August 27, 2003

On this giddy, high-spirited day, everyone is gabbing about this and that, none of it too important. Maybe you only connect on the surface, but it still counts. Later, you’ll be surprised at the impression people take away from this lighthearted afternoon. The simplest gesture can mean so much. In romance, make sure you’re not trying too hard.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your job today is to bring laughter to the world. Someone with a terrific body checks you out. Don’t be shallow – find out if this person has brains, too, or you’ll be completely bored later.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Remove obstacles to a peaceful life. A Cancer or Virgo can help by pointing out what you didn’t see before. Better communication with a loved one leads to renewed tenderness. It’s a good day to switch banks.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When you place blame with someone else, it only gives that person the power over your situation that really belongs to you. The more you claim responsibility for what happens, the more power you have to create your ideal.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Making great money isn’t as hard as you think it is. But getting some idea people on your side will be key. Add new friends to your mix who have entrepreneurial ideas. Aries and Leo are the richest.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’re low on faith. You want to know for certain that desires can be achieved before you even dare to desire them. Reading biographies, studying articles and watching videos about success will keep you on track.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 27). Success comes in sweet, little packages this year. By September, you’ve got job responsibilities that in turn give you a lot more to be proud about. Delving into new interests or taking a class on an unusual topic leads to highly profitable work by November. Parties in December remind you how charming you can be, and others take notice. Your lucky numbers this year are: 44, 43, 9, 24 and 52.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The big picture becomes clear once you rid your life of clutter. Aesthetics are vital to your satisfaction today. Set a goal that will beautify your body and your environment while giving your life simple grace.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Adopting a new, confident attitude creates a financial turnaround. New territories are lucky, so branch out, and watch your power grow. You win at a numbers game. Luck is doubled if a Sagittarius is playing on your side.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Teamwork has been under- emphasized – you’re going to love depending on others and earning the respect of people who need you. A business proposition must be modified before it is viable. Consumers get refunds.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). No midlevel goal could ever satisfy you – shoot for the moon. It’s easy to get discouraged in the early stages of a project because your target is so far off. Believe in miracles. Important decisions are featured tonight.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). For the self-employed, it’s a red-letter day. A major hang-up becomes minor – congratulate yourself for accurately being able to gauge your work. It’s easy to change your mind about someone at the office.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Today, re-evaluate, and make a new plan. If you’re having trouble motivating yourself to strive for the goal you haven’t met yet, endeavors such as meditation, physical workouts and counseling bring passion back.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You succeed best when you’re under pressure to deliver. Still, don’t let them see you sweat. A joint financial decision is a step toward marriage or reconciliation. Legal matters now can be made airtight, and it’ll be OK to sign.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I’m studying astrology, and I’ve learned about Mercury retrograde. I know there’s one coming at the end of the month. I’m considering changing apartments, and I’m also thinking about taking a new relationship to a new level. How much does Mercury retrograde affect this?"

I think Mercury retrograde is actually good for apartment hunting IF you make sure your instincts are tuned way up. Think of Mercury as communication. Retrograde can invert communication, speed it up, slow it down or stop it completely. The wacky way communication goes down during a retrograde can be very creative, intuitive and even at times wonderful. But it’s not easy to understand, and it’s not clear-cut. I believe that Mercury retrograde teaches us to listen carefully, not just with our ears but with our whole being. During a Mercury retrograde, don’t go for the apartment that’s great on paper but for the one that feels right when you walk in the door. As for the relationship, keep tuned in to your partner, putting more value in what is felt than what is said.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Bad-boy rocker Fred Durst could have a yoga-inspired revelation and become more spiritual. People will say this has to do with a certain love interest he connects with – possibly a huge pop star in her own right. His next record will reflect his more sensitive side. Leo men like Durst need a woman who grounds them and cools their often passionate temper – like a Taurus, Capricorn or Scorpio.

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Copyright 2003 Joyce Jillson