor. Summer love will bloom when you forget your old-fashioned ways. Keep a level but playful head on you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ll make new friends in the most unlikely places. Explore the options you looked over in the past – one of them could be right for you. Stick to a decision you made long ago. Try to consider everyone’s feelings this afternoon.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Seeing an old problem in a new perspective will be the highlight of the day. It’s easy when you take the time to analyze all factors. Appearances are misleading in love and friendship. Pay a debt; your financial outlook may improve soon.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Let your intuition guide you in family matters. A child can’t express a problem directly. You might have to work with him or her patiently. Rework your budget – saving money is a must. Establish good spending habits as soon as you can.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Be generous with your empathy and attention rather than your opinion. If you feel it’s important to express your feelings through actions, do it now, before it’s too late. Taking a short trip will relive stress and open your mind.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Maintain an aura of mystery at work – someone has a crush on you. Jump on a chance to expand your financial portfolio. It’s a good time to make an investment. Avoid wasting time during the evening, and focus on improving your intellect.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 9). The way the planets conspire to boost your appeal and reputation in all things will make this year worth the trouble you go through. By August an invitation, job offer or special deal will bless your life. Forget the old "you" and try being the person you’ve always dreamed of becoming. Your best friend or work associate feels threatened by your determination. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 11, 14, 25 and 38.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Double-check your sources. A multi-layered situation demands more than surface care. Combat a negative vibe by surrounding yourself with positive people. Talking about your problems is only good if you are trying to find a solution.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). A new environment will stimulate your imagination. Self-discipline is essential, especially for creative people like you. Nothing is wrong with making a mistake as long as you get back on your feet. Interviews provide great learning experience.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Clients may offer compensation for extra work you do. Put off a commitment or contract signing if possible. If you hear yourself making demands of your mate, back off quickly. You have no real competition, so take on a challenge for fun.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ll find yourself on top of the world when you pay more attention to the big picture. Focus your thoughts and energy on a new relationship. If you have the power to lighten someone’s burden, by all means, do it. You’ll feel good.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’re particularly sharp at sizing up a situation and improving it. Engage in dialogue, share your observation of the universe, and trade tactics. You don’t have to depend on others financially. You are equipped to handle your own.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). A new love interest has connections in high places. A check may arrive just in the nick of time. Strike a bargain with an important colleague, and money could start rolling in. Why not make health and mental stimulation your top priorities?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Do not follow others – the boss appreciate your original thoughts and concepts. Your sense of humor plays a major role in the office. Consider a stress-reduction class; you know you need it. Don’t worry about what others think.

ASTROLOGICAL FEATURE: HOW TO FIND YOUR IDEAL JOB (PART FOUR OF FOUR): Use your hidden astrological assets. CAPRICORN: Your luck comes when you go directly to the CEO of the company to ask for a job. Frankly, underlings don’t sense your vision and managerial strengths, but a smart higher-up will. By asking your supervisor for his or her suggestions about how to enter an industry, the ideal job may be created for you. Get written letters of recommendation, and have them handy to impress potential employers. Stop hesitating to ask former colleagues to put in a good word for you. They’ll be flattered. AQUARIUS: Use your eye-catching artwork and presentation skills at an interview. Consider sending a video resume over the Internet. The more high-tech your proposal, the better. Make your business card into a CD. PISCES: Use your dramatic style to dress and sound as if you’ve already gotten the job. Let the human resources department know about your hobbies, interests and special skills, one of which (unbeknown to you) is immediately needed. Show your professionalism, and ask questions about the position you want.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Country star Wynonna Judd is a Gemini who loves to be in the center of plenty of activity. That’s why she’ll likely add more responsibility to her life next month and sign on to produce a record that may not be her own. With Gemini’s impressive intellect and easygoing communication style, producing a record is a job that comes so naturally, it feels more like a jam session with friends than actual work.

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Copyright 2002 Joyce Jillson