Pisces Paradox

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The Day Of Eternal Youth 

FEBRUARY TWENTY NINTH

Strengths: Youthful. Accepting. Appreciative.
Weaknesses: Indulgent. Immature. 

Tarot Card: The High Priestess

Personality

We can say with some certainty that there are far fewer February 29 people than those born on any other day. Moreover, were we to determine our age by counting up our birthdays, those born on February 29 would also be far younger than anyone else. Twenty would be a ripe old age for someone born on this day. Consequently, we might say that February 29 people are forever young.

Of course February 29 is a unique day, for it was created artificially to try to make up for the fact that our year is really a few hours longer than 365 days. This 366th day was brought into existence by Julius Caesar, who decreed that it occur only once every four years. However, in the time of Pope Gregory it was discovered that one day every four years is in fact a bit too much, so only one in four century years (2000, but not 1700, 1800 or 1900) is given the extra day.

Those born on the February 29 do carry an unmistakably youthful air. They seem, like a cat, to have nine lives, and are able to slip out of dangerous predicaments repeatedly. They are survivors whose deeds could almost be taken as a confirmation of their unusual birthdate. Indeed, February 29 people tend to be rather peculiar, a fact they know full well. From the earliest times they realize they are unusual because their apprehension of the world often seems at odds with the consensus. In the same way that for them their true birthday is a rarefied event and thus special, they tend to see the specialness in aspects of life that others would take for granted. At their best they are thus childlike, holding dear the simple joys—at their worst, childish, and somewhat needy.

Those born on this day are generally not the types to flamboyantly display their uniqueness to the world, but more often than not make a strong attempt to be even more normal than the average person. Thus they generally gravitate to work that deals with human concerns and the problems of everyday life, rather than seeking far-out professions. Often, their highly active fantasy and imagination finds its expression at home rather than in society at large.

February 29 people must not abandon their individuality or iron out too many of their idiosyncrasies in a quest for normality. It may be desirable for them to give up those habits which cut them off from others in a social sense, but should those differences be integral to their talents or an essential part of who they are, “improving” or “adjusting” could just be code words for repressing.

Many born on February 29 have a tendency to overcompensate for real or imagined deficiencies. Those who do so through an ambitious pursuit of success are, of course, at risk of succumbing to worldly temptations. On the other hand, those who withdraw can become hyper-romantic idealists who, wary of revealing themselves, come to live in a secretive fantasy world. February 29 people should strive to avoid such extremes of thought and behavior, and seek a middle path of moderation.

Meditation
Less is often more 


The Day Of Zest 

FEBRUARY TWENTY EIGHTH

Strengths: Vibrant. Alive. Emotionally Complex.
Weaknesses: Overenthusiastic. Excessive. Thoughtless.

Tarot Card: The Magician 

Personality

Those born on February 28 have a tremendous zest for life, which they communicate to everyone who meets them. These positive, energetic individuals are able to brighten up most occasions with their vibrant personality. Yet, on the other hand, they have a propensity for heading off in entirely the wrong direction, full steam ahead. To make them aware of this is almost impossible when they are caught up in their own enthusiasm. They can be at once assured and positive, dynamic, effective or destructive, depending on the circumstances. Obviously, those born on this day would do well to sit down and contemplate their direction in life, get to know themselves better, and be more deliberate and purposeful in their actions.

Because their energies tend to be diffused and dispersed, and since they can so easily get carried away with new endeavors, February 28 people may adopt an unrealistic attitude toward the world which causes those near and dear to them a great deal of worry. Part of the problem is that some February 28 people may like having others worry about them, and may even engage in dangerous or uncertain activities precisely to get that attention.

For those born on this day, it is the actual excitement of events, the sensations that arise both in themselves and in others that keep them feeling vital and alive. However, they must learn to be highly discriminating in their choice of endeavors and involvements, taking on challenges that are not only risky but also worthwhile and rewarding, not just in the short term but over a lifetime.

