Today's Birthday (01/13/17). Your professional influence and status rises this year. Play out your carefully laid plans. Changes in financial management this February lead to a surge in profitable communications (networking, writing, broadcasting, publishing). New income after next September contributes to a surge in family assets. Give thanks.

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 9 -- Speak with professionally influential people, with Mercury in Capricorn. Discuss passions and causes. Someone special wants attention. Romance ignites with half a spark.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Get your household in order before an educational three-week phase, with Mercury in Capricorn. Travel, research and studies flourish. Talk about your plans.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is an 8 -- You're especially clever with words and numbers. Learn new financial management strategies over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Capricorn. Get down to practical work.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Shop for bargains. Let your mate do the talking. A three-week partnership phase begins, with Mercury in Capricorn. Solve problems through logic. Collaborate on solutions.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Discussion about health and work benefits you over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Capricorn. You're getting stronger, physically, mentally and spiritually.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Creativity sparks, with Mercury in Capricorn, especially regarding artistic or editorial expression. Look back for insight for the road ahead. Pay attention to your dreams.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Beautification projects coalesce, with Mercury in Capricorn over three weeks. Make decisions regarding color, texture and use of space. Share memories and traditions with family.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Generate some buzz over three weeks, with Mercury in Capricorn. Write, broadcast and get your message out. Your career benefits from networking and promotions.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Try new flavors. Travel and explore. An investigation leads to intriguing discovery. Communications leads to profit, with Mercury in Capricorn over the next three weeks.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Talk about what you love, with Mercury in your sign for the next three weeks. Push your personal projects forward while managing financial matters. Strategize carefully.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Coordinate and collaborate for fun and ease. Let your partner drive. Write down dreams and visions over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Capricorn.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- It's busy. Don't work so hard that your health suffers. Collaborate to go further, faster. Coordinate team support for three weeks, with Mercury in Capricorn.