Born today, you have such a warm and engaging personality that you are often able to disarm even your most vitriolic critics and opponents, and have them eating out of your hand in no time. Humor is perhaps your greatest single weapon in the war you wage against your enemies; you can laugh at anything -- yourself included -- and you are confident that you can have others laughing at themselves as well. You have a serious side, of course, and you often weigh heavy issues that affect you both directly and indirectly. You try to make decisions slowly and carefully, and always independently of others who might try to influence you.
You are compelled to try what has never been tried before, and you will work tirelessly to succeed where others have failed. Though quite talented and interested in a great many things, it is likely to be tenacity and hard work that bring you your greatest successes, not inspiration or brilliance.
Also born on this date are: Martin Lawrence, actor and comedian; Selena, singer; Charlie Chaplin, actor; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, basketball player; Pope Benedict XVI; Jon Cryer, actor; Wilbur Wright, inventor, pioneer aviator; Bobby Vinton, singer; Dusty Springfield, singer; Jimmy Osmond, singer; Bruce Bochy, baseball manager; Peter Billingsley, actor; Ellen Barkin, actress; Henry Mancini, composer; Peter Ustinov, actor; Merce Cunningham, dancer and choreographer; Lukas Haas, actor; Gerry Rafferty, singer.
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.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- You can have a galvanizing influence, and what results is likely to be remembered long after others have gone their separate ways.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- You can score an important "first." Even if others don't recognize or acknowledge it, you'll know what it means to you personally.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- You may make a small error that lets someone think that he or she is gaining the advantage -- but you are stronger than that, surely!
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You are not sure you want to be associated closely with a certain faction, but today you may not be able to avoid it.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You can make the best of a situation that is not at all ideal. By day's end, you can have everyone appreciating your heroic efforts.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Now is not a good time for sightseeing; rather, you will want to go where you need to go to get certain things done on time and under budget.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- You certainly don't want your behavior to be misinterpreted in any way. Don't stick your neck out too far!
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Your actions will be considered groundbreaking by some, but you know that you've been doing this kind of thing for some time.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- You'll be given a chance to improve your overall standing, but take care that you don't overlook a hidden hazard.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You may have to preside over a conversation that takes everyone into some uncomfortable territory -- but you can ease tensions.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- You can provide for others in a way that is unique to you -- in style and in substance. All you want in return is thanks.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You may get ahead of the game by dropping the name of a very close friend. Just make sure it's the right friend!