Because they choose to live in such a vital and uncompromising way, February 28 people are likely to experience far more of life than the average person. Most born on this day wouldn’t have it any other way. On the other hand, uninhibited enthusiasm can lead to carelessness or thoughtlessness, which stands in the way of their serious development. Also, as they mature, February 28 people may find that the negative after-effects of their activities begin to outweigh the fun or stimulation.

Those born on this day need to imbue their zest for life with understanding. Through both intensely positive and negative encounters, they may eventually come to develop a personal philosophy and deepen their spiritual understanding of life. The question is at what point experience will at last translate into wisdom. For some born on this day, such an evolution takes place quite late in life, for others not at all. Indeed, it is incumbent on February 28 people to at some point stand removed from life’s passing show and observe themselves and others living.

Meditation
The object of one’s enthusiasm is at least as important as the enthusiasm itself 


The Day Of The Reality Masters 

FEBRUARY TWENTY SEVENTH

Strengths: Magnetic. Capable. Worldly. 
Weaknesses: Self-Unaware. Demanding. Emotionally Chaotic.

Tarot Card: The Hermit 

Personality

 Those born on February 27 are extremely insightful into the workings of the world around them. They spend a great deal of energy coming to understand the basic elements of everyday life—how things work, why people act the way they do, how to work to advantage with the environment—but this is only the beginning. From this solid reality base, February 27 people allow their questioning spirits to explore outward to social, international and universal spheres as well. Because they build solidly at each step of the way, they can confidently count on the wisdom they have culled from experience to see them through new and perhaps increasingly ambitious endeavors.

The greatest difficulties for February 27 people usually surface in their personal lives. Because they are extremely demanding individuals, and also since their intuitive choices in relationships are often not the most suitable for them to say the least, they can have tumultuous and often chaotic love lives. For some reason, for all of their understanding of the world and their capacity to make their way in it, they often know surprisingly little about themselves, other than what they think they want. To learn the difference between what they want and what they truly need is an important distinction for them to grasp and one which they hopefully make sooner rather than later in life. By satisfying their true needs they can, of course, find greater emotional stability and happiness. Too often they feel that their problems can be solved by another person, and put much too much energy into their romantic love lives, instead of seeking the solutions to their needs at a deeper level inside themselves. Given their emotional makeup, it is unlikely that those born on this day will experience much “downtime” between relationships, but an extended period alone could actually do them some good. Because of their thoughtful and sensitive nature, they should be able to accomplish much personal growth without outside help.

February 27 people are happiest when they can let their minds roam freely over a wide variety of subjects, and generally demand friends and mates who are also intellectually active. Those born on this day often struggle with their social environment in an attempt to somehow master it or perhaps redirect it. Their urge to dominate is very strong and because their magnetic powers are among the strongest in the entire year, they must be extremely careful not to overwhelm everyone around them.

If February 27 people lose moral direction they have a great potential for bringing destruction on themselves and others. Their capacity for not only seeing the truth but also bringing what they desire to pass, through a rare combination of empathy and willpower, presents them with great ethical and moral challenges.

Meditation
“Necessity” is a relative term 


The Day Of Arousal 

FEBRUARY TWENTY SIXTH

Strengths: Empathic. Critical. Stimulating.
Weaknesses: Self-Important. Rash. Reactive. 

Tarot Card: Strength 

Personality

Those born on February 26 have a great capacity to arouse others both emotionally and mentally. They are highly attuned to people’s sensitivities and therefore able to stir them deeply. Very adept at wielding irony and satire, they are also able to bring critical faculties to bear on the faults of both people and social institutions. More highly evolved individuals born on this day devote themselves to selfless causes in order to benefit their fellow human beings, often awakening them to the possibilities of both material and spiritual advancement.

