The Element Encyclopedia of Birthdays

Born today: J. R. R. Tolkien (fantasy author); Sergio Leone (film director); Greta Thunberg (climate-change activist)

Potential: Charming, inventive

Dark side: Vain, stubborn

4 JANUARY

The Birthday of the Eclectic

“I am here to learn”

The life lesson: is that you don’t feel understood.

The way forward: is to put yourself in the other person’s shoes, and see their perspective before explaining your own.

Luck maker: Listen as much as you speak.

January 4-born are drawn to the eclectic. They gather, sort and then select only the best, and use this sorting approach to solve problems in all aspects of their lives. Their impressive list of contacts and numerous projects all on the go reflect their unlimited powers of imagination. This erratic approach may seem chaotic, but there is always method in their madness. By learning all that can be learned from a variety of sources, they often emerge triumphant with an encyclopedic knowledge of life that can help them solve almost any complication or cope with any challenge they encounter.

They need careers that give them variety, but also allow them to be creative and spontaneous, such as in the media or travel. The unlimited possibility of careers online suits them perfectly. Born investigators, they can also make inspiring educators, entrepreneurs, web designers, publicists, lawyers, writers, detectives, inventors, scientists, artists, technology experts, designers, influencers, activists and journalists. A brain-boosting diet rich in green leafy vegetables, oily fish, berries, nuts and seeds is recommended for the hungry minds born on this day. Regular meditation is also beneficial. For self-care, before going to bed compile a “to-do” list of what you hope to achieve the next day. The following day enjoy the satisfaction of ticking off all those items on the list.

Any interaction with these innovative and meticulous people has to have a point, otherwise they quickly lose interest. Their inability to indulge in chitchat and occasional bouts of intolerance can work against them in their personal and professional lives but, more often than not, their bluntness and conviction are welcomed as a breath of fresh air. Like a fine wine, these people become more successful with age and their potential for success is most likely to emerge after the age of 30 and beyond. The same applies to their relationships. Deep down they are caring, but it can take a while for them to find a partner who can keep up with them. Their destiny is to gather as much knowledge as they can and then to present that knowledge in an authoritative way that both informs and inspires others.

Tarot card, lucky numbers, days, colors: The Emperor, 4, 5, Saturday, Sunday, blue, brown

Born today: Isaac Newton (physicist); Jacob Grimm (folklorist); Tina Knowles (fashion designer)

Potential: Independent, imaginative

Dark side: Aloof, chaotic

5 JANUARY

The Birthday of Resilience

“Self-knowledge is the beginning of my wisdom”

The life lesson: is to understand that for your enthusiasm to be effective, it also needs to be realistic.

The way forward: is to motivate others without overly raising expectations or making them feel cornered or controlled.

Luck maker: Sometimes less really is more.

January 5-born are resilient, glass-half-full individuals, but they can also be extremely practical. They recover well from setbacks, intuitively understanding that learning from the past and any mistakes made along the way is all part of life’s journey. They are often wise beyond their years and make commanding advisors, guides and leaders, truly coming into their own during times of crisis. Their buoyant approach to life wins them many admirers but, taken to extremes, it can also make them unrealistically confident, bordering on arrogant.

Born mediators, they thrive in careers that allow them to be a communicator, networker, advisor, politician, motivational speaker or whenever a positive spin needs to be put on things. Advertising, politics, publicity, social services, architecture, marketing and the law can appeal, as do careers in teaching, medicine, sports, counseling, entertainment, the performing arts, science and social media. Regular time out to switch off, relax or simply have fun is essential for the charismatic and often in-demand people born on this day. They may think it is a waste of time, but it will help them come back recharged, re-invigorated and with new perspectives. Wearing orange or red can help boost their energy. For self-care, every morning ask yourself—as Steve Jobs famously did—if today was the last day of your life would you want to do what you are about to do today. If the answer is “no” for too many days in a row, it’s time to make changes.

Love, for these people, starts in the head and they rate intelligence highly in others. This can make them appear emotionally distant at times but, more often than not, this hides a deeply sensitive nature that is simply afraid to give of itself unconditionally. In their mid-forties there is a movement toward greater responsibility and also toward greater sensitivity, which grows stronger with age. Once they learn to listen to both their inner wisdom and the viewpoints of others, and focus their considerable talents on getting organized and creating a plan to help them achieve their goals, their destiny is to bring the best out in people and be the inspirationally self-reliant rock people instinctively turn to in a crisis.

Tarot card, lucky numbers, days, colors: The Hierophant, 5, 6, Saturday, Wednesday, gray, green

Born today: Umberto Eco (author); Hayao Miyazaki (filmmaker); Diane Keaton (actor)

Potential: Inspirational, resilient

Dark side: Unrealistic, arrogant

6 JANUARY

The Birthday of the Philosopher

“I can see what truly matters”

The life lesson: is to avoid allowing preoccupation with work to take over your life.

