Sun Soft Jupiter

The Sun is making a favourable contact with the positive planet Jupiter in your chart meaning that you're blessed with good fortune and a happy nature. You've the ability to land on your feet no matter how difficult a situation. This is partly because you're destined to be in the right place at the right time throughout your life. It's possible that a father or grandfather figure has given you a helping hand in life, teaching you to have confidence in your own abilities. Your success is also due to the fact that your positive attitude to life attracts good fortune. Your optimism and enthusiasm are infectious. You're popular and generous, and tend to shine in the company of other people. You like to embrace life and all it has to offer. As a result your life tends to read like an adventure story, possibly including travels around the globe. You're not necessarily attracted to rugged adventure, preferring to travel in style. It would be unusual for you to go without comforts. Even a camping trip may involve the latest equipment guaranteed to ensure comfort. You also get plenty of chances to expand your mind, whether this be through the experiences of your lifetime or through study in an academic institution. You're likely to shine in your studies, eventually making an inspirational teacher if you choose this path. You may be surprised by the number of people who have been impressed by your attitude, to the extent that they have felt inspired to change their own lives. You're likely to achieve your goals whatever path is followed, and perhaps to help others achieve theirs.

Sun Hard Moon

When the Sun and the Moon are combining unfavourably in your chart, it means that you're likely to have difficulty succeeding in life. You may have trouble in money matters, struggle with employment, and suffer at the hands of other people. You should be particularly wary of troublesome women, who could create obstacles to you achieving your goals. In some cases, this combination can also mean that you suffer from ill health, which further hinders your chances of success.

Sun Hard Uranus

The Sun is making a difficult aspect to the planet Uranus in your birth chart indicating that you're impulsive and determined to be an individual. You want to do things your own way and will dig in your heels if anyone tries to stop you. You've the ability to be a unique and original leader, but you need to be wary of letting your impatient and excitable nature stand in the way of you achieving your life goals. If you're not careful you're easily embroiled in various dramas over perceived or, in some cases, real injustices. This could range from a minor conflict with a sales person or major battles with authorities. This tendency to clash with other people probably originates from your childhood relationship with your father or a father figure. It's likely that you were a wilful child, who liked to have the freedom to learn through experience rather than through parental advice. Of course the extent of your rebellion depends on other influences in your chart. You may have clashed with a strong-minded male parental figure, either through head-on conflict or passive lack of co-operation. Possibly the loss, or absence, of a strong male during your childhood meant that you were given too much freedom and lacked appropriate parental guidance. It's also possible that in your mind you feel that you were not given enough freedom. Given your need for individual freedom, you may have felt trapped. Either way, as an adult, you struggle to curb a tendency to lash out whenever someone else or circumstances appear to stop you getting or doing what you want. This can result in a feeling of being isolated or separated from loved ones or society. However, it's more likely that your own wilful nature is preventing you from achieving your goals in life. You need to find the right mix of respecting your own original identity and the needs of other people. Once you've achieved this balance then you're free to pursue your unique talents, and to succeed in reaching your goals.

Sun Opposition Saturn

This is a serious moment in your life and practicality is the theme. One area of your life is coming to a close and another is beginning. This change may be a natural progression in your life, or it could be an unwelcome obstacle. You may feel weighed down by your own or other people's expectations. It is time for you to apply yourself to the practicalities rather than the emotions. Focusing on your feelings is not productive right now. When you feel overwhelmed by the alterations in your life remind yourself of the adage: "When one door closes, another door opens". Later, with the benefit of hindsight, you will see the benefits of this period even if you cannot see them right now.

Sun Hard Saturn

The Sun is making a difficult contact with the planet Saturn in your chart indicating that you have to face some hardships before achieving your life goals. It's possible that you had a difficult childhood, experiencing either emotional or financial troubles. Perhaps your father, or a father figure, was an imposing and restrictive force in your life. As a child you may have felt imprisoned, unable to communicate your innermost thoughts and feelings. You may have been frightened to venture forth in the world. As an adult you may still have difficulty expressing yourself and at times feel that external circumstances are still somewhat onerous. You're fearful, worrying about the outcome of decisions and actions. On a positive note childhood difficulties can become the basis for adult wisdom, particularly if you're able to overcome your fears. As you grow older you learn that your natural reserve stands you in good stead, giving you the ability to stand back and assess situations. Your confidence grows enabling you to achieve your goals through attention to detail and hard work.

