Today’s Birthday (04/18/16)

Discovery is this year’s theme. Make creative moves after 5/9, planning educational trips after 8/13. Partnership especially thrives for two years, beginning 9/9. Professional breakthroughs (after 9/1) lead to a shift in your views, ideals and beliefs (after 9/16). Love’s a requirement, not an option.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19)

— Today is a six-– Advancement on long-term projects seems reduced or suspended. Rethink professional plans over the next five months, with Pluto retrograde. Explore new work space options. Imagine a delightful future. Hold yourself to high standards.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

— Today is a seven— Get into more interesting assignments. Enjoy scientific research and physiological study over the next five months, with Pluto retrograde. Plan an educational life, like a conference, vacation or class, for later in the year.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

— Today is an eight — Review your speculation and plan for long-term growth. Fine-tune shared finances over the next five months, with Pluto retrograde. Reaffirm and go over agreements. Your discipline is admirable.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

— Today is a seven — Keep promises with your partner to clear space for a new project. The next five months, with Pluto retrograde, favor retreats, collaborative brainstorming and getaways. Nurture your relationship with extra affection.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

— Today is a six— Review and reaffirm your direction at work over the next five months, with Pluto retrograde. Make plans for action later in the year. Does your work feed your spirit and mind? Is anything missing?

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

— Today is a seven — Refine your winning program over the next five months, with Pluto retrograde. Make plans and calculations. Tune your instruments and prepare for a performance later in the year.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

— Today is a five— Stick with tested strategies at home over the next five months, with Pluto retrograde. Make an inspiration folder with renovation ideas. Research prices and get bids. Plan projects for later in the year.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

— Today is a six— Focus discussion around short-term projects close to home over the next five months, with Pluto retrograde. Launch a major proposal later in the year. Get your life together.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

— Today is an eight — More responsibility leads to more income. Streamline for efficiency over the next five months, with Pluto retrograde. Develop what you have. Go over finances to conserve resources. Learn from past successes as well as failures.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

— Today is a five — The next five months are good for healing old wounds, with Pluto retrograde. Let go of old problems. Review personal desires and alter course to satisfy. Launch a dream project later this year.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

— Today is a seven— Refine health and personal hygiene practices over the next five months, with Pluto retrograde. Curtail speculation and risk. Stick with the team you’ve got. Enjoy a spa or retreat. Launch into action later this year.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

— Today is a six — Prepare for a group effort later this year. For the next five months, with Pluto retrograde, secure what’s already been achieved. Keep the current community roster. Do what worked before. Put the pieces together.

(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.