August 07, 2002

Today, the love planet, Venus, enters Libra, the sign of marriage. Even those afraid of commitment may start thinking of living together or marrying. People realize how fun it is to have a full-time companion and partner. Lawyers, accountants, doctors and other professionals may join force with their peers and start new practices.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Work requires you to make an exception to a personal rule. A special friend is quite dependent on you – much more than you know. Take advantage of all opportunities to meet distinguished people.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Topics that you may have avoided in the past will not be as difficult to approach. You are more effective with a business associate when you speak honestly. A hot bath will eliminate tension tonight.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You've got creativity and imagination for a reason, so use them! Talk to those at the top instead of wasting time with people who can't make a difference. Forgo instant gratification in matters of the heart for greater satisfaction later.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Details can make you money; go over fine print carefully, and you'll find pluses you were unaware of. Time with friends is relaxing and makes you feel confident, too. A last-minute decision becomes a major event.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). No need to pursue new contacts – people come to you as you play it cool. Finish everything you promised to have done. Make time for yourself, even if you have to reschedule existing appointments for another day.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (August 7). Wonderful news in the next 30 days allows you to revamp every aspect of your life. A career break in September allows you to show off your talents. In November, others start a bidding war over you. By December, a move, new home and new career direction give you money and freedom. With more options, you may rethink a relationship choice. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 17, 21, 34 and 41.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Being clearheaded saves you hours of work. Focus on quality and service on the job, and money automatically follows. Popularity leads to terrific opportunities – get on the phone and invite people to spend time with you.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Shop – a surprise bargain puts you in an excellent mood. Exceptional momentum in love comes this afternoon when everything you say and do seems to click with a new partner. Sharing creative ideas stirs excitement.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The stars are perfect for talking out a misunderstanding with relatives or negotiating money matters. You are an affectionate sweetheart, but others might not feel so huggy now. Respect emotional boundaries.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Patience is your secret to success. Love seeks you out, and all you have to do is be ready for it. Follow the lead of someone you trust. It's safe to extend generosity, but don't do any borrowing yourself.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You pass a "test" early in the day. Don't worry about your rival. He or she merely peps up the romance. Take criticism gracefully; if others are too severe, they'll later make up for it. Important correspondence arrives.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Love has strings attached, but frank talk about it sets everyone straight. Gabby neighbors or older people may nevertheless have hot tips, so listen up. Tonight, it's actually more fun to stay home and work on the house.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You may be asked to step into someone else's role or take on new responsibility on a moment's notice. Directions followed exactly take less time. Saying the right thing – and nothing else – wins your way in love.

ASTROLOGICAL TIP: Many people write and ask me for definitions of astrological terms. Here are some explanations: When someone refers to a "double Gemini" or even a "triple Leo," these terms denote that an individual has more than just their sun sign in one of the 12 signs. A "double" of any sign simply means that someone has both the sun and their rising sign in the same sign. The rising sign, also called the ascendant, is based on your time of birth. It refers to how you look, how you act and the outward demeanor of an individual. Each of the 12 signs has the potential for great beauty, so it's not a question of attractiveness. It is more indicative of the way someone presents himself or herself. This emphasis makes someone very typical of his sign, and there is less internal conflict. You see, the sun is your soul, your inner being. The rising sign shows the outer personality. When these are very dissimilar, it means that you don't always present your true self to others. A "triple" sign means that you have your sun, your rising sign and the moon all in the same sign. When the moon, ruling the emotions, love and the subconscious is in the same sign as the sun, this produces less emotional turmoil.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Melanie Griffith is a lion who knows lions firsthand. Her mother (Tippi Hedren) has been involved in wild game preservation for many years and keeps several big cats on her land. Griffith has a kitten-soft voice, but her star quality is 100 percent Leo. Husband Antonio Banderas is a Leo as well, but there's always enough spotlight to share for natives of this generous sign.

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Copyright 2002 Joyce Jillson