Encyclopedia of Birthdays....

Today I went to the substance abuse unit at the hospital and now that they are closing in three weeks everyone is packing up their belongings. In doing this one of the counselors had a book laying out "The Element Encyclopedia of Birthdays". Now most know that I love astrology. In saying this, it does not mean that I live by horoscopes or astrology, but I do enjoy reading about different possibilities.

Well, a bit about the book--you basically look up the day you were born and it lists "your true personality and reveals your destiny"--so it proclaims.

I do want to find this book for my collection. It was interesting.

Here is what I read on my birthday:

"The birthday of sensitive exuberance"

Like a ray of warm sunshine, the exuberant, energetic individuals born on November 18 have the ability to enliven any situation with their good cheer, optimism and humor. They are refreshingly upbeat in their approach to everyone and everything, and not surprisingly their company is much sought after.

Not only do they enjoy being the center of attention, they are also fiercely ambitious, making them natural candidates for leadership. Those who do not know them well, however, would be surprised to discover that underneath the happy face they present to the world there can be a lot of uncertainty and conflict. This is because they are unusually sensitive to the feelings of others, sometimes to the extent that they don't know where their feelings end and another person's begin. As a result, despite their clear potential and suitability to be winners or innovators in life, they often end up feeling confused, purposeless and directionless.

If they can find a way to balance their sensitivity toward others with their ambitious urge to realize their own life goals, their success is assured. If, however, the balance tilts in either direction they can lose a sense of direction; the indecisiveness that results can stunt their psychological growth, blocking their chances of professional and personal success.

Until the age of thirty-three there is an emphasis in their lives on issues relating to freedom, adventure and expansion. They may want to study, travel or experiment with their choice of career in these years. After the age of thirty-four there is an important turning point when they are likely to become more responsible, precise and practical in their approach to life, seeking structure and order. Whatever age they are, however, they need to use their sharp and probing mind to investigate their own power and potential. This is because with greater self-awareness and greater belief in their star potential--and a lot of dedication and hard work--these vivacious individuals can achieve almost anything they set their mind to.

LOVE (Exceptionally responsive)

People born on November 18 can be fun, sexy, entertaining, responsive, and romantic as long as their partner gives them plenty of attention and affection. But if the reassurance they need isn't given, they can lapse into attention-seeking behavior and temperamental mood swings. It is important for them to make sure they are with a partner who is as giving and energetic as they are.

HEALTH (Boosting self-esteem)

People born on this day tend to have a rather negative image of themselves, and this can make them prone to stress and depression. Boosting their self-esteem is therefore absolutely crucial to both their physical and emotional health. The place to start is in their heads, and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques may be able to help them reprogram their thoughts from negative to positive. Spending more time with people who are upbeat and optimistic, and avoiding those who are glum and self-involved, will also help, as will a diet rich in fresh, natural produce and low in refined or processed foods. Regular moderate to vigorous exercise is also highly recommended for its mood-boosting and health-boosting effects, as well as for building up discipline and will-power. Carrying a tiger's eye crystal or placing it next to their bed at night will have a balancing and calming effect, promoting greater confidence and courage.

CAREER (Born innovators)

People born on this day may be drawn to careers in science, research or technology where they can be potential innovators, as well as the world of art, music, and literature, where they can excel as writers. Once they believe more in themselves, other career options might include business, teaching, lecturing, politics, and the world of entertainment.

DESTINY (To point others in the direction of progress)

The life of people born on this day is to learn to believe in themselves and their creativity more. Once they are able to discover their sense of purpose, their destiny is to achieve or point the way to tangible progress on behalf of themselves and others.

YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE IS....BEING DECISIVE. The way forward is to ask yourself when choosing between options what you really want to happen, not what others expect. Once you are attuned to your feelings, decision making gets a whole lot easier.

YOU'RE DRAWN TO PEOPLE BORN ON....March 21 to April 19. You are both energetic and outgoing, and this can be a passionate and fulfilling union.

LUCK MATTER....BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. How lucky you are in life is directly related to how much you believe you are worthy of luck. The more you think that success and happiness are your birthright, the luckier you will behave and be.

ON THE DARK SIDE---Needy, moody, and confused.

AT YOUR BEST---Innovative, entertaining, vivacious.

POWER THOUGHT--"I believe in myself. Anything is possible."

SIGNS & SYMBOLS

Sun sign: Scorpio
Ruling planet: Mars, the warrior
Symbol: The Scorpion
Birth date ruler: Mars, the warrior
Tarot card: The Moon (imagination)
Favorable numbers: 2 & 9
Lucky days: Tuesday, especially when these days fall on 2 and 9 of the month.
Lucky colors: All shades of red
Birthstone: Topaz