Although February 26 people are highly individualistic, often engaged in a somewhat lonely pursuit of personal goals, they have a quiet but magnetic effect on those they meet. Most born on this day are not given to public displays of affection, and are more comfortable when spontaneity and impulsiveness originate with the other party. But while in private they are often quiet, serious and peace-loving individuals, they generally adopt a much more aggressive persona in their work life.

Because those born on this day are capable of wounding others deeply with their criticisms and probing insights, they must beware of arousing enmity and antagonism. But though February 26 people, particularly as parents, can be overly authoritarian on occasion, they are rarely as firm or decided in their stance as they would like to appear. Actually they are very vulnerable to emotional appeals and their buttons a bit easy to push. Where indulgences for their lovers, family members or children are concerned, this may not be such a bad thing.

However, it is best if those born on this day lessen their reactiveness when handling their business or professional affairs. Many February 26 people have a bad habit of presenting an overserious or even high-handed demeanor, and should therefore try to lighten up and take themselves a bit less seriously. More highly evolved February 26 people develop a much-needed capacity to laugh at themselves, without losing dignity or self-esteem.

Due to their empathic powers, February 26 people can strike a common chord in those whom they do not know that well or even have never met (through their work or creations). Being on the same wave length with others and sharing good feelings is very highly valued by them. Those born on this day are extremely happy when there is no need to explain themselves but can feel assured that another person silently understands their thinking.

Because many February 26 people secretly feel on the outside of society, being accepted carries great significance for them. In gaining social recognition for their often unusual achievements, they are brought into meaningful contact with society at large. However, should they assume positions of importance or receive a great deal of worldly success, they may feel but a heightened desire to be alone once again with their work.

Meditation
Awakening others carries tremendous responsibilities 


The Day Of Higher Cause 

FEBRUARY TWENTY FIFTH

Strengths: Faithful. Devotional. Giving.
Weaknesses: Over-involved. Rebellious. Unrealistic.

Tarot Card: The Chariot 

Personality

Although those born on February 25 are often formidable individuals in their own right, they only reach their full potential when giving their all for a cause greater than themselves. Those born on this day have a large measure of confidence and self-respect but generally believe that universal goals have greater meaning than personal ones. Also they intuit that by plugging into a higher cause their own power is only magnified.

Not infrequently, February 25 people come into conflict with those around them. That they are critical of social mores is not surprising, since they see society as being in constant flux and turmoil, perhaps unworthy of a deep commitment. As children, February 25 people often rebel quite openly against their parents and other authority figures, and react emotionally to what they perceive to be injustice. Because they often do not find peace with themselves until later in life, their adolescence and early adulthood can be stormy.

In their late thirties and forties, February 25 people usually deepen their commitment to a worthy interest, perhaps art, philosophy, religion or an ideal of what humanity could be at its very best. Once an interest of this kind takes hold of them, they will devote ever increasing time and effort to it—publicly, privately or both. However, it is usually a happier state of affairs when they do not radically depart from their preexisting life but build on it in a healthy, organic way.

Those born on this day have no time for meanness or pettiness of any sort. They may evince a regal bearing themselves and do things with a grand gesture, yet rarely adopt a condescending or elitist attitude. The most successful of February 25 people are thus able to communicate their high ideals and sense of purpose to others. The less evolved of this day may fail to convince others of their sincerity and therefore be perceived as proselytizing or claiming types. The success, and indeed happiness, of February 25 people is often in direct proportion to their ability to communicate without arousing antagonism. In the worst cases they may come to feel self-pity and frustration through being misunderstood.

Giving is generally more important for February 25 people than receiving, but they must be sensitive to the fact that those on whom they bestow their gifts may be less than eager to receive them. In such cases those born on this day only prime themselves for feelings of rejection. Instead, toughening their stance and adopting a more no-nonsense attitude based on mutual exchange may be a more suitable approach for them and ultimately a healthier way of relating to others.

