January 22, 2004

Today has the astrological distinction of having "no exact aspects." This may translate into a less defined schedule, a more fluid work style and an overall open-minded atmosphere. Why see things one way or the other when you can just accept that they are? It’s a good day to look at art – you may have an epiphany!

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Good news starts your day with a smile. It is easier to get the job done when you do it for your own reasons, not merely to please the powers that be. Follow your instincts to the conclusion.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Being at the mercy of someone else’s decision is no fun. The plans of higher-ups change your schedule. Wouldn’t it be nice to know what the story is earlier on so you could prepare yourself?

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Expectations are high, and you want to deliver a flawless performance. But reconsider. Flawless is actually boring. Part of your charm is that you laugh off your weaknesses and even invite others to join in the chuckle.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are confident and assertive. At work, the others around you are negative enough – you need to counteract their attitude with a sunny disposition. You’ll be praised because you have tact and do not criticize or complain.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Reasonable goals are the key to happiness. One of your most attractive qualities is that you truly don’t care what other people think. Someone in your circle could pass blame unjustly, so don’t believe what you hear.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (January 22). Reinforce self-esteem by treating yourself kindly through both the wins and the losses of the year. The big win is that you develop new respect for yourself, and different worlds open to you because of this inner confidence. There’s nothing to gain from keeping things safe or small this month. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 2, 15, 43 and 25.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Consider what others would see if they were to observe your home life this morning. Viewing things from different points of view will be the theme. A work situation like you’ve never seen before is an opportunity.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). With your many profound thoughts, you are practically a philosopher. Both your career picture and personal life improve because you take the time to think in the abstract about yourself. Habits ultimately define you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Focus on special career goals, and other parts of your life fall right into place. Anything having to do with the arts is favored. Your social life thrives when you extend invitations. Cancer and Libra are favored.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). A radical move is what it takes to get you in high gear, and the courage to take such a risk is what the stars offer so generously now. A brainstorming session this morning shows you a powerful direction to take.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). No one expects you to be all powerful, but people do look to you for leadership. Accepting reality is the theme. It’s easier to acknowledge mistakes and correct them than it is to dump the person who made them.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You have a groundbreaking experience at work. Emotions are heightened. Allow yourself to feel any way you do, for an hour. After that, it’s time to take control and realize that you can feel differently if you alter your thinking.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Collecting opinions can be fun, except that they’re all over the board and will take you no closer to the "right" thing to do. Hint: The thing that’s hard – the one you really don’t want to do – that’s probably it.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I’m now dating a Gemini and have never dated or been close to one before. I think he could be the one. The only problem is, he’s too perfect. I’m a bit of a cynic, a Virgo, of course, and I wonder if he could be too good to be true. What are the bad qualities of Gemini men?"

Let me guess. He won your heart with flawless flirting, the kind that screenwriters could use in an infinity of romantic comedies. Your girlfriends think he’s the catch of the century, he can dance, and he can even cook. That when-is-the-other-shoe-going-to-drop feeling is common among those who date Gemini men as they walk around these men’s spotless apartments and think, is he gay? Here’s the thing: He’s easily bored and has in the past been known to date several hot chicks like yourself at once. If you’re ready to settle down with the one, you’ve got to either play the game flawlessly (he’s a master) or catch him at the exact right time in his life. The rule for dating Gemini men over any length of time is this: Always keep him entertained – or else he’ll look elsewhere for entertainment.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Dave Matthews is a determined Capricorn who took the music world by storm and provided a new business model for many of today’s singer/songwriters. While many artists were dreaming of getting a record deal, Matthews was following through on a grass-roots plan that wound up making more money than the top record deals could. A Capricorn business mind plus talent – what a phenomenon!

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Copyright 2004 Joyce Jillson