Today’s Birthday (04/16/16). Investigate possibilities this year. Plan a creative launch for after 5/9, with bigger trips and expenses after 8/13. A new two-year phase favoring relationships begins 9/9. Work takes off after 9/1, leading to a quieter, reflective period after 9/16. Pursue love and contribution.

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 six. — Get creative under pressure. Set up an efficient routine to manage all this work. Procrastinate later. The facts you need can be found. Let someone teach you a new studying trick.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

— Today is a five. — Circumstances encourage work over the next two days. Take time to rest and relax. Spend time with friends and family.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

— Today is a six. — Organize your work today and tomorrow. Home and family require attention. The more supportive you are, the more you gain. Ask for help when confused.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

— Today is an eight. — Follow a lofty idea. Knowledge gives you strength. Explore and study options over the next few days. Do the reading before talking about your subject. Things are beginning to make sense.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

— Today is a nine. — There’s extra work to be done over the next two days. Don’t spend it all … keep your successful lifestyle, and stash surplus in a safe place. Make long-range educational plans, and set goals.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

— Today is an eight. — Check your course, and then full speed ahead. You’re more confident today and tomorrow. As you gain strength, you also gain options. Make valuable connections. Recharge batteries in spare moments.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

— Today is a six. — Get into peaceful production mode over the next few days. Complete projects and take long walks. Think over where you’ve been and where you’re going. Dreams could seem prophetic.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

— Today is a seven. — The next two days favor socializing and public conversation. Support someone who’s feeling dizzy. Friends help you make an important connection. Discover new possibilities, allies and directions.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

— Today is a seven. — Take on more responsibility for an educational bonus over the next two days. Expect increased scrutiny. Practice makes perfect. Do your best, and rest deeply when done.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

— Today is a six. — Expand your perspective today and tomorrow. Dig into theory and study the back-story. Avoid procrastination and laziness . It’s a good time to attend classes or conferences. Teach and learn.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

— Today is an eight. — Changes require study revisions. An unexpected opportunity is available. Join forces to take advantage. One person’s ideas spark another’s. Tabulate information for ease of understanding. Work faster and gain more knowledge.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

— Today is an eight. — Together, you’re especially powerful. Continue to do your best. Emotional balance extends to others. Pay extra attention to your partner today and tomorrow. Make a heart connection.

(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)2016 bY NANCY BLACK. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.