October 02, 2002

Mercury digresses to Virgo’s stable realm, changing the way we talk to others and, more importantly, to ourselves. Be mindful that constructive criticism goes a long way to help, whereas picking on others and ourselves is debilitating. Go by Mother’s old adage, "If you don’t have anything nice to say…"

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You are super-productive at work. Meet irritable colleagues with a taste of their own medicine, and they feel understood. Your communication style gets more and more refined. Resolve differences tonight.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your restless wanderlust alters your work plans. Postpone dreary chores, and shun stuffy crowds. You need action and big gulps of fresh air. Starting the weekend early lets you unwind in your own free, rambling style.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Romantically, you are more experimental and might seek a date with someone outside your normal choices. Use caution in speaking and writing; words may not say what you meant to say.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). New ideas abound, especially for joint ventures. However, sit back and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from being pursued by love tonight. The more people you invite to a social gathering, the merrier your time will be.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Relationships are a bit dramatic, but you can interpret this as a good sign for love. Assuming leadership teaches you your strengths. Friends are anxious to help, reminding you that you are never really alone unless you choose to be.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (October 02). You’ve already pinpointed what was keeping you from what you want, and this year, you knock down the barriers completely. Invest in a training course in the next six weeks. New love or a new baby maybe big news in November. January brings a cash infusion. Romance, especially exciting with a Libra or Capricorn, changes your life in February. Your lucky numbers are: 24, 29, 11, 34 and 5.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Children create havoc unless you set boundaries as early as possible. You will be recognized for contributions on the job but not necessarily compensated – unless you ask. New love awakens old ambitions.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Artists and students have fuel for works of brilliance. Look for a chance to showcase your talent – a Scorpio of Libra can help. Make no more excuses in love, and steady strides are made toward intimacy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Don’t say "later" when you can say "now." Production increases because you have a new commitment to make things happen for yourself. Romantic interests find you more attractive when you are happier with work.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Gather resources together, and splurge on yourself. Even superficially physical changes add momentum to your overall quest for perfect well-being. Finding the right partners is of key importance.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Financial conditions stabilize, and your business partner may be the one to thank. Take stock of those who support you. Love relationships tend to be unrealistic but exciting nonetheless. A Gemini begs you to travel.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Business presentations go over will, particularly if you’re planning on using computer graphics. Real estate sales look promising, but inspect anything you buy at least twice. Love affairs make life deliriously complex.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Can you help it if you are absolutely desirable? Heavy responsibilities keep you sane, believe it or not. Take time to exercise and play. Physical activities such as sports are a great way to get to know children.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "The matter I am writing about is so heavy o my heart I have to work every day to go on with my life. I am a Virgo, and the man from whom I am separated is a Taurus. I don’t really have clarity because he just disappeared from my life after a year and a half of what seemed like the greatest connection either one of us had ever had. I feel he has an intense fear of commitment, but I am sure it is more complex than that. What really happened, and what has been going on? And what, if anything, will happen in the future?"

Virgo and Taurus are indeed two very compatible earth signs that easily fall into a pattern when they’re together that feels both familiar and right. The connection between them is exceptionally strong, so I understand why this relationship would be hard to get over. Your Taurus man is a very subtle communicator. You would have to use every ounce of intuition you have to detect the reasons he left, but even if you understood, it wouldn’t change a thing. With Taurus men, action speaks louder than words. The fact is, he’s gone, and your life will start again once you accept that and move on.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Bruce Springstein is a Libran rocker with Mercury and the moon both in the sign of Libra as well. With Mars in Leo, he can’t help but give a live show of great proportions night after night. His musical contribution was among the most sobering remembrances to Sept. 11. What will we hear about this icon in 2003? He could become a sponsor of a museum geared toward preserving American folk music heritage.

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Copyright 2002 Joyce Jillson