July 22, 2004

The sun enters Leo, the sign of drama, passion, generosity and childlike bravado. You’ll feel the fire-sign energy swell – there’s so much to do in only a few hours, but somehow, the impossible seems possible. Go with the bright, almost overzealous impulse to please. Everyone is trying to impress, so the extra effort will be endearing.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You won’t get through all of things you wanted to do today, but there’s no need to punish yourself or get dramatic. The truth is that you consistently set your goals higher than you know you can achieve.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’re perpetually striving to make your work more effective and relevant. Your style of accomplishing this is different from that of those just above you. Meld with the current flow. Casual interviews help you see the whole picture.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’re focused on and affected by your surroundings. It seems you can’t always choose them (or can you?), but you can choose how you deal with them. A gentle but firm approach prevents you from overobligating your time.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll be feeling sentimental but are better off cutting attachments to the past. You can move forward easily if you decide to embrace what’s new. The more ambitious a project, the more likely you are to accomplish it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Feeling creatively blocked? There are ways around it. Try to see your work as a rational, purposeful activity that you control instead of some invisible influence that magically moves through you.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 22). You’re pushing yourself to do more than ever this year, and as a result, you will finally feel that you’re ahead of the game. Place a high price on your services now, or ask for a raise – you’ll be paid what you request. Seize the opportunity to travel in September, and you’ll probably need a passport! Singles find love at reunions or through old friends. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 30 45, 29 and 15.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Planets are challenging your ability to remain secure in the face of temptation. You may struggle with your own compulsive behaviors, but in this struggle, you are perfecting your habits. With consistent effort, you will prevail!

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). You’ve got uncommon talents, so encourage them. You’ll know you’re making progress when people of a certain community seek your opinions and insights – and it feels wonderful to be accepted by the group.

SCORPIO (Oct.24-Nov.21). Don’t be shy – get into the center of things! The closer you are to the meat of the matter, the more you’ll understand the truth of what’s going on, and the more effective you’ll be. Friends want to rise to your standard.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22-Dec.21). The lines that define different kinds of love get blurry. You might find yourself asking why you’ve set up so many restrictions in relationships. Maybe it suddenly seems just fine to be friends with your ex-love.

CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.19). You’ll be amazed how many people really believe in your ability – but it’s not amazing at all. Work on fortifying your own belief in what you do. Meanwhile, the world seems to expect you to create on demand.

AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.18). Competition is a tremendous motivator. But treats and fun can also be effective motivators! Socialize, and make contacts that can help your financial future. Attendance at a social function begins a popularity cycle.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Optimism is in short supply, so if you’ve got it, share it with everyone around! Luck comes when you reach out to people who are very different from you. Happiness is learning about someone else’s culture and trying things their way.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I’m a Libra with three high-maintenance Virgos to deal with – a mother, a brother and a son. Not only do they have very similar traits that require a lot of attention, but they are often in trouble or are trouble every minute of every day. Each has difficulty maintaining smooth relationships and finances. Is this common for Virgo, and is there any way of reducing the load of their constant need for attention? Is Virgo capable of overcoming its inability to find a serene lifestyle?"

The good news is that your Virgo people are capable of solving their own problems (best-case scenario)) or at least not bothering you with their problems. But to me, the most striking thing that all of you Virgo people have in common is you. How would it make you feel if they no longer needed your help? What would you do with your time? Libras like you are capable of finding a balance in relationships but first must give up all co-dependent tendencies. I can accept that Virgos have trouble reaching serenity, but the other problems you’re describing are not typical to Virgo and perhaps are more indicative of your particular familiar situation.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: In addition to being a supremely talented actor, Danny Glover is an outspoken political activist. In Los Angeles, he led recent protests against the Iraq war. In 1947, the sun went into Leo on the 25th, making Glover a Cancer, which happens to be one of the most patriotic signs of the zodiac. Individual Cancer patriots fall on all sides of the issues but are usually demonstrative about their opinions.

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