Moon Hard Mars

The Moon is making a difficult aspect to the planet Mars in your chart indicating that arguments and emotional disputes abound in your home life. These upsets could be caused by another member of your family, but it's more likely that you're quick-tempered and intolerant around your loved ones. Your intentions are good, but you've difficulty containing your anger in certain situations. At times you feel as though you've been unfairly misjudged and this adds fuel to your already well-lit fire. Unfortunately your impatience and irritability can result in periods of loneliness because others would rather leave you alone than bear the brunt of your bad moods. You may also find that your loved ones are angry at your attitude or it could be that they simply find it impossible to relax in your company, which is a problem if they want peace and quiet at home. You need to find an outlet for your nervous tension. For instance, letting off steam in sports or activities that demand high energy or concentration will help. Finding an absorbing project which can be based in your home could also prove beneficial. You certainly have plenty of energy and this could be directed into new enterprises or working around the house.

Moon Hard Neptune

The Moon is making a difficult aspect to the planet Neptune in your birth chart indicating that you've a sensitive nature, and are prone to spending long periods of time in solitude in the safety of your home. Sometimes you thoroughly enjoy your own company, but at other times you can feel somewhat despondent and confused, tired and caught in a web of inexplicable emotions. The problem may be that you're unrealistic in your expectations of yourself and your loved ones, idealising them only to be disillusioned when they fail to live up to your expectations. A more realistic approach can be helpful. You're often confused about your direction in life, wondering if you'll ever fulfil your dreams. Your home needs to be your haven from the world because you feel overwhelmed by the harsh realities of the world, and you need to shut away. If this isn't possible then it's likely that you'll be distressed. Depending on other influences in your chart it's possible that you spend long periods living in a fantasy world. Family members may have stories about your daydreaming ways as a child, which continue well into adulthood. It's also possible that your loved ones feel the need to bring you back down to earth, believing that this will help you cope with the world. Nevertheless you have learned to trust your own instincts, telling you of a need to escape somewhere to dream, even if it's only one room. In this case a room with a beautiful view would definitely appeal to your aesthetic nature. It's likely that your relationship with your mother, grandmother, or an important woman, has played a key role in your life, positively or negatively. On the negative side it's possible that this mother figure demanded that you ignore your sensitive nature, turning your back on your artistic and spiritual gifts. On the other hand perhaps she cosseted you as a child and adolescent, fanning your unrealistic view of the world. Another scenario could have been that your mother was unwell, or regularly adopted a victim-like approach to life, which forced you into the role of caretaker at a young age. Whatever the scenario in your childhood, the outcome is likely to be your own struggle to face your responsibilities while still finding time for your spiritual, artistic, or contemplative needs. It's possible that this same woman, or another woman, could have encouraged you to develop the imaginative side of your nature. Perhaps this woman had artistic or spiritual gifts, or encouraged your own talents. Whatever the scenario, it's likely that you've an idealised or distorted picture in your mind of this woman, which affects your adult relationships with your loved ones. Your lesson is to learn to balance your needs for artistry, spiritual pursuits or moments of quiet contemplation with the practical, and very-real, demands of the mundane. This is when you are most likely to appreciate the soothing nature of your home. Your house may also be a restful haven for your loved ones, because you've a flair for creating a peaceful environment. You've the ability to listen with sensitivity to other people's problems and plans, or to create a beautiful environment with artistic ornaments, soothing music and indoor plants and flowers. Perhaps you also have artistic talents, which can be displayed in your home. You may find a great sense of satisfaction in living close to water, or surrounded by nature.

Moon Quincunx Neptune

Your emotions are undergoing subtle changes this month. If possible this month you need to sit back and seek emotional comfort in escapism. You are more sensitive than usual to beauty, artistry, and delicacy. Your feelings are tuned to the exquisite aspects of life. You are likely to be absorbed with something or someone obscure, perhaps even unattainable. It is also possible that you are saying goodbye to a friend, colleague or relative. As such you may feel a little sad even though you understand the situation. You may yearn for different scenery, so a holiday or a weekend away could be a lovely escape. It is difficult for you to be satisfied by mundane or practical matters this month. You are seeking something magical rather than practical. You may enjoy directing some of your aspirations into a creative or artistic project. You may also benefit from taking care of someone close to you, focussing on their needs rather than your own. Nevertheless, this is your month to explore your softer emotions, your vulnerable side. It is time to let your imagination flow freely and follow your intuition.

