How horoscopes, astrology, tarot help me to understand human nature

I find astrology so convoluted that it would be tempting to dismiss it all as hogwash.

To my surprise after reading newspaper horoscopes, trying to figure out my own zodiac sign, and browsing annual Chinese astrological forecasts I found that some of this stuff make sense. Though not in the way we are told it should work. What I discovered is that astrologers have a unique insight in explaining the complicated and puzzling nature of people. Their writing certainly changes my point of view on some things. In fact, alot of good practical advice is frequently offered in horoscopes that is rarely offered as freely elsewhere.

It is debatable as to why people are born with certain personalities -- it could be because of the influence of the cosmos, their birth order, their DNA, their socialization -- but it really does not matter. Like it or not, people are born a certain way and they do not change.

I do not buy into the notion that people can be categorized in to several groups. There are too many people on this planet to accurately describe an individual by the predetermined characteristics of their particular astrological sign. Humans are complicated and contrary in many ways.

I do find that the advice given in horoscopes on how to handle problems, conflicts and setbacks are quite helpful. Some people check the advice columns for help. I like to check out the horoscopes for some sort of explanation when I'm desperately stumped on an issue. The information may not allow me to fix the problem, but at least I can feel more at ease in my own mind. You may say they are cleverly written to offer the right amount of consolation to encourage repeat visits.

For instance, my new boss can be moody at times. I used to worry about his criticisms and took his remarks personally in the early days of learning the job and getting to know him. I know that initially employers are on their best behavior with new employees. So I was wary of the shortcomings I would inevitably discover. After a few weeks I noticed he was hellish when he was stressed out but cool and polite at other times -- a scary combination no doubt. I read this bit in an astrological profile that struck a chord in me:

"A Piscean Rat is prone to get upset fairly easily sometimes as they can be immensely touchy to the comments of others. These people are often known for soon bursting into tears unexpectedly. They are not normally over sensitive in life but take personal insults extremely badly and will usually over react to them. This will be displayed as crying, tantrums or sulking. You will definitely know when a Piscean Rat is offended by the words of others."
(Source http://www.gotohoroscope.com/chinese-western-astrology)

This could be applied to anyone. But seeing a plausible explanation makes me feel less helpless, confused and ashamed toward his bad behavior. Unfortunately there is more to his personality, and this description fits closely:

"Metal Rats are strong-willed individuals who are determined to get what they want, regardless of the cost. Intensively emotional, their behavior can border on extreme. Possessive feelings, envy and rage can cause problems. Relationships can be problematic as Metal Rats are obstinate." (Source http://www.chinesezodiac.com/rat.php)

This is a good example of a conflicting nature as I'd like to call it. Part of him is sensitive though most of the time he is strong-willed. Realizing this makes me aware of his hot buttons.

I can see how our traits can either balance each other, or cause conflict. No wonder humans are irrational. I feel sad for those who can't handle their traits. Which is why understanding ourselves is fairly important as well as coming to terms with the hand we are dealt with.

Another interesting find was about my husband -- which makes sense as he's always unhappy about something or another. I used to take his complaints seriously but this bit makes me think he can't help himself and I have to learn to handle the complaints accordingly (though unfortunately I'm not there yet).

"Among all his pleasant and refined characteristics the Sagittarian Snake has a small annoying weakness. These particular personalities are prone to complaining too much. They can be sometimes really irritating but they cannot seem to help it. Their complaints are not usually restricted to one area, they are not fussy what they complain about. This is just a small weak spot in an otherwise lovely personality and it is a habit that you can become accustomed to. Not many Sagittarian Snake's manage to break this practice and are often life long complainers."

I found these other descriptions to be true of him too:

"Wood Snakes rarely seek the advice of others." (Source http://www.chinesezodiac.com/index.php)

"A Snake who experiences poverty or extreme deprivation in his youth may never get over it. He could then be fanatical about accumulating wealth and turn into a covetous and miserly man." (Source: The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes by Theodora and Laura Lau)

As an unwanted child raised by his poor grandparents, he seems to be tormented about his upbringing and his alcoholic family. We tried counselling but sadly it only helped a little. I hope he can come to peace with his life some day.

As for myself this description of a Dragon can be applied to me which could explain my motivation in life and why I'm unhappy being bored:

"To the Dragon person, having a purpose or special mission in his life is vital. It's just not healthy for him to lie around with nothing to do. He must always have a cause to fight for; a goal to reach; a right to wrong. Otherwise, how do you expect him to keep that inner fire burning? Without his pet projects, rallies and other impossible schemes, the Dragon is like a locomotive without fuel. He fizzles out and becomes dull and listless."

I also found tarot readings to be helpful. You may say it is dangerous for me to give tarot readings any importance. I may have allowed too much of a stranger's words to influence my life -- free advice on an open internet forum at that!

I started seeking input from amateur online readers who dabble in their hobby and are in need of subjects. Out of curiosity I gave it a shot -- what did I have to lose. At first the stuff they told me went over my head, none of it made any sense. None of their insights into me seemed true. But after years went by of basically doing nothing but being observant -- 5 to 10 years -- I saw a few extraordinary predictions reveal themselves in unexpected ways.

One particular advice I consistently got from a few readers was to go with the flow. Going with the flow has not been my strength. I consider myself headstrong, take-charge and detailed-oriented. As we all know being headstrong hinders change and openness to new opportunities beyond one's usual scope.

Sure, going with the flow is the sort of thing we all say to each other all the time when there is really nothing else to say. And who takes such a glib phrase seriously in these uncertain economic times. Turned out it was the right thing for me to do. As I meandered from one short term contract job to another I gathered a few skills here and there which lead me to a permanent role in a small company where they need a jill of all trades like me. Needless to say although I was confident in my abilities I shared the concern of friends and family for not having a steady job. Hard work pays off but I also believe luck plays a significant role -- maybe my lucky Dragon sign explains how I always end up landing on two feet so I would hesitate to recommend my approach to others. Staying open and flexible and remaining positive is never a bad thing so I do recommend that attitude.

I wonder if I'm the only one to approach horoscopes this way. I welcome your thoughts and feedback.