GEMINI

Vacation Guide for Gemini

For you, dear Gemini, a vacation is an opportunity to learn new skills, have exciting new experiences and gain a new perspective on life. Generally, you want stimulation, not rest, and have energy to burn. You cram as much as you can into your itinerary and know no bounds. Your ruling planet, Mercury, was the mythological messenger of the gods and was the only deity on Mt. Olympus who could roam freely. Like your ruler, you don't like restrictions!

Plan a trip to Mexico or Puerto Rico for plenty of action: beaches, museums, interesting landmarks and historic sites, beautiful scenery, and a number of side trips to neighboring towns. Gemini, a "double bodied sign" (like Pisces and Sagittarius) might consider touring two countries. Buy an open-ended airline ticket that would allow you to fly to one city and leave from another. In this "two-some" theme, consider going to Portugal and Spain, Ireland and Scotland, Czechoslovakia and Romania or to Japan and Korea. In Canada, visit Vancouver and its neighbor, picturesque Victoria on Vancouver Island. Or choose two cities in Mexico or Puerto Rico. Stateside, try pairing San Francisco and Los Angeles or Boston and Philadelphia.

You are a voracious reader, so you will bone up on your destination before you get there. You love little, obscure facts, which may also give you an inclination for any offbeat tour. Investigate pearl diving off of New Zealand, visiting the haunted castles in Scotland or an go on African photo safari or great roadside attractions of the southern United States. (Don't forget to stop at Graceland.)

Very long road trips make you antsy, so it's a good thing your sign rules air travel. As an alternative to flying, try train travel, where you can converse with fellow passengers and gather tips about what to do in the cities you that you will visit. Gemini is a natural journalist, so "interviewing" locals would really add to your trip. Train travel can be fun‹you might even enjoy booking a sleeper car on an overnight train. Buy a ticket on the Oriental Express from Switzerland to points south, and discover the some beautiful sites in Italy. Or travel on the Bullet Train to get to the small, charming cities of Japan.

Staying at luxury hotels doesn't suit your yearning to soak up authentic local life, so make a reservation in a small pension (bed and breakfast) or inn. (If you want to listen to the local news, make sure there will be a TV in your room. (Of course, if you're in Prague and you don't speak Czech, you might not understand a word!) If there is a large newsstand or bookstore nearby, you would be in heaven. Keep a travel journal for your favorite addresses so you can return and rediscover the darling bistro or special on your next visit.

Before you depart, however, leave a loose itinerary with family members, friends and office mates. Although other zodiac signs don't want to be disturbed on vacation, you will actually be better able to relax if you know that others can reach you if they need to. The worst thing you can say to a Gemini is "I was desperate to contact you and I couldn't find you!"

The Gemini Man: May 21 - June 20

Your Gemini man is full of wit and charm, and often the center of attention, as he delights everyone with a new joke he just heard or a story about what happened to him at work. Since Gemini rules Hermes, the messenger of the Gods, Gemini men are often writers or reporters. They are brilliant communicators, and can talk their way into any opportunity or out of any tight spot.

Your Challenge

This guy likes to keep up-to-date on things, so you'll have to get his head out of The New York Times and all his other daily doses of news. Nobody reads as many current periodicals as a Gemini! His coffee table probably looks like a newsstand. When he gets done reading, he is likely to be switching on the TV news. You will have to do something with this news junkie or he'll stay wrapped up in current events. The key is to convince him that you are the most interesting event in his life!

How To Handle Him

First of all, be one of his best news sources. Before you meet up with him, call him with something you just heard on Reuters. Leave a voice mail on his office phone with a late-breaking story, or fax over clippings from a newspaper on a topic that interests him greatly. That will get his initial attention and you'll be able to move on to more intimate matters.

Keep in mind that Gemini needs constant variety and change; the more surprising and spontaneous you are, the more he will love you. Never reveal everything about yourself to a Gemini, for once they get the idea there is nothing new to discover, they will be tempted to look elsewhere. Gemini men have a deep need to try and figure you out, so keep him guessing!

Be verbal in bed during lovemaking. This will really turn him on. Don't be shy! Gemini is a highly-intelligent sign, stimulated by both exciting talk and the written word, and appealing to his mind and imagination will keep your sex life lively. Try reading passages from a sexy novel. (Make sure the novel has some literary value--if it is too trashy, he will wonder about your educational level, another important aspect to smart Gemini). Also, try leaving love notes in his suit pockets, his briefcase or anywhere he might casually come across them. Few signs appreciate the now-dead art of writing love letters more than a Gemini.

