Today Birthday (04/10/16)

This year favors experimentation, investigation and exploration. Prepare creative work for launch after 5/9. Plan long-distance travel and studies after 8/13. Begin a two-year partnership phase after 9/9. Professional breakthroughs after 9/1 spark a turning point in your thinking after 9/16. True your course toward 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 6 — You may be called upon to mediate an upset, or to diplomatically resolve an awkward situation. Hot-headed words could fly. Soothe by listening to what others need. Keep a philosophical view.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

— Today is an 8 — Focus on making money. Accept criticism, if it’s right. Postpone buying treats. Stay in rather than going out. Find what you need nearby. Consider consequences before impulsively reacting to rudeness. Count to 10.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

— Today is an 8 — Personal matters need attention. Consider all options, and ask a trusted confidant for advice. Don’t get tempted to procrastination or pressured to someone else’s agenda. Choose your priorities.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

— Today is a 5 — Slow down and think about the road ahead. Meditate on a burning question. Consider your partner’s objections, even if you disagree. Finish old projects and clear space for new.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

— Today is a 6 — Your team keeps things from falling through the cracks. Delegate what tasks you can. Calm down someone with a hot temper. Avoid unnecessary conflict. Take a creative tack.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

— Today is a 6 — Career matters demand your attention. Changes require adaptations. Passions could surge. Save caustic comments for later. Communications could get crossed. Stay home instead of going out. Upgrade your image.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

— Today is a 7 — Spread your wings. Stretch out and expand your territory. Discover new customs and ways of thinking. The news can affect your travel plans, so pay attention. Keep a low profile, without great expense.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

— Today is a 6 — Review the budget and study your options. Track income and expenses carefully. Steadily pay down debt. Unexpected expenses would rain on your parade … keep an emergency fund. Resist being impulsive, especially if friends are.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

— Today is a 7 — Work together for a shared cause. Focus on another person’s gain, and watch your productivity rise. Compromise. Refine the plan. Be receptive to someone else’s view. Navigate complications with humor and grace.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

— Today is a 7 — The pace quickens. Passions could get intense. Ask for help if you need it. Others want to contribute. Listen to your partner’s view … another can see your blind spots. Rest in quiet moments.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

— Today is a 6 — Prioritize love and happiness. Give space to garbage, and listen for magnificence. Somewhere under that pile there must be a pony. Value a loved one’s opinion over that of an authority figure.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

— Today is a 5 — Domestic comforts can be tempting. Work from, or on, your home. Avoid risky ventures. Reconsider an expense or difficult undertaking. Heed advice from experts, even when you don’t agree.