your horoscope
BIRTHDAY GUY: Actor William Mapother was born in Louisville, Ky., on this date in 1965. This birthday guy is probably best known for his recurring role as Ethan Rom on “Lost.” He’s also guest-starred on episodes of “American Horror Story,” “Justified” and “The Mentalist. “Mapother is the cousin of superstar Tom Cruise and has appeared with his famous relation in “Mission Impossible II,” “Born on the Fourth of July” and “Magnolia.”
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Rather than working harder, work smarter. Shortterm projects will roll along if you planned ahead of time. Put schemes into motion that require thoughtfulness or that use imagination and ingenious talents.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Garner a lesson from graffiti. If the writing is on the wall, the time is ripe to take a scrub brush and clean it off. Take care of loose ends before someone can point a finger at your scattered energies.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): When expecta- tions are high, be sure to fulfill them. Fires burn themselves out without enough fuel. Remain focused on the doing the things that receive notice from others and engage your enthusiasm.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Everything happens for a reason, even if you aren’t wise enough to know it yet. You might be torn between the need for quick action and the need to follow a checklist or a set of sluggish regulations.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Time is on your side. There is no need to rush. If you make a pledge or a promise, others will expect you to faithfully fulfill it both today and next week. Earn merit badges for mastering a new skill.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You can show two sides without being two-faced. Be super-efficient and meticulous when balancing the bank account, but remain completely relaxed when alone with your favorite companion.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.22): You can’t pay the rent with an argument. Rather than bristling at someone’s overbearing competiveness or feeling defenseless when faced by someone’s rudeness, simply get on with the job.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You aren’t a spoon and life isn’t coffee, so don’t stir things up. Conflicting personalities or a lack of warmth from others might temporarily deter you from a business plan. You can’t have it both ways.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Enjoy the comforts of home and family. You might stumble upon some much-needed inspiration or receive wise advice that solves a financial conundrum. Avoid participating in risky activities.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Trust makes the world go around. When you emit confidence in someone else’s abilities, he or she is more likely to prove you right. If you add fuel to baseless suspicions, they could be set on fire.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): If you make a list of everything that can go wrong, you can also make a list of everything that can go right. You won’t find a $20 bill on the sidewalk or an opportunity unless you look for it.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You have to wake up first to make your dreams come true. Put the pedal to the metal to pursue your goals. You can easily earn or attain whatever you can visualize. Watch out for thoughtless spending.
IF APRIL 17 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Right now, your ambitions are getting in the way of your success. In May, there is a tendency to be caught up in an impossible dream or to become involved in a relationship that isn’t quite what it seems. Wait until June, when both opportunities and sound advice are available, to make major changes or decisions. By then, you may be able to spin straw into gold, or at least have much better judgment, so anything you initiate should turn out for the best. Your hard work and determination may pay off with increased recognition or improved circumstances in October.