Mercury Soft Pluto

The planets Mercury and Pluto are combined in your birth chart suggesting that your education and communications are coloured with highs and lows. On the positive side you've a probing mind and the ability to assess situations rapidly, which can lead to success in your studies. You're likely to excel in any education process which requires research and intense work. It's also likely that these gifts will help you excel in any professional or personal situation which involves counselling or crisis work. Your insightful mind proves invaluable in such situations. You enjoy investigating mysteries and probing for hidden truths. Secretive by nature, you find it easy to appreciate other peoples need for privacy. Your gift for being able to keep secrets means that other people often confide in you. It's likely that you've learnt to rely on your own judgement from an early age. Perhaps a threatening environment, at home, in your neighbourhood, or at school, meant that your instincts were a vital means of survival. It could also have been a crisis, ranging from a traumatic change of school or a death, that led to your ability to see situations clearly and honestly. These gifts can be used to benefit your adult life, and other people. However, problems are likely to arise because of your inability to see the lighter side of life, and to accept that occasionally you might be wrong! You are a deep thinker with wonderful powers of concentration, but you can become obsessive, seeing only innuendos and subtleties in communications, rather than the bigger and often brighter picture. This obsessive side of your nature means that you also tend to believe that others are opposed to your thoughts and ideas, when perhaps they're not. You need to battle to overcome your tendency to create conflict and then seek revenge in such situations by finding a positive outlet for your energy. For instance you may benefit from writing down your feelings of anger and resentment, making sure that they don't reach the party involved. If you believe that you're losing sight of the plot, then seek advice from a trusted friend or colleague. You are at your most powerful when using your insights for positive purposes. In particular your honesty and insights can be useful in a counselling situation, but be careful of taking these talents out of the consulting room unless invited to do so. Friends and loved ones may not always appreciate your ability to get straight to the point, particularly if they're feeling vulnerable or emotionally distraught. You need to learn tact and diplomacy and sensitivity to other people's pain. Your gifts, combined with compassion, make you a powerful advocate in any field.

Mercury Soft Mars

The planets Mercury and Mars are making contact in your chart indicating that you've a razor-sharp mind and tongue, which you're not afraid of using. You're quick to grasp new ideas, and enjoy studying any subject that challenges your mind. You may have a keen interest in sports and military pursuits. You've good intellectual powers, and are witty, enthusiastic and ingenious. You're a forthright and powerful speaker, perhaps not realising the extent of the effect that your words have on other people. Others may react adversely to your feisty way of communicating, particularly if you fail to curb your tendency to speak first and think later. In some way your communications with other people tend to involve conflict, a battle of words requiring strategic manoeuvres. On a positive note it's also possible that others appreciate your ability to speak your mind, particularly if you're fighting for a cause. You may become an advocate for individuals or groups of people, who are unable to stand up for themselves or who need a strong spokesperson. You're the right choice because you're perceptive, enjoy a thought-provoking discussion or argument, and are agile in most negotiations.

Mercury Soft Uranus

The planets Mercury and Uranus are connected in your birth chart indicating that you've an incisive and ingenious mind. You enjoy progressive topics in your studies and your communications with other people. In fact you may be ahead of your time in your thoughts, ideas and opinions. You're generally successful in your studies because you're able to communicate your original ideas with ease. Creativity and intuition are second nature. You're an independent thinker, who likes to be given the freedom to express your ideas. In fact woe betide anyone who tries to keep you quiet or change your mind. You make impulsive decisions, some would say rash, but generally speaking you tend to land on your feet. Your projects tend to reflect your individual flair, and stand out from the rest of the class or society. Writing, publishing, advertising, science, astrology and electrical affairs may all be of interest, although any unusual subject will catch your attention.

Venus Hard Saturn

The planets Venus and Saturn have combined in your chart indicating that you have difficulty in intimate relationships. You seek commitment and security in your primary relationship, but may be disappointed at some stage of your life. Its possible for you to have a rewarding, long-term relationship with someone trustworthy and reliable, but it's likely to be after initial setbacks and upsets. You're faithful and loyal, a dependable, stable and dutiful partner. However, you need to be wary of becoming involved with someone who tries to control your movements and behaviour. Depending on other influences in your chart you may be shy and inhibited in your personal relationships, and be fearful of standing up for your rights. One of your parents may have been too strict, eroding your confidence and ability to make your own way in the world. Consequently you fear expressing yourself, particularly in intimate relationships, and harbour feelings of being unattractive. While your personal relationships may prove difficult you've the ability to form good business partnerships. This is probably because business partners don't require intimacy or emotional vulnerability. It's also possible that you're attracted to someone much older. The good news is that once you overcome your feelings of inadequacy you've the ability to form secure and long-lasting personal relationships based on firm foundations. You may favour a traditional marital relationship, complete with a ceremony and wedding vows.

