The Element Encyclopedia of Birthdays. Theresa Cheung

born between these dates find fulfillment by serving the world in a positive way. They are highly compassionate souls, capable of bringing great happiness wherever they go, but, to find success, they need to live their lives on their own terms.

      Life lessons

      The biggest challenge for Pisceans is to be able to empathize with others without taking on their pain. It is vital that they learn to set boundaries. Being such compassionate souls, Pisceans all too often end up giving too much of themselves away. This means people take advantage of them, draining their energy and creativity as they listen to and serve others while neglecting their own needs. Pisceans are also vulnerable to co-dependent behavior, becoming too reliant on others for their self-esteem. They need to learn to believe in their own power and find their own identity.

      When the world overwhelms Pisceans, they can turn to escapism and fantasy as a coping mechanism. This is positive if they channel their sensitivity into creative or artistic pursuits, or things that serve the greater good, but can be disastrous if they turn to drugs or other addictions. Their creativity is their “super power,” but unless they find ways to use it responsibly, they can waste their fine creative potential in daydreaming. The daily routine and mundanity of daily life can be deadening for a Piscean. Paying the bills, shopping, keeping the house tidy and holding down an uninspiring job can be soul-destroying for these impractical souls. They love their lives to be spontaneous and need to learn to balance their free-flowing lifestyle with the mundane necessities.

      Since they have something of every sign of the zodiac in them, Pisceans can get inspiration for the task of grounding themselves in reality from all the other signs, including their own, as they can learn what works and what does not work for other Pisceans. Virgos can encourage them to be more tidy, efficient and organized. Taureans and Capricorns, especially, can show them the benefits of practicality and common sense. Aquarians can encourage them to speak out and push the boundaries more. Geminis and Librans can help them be more cerebral and less emotional in their approach to life. Cancerians can encourage them to ask for help when they need it; Sagittarians can teach them the importance of focusing their idealism and being less influenced by the opinions of others. Scorpios can help them distinguish between people who genuinely admire them and those who are simply using them, while Arians and Leos can help them include more optimism and adventure in their approach to life.

      Chinese astrology counterpart: The Rabbit

      Those born in the year of the Rabbit are drawn to everything beautiful and imaginative in much the same way that Pisceans are. They are compassionate dreamers but, like Pisces, can also be extremely gullible. Sociable and caring, they will trust others easily, but their trusting and unquestioning nature can also be their downfall, as others do not always have their best interests at heart.

      Rabbits love to belong to a group and are highly respectful of others. But, like their Piscean counterparts, they are also highly sensitive and need plenty of time alone. They love to burrow, and will escape from the responsibilities of their daily lives when things get too noisy or overwhelming. Their dislike of being pinned down can earn them the reputation of being fickle but, in general, rabbits are thought of as creative, kind and lucky people.

      Note: Pisceans have an affinity with Rabbit-sign characteristics, but be sure to check which Chinese sign corresponds to your year of birth, and to read about the characteristics associated with it, too.

      

       19 FEBRUARY

       The Birthday of Wanderlust

       “I make a name for myself wherever I go”

      The life lesson: is to finish what you start.

      The way forward: is to understand that ideas are the easy part; having the willpower to see them through is what determines success or not.

      Luck maker: Be a role model for others. What do you want your loved ones to learn from you?

      Those born on February 19 do things only one way: their way. They prize their independence above all else and don’t like to be ordered around. They think their own thoughts and make their own way in life and often have a lust for travel, thriving on new situations and people. With their independent spirit and need to make their mark, they can often be found at the cutting edge of their chosen field. Although they perform best alone, they can also make inspirational leaders or enthusiastic team players. Their appetite for life and new situations is huge, and even when settling down in a career or a relationship, their eye is always on the horizon, wondering what else might be out there for them. The danger with this inquisitive approach to life is that they can appear reckless or selfish at times.

      Born explorers, they make outstanding campaigners, performers, artists, actors, musicians, dancers, scientists, explorers, travel guides, influencers and designers, but they may also be drawn to sales, promotion, childcare, education and promoting global causes through science, medicine, social and environmental work and the caring professions. They have a free-spirited approach to their health and resist any attempt to impose diet and exercise routines. Self-care and plenty of rest and relaxation are essential. For self-care, if you have trouble sleeping, a warm bath, a good book and a glass of chamomile herbal tea can work wonders.

      A mix of vulnerability and excitement, these people often have a hypnotic power over others, but their approach to life can prevent them connecting empathetically. At around the age of 31 their ambition heightens. It is particularly important for them, at this stage in life and beyond, not to scatter their energies selfishly. Their lives will always be full of opportunities because they have a knack finding them. Along the way they may encounter setbacks, but they never let these disillusion them. In their mind and their life, the only way is their way and that way is always up. Their destiny is to test the limits and move themselves and others forward.

      Tarot card, lucky numbers, days, colors: The Sun, 1, 2, Saturday, Monday, blue, orange

      Born today: Nicolaus Copernicus (astronomer); Millie Bobby Brown (actor); Jeff Daniels (actor)

      Potential: Independent, inspiring

      Dark side: Rash, selfish

      

       20 FEBRUARY

       The Birthday of the Perceptive Charmer