Meditation
The brain is both a transmitter and a receptor 


The Day Of Sacrifice 

FEBRUARY TWENTY FOURTH

Strengths: Giving. Open. Accepting.
Weaknesses: Self-Absorbed. Demanding. Static.

Tarot Card: The Lovers

Personality

Sacrifice is a pivotal theme in the lives of February 24 people, and can manifest in a variety of ways. Those born on this day often sacrifice their own concerns—to a cause, parental wishes, or the desires of a mate or family. Typically they themselves demand a great degree of sacrifice from others, particularly loved ones. The theme may also recur in more abstract or philosophical forms, where sacrifice becomes a kind of acceptance of life as it is, a sacrifice of ego so to speak. In the best cases this is a true unselfishness and desire to work for the common good.

Those February 24 people who choose to sacrifice themselves to a larger purpose or the wishes of a group do so with anything from blissful joy to an austere, even grim sense of duty. In the former case they sincerely believe in what they do and the happiness or well-being of others is their personal reward. In the latter case, though they may act out of firm moral or ethical convictions, they can harbor deep resentment due to the frustrated demands of their ego. Such frustration, building up over a long period of time, one day bursts out and leads these February 24 people to reject the responsibilities placed on them.

Many February 24 people seek to reduce the presence of their ego, perhaps even getting rid of it altogether, in the pursuit of a more pure lifestyle. The danger here is, of course, that they could be in some way deluding themselves; it may not be possible to get rid of one’s ego when it is not yet fully formed! The more highly evolved of February 24 people are aware of this trap and steer clear by strengthening the positive aspects of their personality and judging themselves by objective standards whenever possible. Yet other February 24 people accept everything that fate sends their way, believing that their misfortune, is somehow a confirmation of a higher state.

February 24 people must find a way to work for the common good or perhaps please their parents and society without compromising their own beliefs and desires. More than for most, those born on this day must be very sure of their wishes and unafraid of communicating them. If they have grown overly accepting of compromise and less-than-ideal circumstances, or a self-image that is not up to their talents or abilities, they run the risk of building a set of negative or self-fulfilling prophecies into their outlook which determine their future as well. If they one day wish to again take control of their life, they may find the going rough, as they will be swimming against an undertow of ingrained habits and expectations.

Steady progress, willpower, resolute conduct, determination, guts—these are qualities which February 24 people must have in place before they begin to make any major sacrifices. Also sharing love from a position of strength rather than weakness proves far more satisfying in the long run.

Meditation
Many tragedies are enacted in the name of love

The Day of the Viable Candidate 

FEBRUARY TWENTY THIRD

Strengths: Convincing. Analytic. Pragmatic.
Weaknesses: Hypercritical. Negative. All-Knowing. 

Tarot Card: The Hierophant

Personality

February 23 people specialize in offering not only their ideas but also themselves as viable alternatives to less than ideal circumstances. They are often problem solvers engaged in moving things forward in a positive direction. Once those born on this day are convinced that they are the best candidate for a job, position of family leadership or social responsibility, they must secure that position, or at least receive a fair hearing. Their arguments are usually cogent and sound as is their advice, for rarely do they try to convince anyone of their views until they have done their homework thoroughly.

February 23 people are realists, down-to-earth individuals adept at sizing up a situation and placing their finger on precisely what can be improved. Unfortunately, February 23 realism may in fact be pessimism and particularly in later life those born on this day must beware of becoming hypercritical, even bitter. There is an undeniably dark side to February 23 people, necessitating a careful balance of their energies to avoid depression. They must particularly beware of falling into self-destructive patterns.

February 23 people have a solid hold on the material world. They are not overly indulgent in enjoying the luxuries of life. For them the thrill of dealing with practicalities and everyday difficulties has to do with building on yesterday and preparing for the complexities of tomorrow. They are like a motor which once running, keeps running.

