TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

Aries (March 21-April 19): Anyone can listen closely to the story they enjoy, the information that flatters them, the music and people they prefer. But it’s those who know how to tune in to the messages and tones they don’t like who will become smarter.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): For business to run smoothly, communication will be essential. Over-communicate. Communicate redundantly! Whether hearing or telling a story, it will be better to err on the side of repetition.

Gemini (May 21-June 21): As for the conversation you’ve been putting off, this is the time to have it. Those who need to hear you will be all ears. Your words, planned and unplanned, will eloquently tumble out.

Cancer (June 22-July 22): Creation and destruction are part of the same cycle, though they run on different timetables. What takes years to build can be destroyed in a blink. So while destruction is necessary to creation, often the smallest amount will do.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): You may feel that you still have something to prove to yourself, or something you can do to become worthy of your own acceptance. So what would it take for you to become your own best friend and supporter across the board?

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): If you feel that your peers are providing undue pressure, consider that you may be inadvertently giving them reason to believe you’re on the brink of agreeing with them. Walk away. Movie director James Ivory is 90. Former Canadian Prime Minister John Turner is 89. Actress Virginia McKenna is 87. Singer Tom Jones is 78. Actor Ronald Pickup is 78. Poet Nikki Giovanni is 75. Actor Ken Osmond (TV: “Leave It to Beaver”) is 75. Former talk show host Jenny Jones is 72. Americana singersongwriter Willie Nile is 70. Actress Anne Twomey is 67. Actor Liam Neeson is 66. Actress Colleen Camp is 65. Singer-songwriter Johnny Clegg is 65. Author Louise Erdrich is 64. Actor William Forsythe is 63. Record producer L.A. Reid is 62. Latin pop singer Juan Luis Guerra is 61. Vice President Mike Pence is 59. Rock singermusician Gordon Gano is 55. Rapper Ecstasy is 54. Rock musician Eric Kretz is 52. Rock musician Dave Navarro is 51. Actress Helen Baxendale is 48.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): In the name of smooth business, it wouldn’t hurt to spend a few minutes “catastrophizing” — that is to say, coming up with a handful of worst-case scenarios and what you’d do in each case. With preparation comes confidence.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): You’re perfectly capable of rational thought and communication. However, as you wisely lead with your emotional intelligence, logic gives way to something that, on the surface at least, makes less

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You can’t afford to let the vagaries of communication distract from, diffuse or cover up the truth. You can get to the bottom of it with direct questions, as long as you make people feel that it’s safe to be honest.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’ll be a teacher today, so you may as well be an excellent one. Excellent teachers communicate clearly to impart information and skills in a structure that best facilitates student comprehension and absorption.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You’ve learned this lesson before, but it bears repeating now: If you think someone can’t fail and you treat him or her accordingly, the relationship is doomed. Instead, see the flawed humanity and give your love anyway.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): It will be particularly difficult to see people for who they are because you can’t help but be blinded by the possibilities you notice about what they might be able to do for you. Make your expectations known. Accountability will be key.

Today’s birthday (June 7): The focus will be on habits. Daily practice will lead to an exceptional performance and financial remuneration. What could be better? You’ll achieve a goal, develop your potential and participate fully in your community and wider society. The insights you share in 2019 could alter the course of an entire organization. Leo and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 10, 5, 30 and 13.