It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, or to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you're telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul. I want to know if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty even when it's not pretty, every day, and if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of a lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes!"

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

~ Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Libra II: The Week of Society

Those born in Libra II generally feel at home in the world. Although they place a high value on spending time alone, they would be wasting a true blessing and talent if they were to isolate themselves, since their "people skills" are usually very advanced, to say the least. Many feel they can trust Libra II's and readily confide in them. Their non-threatening approach makes other people quickly feel that they have nothing to fear from Libra II's, to whom they can open their hearts and unburden themselves. Indeed, Libra II's rarely behave hurtfully or maliciously toward those who confide in them. Furthermore, those born in this period have a great sense of fun which seems to lighten the cares of themselves and others. Since they are well liked and constantly in demand as confidants and counselors, Libra II's often have difficulty finding time for themselves and at some point must must learn how to limit the time and energy they give others.

While fair, just and agreeable in most situations, Libra II's can also be especially sharp and critical. They are extremely outspoken, and mince no words in expressing their opinion. Usually their insights are dead-on correct, which means their criticism stings all the more. Friends, associates and employers who listen to them can probably learn something, but the fury of a Libra II attack often arouses too much defensive emotion from the assulted party to allow for clear listening. Only later will the truth of their criticisms begin to sink in.

When young, those born in this week may have been extremely rebellious or at the very least, troublesome to those in authority. Libra II's are guided by a sense of fairness, but also by an extreme antipathy to stupid, harmful and needless regulations and laws. Since justice and fairness are given a high priority by them, they can react strongly to what they perceive to be corruption or decadence. They particularly dislike those who would remain blithely unaware of the suffering of others, and they may occasionally lash out at such people with stinging fury. Libra II's do not always make friends with their behavior, but they generally manage to inspire respect.

Gifted with exquisite aesthetic taste, their knowledge of current events, fashions, music and matters concerning lifestyle is impressive, and family and friends usually consult them on how to do almost anything in the most tasteful way possible. In fact, among those in their social circle, Libra II's are often the ones who set trends and define taste. Thus without being conventional themselves they can still be well-schooled in the conventions of any particular social custom -- even expert. The most successful of Libra II's build on this awareness to produce a highly personal vision which helps to shape the future of their profession, social group or family.

Emotional instability may be the single greatest problem that Libra II's face. Any resulting confusion, unhappiness or despair may serve them well, if they can take advantage of it. Through depression, they can get in touch with themselves at a deep level and, stripped of externals, will find out what their deepest needs really are. Fortunately, Libra II's are highly resilient.

Libra II's are a good option for long-term love, and with wild-child Uranus flooding their forecast, they have a far more sexual side as well. Those born in this period get off on almost all things sexual. While the other three periods of Libra are extremely influenced by what others think, Libra II's are far more independent. Although they will take one's opinion into account, it certainly won't rule their way of thinking as they are much less caught up in the head game aspect. During rocky periods in their personal relationships, Libra II's tend to be more hurtful towards themselves than to the other person. This is because they have the habit of putting the needs and wants of a lover or friend before their own.

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October 4: The Day of the Incorrigibles

Unlike most people, those born on October 4 simply live their lives and behave the way they wish to. Though they present an agreeable and charming persona, they have an inner toughness that is the product of negotiating a less than perfect world. It is from this realistic and survival-minded core that they derive their ironic perspective, keen observations and sharp sense of humor. Liking things to go smoothly, those born on this day are able to exert their authority in a subtle fashion, so that they can be the boss without appearing so. In fact, they can appear to be very relaxed and accepting people a good deal of the time, yet all the while are unyielding where their authority is concerned.

Needing stability, they like to establish order, prefer an honest and direct approach and are usually sincere, frank and fair. Ambitious and independent, they have strong instincts, an inquisitive mind and a strong need for self-expression. Having a versatile personality, those born on this day want to have the freedom to encounter new and exciting experiences, which often include world travels. Having an adventurous spirit, danger holds a great attraction for them -- but they do not look on it, however, as many see it (i.e. life threatening and negative). To them, dangerous situations are more often than not made dangerous through carelessness. In this respect, October 4 people simply take the necessary training and precautions and go for it, usually with good results.

October 4 individuals have a unique if not eccentric view of the world. Yet when they share their ideas with others, they are more often than not accepted, and even loved for their idiosyncrasies. Enjoying people and partaking freely of everything society has to offer, they are deeply human people and have a strong bond with their fellow men and women. With a quick and observant grasp of people, it is this humanitarian side of their nature that allows these individuals to look past personal problems to a more universal perspective.

Being highly creative and individual thinkers with a strong sense of vision, wisdom is their primary source of power. Interested in the psychology of how people interrelate, they are open-minded and particularly have a knack for debate. However, to forge ahead in the world, these individuals often need a stimulus to inspire them -- personal handicaps, obstacles, rejection or a tyrannical authority figure can all serve to bring out their fighting instincts. Their more practical side endows them with the business sense to carry through their many creative ideas, yet, these individuals need to guard against tendencies to be too impatient or restless. October 4 people often have many interests and are likely to explore many avenues before they settle into a career. In addition to a love of variety, they also possess the power to concentrate upon a particular aim and give it their full attention, and can be very determined once they are set on a path.

October 4 people usually have many admirers who are attracted to their innate understanding of people and general concern for others' well-being. Love and friendships are high priorities for them, but the display of affection from others is also important to those born on this day, especially as they can sometimes become more reserved and not show their true feelings. An extensive emphasis on sex is pronounced in October 4 people, but can also be a delicate matter for those born on this day, where they can be thrown out of balance quite easily in this respect. They desire a secure base in their life, but their restless streak may cause delays in settling down. Yet once committed to a relationship, these individuals are romantic, caring and passionate lovers who know how to make others feel special, and expect loyalty and devotion in return. Becoming easily offended when others play games or behave in an inconsiderate manner, these Librans are most interested in emotionally secure individuals who are willing to work as hard on relationships as they are.