Horoscope for August 17, 2013

Today’s Birthday (08/17/13). Apply your special touch for beauty at home this year. Household renovation projects flourish, and family matters take priority. Avoid getting into debt by planning spending carefully. Follow an educational passion. Balance quick-paced work with shared 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 7 — Balance rest with productivity. There are plenty of chores to be done this weekend, with a cold drink in a shady spot after. You have a definite advantage. Tackle the difficult stuff. Get sexy.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) —

Today is an 8 — Set long-range goals. Compromise. Move quickly. Shop carefully. Don’t brag about your winnings while you’re still in the game. Should you go or stay? Work out the plan, and put it into play.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) —

Today is a 7 — There may be a temporary setback in the negotiations. Revise the budget. Prepare and review, and discover something that was missed. A partner surprises you. There’s a conflict possible between career and family. Choose carefully.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) —

Today is an 8 — Be more willing to share the load. Your personal judgment is right on the money. There’s either a breakdown or a breakthrough at work (possibly both). Public plans interfere with private.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) —

Today is a 9 — Focus on doing the work as the load increases. You really can’t afford not to. It’s special. Don’t forget something important. Emotions go haywire. Seek a new perspective.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) —

Today is a 7 — Make more time for love. Don’t throw your money around, but fix something before it breaks. Go ahead and take the class. Postpone long journeys. A massage would be nice.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) —

Today is a 7 — Make household decisions. Get the opinions of close family before proceeding. Balance feelings against the facts. You’re on a roll. Guard against duplication of efforts through communication and organization. Don’t forget an important job.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) —

Today is a 7 — You’ll retain information well, even moreso than usual. Dress for the role. The outcome may be disappointing due to some irregularities in your income. Be respectful. You gain useful clarity.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) —

Today is a 9 — Household finances take top priority. Romance sparks creativity for improved living conditions. Learn about safe investment plans. Intuition puts you in the right place. Today and tomorrow you can make extra cash. Keep your head down.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) —

Today is a 9 — Expect transformations. A woman proves to be helpful. Conclude necessary renovations. Plan carefully. Don’t make any assumptions. Your power is increasing. Grow in stature through grace. Watch out for hidden surprises. It all comes together.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) —

Today is a 6 — Your dreams can inspire positive change. Don’t rush into anything. Keep digging. Get an authority’s blessing. Turn down an expensive request. Obligations come due. A shift in perspective alters the experience.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) —

Today is a 7 — Develop a team strategy to take advantage of new opportunities. Go for love more than money. Insist on complete honesty. Thriftiness pays. There’s potential for a mechanical breakdown. Schedule time with friends.