Horoscopes: Friday, October 13, 2017

ARIES (March 21-April 19). If you find you are spending as much time thinking about what is not happening as about what is, that's the thought-ratio of unhappiness. More time in the present equals more happiness.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The word amateur literally means "one who loves." Those who do not exchange their work for money have the luxury of delivering the very purest personal expression. Enjoy being in the amateur stage for as long as it lasts.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You'll witness brilliant creativity and perhaps participate in it. Don't be surprised if there's something a little subversive about it - part of creative brilliance.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Traditions speak to a group identity, and from them can spring a sense of belonging. It's a fine time to make some plans for these final parts of the year that will build the bond between you and the people you care about.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You need attention. Everyone does. But few work at making it worthwhile for others to give it to them. You offer a lot of fun, usefulness, and loveliness in return for their focus.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There's something dangerous about having your money easily accessible to you today. The more time you take to think about purchases, the better off you'll be.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You have passed this way before, but don't worry: You're not falling backward, regressing, or repeating needless patterns. You're simply getting familiar with this road that you will soon own.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A high-intensity life can be a happy one, but it works better when you have healthy release valves. Find ways to equalize the pressure and effectively cope.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You've a sense about what others want from you - not the obvious need on the surface, but the underlying craving that they wouldn't dare ask for even if they could articulate it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The joy isn't in the other thing: It's in you. Besides, joy doesn't get stolen that often - people hand it over in a mindless or weak moment. Protect your joy.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your alone thoughts are different from the thoughts you have when others are around. It's time to consider how the physical and emotional presence of another human being changes things.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You aren't trying to make a person love you, though you wouldn't mind if it happened naturally. You're ready for a little more respect, friendship, attention, and even passion.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Oct. 13). Many times, you've cycled through the spring of hope, the toil of summer, the autumn of reaping, and the dormant dreams of winter. This time will not be the same. Now you gather new energies and ideas, and you'll emerge in 2018 a transformed being. Broaden your scope in March. Travel in May. Give back in July. Aries and Taurus adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 40, 2, 33, and 14.