Linda C. Black Horoscopes, For release 8/5/13 By Nancy Black Tribune Media Services Linda Black Horoscopes (MCT) Today's Birthday (08/05/13). Your career occupies your energies, while your heart is at home this year. Explore fascinations to expand philosophical horizons. Domestic projects go well. Family responsibilities keep your focus. An August stay-cation delights socially. Budget carefully for nest-egg growth. Follow an educational pursuit after autumn for a status rise. 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 7 -- The next two days are lucky in love. A romantic gesture goes a long way. Write a love letter. List the things you adore about your life. Family members can help you figure out the next steps. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Home issues take the forefront. Doing paperwork is a good idea. Handle the obvious or overdue. Write a family member and share your appreciation. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Reply to important correspondence. Dive into a learning experience and slake your curiosity. You've got the talent; now do the homework. You're getting to the good stuff. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Business gets hot. Let your inner star shine. Put on a fantastic performance. Take on a new promise or contract. Keep it organized, and follow the budget. Honor colleagues with thanks. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- You're extra confident. Outsmart the competition. Take careful stock of your wealth and resources (not all financial). Review options, choose your path and declare it. Your partner can assist. Celebrate. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- You're a master at your craft. Keep track of earnings. Finish up tasks. Socialize and learn from friends. You're especially sensitive. Find out what the other person needs. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- You look especially good. Your friends are your inspiration. Teammates have brilliant ideas. Catch up on correspondence. Better check with family before scheduling an event. Communication saves a hassle later. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- Go over the details. Career opportunities arise, and there could be a test. Call a friend who knows you well for feedback. Take notes. Re-assess priorities. Remain unattached and play. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Let a partner do the talking. Each new advance presents new challenges. Pay attention to the tiniest detail. Travel tempts, but it may be difficult. Make plans and go in a few days. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Think fast, and use your wits. Comment publicly on issues you feel passionate about. You quickly solve a problem. Move the conversation forward. This phase gets transformative. If your theory is challenged, do more research. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 9 -- A partner is a big help. Make long-range plans. You'll find the numbers fascinating. Start a new phase in your relationship. Investigate, and you'll find a way. Review instructions again. Listen graciously. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Opportunity knocks. Make sure you get the contract in writing. Refocus on work. Review your options. Start planning a new project. Listen carefully to a trusted source. Formulate and brainstorm with your team. ___ (c)2013 BY NANCY BLACK Distributed by MCT Information Services