Today’s Birthday (10/17/15). Discover your true path this year. Good fortune comes through thoughtful planning. Writing, publishing and broadcasting pay off. Put love into your career and it takes off next spring, provoking personal discovery. Earlier groundwork and preparation spark a busy autumn work harvest. Prioritize health, family and 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 — Someone brings a surprise. Keep a philosophical outlook. Stay respectful of other views. Discuss the future, and take notes. Acknowledge your teammates. Make time for rituals and friendship. Dreams provide insight … if in doubt, sleep on it.

Taurus

(April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Try to maintain objectivity. You have amazing powers of creativity now. Don’t get distracted by someone else’s temper tantrum. Prove you know what you’re doing. Business could interfere with romance. Circumstances startle you. Keep it cool.

Gemini

(May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Work smarter now. Let people know what you want. Accept more responsibilities and the spotlight shines abruptly. Balance frustrations and stress with quiet time at home. Peace feeds your spirit. Plan and coordinate team efforts.

Cancer

(June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Looks like there’s too much of a good thing at home. In a disagreement about household matters, stick to the safer option. It’s not a good time to gamble. Consider desired changes, and find common ground.

Leo

(July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Finances are in a state of flux. Plan, and then revise your plans. Changes and confusion mix things up. Avoid silly arguments and reckless spending. Check to make sure your savings is secure. Replenish your reserves.

Virgo

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — A collaboration takes off. Show your appreciation. Express your gratitude in a thoughtful way. It doesn’t need to cost money. Put your time and talents into something. Your partner has good ideas, too.

Libra

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Things could get hot today. Stay objective in a tense situation. Take passion behind closed doors. Resist impulsive moves that leave you compromised. Accept advice from loved ones (especially children). Good things are worth waiting for.

Scorpio

 (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — You don’t have to tell everybody your personal plans. Take a loved one to do something interesting. It doesn’t need to be expensive … get outside and make discoveries. The best things in life are free.

Sagittarius

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — A lucky break reveals a new direction. Shift your long-term plans to include this new route. Keep a secret. You begin to understand a delay. Sort through data for answers. Abandon expectations and revel in surprises.

Capricorn

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Cash flows in and there’s more coming. Accept an opportunity with a smile, firm handshake, and “thank you”. Avoid distractions and extra costs. Values can get tested. Politely defend your position. Gentle methods get farther.

Aquarius

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Listen carefully, especially to instructions and orders. Hunt for math mistakes and save money. It’s coming in, so redirect some to savings. The best things are still free. Share your dreams. Cook together. Family comes first.

Pisces

(Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Set new standards. This current work dynamic is intriguing. There’s more available than you realize. Talk to someone you respect and trust, and revise your professional plans for stability. Inspire your team for power and productivity. Discuss what you love.

(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.