September 16, 2002

The exciting astrological news is that Pluto is going direct (producing a down-deep feeling that it’s all going with the cosmic plan) and Mercury is entering the home of partners. Anyone you’ve had a rift with can now be re-approached to happy results. People really do want to work together for the greater good.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). What you learn from two sides of a story keeps you from making a crucial mistake. Keep an open mind where a sibling is concerned, and stubborn family members follow suit. Blind dates get a touch of luck.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Allow yourself to be pleased by your own progress, even if financially you have nothing to show for it. Be patient; validation in the way of dollar signs comes soon. A friendship turns competitive.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Carefully consider your career alternatives. You feel ready to move up, but if you want to be king or queen of the castle, you might have to dethrone someone. There will be more choices soon. Your sex appeal is off the charts.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Choosing your companions is the key to future financial success. Opt for people who will help you socialize and schmooze. Attractions are short-lived, so try not to act too impulsively. In the evening, trust intuition over reason.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Skimming the surface won’t do; it’s time to dig deep, whether you’re cleaning the garage, studying or trying to figure out what’s on your love ones’ mind. Travel may pop up; this is an exciting adventure not to miss!

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (September 16). Many personal goals are met and surpassed in this year of rugged determination. Loves are especially amorous through the next three weeks, and you’ll feel more beautiful than you have in years because of the extra attention. By January, steady relationships show the possibility of marriage. Your best signs for love are Scorpio and Sagittarius. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 4, 12, 49 and 52.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Keep life simple. Streamline, and you find yourself sitting pretty emotionally and financially. Libra will be much help when it comes to pushing projects further. Singles find Sagittarians or Taureans to be ideal partners.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Learn to be more encouraging. Rumors must be stopped to prevent hurt feelings. One side of the story is not even close to the truth. Delegate responsibility to the person who does it best, not the one who is the cheapest.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Make the most of les-then-ideal circumstances. Though many people seem to be loners now, this is only a façade. Good things come out of small groups working together. Conflict is resolved in a late-night chat.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You crave the best foods, interesting company and heavenly music. The boss may need more attention than usual. Those who don’t mind giving it will be rewarded. Loved ones will not put up with a lack of loyalty.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Weigh commitments carefully because your workload is heavy. Find ways to show that you are true blue, even if you think your partner already knows this. Love develops slowly and evenly. Don’t push.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Schedules fill up early, so don’t expect friends to be able to help at the last minute or drop by for a length chat. A new love interest is a challenge. Keep receipts; some purchases won’t work.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll learn much about the motives of others by examining your own. The boss is up and down – it’s best to stay inconspicuously out of the way. Giving up bad habits is easier if done with another Pisces.

HOW TO GO FROM "NOT" TO "HOT" (PART ONE OF FOUR): As the sun begins a journey through Virgo, the sign of self-improvement, many are focusing in on their physical health and wanting to be stronger and slimmer and feel better about how they look. Here are some strategies for looking fabulous: ARIES: You’re an individual, and you need exercise that fits into your headstrong style. Therefore, depending on the schedule of someone else, like a trainer or exercise partner, really gets on your nerves. On the other hand, you really need big, practically unattainable goals to motivates yourself. That’s why you should sign yourself up for a marathon. Really. TAURUS: You’ve already got lots of strength, but your flexibility leaves much to be desired. Stretching is something you find boring, but that’s only because you haven’t tried it on a deeper level. Yoga will do wonders for your world, elongating your muscles and helping you see yourself in a new, more graceful light. GEMINI: Salsa classes will keep your mind occupied (with routine sequence) and your body working out at the same time. Dance classes also satisfy your social urge and keep you flirting to your hearts content.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Virgo actor Richard Gere couldn’t be more unlike his character in "Unfaithful." Gere is a reasonable man and a self-proclaimed pacifist whose Virgo qualities drive him to charity that has to do with protecting and caring for the earth this year. Last year, I predicted that daring romantic acts would be in the public eye – which is exactly what happened in his blockbuster hit!

If you would like to write to Joyce Jillson, please go to www.creators.com and click on "Write the Author" on the Joyce Jillson page, or you may send her a postcard in the mail. To find out more about Joyce Jillson and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

Copyright 2002 Joyce Jillson