Joanna's Articles

Joanna was a Contributing Editor for Marie Claire magazine where she wrote the monthly Horoscope column for eight years.  She also wrote extended Horoscope Specials for British Marie Claire and Family Circle magazines.  In addition, Joanna researches and records weekly horoscopes for the 900 phone number sponsored by Marie Claire.

Below: One of Joanna's Classic Horoscopes!

 
Your 12-Month Horoscope
Who will you be in 2004? Sex goddess? Billionaire? The next Bachelorette? Marie Claire's astrologer, Joanna Martine Woolfolk, gives you answers in her exclusive guide to sex, love and money.

Aries
March 21-April 19

WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS FOR YOU
This year has been a little crazy. People on whom you were depending didn't keep their promises, and you've had to deal with characters far less intelligent than you. Worse, this turmoil had you doubting your own abilities. But the good news is, you've finally left a group that refused to recognize your amazing talents, and you're starting a comeback that will gain you more power than you've lost. By spring, you'll dazzle everyone -- including the naysayers. You'll take a project that deals with an unusual subject to an international audience. At midyear, a business partnership could put a spring in your step and a jingle in your pocket. When you're proven right about a money decision others called unwise, you'll have the last laugh -- all the way to the bank.

YOUR LOVE LIFE
Relationships always seem like a soap opera for you. You've sacrificed yourself for a lover only to find that he was more interested in himself than in you. But as a result, you've reevaluated your priorities. It's as if the universe backed you against a wall and said, "What do you need to be happy in a relationship?" You decided you must have passion, truth and someone who loves the real you. Armed with this list, you're ready for a romantic 2004. You've had enough of feeling worshipped one minute and ignored the next. As the year unfolds, you'll learn to avoid complicated men who don't understand your thoughts or needs. Near your birthday, an exotic love affair will ignite -- for a change, you'll revel in your impulsiveness instead of holding back your passion. Bonus: You'll exude megawatts of sexual energy. Why? Because your lover will make you feel cherished.

YOUR JANUARY FOCUS
LOVE: You're still dealing with the fallout from a romantic decision made some time ago. But leave the past where it belongs -- behind you. Instead of coming to someone's rescue every five minutes, get started on a plan of your own. Your independence will only help (not hurt) a relationship.
WORK: A turning point -- a meeting with a VIP, or even a job offer -- and a major decision are coming soon. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to try a new idea.



Taurus
April 20-May 20

WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS FOR YOU
True, the last few months have been draining -- you're a tenacious bull who wants to get everything done right now, and lately, you never seem to have enough time, money or energy. What's more, you can't figure out how to fix a blighted relationship with someone with whom you were once close. But the real reason you're feeling psychically fatigued, whether you realize it or not, is that you are making big changes, leaving behind what and who isn't working, and finally learning to take risks. Now, you're ready for a real life adventure. Cosmic patterns forecast a work project that will make dreams come true and put your name in lights. And, having learned that living by other people's opinions never works for you, you'll live by your own rules.

YOUR LOVE LIFE
Yes, you're having a hard time accepting the difference between the way things used to be and the way things are now. But if you could see ahead to the end of 2004, you'd understand how important it is to your future happiness to take your time getting over a certain relationship (or deal with the way the relationship has changed). Try to be gentle and patient with yourself, and know that you have wonderful luck coming to you soon. Indeed, abundant love and passion are about to fill your life. Emotions you've buried deep within yourself will bloom again, and you'll feel a surge of sensuality. You'll even renew your belief in magic. What's more, you and a lover will explore new experiences as a couple. Maybe you'll combine your know-how in a moneymaking venture or take a vacation in a glamorous setting. Whatever you do together, pleasure will always be the number-one priority.

YOUR JANUARY FOCUS
LOVE: Remember a lesson from the past and break a pattern in which your emotional needs are not met. There's no better time than now to make a romantic change. A commitment from someone who adores you is around the corner.
WORK: An unusual idea will soon come to fruition -- now's the time to push toward that long-range ambition! You have an ability to move people, so be persistent with those in power.



