The Element Encyclopedia of Birthdays. Theresa Cheung

“I see beauty in everyone and everything”

      The life lesson: is learning to say no.

      The way forward: is to understand that only after you give to yourself first can you be of any real help to others.

      Luck maker: The better you feel about yourself, the better others will feel about you.

      People born on February 20 tend to be sensitive and able to immediately tune into the energies of those around them, altering their reactions instantly. Highly ambitious with an appealing charm, they are sure to stand out. Sometimes they can appear superficial, but behind their charm there is always great intelligence. They also have great compassion, instinctively dealing with anyone—whatever their background or social status—with great understanding and warmth. They can sometimes be impressionable, unable to separate their own emotions from the emotions of others. There is a danger when they become aware of their ability to instinctively relate to others that they can misuse it. It is important, therefore, for them to learn not to compromise themselves or take advantage of others in the single-minded pursuit of their goals.

      Born healers and givers, these people may be drawn to medicine, education, the caring professions or social media, YouTube or the performing arts, where they give of themselves to an audience. All kinds of public relations also appeal, as does counseling, advising, science and the worlds of beauty and personal development. They have such a giving nature that learning to say no and setting boundaries are crucial for their health and wellbeing. For self-care, treat yourself. At least once a week gift yourself something you want: a book, a film or a beauty treatment.

      In their relationships, it is vitally important they learn to protect themselves from over-identification with others. Before the age of 30 they can have a self-destructive tendency to merge completely with other people, but after their thirtieth birthday they become more assertive, confident and self-protective. If they can learn to make their receptivity and powerful perception work for and not against them, they have remarkable potential to make a difference and to be highly valued by others. They need to understand that even though they have the drive, intelligence and charisma they need to climb right to the top, simply being true to themselves, their values and their giving nature is their greatest power, because when they are around, people just feel better about themselves.

      Tarot card, lucky numbers, days, colors: Judgment, 2, 4, Thursday, Monday, green, silver

      Born today: Rihanna (singer); Ludwig Boltzmann (physicist); Cindy Crawford (model)

      Potential: Intuitive, appealing

      Dark side: Self-sacrificing, oversensitive

      

       21 FEBRUARY

       The Birthday of the Dominating Presence

       “I prepare the way for others to follow”

      The life lesson: is to take on board the advice of others.

      The way forward: is to understand the art of delegation and to seek the advice of experts when needed.

      Luck maker: Avoid spin. Be yourself and see and tell it like it is.

      February 21-born feel most comfortable when going their own way and least comfortable when required to follow. Their independence may be a result of a tough childhood where expectations often took precedence over emotional connection. They may spend many years trying out various occupations or roles, often feeling that they don’t quite fit in and occasionally reacting childishly as a form of rebellion. It is only when they understand that the key to their success is to be themselves that they truly come into their own. Although they may have developed a tough outer shell, they can also be extremely sensitive, even shy. It is important that they do not become too aggressive or cynical if others hurt or take advantage of them, for it is their sensitivity that can give them sudden flashes of inspiration.

      Born conductors and composers, any career that allows them to direct, motivate, guide, inspire or lead others appeals—for example, management, science, business, education, research, music, the arts, aviation, entertainment or politics. They may also want to work with their hands in design, architecture, craftsmanship, construction or building. Prone to mood swings, they need to eat a healthy, balanced diet packed with mood-boosting nutrients, such as oily fish, nuts, seeds and green vegetables. For self-care, make sure you spend at least 20 minutes out in the fresh air and daylight every day to boost your mood and increase the likelihood of a good night’s sleep.

      In relationships these people love the thrill of the chase, but a part of them longs for stability and that special someone. Around the age of 29 they tend to become more assertive and self-aware—while this is positive, it is important this doesn’t tip into self-absorption. They have big dreams and, once they learn to listen to their hearts as well as their heads, there is little that can prevent them getting exactly what they want out of life. Wherever they go, others look to them for motivation and inspiration. Their destiny is to inspire others to reach their full potential, by their own example.

      Tarot card, lucky numbers, day, colors: The World, 3, 5, Thursday, green, purple

      Born today: Scott Kelly (astronaut); Alan Rickman (actor); Nina Simone (singer)

      Potential: Influential, creative

      Dark side: Self-absorbed, cynical

      

       22 FEBRUARY

       The Birthday of the Investigator

       “I solve problems”

      The life lesson: is to be less self-critical.

      The way forward: is to understand that failure is an essential stepping stone to success, and vulnerabilities bring others closer.

      Luck maker: Recognize your own value and others will recognize it too.

      People born on February 22 love a good mystery. Inspired problem-solvers with inquisitive minds, they have a