The way forward: is to find a balance between work and your personal life, and focus on what really matters.

Luck maker: Attract new opportunities by doing things differently, talking to people you normally wouldn’t.

People born on January 6 always look beneath the surface for deeper meaning. They try to see goodness in others, but this can come across as child-like or gullible at times and their intelligence can be underestimated. Although they are typically mild-mannered, they can also be ambitious and hard-working, perfectionist at times, tending eventually to get what they want in life. There is a danger of them rejecting alternative viewpoints and being labeled as stubborn.

Work or study is often their savior because it channels their creative energies and helps them discover what their goals and values are. They are born visionaries and may be drawn to spirituality, therapy and personal development. They also make great programmers, gamers, engineers, architects, artists, designers, journalists, writers, investigators and filmmakers, or may decide to go it alone and set up their own business. They are prone to stress and shallow breathing because of their perfectionist tendencies, so deep-breathing techniques can help ease tension. Inhale deeply through the nose from the belly rather than the lungs and let the lungs fill completely with air. Then push all the air out of the lungs through the mouth. Inhaling and exhaling deeply five times every morning is recommended. For self-care, “unplug” from your phone for at least one hour a day, preferably first thing in the morning. Use that hour to focus on who you are rather than what you do.

There is a tender side to those born on this day that can get easily hurt and they may respond with rebellion when people don’t take them seriously. After the age of 45 they often learn that, although cathartic, rebellion can never be the whole answer. These people can sometimes be self-sacrificing in relationships and more in love with the idea of love than the person themselves. But once they learn the importance of give and take in their relationships and in life, stop spoiling themselves with choice, and make a decision about what they should devote their life to, their destiny is to help others deal with their own fears and prove that there can be light at the end of every tunnel.

Tarot card, lucky numbers, days, colors: The Chariot, 6, 7, Saturday, Friday, black, pink

Born today: Kahlil Gibran (poet); Eddie Redmayne (actor); Mother Teresa (saint)

Potential: Visionary, insightful

Dark side: Gullible, stubborn

7 JANUARY

The Birthday of the Practical Dreamer

“I sense true magic in the ordinary”

The life lesson: is to stop worrying about what other people think.

The way forward: is to understand that what others think is solely their own concern.

Luck maker: Seek out the company of people who lift you up rather than drag you down.

Although January 7-born can appear accessible and appealing, they are drawn to the unfamiliar. They have a sense of responsibility but dream of living unconventionally. Unique in their ability to be both logical and intuitive, they are artists with a logical approach or scientists with intuition. They can sense the moods of others and often absorb negativity from others. These people find it hard to switch off from the suffering and injustices of the world, and humanitarian, charity or volunteer work appeal. They don’t believe in half-measures and will always push themselves to the limit, giving any project or goal they set their mind on everything they have got.

Born planners, they make great business leaders, educators, writers, architects, athletes, innovators and artists, excelling both individually and when working in a team. They have organizational skills and can do well as programmers, producers, researchers, team leaders and managers, and their caring nature may draw them to work as counselors, healers, therapists, doctors, social workers or vets. Stress and fatigue can be a big problem for people born on this day, so ensuring they have a good night’s sleep, get enough energy-boosting nutrients such as iron in their diet, and enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise is essential. Unusual forms of calming exercise such as tai chi may appeal. For self-care, when you get up in the morning, set the right confident tone for the rest of your day by stretching as tall as you can and letting out a battle cry.

Although often surrounded by admirers, those born on this day are dreamers by nature and have a tendency to drift off into a world of their own, which can make them feel lonely, isolated and cut off from everything and everyone around them, even if they are in a fulfilling relationship. Their sense of connection with the natural world and an extraordinary imagination are a refuge for them. Fascination with the mystical, with unexplained phenomena, is common, especially after the age of 45, although fear of being criticized or thought “weird” may prevent them from pursuing their mystical inclinations. It is extremely important for January 7-born to develop resilience and self-confidence, and to accept that the opinions of others, although valuable, are not final. Once they have faith in themselves, their destiny is to lead the way by healing differences, crossing boundaries and uniting opposites.

Tarot card, lucky numbers, days, colors: The Chariot, 7, 8, Saturday, Monday, gray, blue

Born today: Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1 driver); Charles Addams (cartoonist); Gerald Durrell (naturalist writer)

Potential: Intuitive, original

Dark side: Isolated, insecure

8 JANUARY

The Birthday of Dynamic Strength

“I rise above the odds”

The life lesson: is coping with imposter syndrome.

The way forward: is to understand that feeling out of your depth is not a negative thing but a sign you are evolving.

Luck maker: Progress is only made outside your comfort zone.