Gemini
May 21-June 20

WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS FOR YOU
The hardest thing for a Gemini is to relinquish an idea you're fond of -- perhaps a way you want to handle a project or your opinion of a person. So the last few months have been difficult as you were thwarted at work, people failed you, and a sure thing turned out not to be so sure. Recently, you've also had an unpleasant financial surprise and weathered a loss or a letting-go in a relationship. Because of this strife, you learned a lot about yourself. You've finally realized that although you are a people person, you're no longer interested in impressing others or adhering to their agendas. So you begin this new year with an abundance of self-awareness, courage, creativity and luck. These will all come in handy when you promote an idea that seems crazy to everyone else, but to you is doable and potentially profitable. By your birthday, you won't be the only one who thinks so, and the money will pour in.

YOUR LOVE LIFE
When a love relationship gets intense, you analyze every nuance and work overtime to make sense of complex emotions. And you've learned the hard way that what a lover says isn't always what he truly feels. Still spinning over conflicts in a love affair, you will find safe harbor soon. Having lived through a crisis of the heart, you now know that you need a totally honest relationship. Good news: Your stars promise a passionate love affair in which you give of yourself without giving up yourself. Men have been puzzled by your combination of independence and need for a permanent, loving commitment. But in the next year, you'll find yourself with someone who truly loves and understands your many facets.

YOUR JANUARY FOCUS
LOVE: Yes, you're having a difficult time romantically, but the toughest passages teach us the most important lessons. Make a crucial decision, and the knots will unravel. Choose to love (including loving yourself), and you'll be deeply loved in return.
WORK: Now more than ever, you feel like two different people. One is focused on cultivating work relationships; the other is quietly pondering a career change. Let your sides join forces and use your people smarts to attain your goal.



Cancer
June 21-July 22

WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS FOR YOU
You've encountered enough pressure over the past year to make even the strongest of she-crabs want to hide in her shell. Maybe you depended on people who let you down somehow, or a plan on which your heart was set fell through. But never fear! The clouds on your horizon all have silver linings. Whereas in the past you might have dismissed an idea that involved something you'd never done before, you're now willing to say, "What have I got to lose?" -- an about-face for a careful, cautious Cancer like you. In 2004, you will venture even further from your comfort zone when you join an important group in another city or setting. You'll cement a highly promising business relationship and show the world just how artistic you are with a new creative project.

YOUR LOVE LIFE
When you invest in a relationship, you give of yourself heart and soul. So when a romance fizzles or changes in a way you don't like, you're devastated. Even though your tendency is to take the blame, you've recently learned that everything is not your fault. And, as much as you love to step in and make everyone happy, you're finally discovering that you can't fix anyone else. Now, with your baggage so much lighter, you're ready for a relationship that will bring you bliss. This year promises a union filled with emotional coziness -- but you won't squirrel yourselves away. As you two travel to new places and build a strong emotional foundation, you'll see that any possessiveness you once felt was really just insecurity. Maturity and freedom will define your love life, and you'll finally get the stability and intimacy that have eluded you in the past.

YOUR JANUARY FOCUS
LOVE: You're whirling through an emotional storm, but if you take that step you've been contemplating, you'll find serenity. Just be absolutely sure of your feelings, and your decision will be easy.
WORK: A deal that had been delayed will turn out better than expected. Consider setting your sights even higher now. Don't be afraid to sever ties with a colleague you've known forever, because you'll soon make more money working with new people in a different setting.



Leo
July 23-August 22

WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS FOR YOU
Lately, you've been feeling like your hands are tied -- very frustrating for a Leo, who likes nothing more than to be in charge. But you've been in this bind for a reason. The stars are teaching you to do grunt work and take orders from others. Learn how to let someone else call the shots, and you'll be rewarded: A project you've been slaving over will soon turn out to be a real moneymaker. As early as February, you can combine an old talent with a new skill to become even more indispensable at work. As you get back on top, you'll be able to recruit a team to help you realize your vision. And because of your charisma and your contacts (you've got plenty of both), you'll expand a bold concept to include places and audiences you've only dreamed of in the past.

YOUR LOVE LIFE
You've been called a drama queen, and you do thrive in relationships filled with emotion. But this past year brought events in which you were thrust into the role of caregiver -- and it wasn't your own doing. The experience of truly nurturing someone taught you to give without expecting a reward and to take down the walls you've built around your heart. You're more real than you've ever been. So in 2004, whether you're cultivating trust in a new relationship or growing closer to someone already in your life, you'll do it with your whole self. Specifically, you'll find passion with a lover who adores your courage, generosity and brilliance but knows how to soothe you when you're feeling vulnerable. With him, you'll learn the difference between true intimacy and manufactured emotion. Together, you'll seek adventure -- perhaps going to an exotic location or starting a business -- and take care of each other.

