Today’s Birthday (01/16/16).

Invent and plan your year ahead. What do you want most, for yourself and others? Discipline with healthy practices pays. Strengthen networks and communication support for an April launch into a two-year professional phase after summer. Explore over autumn and chart what you find. Share your love.

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 9 — The next two days are lucrative. Don’t spend it all. Remain forgiving with miscommunications. Stay focused to avoid breakage. Work interferes with playtime. Do it to benefit your home and family. Provide security. Miracles are abundant now.

Taurus

(April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — You’re more confident (and less patient) today and tomorrow. A formidable barrier blocks the path, so take care. Work with someone who sees your blind spot. The more you learn, the more you value true friends.

Gemini

(May 21-June 20) — Today is a 6 — Tranquility suits your mood today and tomorrow. Get some peaceful alone time. Avoid travel if you can. Organize things from the past. Sort what to save for the future. Practicality is fundamental, but a little sentimentality won’t hurt.

Cancer

(June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Get social today and tomorrow. Hold meetings, and gatherings, and get out in public. Dress to shine. Your network has the answers you seek. Help others see the big picture. Be prepared to move quickly. Leave excess baggage.

Leo

(July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Take on more responsibility over the next few days. There could be a test. Take things slowly, to avoid repeats. Talk about money later. New developments change the assignment. Don’t touch savings. Get an expert opinion.

Virgo

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — The next two days favor studies and travel. Business conferences, classes and seminars draw your attention. Do some long-term planning. List the changes you’d like to make. Assess your resources. Let go of a preconception. Listen carefully.

Libra

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — You’re more patient with finances over the next few days. Get down to practical priorities with your partner. Keep things simple to avoid miscommunications. Proceed with caution, or you’ll break something. Cut clutter and go for clarity.

Scorpio

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Rely on your partner over the next few days. Share responsibilities and the load gets lighter. Don’t worry about money now, or other potential problems. Enjoy a brilliant connection. Negotiate and compromise.

Sagittarius

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Concentrate on a new assignment today and tomorrow. Expect it to get busy. The details are important, so stay focused. Read contracts before signing. Continue to practice frugality. You’re gaining, but slowly. Resolution is possible soon.

Capricorn

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Play with friends and family today and tomorrow. Indulge your hobbies and enthusiasms. Avoid antagonizing anyone. Tempers could be short. In a conflict of interest, step back and wait. Don’t push or you could break something.

Aquarius

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 6 — Stick close to home for a few days. Enjoy a practical domestic phase. Conserve resources. Avoid risky propositions. Old assumptions are challenged. Get tools and supplies together, and fix something that’s been bugging you.

Pisces

(Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Your ideas are attracting attention. Ignore naysayers. Postpone financial discussions. Anticipate some controversy. You’re especially creative today and tomorrow. Focus on communications and connections. Figure out what you want to say, and get your message out.

(Astrologer Nancy Black continues her mother Linda Black’s legacy horoscopes column. She welcomes comments and questions on Twitter, @lindablack. For more astrological interpretations visit Linda Black Horoscopes and www.nancyblack.com)

(c)2015 bY NANCY BLACK. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.