Today’s Birthday (08/24/12).

Write a birthday note about what you want most this year for yourself and others. Let go of clutter and old practices. Fortune comes through relationships; social life and romance percolate especially after October.

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 6 — Apply what you’ve learned, and imagine a fresh approach. Cut the fluff. The action is behind the scenes. Tell friends you’ll play later. Travel is appealing, but not without risk.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) —

Today is a 5 — Taking criticism and continuing to increase your effort could increase the risks, but also the successes. Try a new tactic. Keep the faith, and remember your bottom line commitment.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) —

Today is an 8 — Looks like you’ve attracted someone hot. Enjoy it! It’s not a good time to travel, though. Stay put and find illumination over the next few days.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) —

Today is a 5 — Welcome a big job. Make sure your credit card information is secure. Double-check your bank statement. Controversies increase and costs are higher than expected.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) —

Today is a 7 — Your loved ones encourage you to take on a new challenge. Carefully consider the options, and then go for it. The thrill is in the calculated risk.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) —

Today is a 6 — The next few days are good for household renovations. You find it easier to get distracted. Ask others to help you stay on track. A little motivation goes a long way.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) —

Today is a 6 — Get ready for another great learning experience. If you don’t try, you won’t know whether or not you can. Go for it! You can always get back on the horse.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) —

Today is a 5 — Postpone family time. Now is a good period for making money. If you’re not quite sure what you want next, look into your heart. Improve the areas that need it.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) —

Today is a 7 — It’s easy to get complacent when you’re the king. Use your power to improve your world now and in the future. Changes may upset the balance at home. Reconfigure.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) —

Today is a 5 — Clean out your closet, with the help of a friend. If you don’t love it, let go of it. Your trash is somebody else’s treasure. Persuasion is magic. Don’t waste your money.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) —

Today is an 8 — You can always include another in your circle of friends. Disagreement results in growth. Self-esteem gets a boost, even as false hopes get shattered.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) —

Today is a 5 — Check out something you’re worried about, and stay active as needed. It’s easy to get sidetracked. You’re full of brilliant ideas, so organize them according to priority.