Those born on this day are happy to expand their base of operations but will generally do so cautiously. One reason for their success, in addition to their pragmatism, is their kairotic sense, i.e. knowing the right time to act and when to stand pat. Those born on this day usually handle the existential dilemma well, taking responsibility for directing their lives while accepting the laws of inevitability.

When February 23 people are frustrated in one direction they rarely backtrack, but simply choose another path. Most of the time, before embarking on plan A, they have already considered the merits of plan B, and hold it in ready reserve. Thus those born on this day excel at offering advice to those who have simply reached a dead end and can go no further. Often they themselves, or their services, prove to be the viable alternative to a stalemate.

In their private lives, February 23 people must beware of adopting an all-knowing or infallible attitude and becoming complacent or unresponsive to the emotional needs of others. They must strive to keep their minds open and tune in to the wishes of those around them. By truly valuing the opinions of others, and listening quietly and non-judgmentally to their concerns, they will win friends and inspire support for their own efforts.

Meditation 
In plants, as in people, the strongest candidate for survival is often the “volunteer”


The Day Of Universality 

FEBRUARY TWENTY SECOND

Strengths: Unselfish. Idealistic. Dedicated.
Weaknesses:
Unforgiving. Pessimistic. Overcritical.

Tarot Card: The Fool

Personality

February 22 people generally believe in the greatest good for the greatest number. In this sense, their democratic, perhaps patriotic feelings run high. Not infrequently, they find themselves supporting or leading the cause of their clan, organization, community, even country. However, the most highly evolved people born on this day have ideals that reach far beyond municipal or national borders. Lovers of universal freedom, high idealists, they wish that all enjoy the blessings of a good life, without threat of tyranny or oppression

Those born on February 22 tend to dissolve their ego away in the service of a meaningful cause. Their personal world may be an intricate and complex one, their emotions profoundly sensitive, yet they do not allow this to be their principal concern, and rather turn their spotlight out on the world, illuminating worthy ideals and goals.

February 22 people have a strict sense of duty and can be rather stern and unforgiving. When they make mistakes, they come down very hard on themselves. They also suffer greatly when they have gone against their own personal code, whether for reasons of expediency or survival. They must learn to be less hard on themselves, and more accepting of circumstances as they are. February 22 standards are often too high for anyone (including themselves) to ever live up to.

Though, as mentioned, February 22 people often dissolve away their ego in the service of their work, this does not mean that they are necessarily easygoing in personal relationships. Despite the fact that they can appear open to a variety of experience, their likes and dislikes are pronounced, even fixed. In addition, they will pull no punches when making their displeasure known to their partner.

Those born on this day are frequently critical of their society, adopting a revolutionary or avant-garde stance. Not particularly optimistic, they realistically assess the shortcomings of everyone and everything. Less highly evolved individuals born on this day can’t help but see all the imperfections around them, but choose to do nothing most of the time, vacillating between grumbling and aimlessly striking out in rebellion. Those February 22 people who come to accept social inequities against their idealistic nature can sink into a deep pessimism.

Because of their capacity to put personal desire aside, February 22 people are capable of making magnetic leaders who instill great loyalty in their followers. Certainly not everyone born on this day will have the opportunity to exercise authority as an employer, manager or political leader. However, should the need arise to call for assistance or support, they will be able to demand great sacrifice from colleagues, family and friends since the purity of their motives is rarely in doubt.

Meditation
In some obscure corners of the world, the Ideal and the Real have consummated a secret marriage


The Day Of Intimacy 

FEBRUARY TWENTY FIRST

Strengths: Emotionally Deep. Self-Aware. Honest.
Weaknesses: Self-Involved. Dissatisfied. Detached.

Tarot Card: The World

Personality

Those born on February 21 struggle to express themselves on a personal level. Their early life can be largely tied up with themselves and with the internal difficulties they face. They may at first see these difficulties as originating with their environment but usually come to realize that their own highly complex natures are the real issue. But problems, of course, can be challenges and opportunities—to grow, to learn, to evolve. Most February 21 people fully accept this challenge to improve themselves and grow enormously as a result. By coming to terms with and perhaps overcoming their own emotional sensitivities they can realize a kind of self-awareness attained by few. They can also display remarkable insight into the emotions and motivations of others.

