July 4, 2004

Under a generous Leo moon, neighbors feel like talking. Once you break the ice, you’ll find that people are just like you. With so many retrograde planets in the picture, some will take offense where none was intended. It’s a good time to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Let’s imagine a world where everyone tries his or her best for others.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Setting short-term goals carries you ever closer to the long-term ones. Organize documents, records and schedules. Make lists. A financial bonus makes a gift or treat possible. Spend more time with a close relative.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Take immediate action when you’re challenged. Avoid letting frustrations from your personal life carry over into business. Find love far from home this afternoon or evening. Assuage a relative’s fears.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Dreams give you insight into your fears. Refuse to accept the short end of the stick. Romance takes your mind off the workaday world. A new rule changes everything. Keep up with payments.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). An expensive purchase is not necessary for your career, image, love life or convenience. Doing without teaches you about your strengths. Support a relative or partner in an important emotional step.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There is no need to keep up appearances – come right out and say it. Family and friends support a career or financial decision. Continue developing a talent instead of resting on your laurels.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 4). This is an exceptionally lucky three months. You could come into a windfall or inheritance by March. New friends or contacts lead to employment changes. The key is in asking for the right salary to begin with. People will pay for your unique skills. Romance is best in September and October. Seek a sensitive Cancer or a fun-loving Gemini for long-term love.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Love is proven tonight. Your quest for the truth is unpleasant at times but necessary. Keep a balance between your personal and private lives. Love is more romantic than ever this afternoon.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Donations are good, but you change the most when you take an active part. A romance develops with an Aquarius or Pisces. Small children deserve more attention. An old friendship is tested but remains solid.

SCORPIO (Oct.24-Nov.21). Praise from a parent or mentor means the most to you. Avoid procrastinating a creative endeavor. Your ability to think critically makes you a leader. Tonight, singles find endless possibilities with Cancers or Leos.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22-Dec.21). Collaborate with a friend on an endeavor that requires your distinctive stamp. Money is no object to a prospective sponsor or patron. Find love through a club or hobby. Travel outdoors this afternoon.

CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.19). Make an exception. Your love is quite dependent on you – much more than he or she lets on. Satisfy a whim or craving this afternoon. Something wholly new will command your eager attention.

AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.18). Devote more time to your family. Plans are futile when you are behind schedule. Indulge your adventurous spirit this afternoon. Your love proves an invaluable partner or companion.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). A confrontation is painful now but worth it in the long run. Rely on old friends or loves for sympathy and support. Your endorsement makes a project attractive to colleagues. An age gap poses no problem.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: The creative Leo moon this morning keeps the ideas flowing. Let yourself brew over the best of them. You won’t see the evidence of your creativity until the latter part of the month, as retrograde planets are encouraging you to mull things over in your brain until you’re satisfied. By evening, the moon has shifted into Virgo. Since the sun resides there also, a resonance between feeling and deed lets us know that all is right with the world – and so it is. This day features a partial eclipse of the sun at 9 degrees Virgo. The moon is new, the slate is clean, and it’s time to boost up your inner solve. Lovers may pick on one another, but this is only misdirected energy. Everyone wants to improve things, but only the wisest among us realize that the thing to improve is our own thought processes. In fact, major change is possible this month if we use the purity and honesty of the Virgo sun to guide our resolutions. By acting on how we feel on the inside, or at least letting others know our feelings, we come closer to our own personal goals.

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