August 20, 2004

The day begins under the Libra moon and ends under the Scorpio moon. If you start out with a friendly and pure intention, this feeling will probably grow in concentration as the day progresses, until tonight when it morphs into a full-blown passion. As your desire changes, so will your approach. Make sure you’re not coming on too strong.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). There is no room for self-doubt, as many are counting on you. If you can strip away old habits, immediate benefits will come your way, both spiritually and physically. Youngsters are refreshingly honest and will tell you all.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Ambition is not a problem. You feel you can accomplish anything, and rightly so. The only thing that can drag you down is a negative person. Make sure there are people in your life who want you to sparkle and succeed.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll make money without big amounts of effort. But remember that what you earn is not who you are! If you can take this belief to your core, money comes to you in the strangest, most miraculous ways.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re feeling uncharacteristically indecisive – a trademark of your sense of justice. You want to make sure your actions are universally fair. Because of the consideration you give to every move, you’ll be hailed as trustworthy.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You have fascinating stories to tell about past losses and victories — and everyone seems to be interested. In entertaining others, what you’re really doing is reminding yourself who you are and how far you’ve come.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 20). Your fine character attracts much abundance in every area this year. Getting in touch with old friends, employers and clients will bring career luck. Finances get a boost with the sale of your work in December. Major success in the love department begins with bold moves in the new year. Lucky love signs are Aquarius and Taurus. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 20, 16, 27 and 43.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Stop fussing over how to make yourself more worthy of love or more appealing to people who interest you. Your values shine through, and that’s what makes you so attractive. Just do your thing without being self-conscious.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Materialism takes hold. You’ll want what you can’t afford (and buy up what you can). Leaving the house without the credit cards is an idea you won’t regret, but don’t deprive yourself completely, or you’ll make up for it later.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Those who handle the money are calling the shots today. Expect a few mandates to be passed down through top management. Set career goals now while you’re still thinking about the long-term view.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’re generous, thoughtful and ready to rally for the people you love. Be careful not to hide behind your commitment to others, though. Somehow, it’s easier to help others than to figure out what you’d like to do.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The task you’ve set for yourself is simply huge. Family members are as supportive of you as they can be, but it still might not be enough for you. Seek unconditional encouragement from people who’ve been in similar straits.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’re resolute while the world around you swirls, flashes and fluctuates as if you were in the center of a demented light show. Maintaining a strong sense of self in your ever-changing environment proves your strong character.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The fun of mixing business and pleasure is both your challenge and your specialty. If you can communicate effectively, you can rule the roost. If someone forgot what was promised, lunchtime is prime time to remind and collect.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: The drive to connect is strong, with the moon starting out in Libra and ending up in Scorpio. Friendly affinity quickly grows into red-hot passion. ARIES: You wish to be an object of desire but may be so caught up in your own desirous pursuit that this can’t happen. TAURUS: You’ll be noticed from across the room – don’t let once-in-a-lifetime opportunities slip away. GEMINI: When you find someone who will indulge you, offer the same in return. CANCER: After an interesting weekend, you’ll settle into a nice relationship groove. LEO: Getting the space you need is important to you. VIRGO: You won’t be sorry if you spend a little extra money on a date. LIBRA: Pursuing artistic talent brings luck in love. SCORPIO: It’s your night to shine – take charge with no apologies. SAGITTARIUS: Caught up in romantic excitement, you’ll turn to mush and end up expressing far more than you wish you did. CAPRICORN: A marriage proposal is likely. AQUARIUS: You get what you want by reading your loved one’s eyes and reacting accordingly. PISCES: Refrain from acting on behalf of a loved one.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: A surprise is in store for usually playful and noncommittal Aries and Gemini. Aries is driven toward something deeper, and Gemini wants to be in love, too. The relationship will progress quickly under the intensity of the Scorpio moon. These two affect one another‘s lives in ways they never thought possible. Also, the outside world bends to their collective requests.

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