August 5, 2004

The sun and Venus are in a trying position that could cause some insecurity to rise up in us, especially on the topic of love. You may even have paranoid thoughts about the reasons someone loves you or the motivation people have for getting close to you. Finances could also suffer from a bout of doubt. Use your logical mind to get centered.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). There’s much to keep straight, and you’ve got the logical mind to maintain order. But don’t be so fixated on practical matters that you lose your joy and creativity – without those, almost everything you do is in fact impractical.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’re a bit like the goose that lays golden eggs now, and you could find that many people would love to "steal" you away. Beware of people who are only interested in what you can do for them and aren’t interested in giving back.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It’s a complex web you weave, Gemini. Forget about the bottom-line results now because there are so many contributing factors that it’s impossible to make an accurate projection. Go by how you feel.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You go out of your way to get that feeling of love and acceptance. Once you’re convinced that this basic need is met, you thrive. Being able to rid yourself of nagging worries is key. Most of what you fear is unreal anyhow.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It’s a passionate day. Being around hard-working people will make you more productive than ever. Your competitive instinct is fierce. You rise to the level of your competition, even if you have no idea what you’re doing.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 5). Show the world what you’ve got! You’re well received this year, and you’ll find many ways to use your talents. Singles meet prospects in August and start a relationship with a real future. Money luck has to do with trying something new in September. If you properly educate yourself, you can’t lose. Cancer and Pisces are fabulous love prospects. Your lucky numbers are: 39, 50, 3, 11 and 27.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ve got major mojo, which you can use to influence an impossible situation. On days like this, just postulating is enough to make it so – imagine you’re like the rainmaker who achieves by being in harmony with the elements.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). Nothing stresses you out. You’re able to use your sense of humor to turn every snafu into an entertaining story for your friends. You’ve got tons of those these days. Keep ’em laughing.

SCORPIO (Oct.24-Nov.21). You’re not as interested in self-improvement as you are in allowing others to improve you – after all, why not leave it to the professionals? Gather opinions, and have a blast re-creating yourself inside and out.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22-Dec.21). There’s luck in the realm of politics. You are in a position to take a stand, and many will listen – you’ve got real presence, poise and an interesting take on the same old message. Romance develops at lightning speed.

CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.19). The only way to make progress is to first get organized. Haphazard piles, unsorted files and silly clutter can be sorted through completely by tomorrow if you just do it. When it gets difficult, enlist a friend.

AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.18). Surprises cause you to act quickly, and you can be sure your destiny is being fulfilled. Approach new relationship with caution. The first 15 minutes determine how the rest of it will go. Tonight, you’ve got the healing touch.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If you find yourself waiting around for someone to call you back, get busy. The more you can do to prove to yourself that you don’t need someone, the more they’ll feel drawn to you. Pop culture influences your work.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "A Gemini born in 1974, I’m a singer/songwriter going through the ups and downs of the music business. I know that music is my calling, but I haven’t found that big break yet, and sometimes, I wonder if it will be in this lifetime. What do the stars say?"

You’re gifted, attractive and bright, dear Gemini. You’re an excellent networker, too, unafraid of extending yourself and finding out how to take the next step. What you need to work on is your tenacity. Sometimes, you rely too heavily on your natural gifts instead of working hard to refine them so that you shine as the very best around. Practice daily, and sing in public once a week. Work with a video camera when you’re alone so that you can really see how you’re being perceived by others. And when you’re not getting the results you want, ask how you can do it better or what you need to work on. Instead of waiting for your big break, work on carving out a niche for yourself. Find people who need wonderful singers, and give them what they need. By giving your talent instead of worrying about making it, you’ll start feeling like a success.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Wesley Snipes is back on screen in "Blade: Trinity," coming out in December. Ardent "Blade" fans are in for a really bloody treat – the buzz on this movie is hot. The fire element of Leo gives Snipes abundant energy, and the best way for this sign to channel it is through exercise. The intense regimen that’s required for Snipes to keep up his toned physique may one day be packaged in an exercise DVD.

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