YOUR JANUARY FOCUS
LOVE: You're in a confusing, perhaps painful passage in a relationship, but this is a time of gain, not loss. You'll find the clear answer by focusing on how you want to change, rather than trying to change the other person.
WORK: You're always the one who stirs things up, so be your maverick self. A project that highlights your theatrical streak can be yours -- but you must make an aggressive move.



Virgo
August 23-September 22

WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS FOR YOU
The universe is not picking on you -- though lately, you probably feel as if it is. Rather, the cosmos has you in training so that you can further develop your coping skills and move to much higher levels. It's true that while you were working as hard as you could, you also had to deal with out-of-left-field difficulties revolving around finances and career relationships. In the process, however, you found out how smart you really are and discovered that no matter how dire the situation, you're somehow always able to save the day. Happily, you're no longer willing to be underpaid while giving 100 percent of your best efforts. You've gained much more career confidence, which will help you take charge of that imaginative venture you've been cooking up. You have more charisma than you ever realized -- don't be afraid to use it!

YOUR LOVE LIFE
Virgos need to be needed, and that sometimes gets you into trouble. In love, you've had to learn to stop giving yourself to the wrong people. Maybe in the past you stayed in a relationship with someone you felt sorry for far longer than you should have. Or you let a domineering lover walk all over you. The upside is that you've shaken free of something or someone that locked you in an old behavior. You'll soon share your more actualized self with an extraordinary lover. Perhaps you'll continue an ongoing partnership or start a new love affair with someone you've met before. You'll stop agonizing over all of the little ways in which you think you fail and unlock your exuberant passion, curiosity and love for adventure. During this romantic year, you will also have fabulous money luck, and together, you and your guy can turn a creative project into a pile of gold.

YOUR JANUARY FOCUS
LOVE: Put some distance between you and someone whose negativity is bringing you down. Stop letting him control you. Be true to yourself, and you'll salvage what is valuable in this relationship.
WORK: You may confront opposition to an idea or method you want to pursue, but trust your instincts about what the public wants. You're creating a unique project -- and with it, you'll gain greater power.



Libra
September 23-October 22

WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS FOR YOU
Huge changes in work and relationships have made you feel like you're on a cosmic roller coaster. You took chances with money, separated from something familiar (perhaps an old alliance or a job), and trusted that the universe would look after you. Usually, you deal with risky decisions by procrastinating -- you're so busy looking at both sides of the situation that you can't pick one over the other. But the past year granted you courage to try new experiences. In 2004, a skill you've recently learned will help you take control of an innovative project that's earmarked for expansion. You have an unusual idea, and your creativity can make this concept work. The future promises more money and a chance to gain the attention of VIPs. But you must be willing to ditch an old connection and redefine what you do. This year, you have a chance to reinvent yourself as far more glamorous and worldly.

YOUR LOVE LIFE
In the middle of 2003, you reexamined a relationship that still engages you emotionally (whether it has ended or not). In this process of loss or letting go, you discovered how courageous you are. You took responsibility for your part in what happened and continued to be generous of spirit. Your Libran heart has great capacity to feel. A love affair taught you not to surrender who you are. Because of this, your abilities to love fully, be vulnerable and stick to your principles have deepened. Now it is time to love with your head and your heart. In 2004, you'll experience the intimacy of a true partnership. Your lover will shower you with attention without making you feel beholden. In this equal, happy union, you'll feel free to speak your mind and experience real joy.

YOUR JANUARY FOCUS
LOVE: Deal with what you don't want to face. What seems like a difficult decision will actually be easy, because you don't really have a choice. Taking this crucial step will help you commit to a relationship.
WORK: Learn to say no -- focus your energy on what's important to you. Look beyond your immediate surroundings; you'll increase your luck by expanding your project to reach a wider audience.