Venus Soft Jupiter

"Lucky in love and money". This could be your personal motto because the favourable planets Jupiter and Venus are combining to shine good fortune on your relationships and finances. You're fun loving, generous and popular. With your sympathetic and kind nature, you've a talent for putting other people at their ease. You're optimistic and talented, full of joie de vivre. Therefore you're likely to be surrounded by supportive friends, and many potential life partners. You're seeking a relationship with someone who will expand your horizons, perhaps even joining your travels around the world. You love to share adventures, philosophies and goals. Other influences in your chart may indicate that you prefer to keep the home fires burning, but it's more likely that you seek adventure and romance with your partner.

Mars Hard Saturn

Conflict is likely to be a key feature of your life because of the influence of the planets Saturn and Mars in your chart. When these combine in an unfavourable manner it leads to troubles and discord. You're probably well aware of the difficulties that you face in some areas of your life, finding it difficult to motivate yourself to overcome them. Other people and circumstances seem to stand in the path of your success, which is frustrating. In some cases you could be frustrated by a physical illness, which prevents you working towards your ambitions. It's true that you shouldn't neglect your physical health, because you could be prone to illness and harm through accidents. You may find that resentment and thoughts of revenge are ways in which you motivate yourself into action. Of course you would do well to avoid acting on these feelings, otherwise you could end up in violent disputes or in trouble with the law. This influence in your chart can indicate achieving notoriety, which is very different from achieving success. It's possible that you've difficulty remembering a time when life didn't have its problems. Perhaps you had a tough life as a child either through difficult family circumstances or because of a strict and harsh parent figure. Of course much of this scenario depends on other influences in your chart. On a more positive note you're confident and ambitious, capable of driving yourself and others to achieve your objectives. You can be motivated by the thought of achievement, and are likely to succeed through hard work and self-discipline. In fact you're determined to succeed in certain areas of your life. Your will power can be indomitable, particularly when you've determined on a course of action.

Jupiter Soft Uranus

The planets Jupiter and Uranus are making a positive aspect in your birth chart suggesting that you're enthusiastic about new ideas and are always keen to learn about different subjects, whether through study or experience. At times your enthusiasm knows no bounds, leading you in to unexplored territory. This can be exciting and a little frightening! You've an enormous ability and energy to achieve your goals, which are likely to be linked to your belief in making a positive contribution to society. These goals may or may not be realistic, depending on your circumstances and other influences in your birth chart. It's possible that you can contribute to a grand-scale beneficial scheme, but you would also do well to remember that each individual's life can have a positive effect on the world. You've a tendency to be grandiose, and don't take well to being restricted by other people or circumstances. Fortunately your inventive nature means that you can adapt to most circumstances, rather than forcing conflict. Traditional or unorthodox religious beliefs could play a major role in motivating your life goals, and helping you achieve your objectives. Metaphysics, astrology, and science may also prove your forte.

Saturn Hard Mars

An unfavourable combination of the planets Saturn and Mars can indicate difficulties in your profession, particularly in partnerships or companies. You need to be careful to avoid litigation, which you're like to lose. Of course this depends largely on other influences in your chart. Nevertheless you need to act with the utmost integrity within your career to ensure success rather than scandal.

Uranus Hard Pluto

The planets Uranus and Pluto both move slowly through the zodiac, and therefore any connection between the two planets affects birth charts for a short period of time. You were born in such a time meaning that you work hard to use your power to right the wrongs you perceive in society. First you must learn to control that power in your own life, otherwise you're likely only to experience conflict and opposition from others, particularly those in authority. On a more positive note you've high ideals and the creative energy to implement changes. You may be curious about metaphysical matters, science and global affairs.

Neptune Hard Pluto

The planets Neptune and Pluto both move slowly through the zodiac, and therefore any connection between the two planets affects birth charts for a short period of time. You were born in such a time. This combination in your chart means that you're interested in social change, although you may experience some difficulties as a result of changes in society. You prefer to fight against injustice rather than sit back and accept the ills of society. Your creative urges may be linked to politics, or expressing your political views through the arts or spiritual or charitable organisations. It's also possible that you've strong political views, but have difficulty putting them into action.