One of the highest attainments of February 21 people seems simple enough—intimacy. But for them to share themselves fully with another human being, to allow that person to see them as they really are without defenses, is perhaps the greatest gift they can give. Problems may arise when that special person ignores the gift, does not recognize its specialness or is not interested. The resultant shock to these sensitive individuals can be devastating, and it can be a long time before they again dare to open themselves that way again.

It is difficult for the ego-oriented, feeling people born on this day to be objective about their work, since what they create seems indivisible from who they are. Therefore, negative criticism is particularly difficult for them to handle, since in their eyes criticism may amount to a personal attack. Particularly artists, craftspeople, entertainers and public servants born on this day will have to toughen their skin if they wish to be successful in the world.

It is not uncommon for February 21 people to have had very difficult childhoods emotionally, with the focus of their problems on the parent of the opposite sex. As a result of either being overly supervised and minutely criticized or when attention was needed most, ignored, those born on this day may develop in the former case into unusually quiet, secretive individuals and in the latter into flamboyant and extroverted types.

A healthy and contented love life may also be elusive, something they will search the world over to find. For some, a loving partner affirms their worth; for others, such a person can be a much needed confidant, one who is intimate with their most sensitive secrets. In either case, few individuals are forced to live more closely in touch with their inner world than February 21 individuals. For them to find emotional happiness and peace can be eminently satisfying, but generally involves an entire lifetime of growth and effort.

Meditation
One side of the moon is always dark

The Day of the Impression 

FEBRUARY TWENTIETH

Strengths: Perceptive. Cooperative. Memorable 
Weaknesses: Impressionable. Reactive. Overemotional 

Tarot Card: The Judgement

Personality

Those born on February 20 are taken up with the theme of both registering an impression and making an impression on others. Because of their receptive nature, they generally have vivid memories and can much later repeat accurately what they have seen or heard. On the other hand, they will usually do what they have to do to make certain that others remember them as well. February 20 people want to be taken seriously, and therefore forcefully stamp their mark on whatever it is they carry out, be it their business involvements, creative efforts or familial responsibilities.

For this reason, one might expect February 20 people to be aggressive types, but though forceful, most born on this day are not particularly combative or argumentative. It is rather out of sympathetic feelings and self-belief that they express themselves so strongly. For them, holding nothing back is a way of showing people how much they really care about what they do. Excellent additions to a team, they demonstrate both their ability to put their talents to work for the common good, as well as their relative disinterest in being a dictator. They do, however, demand that others pull their weight and can quickly grow impatient with anyone seemingly not giving their all. Those born on this day must not make the mistake of assuming that friends and associates are somehow slouching when they in fact are doing the very best they can.

February 20 people display a tremendous will to win. They must, however, avoid triumphing at the expense of someone else’s feelings, if possible. Those born on this day are themselves highly emotional, and also extremely sensitive to criticism and negativity directed their way. Learning to master and structure their emotional life can makes them more stable and reliable. This is not to suggest in any way that they bottle up or cool their ardor or passion. It is just that their enthusiasm and belief in themselves is so strong that they do tend to go overboard more often than they should. Thus it is important, particularly as they age, that they become more philosophical and contemplative, more aware of their impact on their environment.

Although being open and retaining impressions is a great strength of February 20 people, they may at times be too impressionable. They can fall under the spell of negative influences through their sympathy and openness. Thus their empathic tendencies may sometimes work against them. In addition February 20 people too often have a desire to please and wind up compromising themselves. Learning not to be so malleable or reactive, and remaining true to their beliefs in the face of adversity is essential to their personal development.

Meditation
The images we receive shape the ones we transmit