The Element Encyclopedia of Birthdays. Theresa Cheung

try to do opposing things or express different viewpoints all at once; this can confuse but also fascinate others. They believe it’s not what you do but how you do something that matters. Their passion is investigation and the process of problem-solving. Because they tend to be self-reliant individuals, they often expect others to be the same and they can have perfectionist tendencies that make them highly self-critical and pessimistic when others disappoint them.

      Born investigators, the chances are they won’t have a conventional career or, if they do, their interests reflect their eclectic tastes. They thrive in careers that require strong and steady leadership and problem-solving, making great detectives, scientists, medics, secret agents, consultants, researchers, recruiters, human resources managers, politicians and troubleshooters. Music, art, writing and journalism can also appeal, as can the caring professions, charity work, social reform, the military, health and fitness and alternative healing. Prone to erratic eating habits when passionately engaged in an investigation or case to solve, they need to ensure their diet doesn’t lack essential nutrients. For self-care, wearing, meditating on or surrounding themselves with the colors pink, orange and green encourages them to be more nurturing and less detached.

      In their relationships these people can blow hot and cold and need to place a higher value on commitment and emotional honesty. They may be great at solving problems, but often neglect their own inner life. They benefit from opening up to others and being more understanding of mistakes—both their own and others’. Their tendency to experiment with differing goals, sometimes at the same time, is strong throughout much of their adult life. After the age of 57 they may focus their energies more. But whatever age they are and whatever path they choose, it will be a fascinating one that brings them closer to their ultimate goal of making their own life—and the lives of others—a little simpler. Their destiny is to show the world that diversity is a strength that can help and heal others.

      Tarot card, lucky numbers, days, colors: The Fool, 4, 6, Thursday, Sunday, green, purple

      Born today: George Washington (US president); Drew Barrymore (actor); Rajon Rondo (basketball player)

      Potential: Dynamic, inquisitive

      Dark side: Detached, critical

      

       23 FEBRUARY

       The Birthday of the Capable Front-runner

       “I can show you the way”

      The life lesson: is to take yourself less seriously.

      The way forward: is to understand that life is not just about achievement. It is also meant to be enjoyed.

      Luck maker: Pretend to be confident, even if you don’t feel it. Your mind won’t know the difference.

      Those born on February 23 have an optimistic, methodical approach to life. They are quietly rather than openly confident, believing that their accomplishments speak for themselves. Because they aren’t pretentious, other people tend to be drawn to them. They can be incredibly efficient, capable of delivering quality results for any task that they undertake. Indeed, they find great joy in the work itself rather than the reward, often believing, having weighed up the alternatives, that they are the best person to get things done. Their confident certainty can appear uncompromising, but it is also infectious, with others frequently placing great trust in them. They are extremely articulate, yet also excellent listeners, an unusual combination that distinguishes them from other great speakers.

      Born analysts, these people make great advisors, counselors, negotiators, planners and consultants in any field. Their communication skills may draw them to success in business, the arts and entertainment, but whatever career they choose their determination ensures their success. They have a tendency to push themselves far too hard, so regular relaxation, laughter and time out is essential for their wellbeing. For self-care, spend time doing things that you love to do rather than feel you ought to do, even if you think those things don’t serve any purpose. Success without happiness is empty and meaningless.

      These people tend to be dazzled by looks first, and head and heart second, and need to apply the same analytical approach to their personal life as they do to their professional one. They should use their verbal skills and their empathy for others positively rather than in a manipulative way, especially between the ages of 27 and 56, when they become more confident and ambitious, and are likely to start many new ventures. Much of their life will be spent making everything in their lives, including themselves, the very best that it can be, and, as a result, it often is. As long as they accept that life isn’t—and wasn’t meant to be—perfect, the destiny of these capable front-runners is to encourage others to do things the right way.

      Tarot card, lucky numbers, days, colors: The Hierophant, 5, 7, Thursday, Wednesday, all shades of green

      Born today: Samuel Pepys (diarist); George Frideric Handel (composer); Dakota Fanning (actor)

      Potential: Capable, confident

      Dark side: Manipulative, uncompromising

      

       24 FEBRUARY

       The Birthday of the Romantic Bard

       “I bring healing, beauty and connection”

      The life lesson: is to love yourself.

      The way forward: is to understand that you can’t love or help others if they don’t love or help yourself first.

      Luck maker: Believe that you deserve the best and allow good things into your life.

      February 24-born are creative, intuitive and generous spirits with a genuine desire to help others selflessly. Romantic, they see the world through the eyes of a love-struck poet. Intimacy is important to them—without it they can pine away. Highly sensitive, they are constantly tuning into the moods of others and the situation going on around them. This makes them good peacemakers and valuable members of a team, as they can often spot potential problems and avert them before they happen. They are equally adept at seeing potential opportunities. The danger lies when they concentrate on the emotional needs of others rather than on their own.

      Born poets, these people are often drawn to the arts and the entertainment world in general. Sensitive to color and patterns, they may also express themselves through design or technological