Neptune sextile Midheaven

With Neptune forming a sextile to your Midheaven, your natural psychic ability provides many opportunities to use creative imagination. It also sets up the opportunity for self-doubt that in turn tests your core beliefs and allows for creative change.

When the world showers you with glamour and other people try to convince you of realities that don't mesh with your own perceptions, your Angels can help you to express compassion for others, while understanding your own motivations.

On the plus side, Tamiel supports your receptivity, empathy and sensitivity. Awareness of Mind is enhanced through angelic associations, and your contemplative nature expands as you explore your own ego. This may sound odd, as many spiritual belief systems indicate that ego is to be avoided or quelled. However, if you go through ego issues instead of around them, you are better able to resolve them.

Tamiel also supports you by revealing your greatest mental and emotional weaknesses, so that you may resolve them. For example, you may be susceptible to deception, either from others or through yourself. Your Angels help you to perceive deception and to dispel it.

You have a powerful imagination that can be utilized in the search for self-awareness and spiritual consciousness, and your Angels are there to help you.

Neptune Trine Ascendant

This planet progresses very slowly throughout your lifetime. Therefore you are likely to have this aspect in your birth chart. This progression may emphasise your urge to express the intuitive and artistic side of your personality.

Pluto semisquare Neptune

With Pluto Semisquare Neptune, you experience a inner tension, partly as a result of the between Metatron and Tamiel. Metatron has been called the King of Angels and the Chief of the ministering Angels. This Angel is thought to be the pillar of fire the Jews followed in their exodus from Egypt. He is a certain link between you and the divine. Metatron's association with Tamiel, the Angel of Primordial Energies, is extremely powerful.

You undoubtedly experience supernatural events and conditions during your life. Your Angels provide this resource and can help you refine it. Psychic impressions and intuition become second nature to you after a while. You learn to act on intuition in much the same way you would act on advice from your accountant.

One facet of the path of personal integrity for you involves purification of your soul. This means elevating your thoughts above petty jealousy and anger. While you may never overcome negative thinking entirely, working with your Angels will lift you up, step by step, to thoughts of compassion and love. Love overcomes fear and compassion overcomes hatred, it's just about that simple.

One possible weakness is over-sensitivity. This is only a weakness when you indulge the possibility. Your sensitivity is the source of at least one extrasensory ability. You will want to maintain your sensitivity while learning to manage any side effects. Other people may continue to see you as a sentimental type, but you will find that you really don't care what they think.

Another perceived weakness is confusion in interpreting psychic and intuitive information as it comes to you. Here again, this is only a weakness until you develop the necessary skills. Meditation each day allows your Angels to contact you more directly.

You have the power of a storyteller combined with the wisdom of a seer. You could write fiction or dramatic scripts, and your poetry can become the liquid fire of inspiration and soothing balm for the soul.

NorthNode Soft Pluto

You're on a quest to use your insights and personal experience to help others. This is because of the association of the North Node and the planet Pluto in your birth chart. You may encounter traumas during your lifetime, which will ultimately help to develop your resourceful nature.

SouthNode Soft Pluto

You've a tendency to become embroiled in the dramas and crises of life, whether they be real ones or in your imagination. This is because of the association of the South Node and the planet Pluto in your birth chart. It's true that you're familiar with the darker side of life: matters such as jealousy, malice, under-handed deals, abusive behaviour, criminal elements and depravation. Your challenge is to rise above the negativity, whether it's your own or other people's, and to use your insights and resources for the good of others. For instance you could prove skilled in the area of crisis counselling.

Chiron square Mercury

You are a very original thinker, one-of-a-kind, a true innovator and proud of it. A wound, very early in life, made you realize just how different your thinking was than of those around you. You probably embraced this discovery of being different and may even have felt happy about it.

The wound can cause you to stick to your conclusions rather than considering what other people have to say and there are times when this actually is a negative trait. Sometimes your conclusions are right on, but not always and you can have a blind spot about this.

As you heal, you will learn to listen, not only to your own logic, but also to that of others, and learn that at times others may be right.

And you speak your mind! (Try to stop you!) Have you heard the song with the refrain, ‘I did it my way’? That one is your theme song.

Some people love and admire you for your mind, and your words, but you have no trouble compiling lists of the enemies you have made among people who are too easily offended. There is even a tendency in you to try doing particular things just to disprove some statement that these things are impossible, cannot be done.

