The Element Encyclopedia of Birthdays. Theresa Cheung

      Those born on February 17 often figure out early in their life that the key to success is discipline. They are determined, earnest, ambitious people with a clear idea of where they want to go and what they need to do to get there. These qualities, combined with their remarkable willpower, can give them the appearance of invincibility. They are the athletes who train relentlessly, the entrepreneurs who sacrifice everything, the artists or scientists who devote their lives to their art or research. Underneath their tough exterior they are sensitive and can be easily hurt.

      Born detectives who love a mystery, and with a sharp eye for details others might miss these people may be drawn to careers in the law or the police or programming. They may also be attracted to writing, journalism and education and can make great athletes, artists, singers, influencers and scientists. Indeed, they thrive in any career that requires self-discipline and may be drawn to management, charity work or self-employment. Health-wise, they can be guilty of pushing their bodies and minds too hard, so it is important they strive for balance in holistic wellbeing. For self-care, the more you trust yourself, the easier it will be for you to trust others. Be true to yourself with your words and actions every single day.

      The downside of their tunnel-vision approach is that those born on this day ignore anything that hinders their quest; all too often this is personal relationships. They should make sure that their emotional happiness does not take a backseat to their professional ambition, especially after the age of 33 when they often become even more determined. The incredible stamina of these people means they are able to achieve a level of self-mastery to which others can only aspire. Once they figure out what they are best at, there is nothing that can stop them achieving remarkable things with their life and improving the world in the process. Their destiny is to inspire others with their fierce vitality and inspirational self-discipline.

      Tarot card, lucky numbers, day, colors: The Star, 1, 8, Saturday, blue, maroon

      Born today: Ed Sheeran (singer); Michael Jordan (basketball player); Paris Hilton (influencer)

      Potential: Disciplined, appealing

      Dark side: Inflexible, cold

      

       18 FEBRUARY

       The Birthday of the Eternally Young

       “I look on the bright side of life”

      The life lesson: is learning when to stop.

      The way forward: is to understand that everything has a tipping point and sometimes less is more.

      Luck maker: Try meditating to find the stillness within to connect with the luck-making power of your intuition.

      February 18-born never grow old in their minds and hearts. With a charismatic, youthful energy about them, they brighten up their surroundings with their infectious optimism and enthusiasm for new and improved ideas and projects, however impossible they may seem. These people are courageous risk-takers. They will always be the first to volunteer or put themselves forward. They are never happier than when they are pushing things one degree harder, higher or faster, but they do need to ask themselves why they feel the need to live like this. Sometimes deep-seated insecurities are hidden behind their restless impatience.

      Born DJs, these people need careers that allow them to express their originality. Multitalented, they can flourish in any career, but may be drawn to business, public relations, social-media influencing, music, publishing, writing, the self-help industry, journalism, the leisure industry, the media, art and entertainment. They are thrill-seekers, but they should avoid over-indulgence as far as their health is concerned, and learn when to stop or say no to anything that is not optimum for their wellbeing. For self-care, learning to cook properly would not only benefit your health but also encourage you to slow down and think about what you are ingesting.

      Others are often drawn to the youthful spirit of those born on this day and may look to them for leadership in both life and love, but they aren’t always happy in that role as it hinders their freedom. Although their life sparkles with heart and adventure, they may find themselves wondering why they lack a sense of real achievement. It is important for them to learn to focus their energies rather than scatter them; fortunately, after the age of 32, they become more assertive and self-disciplined. As long as they avoid looking in the wrong direction for adventure, remain true to themselves and understand that showing off isn’t the most fulfilling or grown-up way to gain supporters, they have the potential to win the admiration and respect of others and, most important of all, a sense of pride in themselves and their achievements. Their destiny is to motivate others with their infectious energy.

      Tarot card, lucky numbers, days, colors: The Moon, 2, 9, Saturday, Tuesday, sky blue, red

      Born today: Yoko Ono (artist); John Travolta (actor); Toni Morrison (novelist)

      Potential: Dynamic, innovative

      Dark side: Impatient, restless

      

      

       PISCES

       THE FISHES

       (FEBRUARY 19–MARCH 20)

       Element: Water

       Ruling planets: Jupiter, the philosopher, and Neptune, the speculator

       Tarot card: The Moon (intuition)

       Lucky numbers: 3, 7, 12

       Favorable colors: Green, blue, aquamarine, indigo

       Driving force: Compassion

       Personal statement: I uncover hidden truth

       Chinese astrology counterpart: The Rabbit

       People born under the sun sign Pisces typically have a dreamy nature. Visionaries, with the intuitive perception to see the undercurrents beneath the surface of things, they are often highly sensitive, imaginative, creative or artistic. They easily adapt themselves to different people and situations, and have an uncanny ability to sense and feel what others are thinking and feeling.

      Personality potential

      Pisceans are the last sign, completing the 12 signs of the zodiac, and have a little of each of the other signs in them. They are the everyman and everywoman of the zodiac. This is why they find it so easy to