Today’s Birthday (01/14/16). Begin your next year with peaceful reflection. Meditate on what you most want. Make plans, and put them into motion after April. Springtime messaging and networking lays the groundwork for a blossoming two-year professional phase after summer. Autumn journeys fill your notebooks. Speak your heart.

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 — Accept assistance when it’s offered. A woman you love and admire gives you some great advice. You’re getting stronger today and tomorrow. Go for what you want. Use your persuasive charms. Gather in what’s needed, and more.

Taurus

(April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Finish tasks today and tomorrow. It’s emotion versus reason. Lay low in peace and quiet. Sort, file and organize. Review old memories. You’re getting more interested in stability. Consider family obligations before agreeing to a new opportunity.

Gemini

(May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Share what you’re learning over the next two days. Participate with your community. Your friends are really there for you. Make sure what you build is solid. Keep your promises and exceed expectations.

Cancer

(June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Take on more responsibility over the next few days. Make decisions. Angels guide your actions. Revise your routine. Hold your temper, even when others don’t. Push your agenda, and plan your moves in advance.

Leo

(July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Academic pursuits go well over the next few days. Explore a subject that fascinates you. Travel entices. Venture farther out. Have courage, and push your boundaries. Make bold discoveries. Play in your field. Ask probing questions.

Virgo

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Study ways to make and keep money. Negotiate terms and strike a fair bargain. Today and tomorrow favor financial management. Profit by knowing the facts. Maintain objectivity. Stand up for your best interests. Collaborate.

Libra

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — A partner is a big help over the next two days. Take steps to correct an error. Work together to surpass an obstacle. This challenge is almost fun. Find an inventive way to say “thank you.”

Scorpio

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Focus on your work for the next couple of days. Let people know what you need. Defend your position. You’re brilliant now. Persuade with actions as well as words. Listen carefully, and learn new tricks.

Sagittarius

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — The next two days are lucky for love. Join forces with someone charismatic. The more you learn, the more your self-confidence grows. Choose privacy over publicity. Make a secret rendezvous, and enjoy each other’s company.

Capricorn

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Family comes first today and tomorrow. Go farther than expected on household projects. Prepare for an upcoming gathering. Discuss developments. Research different options before making a larger purchase. Confer with your crew first.

Aquarius

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Studies and travels keep you on your toes today and tomorrow. Take the lead. Consider alternative perspectives. Discover mistakes that could change the outcome. Your courage makes the difference. Check out distant options.

Pisces

(Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Tap another source of revenue today and tomorrow. Business is good. Pay expenses before splurging on luxuries. Don’t deplete resources. Do a good job and increase your status. Your ideas are attracting attention. Make a shrewd move.

(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.