July 10 (Thursday)

The Virgo moon that takes over mid-day is all about the practicalities of life. After all, they must be handled in order for us to relax and dream. Lists, visualization, organizing – and just doing what’s going to make a difference in your world. Scheduling is everything. Don’t cry over lost hours. The time you think is wasted is actually beneficial.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). When you need them, friends are there to keep you focused on important details. They also want to set you up on a blind date. Broaden your horizons, and accept graciously. Your refinance or remodel plan is brilliant and profitable.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You give without the expectation of being paid back and get much more in return. An important figure in your life may disagree with you, but this doesn’t have to ruin the relationship and doesn’t necessarily mean you are wrong.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It would be nice to know when your ship will come in, but you don’t, and that’s half the fun. In business, if you survive, you succeed. Get enough funding to keep yourself going for longer than you think you’ll need to.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Romance sneaks into the picture when you pick up on sexy vibes. Fun dinners with more than one couple or a group of friends are favored. Success means keeping the promises you make yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ll be dreaming about how to change your personal life for the better. Don’t stop at finding the type of person you need. Envision how this person will interact with your team to get goals accomplished.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 10). You have renewed belief in yourself, and because of this, the world is opening to you in new ways. Next month brings big money through a settlement or inheritance. Your love life is spotlighted in the next four weeks, when boundaries are broken down and you emerge with a new definition of romance. Your best signs for love are Aquarius and Pisces. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 39, 14, 44 and 18.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). While you’re feeling this vigorous and vital, it may be hard to focus your energies. Put them to work for some worthy cause, perhaps one that is rather unusual, at least for you. Later in the day, you get the chance to express yourself.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). New beginnings make you rather edgy. However, there’s no need to retreat from what you’ve so bravely started. Just look on the positive side, and use the potential for transformation that this day will bring.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Work becomes a joy when you identify the kind of people who will flourish in the environment you want to establish. Even before interviewing people to assemble your team, identify the challenges ahead.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Wild and adventurous ideas will come to you early in the day, so put them into practice right away. Life is for the living! Work tip: Spend a lot of time listening and asking questions.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Make sure your time is used to its best advantage. Your personal life benefits from making a "stop-doing" list, which is the opposite of a "to-do" list. At work, keep an eye on the clock – the boss will.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The genuine compassion you exude will draw others in – perhaps more than you can interact with at once. Spend time with the person you would like to spend time with instead of letting someone play on your symphony.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You are a worthy addition to any group you join today, from a circle of friends to a new company. You’ll send originality and consciousness onto the parched earth of materialism and dullness.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I feel I do not accurately reflect the characteristics of my Capricorn birth. I was born on Dec. 24, 1972. Is that why I don’t fit my sign?"

You really are a Capricorn, with your sun journeying through the early degrees of the sign of the goat. However, your Leo moon and three planets transiting through Sagittarius give you a five sign energy that diversifies the classic Capricorn characteristics. You still want to get to the top of the mountain, but you’re more satisfied with a circuitous route than other Capricorn natives would be – especially if it gives you a good story to tell around the campfire. Your Leo moon lend an appreciation for drama and a stylish flair many Capricorns wouldn’t take the time to develop because they are always looking at what contributes to the bottom line. Fun and adventure are high on your list. You need friends and loves who can match your enthusiasm for exploring the world. Aries is a brilliant match, and so is Libra. At the end of this month, you are extremely lucky in love if you dare to make a commitment to the sweetie who is crazy about you.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Tom Cruise is set to appear in "The Last Samurai" as a mercenary, but it’s his next role that could have everybody talking about his remarkable transformation – into a multiple Oscar winner. Cancer men sometimes seem emotionally impenetrable and immune to the feelings that affect other humans. The opposite is true – at home, they’re really softies, which Cruise’s girlfriend can surely attest to!

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Copyright 2003 Joyce Jillson