Things To Do, Gifts To Buy

Treat your Gemini man to a massage with a subtly-fragranced oil to reduce his nervous tension. He is ruled by Mercury, the planet controlling the entire nervous system, and his nerves get jangled easily. Pay particular attention to his hands, for they are susceptible to stress (probably because he is at the keyboard so much). Geminis always appear to be far younger than their years and have great charisma. To best bring out this boyish charm, flirt with him. (Gemini is the best flirt of the zodiac and he will flirt right back.) Step up your witty game of verbal Ping-Pong, if you're ready for wildfire. No doubt he will be sitting at his computer while you talk with him, for Gemini always does two things at once. As he sits there, intently pounding out his great American novel, seduce him while he is working. Slowly unbutton his shirt as you stand behind his chair and rub his chest. Soon he will be putty in your hands.

Gemini is symbolized by the twins flying through the air, and your Gemini man is happiest when flying to some distant city. Surprise him with tickets for two to a far-away island. Then, use the fact that he's an air sign to your advantage: seduce him on the flight (the rest room might be small but useful here). He'll be in his element and more in "in the mood" than anywhere else!

Do Geminis stray? Only if they get bored. What you need to do is to keep them excited and mentally engaged in you. Therefore, here is the ultimate gift for communication-oriented Gemini: Give him a year of internet access along with at least one sexy e-mail message from you per week! What better way for him to stay focused on you?

The Gemini Woman: May 21 - June 20


The Gemini woman is full of enthusiasm. A vivacious, shining beauty, she can talk about a wide variety of subjects, and she is curious about everything. Don't advise a Gemini woman that she would be better off doing one thing at a time, for she needs variety and pursues a multitude of interests. She is actually at her best when swamped with things to do! Gemini is an ace communicator too, particularly adept at sharing her emotions and thoughts. (Take away her dial tone and it is like taking away oxygen.) She doesn't go for a man who crowds her or who limits her space. Gemini is symbolized by the twins flying through the air, and to set limits on a Gemini is like trapping a lovely bird in a small cage.

Your Challenge

This is a busy woman with endless lists of things to accomplish. She does have a tendency to be a bit forgetful too. But who wouldn't, with her lifestyle? She does more in a week than most of us accomplish in a month! You will need to remain Priority One with her, a hard task, when you're competing with all her activities, friends and admirers.

How To Handle Her

Read up on current issues, whether it is art, technology, movies, or books--anything interesting you that is topical. Then suggest to her that you and she check out a show or meet in a late night coffee shop to discuss the issues. Gemini adores a lively debate (she was probably captain of her debating team in college). Browse with her in a good bookstore, one that plays music to encourage lingering. (Gemini rules the printed words, thus, she is happy in book shops.) Or, if she has a new laptop, offer to help her set up her system folder. (She has the brains to do it, but prefers to do things like that š deux for the company.) Suggest you go window shopping for a new fax machine one night after work, so that she can choose the best one when she's ready. Convince her to let you assess the various local cellular phone carriers to choose the best deal for her, then meet to discuss your findings. As you see all these things are communication-oriented, and believe it or not, as dorky as these things seem, they will really turn her on. She will love you for your thoughtfulness. Trust me on this.

Things To Do, Gifts To Buy

Buy her a cellular phone or a beeper with voice mail messaging, with pre-paid service for a year so you can call her up and leave sexy messages. Or give her an all-expense-paid-trip for two (with you!) to an inland hideaway. (Be sure there are cultural activities and night life available--remember, Gemini needs lots of stimulation). No money? Then fax her a naughty love note if her machine is private or else FedEx her an overnight letter filled with pink and red rose petals--she will be thrilled by your creativity.

In bed, whisper words and little stories you've imagined or read. She is the most verbal of all the signs, and her strong intellect and rich imagination is your surest way to passionate love. Read portions of steamy novels too while in bed, and don't be afraid to laugh or have fun with her when making love. She is one of the most spontaneous of all the signs. Since Gemini is the sign which rules versatility, she will appreciate your reading up on different lovemaking positions--and she'll be willing to try almost anything at least once. One more hint: she is very verbal, and therefore highly oral. Enough said? You lucky dude, you.

Gemini Man

Your Gemini loves to read, so choose some new books--be sure they're all best-sellers. Since Gemini is the travel sign, you might get him a new overnight bag or a fine leather toiletry case. Of course, airline tickets to just about anywhere send his spirits soaring.

