Theresa Cheung - The Element Encyclopedia of Birthdays

Potential:Intuitive, original

Dark side:Isolated, insecure

“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

“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