Today’s Birthday (08/04/12).

Complete an educational goal before October. Then take on a home improvement project or family gathering, or dig deep to discover your roots. Philanthropy and physical exercise keep your heart and body happy, and friends bring prosperity, fun and laughter.

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 — Don’t stir up jealousies. There could be a disagreement about priorities. Travel doesn’t look good, either, so postpone an outing. Costs could be higher than expected. Take it easy.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) —

Today is a 9 — Record an epic dream. Acknowledge your associates for their contribution. Hold off on romance. Postpone a financial discussion, and guard against unnecessary costs. Time outside rejuvenates.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) —

Today is a 9 — Controversy erupts. Work interferes with playtime. Be careful. Luck is part of the picture. Set aside extra funds. It’s possible (with compromise and collaboration) to have it all.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) —

Today is a 9 — Whistle while you work. Upgrade workplace technology. A quick check reveals what’s best. It’s not a good time to gamble. Postpone cleaning house. Get structures functional first.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) —

Today is a 7 — Proceed with caution in unfamiliar territory. Old skills don’t necessarily work here. It’s not your money, but don’t gamble it anyway. Keep it simple. There’s a happy ending.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) —

Today is a 9 — Edit your lists and create an opening. Luckily, you have plenty of what you need. New information dispels old fears. Be flexible. But don’t make promises now.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) —

Today is an 8 — Do the homework. Your confidence increases as you solve more problems. Consider philosophical input. Break through! Rest and recuperate. Don’t make expensive promises. Make one as a test.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) —

Today is a 9 — Plan carefully. Cash is delayed. It’s a temporary setback. Don’t show skeptics unfinished work. See how the new look works. Think it over. Meditation stimulates optimism.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) —

Today is a 9 — Brilliance comes through crowd-sourced efforts in collaboration. Write the check. Rely on those you trust. Ask tough questions and listen graciously to ideas. An amazing discovery is available.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) —

Today is a 9 — You can do this. Use what you’ve kept hidden. Postpone a celebration for a few days. An innovation makes your load lighter and your money go farther.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) —

Today is an 8 — Friends help you make the connection. Focus on abundance, even if it seems rare. Don’t spend on entertainment or travel yet. Wait to see what develops.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) —

Today is a 9 — Prepare for action. There could be temporary setbacks. Don’t talk about money today or spend beyond the basics. Just keep going for what you want, step by step.