Sending and getting e-mail is fun for a Gemini, so pay for a year of his Internet access. Gemini also adores gadgets, so you might find him zany things for his car like a wide rear view mirror or a dashboard cup-holder for his coffee. One of the new electronic voice memo-takers would also be handy. There is a new phone (at Sharper Image) that allows the user to change his voice to 16 different identities. A Gemini would love that phone (Geminis live on the phone because they are ruled by Mercury, the winged messenger)--if only to prank friends or to pretend his new business has 17 employees. A special barometer or thermometer would help him dress properly for the weather--Gemini is rarely home. Give him a modern, stainless steel wide-mouth thermos for hot and cold foods for the same reason.

He also likes to take classes, so you could give him one to sharpen his pool game or one to teach him more about all kinds of wine. Finally, he's got a good sense of humor. Send him a membership for the boxer shorts-of-the-month club!

Gemini Woman

Lily-of-the-Valley is one of Gemini's favorite flowers, so send her a nosegay or give her soaps, lotions and cologne in that scent. Her need to communicate is strong--find her an elegant pen (rollerball or fountain pens are good) or go with her to a fine shop to select personal stationary for her on the finest fiber paper, compete with a printer's die for her engraved initials. She would love a personal fax machine, beeper, or a purse-size cellular phone to help her stay in touch.

She also likes new accessories to change her look, so buy her a new thin belt with sterling silver buckle, a small leather backpack (instead of a purse) by Prada or a fashionable piece of costume jewelry that she chooses with you. She is on the go a lot, so the chances are, she needs new luggage. Make it one of those new pieces with rollers on the bottom, or a handsome carry-on bag for weekend getaways.

Your Gemini girl likes to do two things at once, so get her wireless, cordless radio/head phones set to listen to while she works. Or surprise her with a little bitty reading light to use on train or when a passenger in a car at night. She loves to write, so give her a beautifully bound diary, with lock and key. Finally, a Stuben glass paperweight would be an elegant addition to her pretty glass desk.

Gemini: Talk It Out

When crisis hits, the first thing a Gemini does is pick up the phone and a call a trusted friend. This is the perfect reaction, for reaching out and listening to get an objective observer's opinion will offer air sign Gemini another person's perspective, a fresh insight or two and new information they may not have considered. Highly cerebral and analytical, Mercury-ruled Gemini likes to see all sides of their situation to feel that they have thought of all possible options. Simply by relating what is wrong, Gemini sees the parameters of their situation better than if they had remained silent.

Do keep in mind that with all this relating to others, you could get confused or overwhelmed with all the varying responses you get. Eventually you will have to draw the line and come to closure. Sometimes Gemini procrastinates, so ask yourself why you're holding out and if there is something troubling you about the situation. Ferret out whatever is preventing you from proceeding with your usual vigor and enthusiasm. Your mutable quality makes you highly flexible and adaptable, a real asset in times of change.

If possible, get a change of scene by going away for a few days. Getting over a breakup, deciding on a career switch, figuring out how to pay too many bills--any problem will to find a quicker solution when a Gemini is away from home and not distracted by everyday duties. The trip need not be to a distant place--a nearby city would do--but it has to offer enough stimulus to keep high-IQ Gemini busy and entertained. Therefore, don't go to a deserted beach or quiet village. Rather, choose a place where you could take in a few cultural things during the day and reconnect with old friends over dinner. Nothing rejuvenates a Gemini from stress like a trip, even a weekend getaway, as long it is to a place that is either new or a place they haven't seen in a while. (Same-old, same-old is not going to relax Gemini.)

Gemini is the sign that rules sisters, brothers and cousins, and often Gemini is close to one of these relatives. (Think of John F. Kennedy--who was a very typical Gemini--and his close relationship with his brother, Robert.) If you have a sibling or cousin who has always given you good advice while you were growing up, seeing them again now could be comforting. The break in routine will refresh you, and getting an opinion from a relative who knows you well and who loves you could do much to steady your nerves.

If you can't find the time (or the money) to go away, taking a long walk or drive in the country would be the next best idea, for Gemini also rules the neighborhood. For sports, try riding a bike, or going rollerblading-- any sport which would get you outdoors. (Being stuck inside a gym, going through a routine you've done hundreds of times before, will not help you to relax. Anything rote is to be avoided now.)

Gemini rules the written word, so keeping a journal or pouring your energy into creative writing is an excellent idea. (As they say, all smart writers use their own distress as fodder for great fiction!)

Most people feel more relaxed in places that have happy associations. Being surrounded by new beautiful books is Gemini's equivalent of a puppy in clover, so get to a bookstore! First, read the reviews, find one book which sounds good. Once at the store, you could also look up material on whatever is causing you grief. Since Gemini loves self-help books, so scan that section, or choose a fast-paced bestseller to engross you (your sign also rules current titles). Walk over to the magazine section and review the foreign publications--if you remember your high school French, German or Spanish, pick up a foreign publication, or perhaps a British magazine will appeal to you. The point is to vary your routine and break molds. Gemini needs a free exchange of ideas as dearly as air to breathe.

