April 19, 2004

Mercury backs out of cool and collected Taurus into the fiery engine of Aries. Communicating underlying meanings without using precise words could cause some strong emotions to surface. It’s normal to feel like a child who knows what he or she wants but can’t yet express it verbally – frustrating but an opportunity to learn new words.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ll be witness to someone’s ignorance and prejudice, and this could bring out your warrior spirit. Killing the enemy with kindness maybe the best way to go on this one. Ultimately, you’re trying to promote love in the world.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Like a television series that ends while still at the height of its popularity, you too may decide to bow gracefully out of a primo situation. Have faith in your own sense of timing, and you’ll definitely leave ’em wanting more.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your incredible patience pays off – wait a minute, you, incredibly patient? OK, well, relative to your norm. Let people off the hook when they’re clearly struggling, and lend a hand when it’s looking hopeless. It’s a good day all in all.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Persistence does pay off, but it’s not the only way to go. Continue to knock on a door, and it soon opens for you. But there’s something to be said for going where the door swings wide on the first try. Consider an easier path.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). An overriding feeling that the best is yet to come turns out to be more than optimism – it’s true! Regarding a relationship that has suffered for lack of attention – this is the time to bring out the big guns. Pour your heart into it.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (April 19). You have incredible triumphs this year, especially in your personal life. You’re learning more about who you are and teaching others to respect you. Employers reward achievements with raises or perks in the next four weeks. You’ll make a lifestyle improvement in June. September could bring marriage. Gemini and Aquarius are fabulous partners. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 33, 25, 17 and 20.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You feel don’t have the vocabulary to communicate the message that will help you transcend a difficult situation. But actually, you’ve got all the words you need. The intention behind your voice is everything.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). You’ve got that invincible attitude, and others take you at face value, reasoning that if you think you’re invincible, you probably are. Wear your agenda prominently so everyone knows what you want. The facts weigh in this afternoon.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). And back again for another go-around in your fertile imagination are those dreams of fame and fortune. Just remember that with sensible, logical steps even the loftiest goals can be met. You’ll be treated like royalty tonight.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It pays to give someone the benefit of the doubt. Then, you don’t have to spend your energy and time watching your back. Respect the present dynamics of a relationship. Family matters fall together in an elegant way.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When you narrow your focus, you can do the thing that is most important to you. Personal style is highlighted, and charisma is amplified. Unsatisfactory situations are handled best now with less talk and more action.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). A simple truth: You go in the direction you are headed. That’s why it’s crucial that you not focus on what you don’t want. Long-term luck can spring from casual requests and conversations that begin innocently enough.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Claustrophobic? Get out where you’ve got plenty of room and can see how vast the sky is. Freedom and open air refresh you. Friends rely on you when it’s convenient for them but resist your help when they’d rather stay helpless.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTION: "Do you consider Mel Gibson’s "The Passion of the Christ" a manifestation of the powerful energy of Uranus’ transit through Pisces?"

What a fabulous question! I do, actually! Uranus is the planet in charge of unpredictable and widespread events. He is the king of surprises and loves to affect many people instead of one. His favorite hobby is taking a tradition and shaking up the way we think of it. Pisces rules the spirit and spiritual studies. "The Passion of the Christ" is an excellent example of Uranus energy manifesting through a spiritual story – the controversy around the movie is an event better representation of this Uranus transit than the movie itself. I expect other manifestations in the months to come, including shake-ups at the higher levels of organized religion. It’s a time to look at the old rules and see how they still apply, make new interpretations of old texts, and make decisions about how religious bodies will handle modern challenges and changes. On a personal level, many people will be re-affirming their beliefs and figuring out how to meld the idea of individual freedom with the idea of honoring meaningful rituals, traditions and religious structures.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Aries like David Letterman love to take the reins and lead others. He’s at the helm of "Late Show with David Letterman" and is a powerhouse producer, working on such shows as "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "Ed." This year, Letterman could start up a sitcom. Aries not only like to be in charge, but they need new projects to keep them energized and content.

If you would like to write to Joyce Jillson, please go to www.creators.com and click on "Write the Author" on the Joyce Jillson page, or you may send her a postcard in the mail. To find out more about Joyce Jillson and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. – Copyright 2004 Joyce Jillson