Today’s Birthday (06/29/13).

Smile for the camera this year … travel and cultural exploration offer exotic poses. Complete old projects to be free for new. Avoid financial risks, with a long-term view. Reinvent romance. A new job or promotion could arise after October 18. Practical, creative projects inspire. Teach and learn from young people. 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 — You have plenty of energy, which is lucky, given the busy pace. Keep communications channels open and an eye on the budget. Ideally, plan for extra time and money in case of slowdowns. Friends help out.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

— Today is a 7 — Put aside procrastination. The rules undergo substantial change, and you’ll want to catch it. Follow through on details. Compare prices on something of interest. Don’t buy yet.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

— Today is a 7 — Speak openly. Participate in your community. Others acknowledge your charm. Work could interfere with playtime. Either push faster and make more money, or just relax. Schedule time with friends, and get the latest. Give hugs instead.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

— Today is a 7 — Learn from someone who has been there. Compete for more responsibilities. Go ahead and get boldly optimistic. Learn from a master. Consider the words of someone you respect and admire. Apply that to your career.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

— Today is a 6 — Good news arrives from far away. The next two days are good for travel. Work smart. Craft a solid itinerary. Don’t rely on an unstable source. Consider all options. Produce results for a perfectly gorgeous moment.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

— Today is a 7 — Friends offer good advice. Financial planning is more fun than usual. Get it in writing. Toss the ball to a partner. Not everyone wants the same results. Take new ground.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

— Today is an 8 — Ask your friends for advice. Work with a partner. Attend to business demands. Take care of important details, and manage routine maintenance. Then free your heart for other pleasures.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

— Today is a 6 — The details are important, so get involved. Bring it all back home. Find an easier way to do the job as the work pace picks up. You’re a quick study. Resist being impulsive (especially if friends are).

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

— Today is a 5 — Invest in your career. You’re entering a luxuriously lovely phase. You feel more comfortable in your own skin. Make up a wish list. Find it secondhand or homemade. Pamper yourself and results appear at work.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

— Today is a 6 — You’re learning fast. You can do a household project yourself, and save money. Have the party at your house to get motivated. Avoid distractions and get moving. Smile as you take new ground.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

— Today is an 8 — Study different perspectives. Seek a philosophical advantage. Just a few words will do. A female challenges you. A new educational phase begins. Explore alternative routes. Get farther than expected.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

— Today is an 8 — Enjoy the spotlight. Provide excellent service. Today and tomorrow could get expensive. The situation calls for optimism. Get something nice for your home. This deal won’t last forever. Invest in your future.