Your Birthday for April 17, 2013

by Stella Wilder

Your Birthday | April 17th, 2013

Born today, you are always at your best when you are following your instincts and doing things in a way that is uniquely your own. This doesn't mean, of course, that you are incapable or unwilling to learn from others and from what they have done before you; on the contrary, that kind of information always comes in handy for you -- but you are not one simply to play "copycat" and do what others have done simply because it has a proven track record. Rather, you will learn from it, and then proceed to do a similar or related thing in a way that is your own and that cannot be imitated.

There is always a risk to doing things your own way, and the truth is that you're sure to attract more than your share of criticism -- largely from those who are jealous of you and your ability to remain true to yourself no matter what. You let such criticism roll off your back -- though you are not immune to the occasional sting.

Also born on this date are: Jennifer Garner, actress; Olivia Hussey, actress; Harry Reasoner, journalist; William Holden, actor.

To see what is in store for you tomorrow, find your birthday and read the corresponding paragraph. Let your birthday star be your daily guide.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- You'll want to take care that you don't push yourself too far or too fast today. Focus on that which is within reach; remain realistic.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- You are surrounded by reminders of a certain episode that you wish to both remember and forget. You must work to find a balance.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- It's a good day to do those things that you are always telling others to do -- especially if they have anything to do with your health.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You've been trying to break a certain bad habit for quite a while now -- but perhaps you merely need to channel that energy elsewhere.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You're going to have to face a certain uncomfortable reality head-on today, but once you do, you can expect things to be much easier to deal with.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- You can't avoid all complications today, but you can certainly focus on those things that are at least as streamlined as they can be.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- You know what you're looking at today, and you know how to react appropriately -- and in a way that gives you room to maneuver.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- You're after more in the way of comfort and harmony at this time than you are likely to find anywhere but at home.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Your confidence is on the rise, and you're eager to find something to which you can apply your considerable talents -- right now!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You know when you're right, and you know when you're wrong -- but today you may be lacking your usual certainty as you "tread water."

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- You may not know what others mean at every turn, but the messages you get will give you an indication that something is coming.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You mustn't reveal too much about yourself to someone you have only just met. Today you'll want to test the waters very carefully.

astrology

Your Birthday for April 16, 2013

by Stella Wilder

Your Birthday | April 16th, 2013

Born today, you are the kind of individual who can, at times, become quite dissatisfied with yourself and the life you are leading -- which leads you, in turn, to make changes that are comprehensive and often permanent. To reinvent yourself in this way -- again and again throughout your lifetime -- provides you with a great deal of excitement, and helps you maintain interest in life's daily affairs when you might otherwise find them intolerably dull. You depend upon variety to keep you engaged and involved; without it, you are likely to squander your considerable talents and make no name for yourself whatsoever.

While you do like surprises, there are two or three times in your life in which you may be met with something so unexpected that you do not immediately know what to do about it. In such a situation, stagnation is surely your enemy; you must keep moving, one way or another.

Also born on this date are: Martin Lawrence, comedian and actor; Ellen Barkin, actress; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, basketball player; Dusty Springfield, singer; Pope Benedict XVI; Henry Mancini, composer and songwriter; Peter Ustinov, actor and writer; Merce Cunningham, dancer and choreographer; Charlie Chaplin, actor; Wilbur Wright, inventor, aviation pioneer.

To see what is in store for you tomorrow, find your birthday and read the corresponding paragraph. Let your birthday star be your daily guide.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- You may discover today that you have much more in common with a rival than you had supposed -- and you can use this to your advantage.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- What is it that you want from the day? Answer this question before things really get going, and you can all but guarantee satisfaction.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Knowledge is, indeed, power -- and what you know today is likely to put you head and shoulders above those who are working against you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You're going to need someone else to go to bat for you today if you expect to make headway at what amounts to a rather difficult time.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Your priorities are not entirely in sync with another's today, and it's important that you try to work together for mutual gain.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- You're likely to remember something you're supposed to do today while you are in the middle of doing something else. You can find the time!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- You may be worrying about money matters a little more than usual today. After hours, you'll be able to square away certain key details.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- You're going to have to let others know what your schedule looks like today, so that there are as few surprises as possible.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- You can keep others in the loop today and still reserve some information for yourself. You don't have to reveal everything just yet!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You may not be as far ahead as you think, but today you'll have ample time to assess the situation and make plans to catch up.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- After thinking through a certain situation again and again, you're likely to arrive at the conclusion that it was entirely unavoidable.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You can put things any way you like, but you're going to have to face the truth sooner or later -- and no one can do that for you.

astrology

Your Birthday for April 15, 2013

by Stella Wilder

Your Birthday | April 15th, 2013

Born today, you have been blessed with a sound and secure sense of right and wrong, and it this compass, so very reliable, that will see you through even the most difficult trials and tribulations that life offers up. You have a way of dealing with conflict that is truly admirable to others -- and again, it springs directly from the solid and unassailable feeling you have that you know right from wrong. You insist on being treated fairly, and you will always do the same for others. Even when you are not met with the kindness and consideration you desire, you will not sacrifice your principles but treat the offending party as you wish to be treated.

You are likely to get an early start on a career that can, if you play your cards right and take advantage of the right opportunities as they arise, last you a lifetime. The trick, of course, is making the right choices, and not jumping at everything that arises. That can be foolhardy and dangerous.

Also born on this date are: Emma Watson, actress; Emma Thompson, actress and writer; Roy Clark, musician; Elizabeth Montgomery, actress; Hans Conried, actor; Henry James, author; Leonardo da Vinci, artist and inventor.

To see what is in store for you tomorrow, find your birthday and read the corresponding paragraph. Let your birthday star be your daily guide.

TUESDAY, APRIL 16

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- You may have a hard time getting started today, but once you do you'll find no shortage of things to occupy your mind.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- There are those who do not believe you are the right one for the job -- whatever it may be -- but you can prove, today, that they are mistaken.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Something you did in the distant past is likely to catch up to you today -- perhaps for the first time. You can surely make amends.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You may have something to do late in the day that occupies your mind, and has you rather nervous, for hours ahead of time.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You are wanting more in the way of answers than others are able to provide, try as they might. You must modify your own expectations.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- You may not be able to get your own work done today until you dedicate some time to another's pet project. Eventually you'll be on your own!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Phone or internet communication will not provide you with everything you need today. What's required today is a little face time.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Yes, you know how to do almost everything that will be expected of you today -- but one thing in particular may require a little study.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- The more casual you can be in your conversations today, the less threatening others will find you. Avoid being pushy or aggressive.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- A few memories may have you changing your plans before the day is out -- but remember, you can't recreate the past in every detail.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- For everything there will be adequate time today, provided you have prioritized and given yourself a schedule you can follow faithfully.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You may feel as though you have too much to do today -- and perhaps you are right. But that doesn't mean you can't get it all done, does it?

Next up: More trusted advice from...