For Wednesday, April 14, 2004:

Those with birthdays today: You find that you alternate between an assertive stance and a more empathetic approach. Co-workers, friends and loved ones are responding in different ways. Work remains a high priority this year. If you are attached, your relationship will flourish with more nurturing. If you are single, late 2004 and the beginning of 2005 offer many choices. Pisces makes a good healer for you.

The stars show the kind of day you’ll have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult

Aries (March 21-April 19)

• Aim for more of what you want during the daylight hours, when success will greet you. Groups will be instrumental. Thank a friend for an uncalled-for gesture. Tonight: Get some extra sleep.

• You easily could be distracted by a child or loved one. You present yourself unusually well right now, especially in the afternoon. A meeting will prove to be significant if you stay focused. Tonight: Where the gang is.

• Stay on top of news and information. Follow an instinct to take charge and be in a leadership position. Others respond to your ideas and directions. Tonight: Count on it being a late night.

• You find that a loved one will give you a new sense of direction if you let him or her in the door. Openly discuss what might be on your mind. You’ll find solutions as a result. Tonight: Watch a movie.

• Work with others, as they won’t leave you alone anyway. Though you might prefer to get more done, you are working with an open-door policy. Later in the day you’ll accomplish much more. Tonight: Togetherness works.

• Learn to pace yourself, as you could easily fall into exhaustion. What happens could take you to a new realm. By the afternoon, you cannot effectively close your door. Tonight: Join a co-worker.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

• Examine what is happening within a key group around you. Brainstorm to your heart’s content, because creativity will spring from this type of exchange. Another lets you know how much he or she cares. Tonight: Play it easy.

• Be playful and direct in your dealings with a co-worker. This person might have feelings for you. Your sensuality and flirtatiousness merge in a way that many can’t resist. Tonight: Ever playful.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

• You say what you feel, but you might not be ready for the return comment. Someone close could want to be closer. Trouble could come out of your friendly ways. Tonight: Head home.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

• Investigate possibilities more carefully than you have in prior years. A friend or loved one might have a moneymaking suggestion. Others respond. Tonight: Dinner out.

• A loved one or admirer enjoys your vital energy and taming you. Realize how expenses could be getting out of whack. Think before leaping in, if you can. Tonight: Keep on smiling.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

• Slow down in the morning, especially if something feels off. Later in the day, you discover what is going on. Express what is on your mind midafternoon. Tonight: What makes you happy?