August 1, 2004

Mercury entering Virgo territory is like an all-hearing tape recorder that keeps track of our words. Everything you say has weight, even if it’s just a passing comment. Mercury tries his best to bring us what we want in the time frame we want it, but we’ve got to do our part to communicate these desires consistently and clearly.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Make an extra effort to reach out. Do research, and catch up on your reading; you feel better in social situations when you are involved in current events. Something that was overlooked last week is given a sharper observation.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Partners change your plans. Flow with it. Loved ones grant your requests because you’re so easygoing with them. More adventures will spring from your flexible attitude this afternoon. Tonight features success with the opposite sex.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You are bright and enthusiastic, so team up with people who appreciate these qualities. Ask others if there is anything you need to know to make your ride smoother. The answers are close at hand.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll prefer the company of a few trusted companions instead of the excitement of a crowd, but no matter with whom or how many you do it, do get out and get social. Your words could change someone’s life tonight.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’re so busy and active that there’s no time to think about what bothered you so much just yesterday. Write off your worries as "so yesterday." Do take time out to relax tonight, or you’ll get the week off to a slow start.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 1). Your creativity carries you to new ways of living this year. August features a home purchase or sale. September is a stellar time for your career. You’ll finally feel you’re getting nowhere. Investments in October will bring dividends for years to come. Couples expand their families next June. Libra and Taurus are inspired partners. Your lucky numbers are: 13, 32, 10, 4 and 25.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re smarter than some people seem to realize – this is because your modesty has kept them in the dark. Speak up, or better yet, when friends brag about you, don’t stop them! Just say, "Thank you." Aries is your cheerleader.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Solid decision making is a challenge, but once you conquer your doubts, you’re happier. No fickle antics for you – when you meet someone you like, stick close. Caution in financial realms is indicated. You can’t be too careful.

SCORPIO (Oct.24-Nov.21). It’s time for fantasy and having an absolute blast. You’ll branch out and make new friends who will prove to be the kind of people you can insert successfully into almost any social situation. Good people like this are a treasure.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22-Dec.21). You’re bigger than life today, and your popularity is on the rise as a result. Set several dates for the week. Consider making a permanent dietary change. A long-standing ailment could miraculously disappear.

CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.19). Relationships thrive when you put your attention toward making them grow. Of course, neglect has the opposite effect. So put grievances aside, and do something to strengthen the bonds of love.

AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.18). You’re in the mood for a major change of pace, which might be accomplished by taking up an activity you’ve never done before – like parasailing or power yoga done to a disco beat. You’ll catch the eye of a real charmer.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). A craving for authority comes over you. The desperate need to be in charge may not be in your character, but when you see others fail, you can’t help but want to help. You beautifully navigate complex family matters.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: The lesson of the week is that words have weight. They have intention, and they have power. The old adage "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me" is not only untrue, but the opposite may be even truer. Words and how we use them have more relevance to the outcome of our life than many types of physical ailments ever could. Mercury, our communication planet, transits into analytical Virgo, so it’s an ideal time to zero in on the particulars of what we tell ourselves and others on a daily basis. The slightest changes in the way we communicate will make a big difference. Tuesday features an enlivening dynamic between Venus and Mars. The instigators are on the loose. The rules of polite society go out the window as we do what is necessary for personal justice. Wednesday, Neptune and Uranus conspire to create strokes of brilliance on a societal level. Brewing invention and discovery will eventually change our world. Insecurities arise Thursday, but by the full moon in Aquarius on Saturday (which happens to be that rare phenomenon called a blue moon), all is healed.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Arnold Schwarzenegger has used his personal drive and his Leo showmanship to carve out careers in bodybuilding, acting and politics. All of his passions are quite showy. Leo people take a lot of joy in plotting out the different ways they can rise to celebrity. And it’s not just about popularity – Leo folks want to be admired for specific accomplishments, like the biggest biceps or box-office smashes.

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