July 11, 2004

The sun moves into Cancer, where it will be until July 22. During this period, much of our attention goes to domestic issues. We discover what would make our home sweeter, certainly in terms of the physical aspects but also in regards to the relationships built there. Loyalties are made clear during this time.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Get fresh air and exercise – you need it. If you can entertain at home, it’s great for your personal life. Enchanting new friends surface. Stylish touches win points. Domestic niceties are now affordable – shop!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Daring moves improve your personal life. Call the one on your mind, and end the limbo you both are in. Someone you helped in the past repays you, just in time for you to repay someone else! Redecorate to improve your mood.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll have plenty of energy, so get tedious business out of the way early. A wave of uncharacteristic impatience may come over you. Your brain processes information at high speeds – avoid interrupting a slow speaker.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). A romantic encounter could turn into an adventure. Travel and getting lost are indicated. Bring a map. Social happenings are lively. Give company your undivided attention rather than trying to impress them with stories.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Regarding those personal goals: Ask a reliable friend to check back with you and make sure you’re doing what you said you would. An important communication matter needs to be resolved. Go in with your defenses down.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 11). You’re not only driven – you know exactly what you want this year. The next seven weeks are fabulous for your love life, and when you’re happy, you do better at work as well. Employment seekers find a premium situation in August. Family is generous with you this fall – loved ones are surprisingly willing to grow. Lucky love signs are Pisces and Leo. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 25, 19, 33 and 11.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). A romance is in danger of proceeding too quickly – pull back. Slow progress is ultimately more fulfilling. Family gatherings are featured. You don’t need to talk up your accomplishments – an attitude of success says it all.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23). It’s very satisfying to finally work out an important relationship issue – it all goes smoothly if you have the guts to say what you mean and mean what you say. Bonus! You’ll find lost possessions while cleaning.

SCORPIO (Oct.24-Nov.21). You have a lot on your mind, but don’t allow yourself to be distracted from your original plan. More socializing and less looking for love give you the right attitude to attract just the love you’re not looking for.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22-Dec.21). Include as many people as you can in the fun, since you get energy from a group or, better yet, a crowd! A flirtation gets more exciting. You’ll enjoy it if you can share the play by play with a trusted friend.

CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.19). The bigger the idea, the more likely you are to make it real. Having a backup plan could save you from repeating a past mistake. You could get an offer that is simply too little too late.

AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.18). Revive romantic commitment, or be brave enough to step out on your own. Your desires and expectations are changing, so don’t be surprised if you do something that is very uncharacteristic of you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Someone else’s loss is your gain. You’ve got the momentum of a positive string of events affecting your personal life. Make the most of this. Send a love letter, if that’s what it takes. Problem solving is your specialty.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: The summer solstice kicks off the week. This astronomical event has been celebrated by cultures all through the ages, and it’s certainly lucky to come up with your own celebration to honor the passage. That carefree summer feeling helps us celebrate Father’s Day, too. Many dads will be honored with fun, games and adventure instead of the usual tie. Why not take Dad parasailing or challenge him to a golf game or diving contest? As the sun traverses through Cancer, as it will until July 22, our focus on domestic issues will be sharper. What makes a home sweet? The physical, mental and spiritual aspects of this question will be addressed over the next three weeks. Wednesday, Mars, the warrior planet, takes a look at Leo’s terrain. It’s high-drama time on the career front – lots of the kind of excitement you see on television shows. New creativity, a different cast of characters and higher stakes will be in store in the weeks to come. This coming weekend brings the last few days of the current Venus retrograde. Let past lessons guide your romantic choices.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: John Goodman always has the last laugh. And the first laugh. And all the laughs in between. I predict that Goodman’s proposed return to TV this year is just what the fall lineup needs. Family audiences loved him in "Roseanne," and his oft-quoted turn in "The Big Lebowski" earned him a place in the hearts of coeds around the country – Gemini has special rapport with twentysomethings.

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