May 4, 2003

The morning might reveal the current distribution of power, and some will find it not to their liking. Use the lively Gemini moon to help the spirit of competition feel more like badminton that tackle football. Be jovial and sporting, and you’ll turn confrontation into a tool for making better friendships, neighborly relationships and family ties.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You know that adventure is an essential part of life, but you’ll have to convince someone more conservative to go along. Bring music to a social occasion – you could save it from being a dud. Don’t underestimate your influence.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Seeing how your decision affects those around you is key to getting your way. Think it through – there’s a way everyone can be happy. Some Taurus people are feeling fickle, but don’t push that romantic prospect away just yet.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You may have to backtrack before you are allowed to move forward. Your healthy respect for tradition allows you to save face with family members. Repressing your emotions is not the answer. Find someone you trust to talk to.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Being productive makes you feel wonderful about yourself. Write in your journal; your imagination is second to none. A family member might make a disappointing move, but if you react well, you’ll be spared later.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Heavy responsibilities make you shine the brightest. Expand your Internet presence. You make things happen, which is why you have to field so many offers. Tonight features conversation on serious topics with thoughtful people.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (May 4). This is a year of keeping your power intact. The next three weeks show your sparkling on the career front. In June, family and friends look to you before making important choices. A Scorpio and a Leo catch on to what you need; give love a chance with these challenging but genuinely loveable signs. What you never considered before holds intrigue in October. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 49, 1, 33 and 4.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ll come out on top when you refuse to let others define your life. Your excellent sense of humor is a blessing to all. You’re happy to relate, but others are unsure of themselves. Do whatever you can to shake up relationships.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). today, do what has worked well for you historically. If you are flexible with loved ones, relationships smooth out. Before exchanging money, make sure others have a good record for standing by their word.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Loved ones can be a constant source of inspiration if you resolve not to take their actions for granted. A legal decision is easier to make after talking with elders. Draw clear boundaries from the get-go with a budding romance.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Get realistic, and your money situation improves. Political statements can get you into boiling water, especially where your family is concerned; keep quiet. Singles meet love on the beach or a t popular tourist spots.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Assignments you give yourself are tough, but how else will you grow? Someone you met at a class or workshop is very attractive. Younger folk try and persuade you to do something trendy, but stick to your own style.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your heart steers your mind, though you would like people to believe it’s the other way around. Don’t let new relationships get too serious too quickly; slow and steady will last. Get away from fault-finding personalities.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Lines of communication are wide open, so ask for what you need, and you’ll be happy you did. Even a small gesture of kindness goes a long way in building a stronger relationships. Loyalty makes an indelible impression.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Taurus is a sensual sun placement, focusing us acutely on the feelings and experiences of day-to-day activities. That’s why progress under this sun tend to happen in a very deliberate manner. A simple task like washing the car becomes a step-by-step pleasure journey – the smell of warm, sudsy water, slippery hands scrubbing, the cool temperature of the rinse, the satisfaction of a clean car – you get the picture. What you might have paid someone to accomplish in 20 minutes now becomes an hour-long leisurely task but it gets done right. With Mercury retrograde, a new reliance on the work at hand takes hold. It doesn’t mater so much the tone someone takes when requesting that a job be done. Our feelings about where we stand in society don’t come into play. The equation is simple. Work done is good. Work not done is bad. The Cancer moon takes the lead on Monday, which is Cinco de Mayo. The more serious history of this holiday will be the focus, not like other years when the celebratory events overshadow the holiday’s origin. Wednesday night, things get very blown out of proportion with a silly Leo moon exaggerating for an entertaining effect.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno’s long-running look at humorous headlines comes back to bite him when a story about his renowned car collection winds up its own wacky headline. Life imitating art or just desserts? Investing in a hydrogen-powered car company puts Leno in a better light after the publicity oops. Nothing can keep luxury-loving Taurus natives from their desired objects.

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Copyright 2003 Joyce Jillson