January 9, 2004

Kwanzaa begins today under the creative, philanthropic Aquarius moon. It’s a buoyant day to sing, dance and extend friendship to an array of people. The Aquarius moon and Venus have an eclectic influence, opening our eyes to what we may have been afraid to see before. Mercury is still retrograde so communication isn’t the easiest.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). This is the perfect day to establish, strengthen or at least think about your purpose. Also, goal setting is lucky now – decide your destination, whether it’s a trip to Australia, a new car or a credit card paid in full.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Be good to yourself! Instead of spending downtime working like a busy bee at home, make dates with yourself for special treats – and then keep them. An offer to attend a social event is not to be turned down!

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your creative juices are flowing freely. Good fortune is a possible outcome of every arrangement now because you believe in the strength of your talent. People are amazed by your simple solutions to complex problems.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Everything seems to live up to your expectations. When you are feeling as secure as you are, you cannot avoid dynamic love. Decide now how deep you’d like to go with this, or suddenly, you’re walking down the aisle.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Once again, your high profile makes it impossible for people not to take notice of your every move. Much is expected of you but nothing that you are incapable of. Drop co-dependent tendencies, especially those involving finance.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (January 9). This year, you know you’re enough, just as you are. This confidence radiates out of you and affects all that you do. Take action in a big way right at the start of the new year, and by February, you’ve already accomplished one of your big goals. Spring is well spent regenerating your body and mind and reading, vacation or pleasurable studies. Your lucky numbers are: 42, 29, 40, 7 and 15.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re appointed to a new post, so to speak. Review standards for running a successful operation, whether it’s a family, a homestead or a business. Opportunities come later because you put the word out now.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A control issue continues to try your patience, but leave the children out of it. Start the communication with a partner, and soon, you’ll have useful agreements. Don’t expect your first go-around to yield results!

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You may feel you’re walking around with a big question mark over your head for everyone to see. There’s no shame in being "green," and there’s actually some charm in it. Embrace your newbie status.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). To avoid that overwhelmed feeling you’ve been getting lately, focus on day-to-day assignments rather than long-term goals. Profits come through creative projects or well-researched investments.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You are meant to lead, even if you’re only leading yourself. It’s your initiative that motivates others to be productive in their own lives. Gather your strength for the last remaining hurdle to a midpoint goal.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Be objective about what you believe, but still believe it! In other words, there are people around you who can add to your body of knowledge and teach you to be more than you are today – if you’re open to growing.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’re 12 steps ahead of the rest, which has plusses and minuses. Finances thrive because you think ahead, but relationships required that you’re more in the moment. Don’t think about problems that haven’t been created yet.

WEEKEND LOVE REPORT: With Venus newly exploring Aquarius, normal love patterns could be turned on their ear. You may be attracted to people are not what you thought was your "type." Put friendship first, and romance will be right on track. ARIES: You’ll be very determined about getting the one you want. TAURUS: Promise to love and accept your sweetie just as he or she is. GEMINI: You and a partner create a winning combination of your different strong points. CANCER: Your ideal match will fuss over details that affect your happiness. LEO: True love will egg you on to fulfill your potential as you never would have without stimulating companionship. VIRGO: You offer the solid home life a love interest really needs. LIBRA: Mistake in judgment? You can take quick steps to reverse the situation. SCORPIO: You’ll have a richer experience of social doings because of the creative input of an egocentric and sexy partner. SAGITTARIUS: Meeting in the middle only feels like giving in all the way to your partner. CAPRICORN: Secret fantasies come to the fore. AQUARIUS: Double dates are the best! PISCES: A loved one is secure enough that you don’t have to explain your every move.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Aquarius and Capricorn are both feeling the astrological limelight now. Capricorn needs things to be a certain way, and Aquarius needs things to be always fresh and exciting. These two opposite needs make for a constant challenge – the kind you see in romantic comedies where the stars hate each other upon first meeting in order to mask the fact that they are irresistibly drawn together.

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– Copyright 2004 Joyce Jillson