Today’s Birthday (03/10/16). Strive for excellence this year. A personal dream lies within reach. Add infrastructure for increased demand before a two-year schooling phase launches (9/9). How can you collaborate? Manage grade changes after 3/23. Begin a new relationship phase after 9/1. Renew your style after 9/16. Support each other.

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 an eight — Self-discipline makes a difference today. Take charge to realize a personal vision. Slow to avoid accidents. A surprising development charges your team. Research options. Put one toe in the water before you jump in.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

— Today is a seven — Shopping could get expensive. Don’t waste time on stuff you don’t need. Pursue creative avenues. Wait until conditions improve. Emotions guide your decisions. Navigate chaos patiently. Keep your long-term vision in mind. Restrain your fantasies.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

— Today is a five — A careful, school-related investment may be necessary. Upgrade your communications infrastructure, maybe. Send long-distance messages. Use your powers of persuasion. Talk your way out of a complicated situation. Write down and share the vision.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

— Today is a five — Verify a rumor before acting. Don’t depend on lies. There’s more to the picture than meets the eye. Studying may be longer and harder than expected. Check numbers meticulously. Make plans and backup plans.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

— Today is a seven — Practice a passion with discipline and watch your skills improve. Get physical. Play sports and games, and push for a challenge. Provide leadership. Make sure you understand the facts intimately. Connect with someone interesting.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

— Today is a five — An educational challenge requires your attention. Something doesn’t work as planned. Learn a new trick from old friends. Change could seem abrupt. Don’t let it ruffle your domestic tranquility. Get creative to sidestep an obstacle.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

— Today is a five — Update your partner as school rolls in. Make corrections as needed. Unplanned distractions and disruptions abound. Keep complaints to yourself. Take a time out. Discover a brilliant but unusual solution. Get clever ideas onto paper.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

— Today is a six — Consider a family investment. Research practical options. Change directions intuitively toward more profitable ventures. Pool resources and share tasks with siblings and friends. Plan for contingencies. Talk about dreams and visions for the future.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

— Today is a five — Take a pause in your journey. Plan your itinerary farther forward. Find a quiet spot to consider changes in circumstances. Listen to what others want. Clean up messes. Find treasure hidden among the garbage.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

— Today is a five — Stick to basics, with shifting circumstances. Handle details at work or suffer the consequences. Listen for the hidden elements. Slow down to get it done right the first time. Postpone travel for better conditions.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

— Today is a five — Friends share a valuable connection. Show up well dressed and on time. Keep your pitch brief and compelling. Conditions are changing in your favor. Track your cash flow. Practice compassion. Speak your gratitude out loud.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

— Today is a six — In the eye of the storm, let yourself be led. When confusion reigns, act responsibly. Don’t fix what isn’t broken. Say the magic words for a surprising development. Connect emotionally. Love is your lifeline.

(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) 2016 by NANCY BLACK. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED