Report

Those born on July 23 face a recurring theme of uncertainty in their lives. More highly evolved people born on this day are ultimately successful in resolving uncertainties, either personally for themselves or professionally for others. Less highly evolved people born on this day suffer from periodic identity crises in which profound doubts about themselves and highly self-critical attitudes surface. July 23 people are basically traditionalists, and no matter how far out some of their views may be, they remain firmly rooted in conservative traits. Whatever their area of interest, be it their profession, hobby or art, they seek to know as much about its history as possible, in order to erase uncertainties; indeed, those born on this day investigate any area of which they are unsure in as thorough a manner as possible. Such investigations may range from detective or police work to scientific or social work. July 23 people have a highly mental bias in approaching the world. Consequently, their emotional life may remain obscure and unexpressed; in fact, those born on this day sometimes suffer psychosomatic and addictive disorders due to suppressed feelings. Instead of spending all of their time resolving worldly or intellectual concerns, they might pay more attention to their own inner emotional state. Since July 23 people are often spiritually and religiously oriented, cultivating meditative practices may be of great help to them. If, however, they insist on pursuing external problems to the detriment of their inner life, they will only grow increasingly nervous and stressed. Retreating into a protective shell is not the solution either. July 23 people must make a conscious effort to integrate their social activities with their inner emotional life. Often a positive primary relationship of long standing with a lover, mate or friend can be an essential bridge to the world. The dangers of dependency on such a person are obvious, but July 23 people also have a great deal to offer the other party in a relationship: their highly developed problem-solving abilities, compassion, understanding and human qualities are invaluable. As mentioned, no matter how developed their egos, July 23 people are periodically assailed by doubts. Each time those born on this day resolve such difficulties they grow stronger, and take another step toward self-realization. Those July 23 people who can share their rich fantasy life with others are indeed blessed, and will be very much appreciated; they are capable of earning great esteem as social workers, psychologists, lawyers and physicians. Those July 23 people who have experienced serious emotional problems have a marked insight into both illness and the process of healing, and may even be able to help others while they themselves are still recovering. The depth of gratitude and positive validation of such an experience can be mutually rewarding. The emotional complexity of those born on this day, their warmth and human struggle, generally makes contact with them meaningful.

Numbers

Those born on the 23rd of the month are ruled by the numbers 23 (2+3=5) and 5, and by the planet Mercury. Since Mercury represents quickness of thought and change (given even higher mental value by the Sun, ruler of Leo), July 23 people may be likely to change their minds and physical surroundings with great regularity. They must beware of letting their mental, rational faculties dominate their lives at the expense of emotion, intuition and spirit. The hard knocks those ruled by the number 5 receive from life traditionally will have little lasting effect on them. They recover quickly. The number 23 is associated with happenings of all sorts, and for July 23 people this fuels their hunger for unusual experiences.

Archetype

The 5th card of the Major Arcana is The Hierophant, an interpreter of sacred mysteries who is symbolic of human understanding and of faith. His knowledge is esoteric and he has authority over things unseen. Favorable traits conferred by this card are self-assuredness, absence of doubt and proper interpretation; unfavorable traits are moralizing, bombast and dogmatism.

Health

As already indicated, those born on July 23 face an increased likelihood of psychosomatic and addictive difficulties. Those born on this day may benefit from therapy or counselling, but in any case should devote more of their problem solving energies to their own complex personalities. All non-prescription drugs should be avoided, particularly alcohol; if anti-depressants are prescribed they should be used carefully. A healthy interest in various cuisines does wonders for the diet; July 23 people would do well to develop their cooking skills, if not already proficient, as sharing meals and bestowing pleasure on others is emotionally uplifting. Feeling needed and wanted is tremendously important to July 23 people. As far as exercise is concerned, moderate activities such as walking, bike riding, occasional tennis and swimming are recommended.

Advice

Do not try to be the savior for everyone’s problems. Pay sufficient attention to your own (without obsessing). Learn to let things go; avoid carrying around excess baggage. Give your critical and judgmental powers a rest from time to time.

Meditation

An element of uncertainty is inherent in any act of observation