August 06, 2002

Mercury, the planet of analysis and deep thinking, moves into Virgo for the first time all year. Never will it be easier or more productive to go over details, investments or bank statements and make concrete, important plans for the future. Consider updating your resume or a will. Those rethinking investments will find answers and ethical help.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The boss is impressed if you know how to be skeptical without being negative. Action in your love life is adding to your confidence. Remember that what you say matters to someone young and inexperienced.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Review your records, especially recent spending, and make changes now. You may have to pull favors with friends to get what you need. Money problems can be avoided by staying alert. Joint efforts are more lucrative.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Be decisive, and have faith in your good judgment. A strong desire to succeed balances with the ability to step away from it all. A loved one is acting like a drama mama. The question is: Do you have the energy to deal with it?

CANCER (June 22-July 22). A boss or partner needs soothing, and you’re elected. Investigate a client’s claim. Let a Virgo help you with details; accuracy is very important. Friendship and correspondence bring luck. Stay away from cheese tonight.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It’s time to let that special person make his or her own mistakes! Don’t listen to the same complaints over and over again – especially if the complainer is you. Seductive charm is featured tonight.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 6). You finally see the light, as financial and relationship setbacks get a positive spin. By Aug. 27, one major issue is resolved, taking a weight off your shoulders once and forever. In October, out-of-the-blue offers, invitations and funding give a dream new life. Windfalls are linked to travel and sports. Love with a Scorpio improves everything. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 9, 12, 31 and 35.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re increasingly in tune with the needs of others but should pay attention to your own desires, too. Talent applied well could make you extra cash. Tonight, you’re a star on the social on the social scene; a lover wants you even more.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Past experience helps you get through a sticky situation. The key to making money is effective listening. You (wrongly) think you have romantic competition. Focusing on your weaknesses would hurt your chance at real love.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ve got magic powers of persuasion. What do you really want? Fill out financial aid forms or loan applications. There’s also luck around the publishing, advertising and transportation industries.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Even a realist like you can find a reason to have faith in your dreams. Business expansion is favored. Place emphasis on cooperation and sharing. Stay mysterious – it’s working well for your love life.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It’s up to you to make the team a smooth-running machine. When chaotic conditions threaten your peace of mind, keep your cool. Don’t let jealous people (especially an Aries) get the best of you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Pay close attention to afternoon complications. Friends give you a chance to lead; show your willingness to serve the best interests of those around you. Luck is with you in all you do.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Love is on your mind this afternoon, and the future looks bright due to optimistic influences overhead. By midnight, the rose-colored glasses are removed, and everything still seems to be going in your favor!

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I’m a Gemini who is going through a second divorce. My Libra husband is quite wealthy. How can I maximize my divorce settlement?"

First, make sure you have a lawyer who is sympathetic to your goals. Second, keep in mind that your wit and verbal power are both great weapons and a curse. If you go outside the boundaries of what is proper, you may unearth the sleeping giant inside your Libra, making the settlement more difficult. Libras generally want peace and quiet. Their flaws lie in the area of being overly indulgent. They live in the "now" and may make some major concessions, in business or love, because they hate anger. They just want to finish things up so they can have a nice dinner or get to the ballpark. But if their children’s care or their ethics are questioned too harshly, then they take off the gloves. As a Gemini, you’ll gain the upper hand by letting him know how uncomfortable the negotiations are going to be. Explain that everything (especially his financial secrets) is going to be brought up. Since Libras are notorious about keeping records, this may really bother him. Remember the week of Sept. 3-10 is especially lucky for you Geminis.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Drop-dead gorgeous actress Charlize Theron could get a high-profile job this year as a spokesperson. It’s sometimes difficult for Leo actresses to decide which jobs are worthy of their time and which are not, but it shouldn’t be. Take them all! Leo class turns even a cheesy job into something that allows their talent to shine. As long as people are watching, Leo gets something worthwhile out of the gig!

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Copyright 2002 Joyce Jillson