Progressions are another important consideration, especially for predictive purposes. The sun takes about thirty years to journey (or progress) through each sign of the zodiac and, in a person’s lifetime, it will typically move through three to four zodiac signs, depending on the lifespan of the individual and their date of birth. Each time the sun progresses from one sign to another, this indicates a significant birthday or time in life when there is likely to be a dramatic change in either circumstances or outlook. For example, the progressed sun of a Scorpio born on November 9 will move into Sagittarius at the age of 13, into Capricorn at the age of 43 and then Aquarius at the age of 73. That’s why you’ll notice that in each of the 366 profiles I have made reference to specific ages.
Fixed stars associated with a particular day of the year also exert additional influences, and other astrological factors come into play, but if decanates and progressions sound confusing, don’t worry. You don’t need to have your birth chart drawn up or to consult complicated tables to use this book. I have taken all the calculations and relevant interpretations into account when compiling each birthday profile. All you need to do is read your profile and let it inspire you to reach your full potential.
Sun-sign date variations
You may notice variations in the dates given for your sun sign, depending on which source you consult. This is because the zodiac has 360 degrees, whereas a year has 365 days, or 366 if it is a leap year. In addition, the sun does not enter the various sections of the zodiac on exactly the same date each year. The dates in this book try to take into account sun-sign variations from one year to another, but if you are born within two or three days of the dates given for each sign, your birthday lies on what astrologers call the cusp. If you were born on a cusp this is exciting, as you can read and benefit from the sun-sign insight in the Heed Your Signs section for two signs—the one your birthday falls in and the sign that follows or precedes it. For example, if you were born on April 19, you will share both Aries and Taurus characteristics. If you were born on September 23, you will share both Libra and Virgo traits. Needless to say, I have taken the characteristics of both signs into account when creating all the cusp birthday profiles. And, if you were born a few hours after or a few hours before midnight, you may want to read the profile for the day before or after your birthday too, as those influences will cross over to your birthday.
The Science of Astrology
For the skeptics who struggle with the concept of “as above, so below,” ponder this: Science has shown that the gravitational pull of the moon on the Earth impacts the water in our oceans and tides. And up to 60 percent of the human adult body is made up of water!
Although some studies show that lunar phases can affect a person’s mood and behavior, to date there is no proven link between the position of the moon, sun and planets at time of birth and human personality. However, research into the seasons, and even the month in which a person is born, suggests otherwise.
In the early 1970s, researchers from the UK compiled data from the British population census showing clearly that architects tended to be born in the spring, secretaries in the summer, miners in the autumn and electricians in the winter. The researchers asked members of the British Astrological Association (BAA) to indicate which signs were associated with the professions of nurse and labor union official. The astrologers’ predictions corresponded with the researchers’ own findings that there was a statistical bias toward nurses being born under the signs of Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio and Pisces, and labor union officials being born under one or other of the other signs.
Over the years research has focused on the influence of one star in particular—the sun. This is because ultraviolet radiation (UVR), a type of radiation emitted by the sun, is believed to cause genetic changes in the developing baby that may have a shaping effect on their life and personality. This could explain from a scientific perspective why many of us believe that common characteristics and fates are shared by those born at the same time of the year. For example, researchers have found that your chances of living beyond 100 are higher if you are born in November or December. However, it is important to remember that the research on which this is based, on the impact of sun radiation, doesn’t necessarily apply to people born in the southern hemisphere, where summer starts in December and finishes at the end of February.
Here’s a snapshot of other significant findings by different researchers to date. Bear in mind that new studies come out all the time; now you have this book, you may want to keep track of them.
Happiness: According to a UK study, people born in March, April and May tend to be more optimistic than people born at other times of the year. But those born in winter and spring can also be more prone to mood swings, with January being the month most linked with bipolar disorder and May being the month most linked with depression. Those born in September, October and November have the lowest rates of depression, but can be more prone to irritability. Another study from Austria suggested that happy people are more likely to have been born in June, July and August. Meanwhile, research from Japan found that people born in December, January and February were likely to be more pessimistic than those born at other times of the year.
Personality: Swedish researchers found that women born between February and April were more likely to be novelty seekers than those born in October and November. Men born in spring were more likely to be impulsive, while those born in winter were prone to introspection. According to small studies of celebrities, being born in January and February increases the chances of becoming famous, as these months are linked to creativity. In general, many studies show that those born in winter are less positive in their outlook on life than those born in the summer. In addition, November- and winter-born children may end up being bigger, taller and more academically inclined than those born in summer, according to American psychiatrists, with September-born babies most likely to go to college. Babies born in the fall also tend to perform better at athletics and sports.
Health: British research has shown that those born in winter have a greater risk of developing heart disease and an increased risk of obesity. In general, the latest research into our month of birth and health in the northern hemisphere suggests that being born in January, June, August and December neither increases nor decreases the risk of disease; October and November are associated with increased risk, with September not far behind; February, March, April and July have a decreased risk; and May is the healthiest month of all in which to be born.
None of this research should encourage prospective parents to try to time the births of their children. There are many academic children born in the spring and many healthy people born in November. Your personality and your health are influenced by so many things other than the month you were born in. But what all this science of birthdays does show is that there is some scientific correlation between month of birth and personality traits. I have taken this correlation into account when creating the 366 profiles.
Highly Influential
You’ll notice a “Born today” list of names for each of the birthday profiles. The characteristics these people had or have in common were also taken into account during the creation of each profile. Some of these people are world famous, but others less so. They were selected for inclusion because in my opinion in their different ways they are all people who maximized or are maximizing the mystical potential of the day they were born.
The people chosen all tilted or are tilting the world in a more positive or uplifting direction. (You won’t find Hitler, born on April 20, listed, for example, or Charles Manson, born on November 12.) In other words, we can admire and learn from them. Knowing you share a birthday with someone influential or inspirational can be educational and motivational.
Details about these individuals have been kept as concise as possible, simply listing their full name and what they are most well known for. This brevity will hopefully encourage