August 02, 2002

Relationships heat up as steamy Venus makes everyone more focused on commitments and loyalty. Jealous partners will be looking for reasons to distrust a partner, so don’t aggravate the situation. Platonic pals may start thinking of you in a new light. Get out of the normal weekend routine if you are looking for love and/or excitement.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Career advice applies to your love life. By the way, someone’s romantic interest in you may be obvious to everyone but you. Set optimistic financial goals; you’re on a roll. A family member deserves the benefit of the doubt.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). In some ways, you’re not seeing the big picture. Step back and try. Give a co-worker’s suggestion a chance. Repay a special favor, or a relationship goes on unbalanced. Romance comes when you are not looking for it anymore.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Don’t be afraid to be idealistic – others can use your touch of optimism. New environments stimulate creative energy. Start plotting with a colleague or relative, and anything can be accomplished. News from a friend is reassuring.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Keep a flirtation under control, or a romantic partner becomes very jealous. You won’t be sorry if you spend a bit extra on a gift. Shyness actually attracts a member of the opposite sex. Students receive scholarship and grants.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). New relationships are the order of the day; if you start out with clear boundaries, you won’t end up in a co-dependent situation. Change your plan to one that brings money in faster. Long-distance communication is lucky.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 2). An emotional boost in August changes your opinion about your current family situation. Reconciliations prove to be long lasting. A financial offer in September starts the ball rolling so you can open your own business. Also in September, great news about a long-term problem convinces you to splurge on a trip, new home or luxury. Marriage is possible in 2003. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 4, 17, 29 and 33.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Gain momentum in your life by starting several new projects at once. You make a fine impression on new people this afternoon. Family members ask for your advice, but you are better off keeping opinions to yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Dozens of money-making ideas surround you, but you’ve got to know which one to follow. Ask experienced people. There’s no value in reinventing the wheel. Recognize the people who can help you, and keep them on your side.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Doing business over the phone is the way to land a big deal this afternoon. Love with someone of your sign is ultra-intense. Make sure that a contract has been carefully reviewed by an expert before you decide to sign.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Partners require that you tell them how you feel in your heart as well as your head. Refuse to lie, even though a friend puts you in a difficult spot. Sometimes, saying nothing is brilliant. Travel could be your way to wealth.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’re especially effective in diverse groups. An elder has an example worth studying. Exercise helps you get into balance. In love, you get what you want with a little sweet talk. Watch out for a heart-breaking Scorpio.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Get obligations out of the way immediately so that your time becomes your own. Spend at least an hour brainstorming before you start your project. Letting unpopular or alternative viewpoints have a voice is lucky.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). What you say will have special impact. Tell everyone about your creative aspirations; someone might be in a position to help. Singles are luckier when they are spontaneous. Friends unsuccessfully try to impose their opinions on you.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: Singles must be rather aggressive if they want to land the love of their dreams this summer. Friday and Saturday nights are ripe for poaching a new partner away from his or her current love. To be truthful, all relationships are in play. Guard your position fiercely, as many couples are suffering from dating boredom. For Aries, Libras and Aquarians, you’ve been too complacent. Revert to your single ways, and a current love interest becomes more enamored. For Taureans and Pisceans, you’ll be juggling two loves this weekend. Be careful that your main squeeze doesn’t read your e-mail or overhear phone conversations, or your goose is cooked. For Geminis, Leos and Sags, spur-of-the-moment dates, kisses and invitations heighten your romantic reputation and keep a current partner from demanding a commitment. Capricorns, Scorpios and Cancers must venture out to clubs, parties and other places they usually avoid to find love. And Virgo, observe a long-lost lover from a distance, as he or she will soon come running back to you.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Falling in love at first sight happens to Aries almost on a regular basis. This weekend, the tables are turned, and a marvelous Aquarian declares his or her love. Since Aries likes to be the pursuer, at first, you may feel annoyed. But by Sunday evening, you’ll start enjoying this situation. Aquarians are in the throes of a spiritual awakening, and this, coupled with the Aquarian intelligence, will seduce the Aries’ mind, body and soul.

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Copyright 2002 Joyce Jillson