To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

— Today is a 7 — There’s plenty of work today and tomorrow, with creative projects. Start by learning the rules. Check your schedules and the map. Watch out for the unexpected, and navigate misunderstandings gracefully. Keep your nose to the grindstone, and work out the details.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

— Today is a 5 — Romance is a growing possibility today and tomorrow. Notice hidden beauty. Your loved ones encourage you to take on a new creative challenge. Wait until a disagreement blows over. Fantasies prove flimsy. Resist the temptation to spend impulsively. Pamper yourself with good food and rest.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

— Today is a 7 — The next two days are good for making changes at home, and household decisions. Clean up a mess. Make a discovery that illuminates a hidden truth. Cancel a fantasy. Stick with common sense choices. Settle into a homebody phase and kick off your shoes.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

— Today is a 7 — Push yourself forward. Your load gets lighter soon, but for now keep plugging on. Don’t speculate or be extravagant. Your ability to concentrate will be enhanced marvelously today and tomorrow. Don’t talk about money yet. Plan upcoming purchases, and shop for the best price.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

— Today is a 7 — Enthusiasm wins over facts. Don’t touch your secret funds. A new assignment brings in more earnings. Enjoy the applause. Temporary confusion could fog the path ahead. Focus on making money for the next two days. Get advice from a close friend.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

— Today is a 7 — Your focus narrows to personal issues today and tomorrow. Your confidence and energy rises, but don’t chase shadowy dreams. Go for solid, practical results. A job gets more difficult than anticipated. Ask teammates for assistance. As you gain strength, you gain options.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

— Today is a 7 — Your curiosity enhances your attractiveness. Be respectful around elders and authority figures. Work interferes with travel, so revise the path. Rest and recuperate today and tomorrow. Consider divergent opinions. A critic speaks out. Take notes. Show that you understand.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

— Today is a 7 — Play with your friends today and tomorrow. Meditate a disagreement and score points with both sides. Social life benefits your career. Things seem to flow with greater ease. Increase the glamour at home without spending money. Invite the gang over for something delicious.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

— Today is a 7 — Consider new opportunities today and tomorrow. There may be a test; positive results increase your career status. Keep your patience and carefulness. Push past old barriers. Expect increased surveillance. Something you can’t find nearby is abundant farther away. Save erosive comments for later.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

— Today is a 7 — Invest in tangibles, not fiction. You don’t have money to waste. Venture farther today and tomorrow. Plan a vacation or adventure. Study, research, and plot your path. Imagine the fun you’ll have. Make reservations and set meetings. Get your team involved.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

— Today is an 8 — A lack of funds could wreck your plans, so get into financial planning today and tomorrow. Count your wins and losses. Send invoices, and make collection calls. Issue a call to action. Handle details with care. Don’t argue with someone who’s not listening. Opposites attract.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

— Today is a 6 — Rely on a partner today and tomorrow. Get expert assistance with a tricky problem. Take care to navigate a change in plans. Reality and fantasy clash. What you get isn’t what you expected. Let go of assumptions. Clear up confusion before proceeding.

LINDA C. BLACK HOROSCOPES, For release 05/08/14