January 8-born have stunning potential to rise and shine above all obstacles and make their mark on the world. They are ambitious and motivated, and expect to be acknowledged by others, who typically come away impressed. Driven, hard-working, bold and passionate with visionary flair, they have the potential within them to achieve almost everything they want. The problem is that despite their explosive confidence, they have hidden insecurities that can manifest in irrational impatience, arrogance and intolerance.

Born achievers, they are likely to rise to the top in whatever career they choose, whether that be art, entertainment, science, medicine, healthcare, business, humanitarian work or anything else. They make great designers, developers and teachers, and may also be drawn to the world of politics, medicine, philanthropy and spiritual and personal growth. Because of their determined nature, they can sometimes have a tendency to overdo everything, which can impact their wellbeing. They need to avoid becoming too obsessive and serious by making sure they allow plenty of fun and laughter into their lives. Watching their posture is important, especially if they spend a lot of time in front of a computer. For self-care, spend a few moments each morning chanting the word joy over and over again to help draw positive things into your life through the power of sound.

These people are wonderful communicators and possess great charm and sensitivity, with an ability to put not just loved ones but anyone at ease. Although they are naturally intuitive, it is important that they do not let practicality and worldly ambition, and a desire to control others, obscure this talent, as it will serve them well in all areas of life, in particular their close personal relationships. Obsession with career and making their mark on the world can overshadow their relationships. After their early forties their intuition and emotional sensitivity steadily increase and grow more powerful. If they can stay positive and develop tolerance and humility in their relationships with others, there is nothing to hold back people born on this day. Their destiny is to shine—and shine they will, in the process inspiring others to shine alongside them.

Tarot card, lucky numbers, day, colors: Strength, 8, 9, Saturday, black, red

Born today: Elvis Presley and Shirley Bassey (singers); Stephen Hawking (physicist); Jack Andraka (inventor)

Potential: Brave, commanding

Dark side: Arrogant, impatient

9 JANUARY

The Birthday of the Striver

“I can break through barriers”

The life lesson: is not to use other people as stepping stones to success.

The way forward: is always to treat others with honesty and respect.

Luck maker: Have as few enemies as possible.

January 9-born tend to be fast-acting, thinking and feeling. Bursting with energy, ambitious and dedicated, they want to rise to the top and will do whatever it takes to get there, even if that means occasionally bending the rules. They demand only the best for themselves and others, and detest mediocrity. They place great value on initiative and their personal freedom, and often prefer to work or forge ahead alone rather than in a group. These people are not afraid of challenge and can bounce back from any setback, but they have a tendency to be ruthless and prone to outbursts of anger, making enemies as they go.

Born experimenters, they need careers that offer them variety, progress, freedom, independence and excitement. There may be quite a few career changes along the way. Marketing, advertising, politics, gaming, the media, computer programming, engineering, real estate, travel guide, journalism or any job that offers them plenty of variety, travel and challenge appeals to them. So focused are January 9 people on striving that they rarely take time to savor their achievements or even the present moment; they find it particularly hard to relax or switch off. It is of great importance for them to find time to properly unwind and take themselves less seriously. For self-care, spend 5 to 10 minutes a day sitting quietly with your phone on silent and doing nothing in particular but simply observing the present moment. If your thoughts wander to the past or future, or to your to-do list, gently bring them back to the joyful power of now.

These people are passionate lovers and believe in the idea of having a soul mate. Family is everything to them and they will place the material and financial needs of their loved ones above everything else. Sometimes, though, they neglect to give enough of themselves emotionally. Typically, from their mid-forties onward—sometimes sooner—their sensitivity toward others and their inner life become more prominent. If they can learn to strive as hard to maintain inner balance as they strive to attain success, there is nothing to stop them enjoying the liberating benefits of a purposeful professional life and happy personal life. Their destiny is to show others that going the extra mile and always doing your best really can make a difference and help make the world a better place.

Tarot card, lucky numbers, days, colors: The Hermit, 1, 9, Saturday, Tuesday, gray, red

Born today: Kate Middleton (royal family member); Richard Nixon (US president); Simone de Beauvoir (philosopher)

Potential: Ambitious, dedicated

Dark side: Ruthless, devious

10 JANUARY

The Birthday of the Realist

“I know the best way forward”

The life lesson: is to take the feelings of others into consideration.

The way forward: is to understand that the truth can be presented in both a realistic and a positive way.

Luck maker: The more you make others feel good about themselves, the better they feel about you.

People born on January 10 are a force of nature. Individualistic and curious, they tend to speak their mind without subtlety or compromise, and although this can be shocking at times, they are highly valued for their honesty and for their realistic assessments of things. During times of uncertainty people seek them out for their wisdom, which never fails to surprise them. They are also never afraid to support unpopular viewpoints and to champion the underdog. On the downside, their inability to dress up the truth can upset people around them, stopping them advancing as fast in life as more diplomatic peers.