Today's Birthday (12/20/12). Home grounds you this year. Romantic escapes may tempt, and your career may call you out after that. Solitary pursuits in your own sanctuary revive. Juice up to take on the world.

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 -- Maintaining balance is a practical matter. Choose what's best for family. Handle personal issues today and tomorrow. Keep the faith. Ask for what you want, and get it.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Costs may be higher than expected. Take notes, and think it over. Finish up old business today and tomorrow. Add to your holdings without gambling. It's getting philosophical.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 9 -- It's time to clean house. Make sure what you build is solid. Put your love in your work. Check obligations off your list. Friends have excellent suggestions.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Be respectful for the next two days ... you're in the spotlight. Keep your own counsel. Forced to choose, you may change your mind abruptly. Get an outrageous bargain.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Continue to increase your holdings in the coming week by cutting impulse spending. Tally up your loot, and keep tabs. Your team lends support. Simple pleasures satisfy.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Wind down personal or hands-on chores this week. Today and tomorrow are good for financial planning. There may be a disagreement over priorities. Get coaching from someone trusted.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Continue to cut expenses. Upgrade and learn new technology that provides ease. Today and tomorrow are good for compromise. Request divine intervention. Let your charm work for you.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 6 -- It's getting intense at work. There could be a surprising development. Double dating's good, too. Pour on the steam, and then go play.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Life's getting easier for a time. Something's not going according to schedule, though. Make a change for the better. Controversy may arise, but it's nothing you can't manage.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Keep increasing your chips this week, and expand social visibility. Listen with an ear for the hidden elements of the game. Spend a luxurious evening at home.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- Practicing something you love to do goes well now. Expand your territory this week. You gain financial insight, and new information changes your choice. Frugality's still required.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Explain your brilliant idea carefully. Be patient with those who are confused. There's potentially more money coming in today and tomorrow. Clear out clutter to make space.