July 25, 2004

Mercury and Venus are in a friendly aspect, giving new meaning to common exchanges. We’re playing at many levels, like seasoned actors who know how to use words to portray subtle emotions or persuade others to do our bidding. However, expressing love fluidly and fully will be the best application of this astrological vibe.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’re attracted to risk – without it, the rewards cannot be achieved. But how much is too much? You can count on Leo and Scorpio to let you know. You’re the one in the middle again tonight. Make it clear this triangle can’t go on!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Sunny thoughts rule the day, and you charm all you contact. Though you’re encouraged to take the whole day off, you’ll feel better if you log in a couple of hours of work. After all, you’re driven to dominate your field.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Competitive instincts are full blast, so compete in a game or sport. You have abundant energy for concentrated, step-by-step efforts. Tonight, you’re feeling uncharacteristically shy in the presence of someone interesting.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re a talented student of human nature, and this gives you an edge in anything you choose to do. Your phone rings off the hook. A sweet friend will be your saving grace if you require referral, a pinch hitter or a baby sitter.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Words, letters and communications of all kinds could turn a humdrum day into something quite memorable. New approaches win the prize in every category. Living for the moment is the way to make the most of non-committal vibes!

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 25). Your creative talents will stop costing you so much to develop and start paying you back! Love and money sectors heat up when you cross the borders of countries. Friends introduce singles to new love in September, a passion-filled month. A windfall is available if you set out on an entrepreneurial path in October. Love signs are Virgo and Gemini. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 25, 10, 33 and 18.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Strut your stuff; you’ve got the right attitude, and people are listening. Your rational mind dismisses the idea of luck – a mistake! Put some magic into your love life, if not for your partner’s sake, for your own.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Invited friends to discuss crazy ideas and far-out plans. This evening promises interesting events to unfold on the romantic scene. Action that is slightly unreasonable is tolerated and could even be attractive.

SCORPIO (Oct.24-Nov.21). You’re such good company that people are overly generous just to keep you around! Watch out that the fool and his money soon separated aren’t you this evening, when you’ll be gullible and prone to deception.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22-Dec.21). Dated traditions practically beg you to rework them. Remember that moving forward comes with a price. You must lose the familiarity and comforts of the past. Tonight, use common sense – only fixing the truly broken.

CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.19). A natural provider, you are ultimately the one who gets nurtured by your nurturing efforts. Children, close friends and relatives rely on you for everything imaginable, but you have the resources. Your warmth is reciprocated.

AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.18). Make your motto "Join up." Involve yourself where you’ll be useful. Financial wins often take careful planning and a judicious allocation of funds. But you can chalk today’s coup up to plain old luck.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Rearrange your priorities – something is slightly askew. Friends who are too critical aren’t helping matters, either. Right now, you need pampering. A home project advances to the next phase with outside help.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: The lunar cycle is coming to a tidy close this week, and there’s the chance to bring certain projects and relationships to a similar neat end – either finally or in preparation for a new stage. Closure is a personal preference – what feels like a proper end for some people would feel like a sloppy mess to others. Cancer urges us to be sensitive to the variety of styles that we humans possess. The kinder and gentler approach is always best. Sunday, Mercury and Venus playfully inspire sweeter communication. If you need to persuade someone or confess your love, do it Sunday. It’s a busy start to the workweek, although you hate to leave the house on Monday. Some of you will be more productive if you telecommute. Wednesday is a slow day with the moon void of course. But Thursday and Friday are action packed, at least on an emotional level. Even if you never leave the house, it’s like your feelings are taking their own journey around the world and back again. Saturday brings a new moon in Cancer – the fresh, clean start we’ve been waiting for.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Camilla Parker Bowles appears to be in the good graces of most of the British royal family. Over the last few years, Prince William and Prince Harry have been welcoming of their father’s partner, inviting her on vacation with them and over to tea. Cancer people work tirelessly for their nearest and dearest, and the result is a strong sense of comfort and permanence for those in their inner circle.

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