Gemini rules the lungs, so be sure you don't start smoking again. The lungs are often this sign's weakest link, so Gemini must be sure to protect them. (A social sign, many Gemini begin to smoke because their friends do, and then find they can't stop. A doctor may have several methods to help, if this is the case for you.) Another part of the body sensitive to stress is, oddly enough, Gemini's fingers, for their ruling planet, Mercury, rules their hands. While this gives Gemini great dexterity in their fingers, they tend to overuse them. A warm paraffin wax and cream manicure, or, a slow, 20-minute hand massage would be heaven, especially if you are a writer, editor, or spend lots of time on the computer, something communication-oriented Gemini is prone to do.

Lastly, Gemini is known to have lots of hobbies and interests. Picking up an old pastime that you haven't done in a while would give you lots of pleasure. Or, think of a new hobby. Remember Demi Moore in Ghost? She did more for the pottery industry than anyone in the history of time. Wow, did dipping her hands in wet clay look sexy, sensuous, and ultra-creative. (If you have a hunk like Patrick Swayze around the house to be the recipient of your newest plates and pots--so much the better!) The point is try something to take your mind off the hamster wheel. Then, abracadabra, sure as mud, your subconscious will come up with a solution when you least expect it . After all, Gemini, you practically invented doing two things at once!

Fitness for Gemini

Your Ruling Planet: Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the communicative, inquisitive planet that guides rational and intellectual thinking. The element Mercury is also nicknamed "quicksilver" because it changes form in the flash of an eye.

The Part Of The Body Your Sign Rules: Gemini rules the nervous system, as well as the arms, shoulders, hands and lungs.

Your Metabolism: High

Your Health Profile:

Spontaneity is one of your greatest assets, but it can do you in when dinner time rolls around and you find (1) you don't have anything healthy to eat in the house and (2) you have no interest in cooking something healthy even if you did have the ingredients. Eating too many processed foods and TV dinners can make you feel lousy, as my Gemini editor can attest.

Gemini is always doing two things at once. When you eat, rather than read or talk, concentrate on the flavors. Otherwise you might not remember having eaten at all! Luckily, your sign is usually slim. This is because you were born with an abundance of nervous energy and are normally in perpetual motion. But being slim does not always translate into being healthy. Resolve to eat more fresh foods. Gemini is the sign of the writer, so if you discover your behind has welded itself to the chair in front of your computer, be sure to pry yourself away, and get up and go. Brisk exercise will help your mood as well as your health!

If you ever find yourself with a weight problem at all, it is because of nervous tension. You tend to eat quickly, obsessively, to calm yourself down. At those times, you find yourself consuming crunchy foods (popcorn, pretzels, chips) to get out your aggression. Try eating a crisp, fresh apple instead.

The lungs and upper part of your body needs strengthening, so start doing some aerobics or jogging. Working out on the Nautilus or Nordic Track would be ideal. Gemini likes quick, active sports that stress agility rather than anything slow and meditation-like (like yoga), which might make you fidgety (there are exceptions, of course). Since you are prone to bronchial problems, you need to take extra-good care of your lungs, and avoid anything that could lessen their ability to perform! You know what that means, so I won't be your Mom and tell you again: don't smoke!

All Gemini are prone to illnesses that stem from nervous tension. Therefore, it is more important for you than most signs to find ways to unwind and keep life in its proper perspective. If you can afford to, get away frequently on weekends. The change of scene will give you gentle stimulation and relax you at the same time. Vitamin B complex addresses anxiety, so make sure you get enough--take more if you think you are lacking. Small frequent meals might give you more energy than one or two big ones--as long as they are nutritious and not junk food!

Oddly enough, tension goes not to your neck so much as to your hands and fingers (probably because you are at the keyboard all the time--like now!) Women Gemini may want to treat themselves to soothing, hot cream manicures. Gemini guys can talk their sweethearts into extra-long arm and hand massages--with special attention from the elbow to fingers--with special oils and creams.

Your Biggest Asset:

Versatility and flexibility. Gemini needs variety to keep from getting bored, so keep switching your routine. Your agility is legendary, so physical activities such as aerobics, dance, gymnastics, basketball, or tennis should be lots of fun for you. P.S.: You always look younger than you are--lucky Twin!

What Drives You Crazy:

Same-old, same old. You need change, so avoid anything too routine.

Health Risks:

Flip-flopping from one fitness program to another without properly learning the first and seeing whether it works or not.