Scorpio
October 23-November 21

WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS FOR YOU
Every aspect of your life seems to be in flux, but don't be discouraged. Of course, each bump in the road has sent you spinning, and the fact that you're not in control of certain factors drives you crazy. Other people -- most of whom are undependable -- are calling the shots, so you feel as if you have one hand tied behind your back. But you'll soon get out of a situation that's been an uncomfortable fit -- and realize that what others call your peculiarities are actually your passport to success. Now, you can start a project that builds on your willpower and perfectionism and takes them far beyond your current environment. As you use your fabulous people instincts and utilize the talents of others, you'll feel like a stage director pulling together different components of a theatrical production. Through it all, you'll discover how smart you are.

YOUR LOVE LIFE
It's been said that Scorpios are obsessive about love, but everyone should be as intensely committed as you are. In relationships, you require total honesty, passion, profound sexual intimacy -- you need a soul mate. By definition, however, soul mates are cosmically destined, and therefore arrive infrequently. Failed relationships have scarred your heart. When you love, you invest so much that you're terrified of rejection. But as you begin 2004, you're finally ready to stop feeling powerless. Your timing is brilliant, because this is a lucky year for love. The cosmos points to someone entering your life (if he is not already there) with whom you share a destiny. Because you'll reveal your deepest feelings to him, you two will forge a truly intimate bond. Together, you'll build a safe and secure emotional home.

YOUR JANUARY FOCUS
LOVE: You have a chance to leap into a more passionate love life, but it requires courage. Trust your insight into someone's heart; it will tell you what you need to know. Once you take the emotional risk, you'll experience a love miracle.
WORK: You're feeling rattled about a change, but the outcome will be positive. You're going to move ahead. Link up with someone smart about money -- this person will bring you luck.



Sagittarius
November 22-December 21

WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS FOR YOU
You're in between two big phases in your life -- a job or way of living that's ending, and a new beginning. Like a bird that can't find a safe rock on which to land, you've flown on, trusting that you'll reach dry land soon. Indeed you will, and there, you'll find your fortune. Always eager for new experiences, you are more spontaneous than ever and will rake in big bucks this year. You'll be quick to say yes to opportunities. More importantly, you'll inspire people to give financial support to a project that up until now even you haven't been able to clearly explain. This is a creative but practical project. The public will love it, and you'll be rewarded for your ingenuity. Because you're adventurous and curious, you'll explore a distant place, and around June or July, you'll enter a working partnership that will boost your professional image. Luck and abundance are yours this year, and you'll soon discover how much fun success can be.

YOUR LOVE LIFE
You've poured passionate energy into a relationship, yet nothing you did or gave seemed to be enough. Whether this situation is done with or ongoing, your sense of disappointment or failure persists, and you keep blaming yourself for whatever has gone wrong. However, a recent shift in your life (such as meeting a new person or saying yes to a major change with someone you love) will enable you to let go of anxiety. Soon, you'll see that the adversity with which you grappled was a godsend, because it taught you how to really love. In the coming months, you'll enter a relationship in which you don't have to compromise. It has always been hard for you to confront others and say exactly what you feel. But now, you'll have the freedom to express the real you -- and in return, you'll receive love, validation and approval.

YOUR JANUARY FOCUS
LOVE: You must make a decision about a complex relationship. Look into your heart and initiate the change that will finally rid you of emotional baggage.
WORK: A high-powered, creative team needs your talents. Don't wait for them to discover you; think outside the box and make the first move. To others, you appear glamorous and larger than life. Don't be afraid to trade on this image and use it to get rich.



Capricorn
December 22-January 19

WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS FOR YOU
"When is this chaos going to die down?" you must be asking. As you reel from crisis to crisis, you're feeling crazed and perplexed -- not to mention tired. But there truly is a method to this madness. Notice that each challenge, conflict, loss or situation in which you had to rescue someone has helped you become more confident, more generous and more patient with yourself. You're also much more spontaneous: You, who used to plot out your life like a chess game, are now open to whatever changes come your way. Because you now know how to handle unusually complex tasks, you can manage the high-powered business types who once intimidated you. You're going to assume command and make it all look easy. Between now and September, an artistic endeavor will prove lucky. You'll tap into a new trend -- and quickly get results, which also means more money.

YOUR LOVE LIFE
In a relationship, you are a model lover -- honest, committed, steadfast and sharing. You'll eventually be rewarded for behaving so admirably, but your style of loving makes for some depressing passages in which shallow, superficial men treat you shabbily. Lately, you've had to live through a reality that left you feeling disappointed. But now that you have discarded a destructive fantasy, you're a prime candidate for a healthy love union. You're finally expressing your needs. This year, everything will become clear, and you'll share a profound and sensuous intimacy with a partner who is available in every sense of the word. He will love you generously and provide a shoulder to lean on when you're feeling vulnerable. The best part is, you'll see him -- and love him -- for who he really is.

