The Element Encyclopedia of Birthdays. Theresa Cheung

life lesson: is to learn the art of compromise.

      The way forward: is to understand that sometimes the greater good outweighs individual need and compromise is the glue that holds society together.

      Luck maker: Bend but don’t break. Lucky people are passionate about their convictions but also flexible enough to change direction or modify their approach in life.

      People born on March 8 are fiercely uncompromising. They may sometimes hide their nonconformity behind an agreeable exterior, but anyone who knows them well understands that deep down they are independent thinkers. They distrust authority, believing that everybody deserves the right to think for themselves. Their subversive approach can exhaust others, but their rebellion is not for the sake of it. It is prompted by an ability to easily spot the weaknesses in a situation and to identify a better approach. In fact, these people are outstanding problem-solvers and this marks them out as potentially great reformers in whatever field they choose. They have a vivacious approach to life and a need for constant challenge and change. Although they can sometimes alienate others with their forceful opinions, they are blessed with considerable charm and need to use their hypnotic power over others wisely.

      Born reformers, they can excel in business, and scientific or artistic endeavors, and they make excellent academics, researchers, chemists, musicians, painters, writers, designers, programmers, consultants and finance experts. Politics and social reform may also appeal as well as public relations and life-coaching. They tend to be accident prone, so should take special care when exercising or traveling. For self-care, let go of resentment. If someone has upset you, write a letter expressing your frustration but don’t send it to them. Tear it up and release any feelings of draining resentment you have, reminding yourself that you have forgiven but not forgotten.

      These people crave intimacy but also fear it, and they need to be more spontaneous and to open themselves up to others more. They are capable of commitment, but sooner or later the uncompromising aspect of their personality demands progress. These restless tendencies tend to be emphasized before the age of 42, but after that there is a turning point, suggesting a need for more stability. Once they have learned to temper their uncompromising tendencies and they can get people fully on their side, their destiny is to lead others toward new ways of thinking and doing things.

      Tarot card, lucky numbers, days, colors: Strength, 2, 8, Thursday, Saturday, electric blue, red

      Born today: Anne Bonny (pirate); Anselm Kiefer (painter); James Van Der Beek (actor)

      Potential: Independent, magnetic

      Dark side: Irresponsible, manipulative

      

       9 MARCH

       The Birthday of the Bold Explorer

       “I boldly seek out new horizons”

      The life lesson: is coping with the needs and opinions of others.

      The way forward: is to understand that not everyone is as independent as you and not everything is about you.

      Luck maker: Switch off your phone and spend time alone connecting to the luck-making wisdom of your intuition.

      March 9-born are innovative explorers willing to venture boldly into the unknown or to experiment with new ideas. Their courageous, curious nature is admired by others. and because they are so independent, their lives are often packed with excitement. They have a zest for life and often move so fast it can wear themselves and others out. They can flit from one job or relationship to another, as they love variety and challenge. Although others may find them reckless, they are far less impulsive than they appear. From an early age they have learned to trust their intuition because it frequently leads them in the right direction. Despite their independence, they can be oversensitive to others’ opinions, easily getting hurt when criticized.

      Born campaigners with a sense of justice and empathy for the underdog, they can often be found pushing for social reform. Indeed, whatever career they choose—be it sport, art or charity work—they fight for social and humanitarian concerns. Their ability to solve problems and advise may draw them to teaching, counseling, psychology, writing and management, while their intuitive ability may draw them to healing or the New Age or psychic worlds. Learning to recognize physical signs of stress, such as upsets stomachs and insomnia, can help them avoid burnout. For self-care, treat yourself to a relaxing warm bath with your favorite essential oil, such as clary sage and juniper, whenever you feel run down.

      These people are highly intuitive and for this reason others often seek their advice, becoming dependent on them in the process. Such emotional dependency, however, can cause feelings of frustration. With a tendency to take things too personally, it is important for those born on this day to learn to calm down, especially before the age of 40, when their lives are full of new ventures. After the age of 42 there is greater emotional steadiness. A part of them always longs to escape, but, once they have found a way to be more responsible and committed without losing their sense of adventure, their destiny is to push forward social reforms and make the world a better and fairer place.

      Tarot card, lucky numbers, days, colors: The Hermit, 3, 9, Thursday, Tuesday, turquoise, red

      Born today: Yuri Gagarin (astronaut); Bobby Fischer (chess player); Brittany Snow (actor)

      Potential: Intuitive, bold

      Dark side: Selfish, restless