You can have a rather sharp wit, even a bit biting if you choose. Rarely do you find anyone with this aspect who is not rather intelligent. Chiron seems to push Mercury to learn more, find out more, and think more. Often, when you were growing up, you had trouble sticking to certain lines of thinking, and discovering (sometimes traumatically) that you had to change your thinking. Once you learn, through such forced changes, that your mind must adapt, be willing to try new ways of thinking, you then relish trying new and experimental approaches.

Chiron trine Moon

One thinks of a trine as being ‘easy’, but Chiron in trine still reflects a lesson that need be learned. With a trine, Chiron teaches that one has a tendency to get stuck in a particular mindset, or emotional set, and Chiron will keep creating one situation after another until you extricate yourself from this mindset and no longer need Chiron’s help.

Trine the Moon, the lesson is to not taking anything for granted. The more you heal from your Chiron wound, the more you learn this lesson, and the more you discover that most people around you never do learn not to take things for granted.

Because of this, you develop the ability to be a good teacher and problem-solver. You can see that a problem may exist simply because things were taken for granted, and can help others to see this possibility. You develop the knack of simplifying complex situations, and for seeing things the way they really are. You learn that even in the most commonplace there may be things beyond your previous knowledge.

Chiron sextile Sun

With this aspect, you can use your distinctive characteristics as tools to help you get where you want to go; beyond walls, beyond limits, without very much difficulty, and, you seem to enjoy doing so.

Perhaps because of this you seem to have an understanding, even an acceptance of others who are different from the norm and can work well with them if you choose to do so.

Normally, a sextile implies that one can reap great benefits if one first puts forth the effort. This is true here, but with a twist: with Chiron you seem unable to avoid putting forth the effort; you feel you always must be doing something. (It’s difficult for you to take time out to relax!) Chiron seems always to want you to do something else, and something else again. So, you tend to get a lot done.

This aspect can attract people to you who can become followers, or fans. But it also does give rise to another group of people who do not care for you. In other words, with this aspect, you tend to have people divided into people on your side, and those who prefer not to have anything to do with you.

Chiron square Jupiter

What you believed in as a child may have been the source of a wound for you. Perhaps you had to put up a wall around yourself to protect yourself from attack on what you believed, or perhaps you had to accept certain things ‘without question’. In any event, there is pain buried beneath the surface connected with your beliefs, and how you interpret events and situations that you come across. As a result, early in life, you tended to take what you believed in for granted, or were too comfortable in your beliefs.

The universe it seems, abhors any resistance to change, so until you learn to heal from your wound, you go through periods of upheaval, as traumatic events come to challenge the validity of your personal belief system. And the results usually go one of two ways: a tendency to make some adaptation, but essentially to keep the same beliefs, or a realization that to grow, one must be open to new ideas, new concepts. If the first pattern is followed, there will be many more such challenges, until you learn to adopt the second pattern.

As a result of the wound, you may have built up barriers to shield yourself from these new challenges, such barriers are almost always shattered by the next challenge.

When you have begun to heal, you grow to accept the idea of growth and acceptance of new ways of interpreting situations, new beliefs, and new abstract ideas. This has the added benefit of often enabling you to perceive hidden meanings that others never dream about.

Compared to the average person, you have a unique way of interpreting things. As healing progresses, you have a talent for working in any area in which it is important to convey a slant that differs from the ordinary. This aspect can make you an ideal teacher, able to get the meaning across in complex subjects. If you go into public service, you will go beyond the system to enable the truth to emerge.

Chiron trine Saturn

This aspect can make a difficult childhood because one of your parents continually surprised you. Just when you thought you knew what was expected of you, the authority symbol would pull a rabbit out of a hat, and you would have to change your thoughts on how you were supposed to be, or act, or appear. This also meant that you had to change your own self-image, and your concepts of your own limits. The surprises could be good or bad, but were surprises because they came in some area that you had felt secure in taking for granted.

This experience can bring about a number of possible results.

• For some, there seems to be a very shaky self-image because you look for a parent you can rely upon as stable. In this case you grew up with basic insecurity, and may feel that other people have ‘the answers’ but that you may never find them. • For others, you develop a powerful desire to seek a totally unchanging parent figure, such as a guru, or religious leader, or even a strict demigod figure, to model yourself after so that you can once again relax, and take for granted what ‘should be’.

• Still for others, the choice is to integrate the concept of change into the self-image, and even enjoy it. If you are this type, the world opens up as a place to explore and self-discovery becomes a great pleasure. This path also usually leads to the ability to get along with those in power because of an inner understanding and sympathy with them.