YOUR JANUARY FOCUS
LOVE: Retreating into yourself isn't working. Once you deal with an emotionally charged issue, you'll be able to relax. Something that's been delayed in a relationship (for example, his total commitment) or that you think you've lost will turn out to be positive! Happy birthday!
WORK: You're restless -- but a new outlet for your probing mind is right in front of you. With your people talents and your instinct for what's hot, you can take control of an unusual project. Tap into an unused skill, and you'll make more money.



Aquarius
January 20-February 18

WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS FOR YOU
You may feel like you've spent the last few months dragging an elephant behind you. You've given your all to work responsibilities. You've had to get bills paid, deal with cranky, uncooperative people, and be the strong one in a professional relationship that teetered through uncertain times. Oddly, as dismal as your situation may sound, it's anything but. In the first months of 2004, you head toward a breakthrough that will bring financial success and wash away the memories of your struggle. The recent past has taught you that you're able to rise above the pettiness that consumes others. You're not afraid to take risks. Because of this, you'll get out of a professional cage and make use of what you've learned about publicizing yourself. Within the next four months, you'll revitalize an ingenious idea that catches fire with an audience. This new year allows you to be the kooky, irrepressible spirit you were born to be -- and come out a winner.

YOUR LOVE LIFE
Sometimes, it's hard for you to say the simplest things ("I'm sorry," "I love you," "I'm happy"). But what you've experienced lately has taught you to be open about your feelings. It has shown you how much you can learn from relationships, even when they disappoint you. Last year, you made a brave emotional decision that you're still having second thoughts about, but you did the right thing. You're finding out who the new you is, and you will continue this self-discovery with someone with whom you share remarkable similarities. You're an affirmative person with a strong identity -- and the universe is connecting you to a lover who will adore your uniqueness. This love affair will introduce you to new people, a new location and a more erotic side of yourself. Enjoy!

YOUR JANUARY FOCUS
LOVE: You may think that a romantic choice will result in an either/or situation, but there's a middle path that takes care of your needs, too. Think before you act, and when you do act, don't be afraid -- everything will work out.
WORK: You're involved in a subtle struggle -- perhaps someone is trying to control you. Be strong-willed and do your own thing. This is the perfect time to entertain a far-out idea. Project self-assurance, and money will follow.



Pisces
February 19-March 20

WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS FOR YOU
In the movie of your life, the past few months have brought a major change in plot. Whether you've taken on different work, embarked on another lifestyle, started a new learning program or altered your appearance, you've redefined yourself. Making broad changes is never easy, and the process is often lonely. Congratulations on having the guts to keep evolving. In 2004, you will continue your life makeover. You'll satisfy a longing to do something wild by grabbing hold of an imaginative project or taking off on a trip. In addition, your talent for performing will be highlighted (especially at midyear) as you step into a role in which you deal with the public. You'll be eloquent and original. Indeed, powerful people will be interested in your unique talents. Happily, in the next two months, you'll also find yourself with an increased cash flow, which should make you feel more secure as you pursue your dreams.

YOUR LOVE LIFE
Pisces are true romantics, and for you, love is an escape: a private place where you can live out your fantasies. The problem is real life -- and in real life, especially these last two years, you've been through romantic experiences that have left you disheartened. Yet through it all, you've proved that you're tougher than people think. You've developed a strong center, and you'll never lose yourself in someone else again. Whether you're looking for new love or renewing a commitment to someone you're with now, the theme of cutting away from the past infuses your romantic life. You'll find joy with a lover both fearless and tender, who satisfies your deep sensuality and gives you practical support. This relationship will create the romantic magic you crave and imbue you with faith in yourself.

YOUR JANUARY FOCUS
LOVE: Have the courage to confront someone and go through with an action you've been avoiding. Ask yourself if you'd rather be in the situation you were in a year ago. Use your Pisces insight to examine your true feelings, because you can get what you really want.
WORK: Others will pay for your offbeat talent -- so take control in an area that belongs to you alone. It's time to move on to a position in which you have more authority than ever -- and the freedom to display the real you.

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