Stella Andromeda - Astro Birthdays: What Your Birthdate Reveals About Your Life & Destiny

Stella Andromeda has been studying astrology for over 30 years, believing that a knowledge of the constellations of the skies and their potential for psychological interpretation can be a useful tool. This extension of her study into book form makes modern insights about the ancient wisdom of the stars easily accessible, sharing her passion that reflection and self-knowledge only empowers us in life. With her sun in Taurus, Aquarius ascendant and Moon in Cancer, she utilises earth, air and water to inspire her own astrological journey.

As ever, my appreciation to the best team at Hardie Grant for all their hard work in making the Seeing Stars books a reality. In particular, thanks are due to Kate Pollard who commissioned the original series and to Kate Burkett for picking up the reins on AstroBirthdays with such enthusiasm and efficiency, while an equally big thanks must go to the illustration and design talents of Evi O Studio, who has made all the books look so beautiful.

Insightful pioneer

As befits the first day of the year, the Roman god Janus could look backwards and forwards, and individuals born on the first day of the calendar year combine great insight with a Capricorn dedication to the upward climb of the year. Youre also likely to show tenacity and a willingness to take the world in your stride, which means that, like the proverbial mountain goat, youre resilient when it comes to tolerating stress. This will stand you in good stead across many different career choices, where dealing with other people is a key feature from retail, to teaching, to working in medical settings, you are well disposed to delivering under pressure. Youre probably the first to volunteer to support others, whether through mentoring a colleague or babysitting a friends child. This sort of equanimity means youre valued both at work and at home. In love, you can be quite a cool character, but kind, and, if youre really interested in someone, youre more than capable of playing a long game. Because a harmonious domestic life is important to you, once youve made a commitment, youre unlikely to change your mind.

No. 1: A powerful entity and results-oriented force, all about initiating action and getting things done.

Page of Cups: The suit of Cups is representative of our emotions and the youthful page isnt quite sure what to do with the contents of his chalice. You may sometimes wonder about the nature of your own feelings and should be reassured that over time these will mature and become easier to understand.

J.D. Salinger American writer

E.M. Forster British writer

Verne Troyer American actor

Careful individualist

Your approach to life is unlikely to be like the rest of the herd as you tend towards a more individualistic approach. This is reflected in the choices you make, from the clothes you wear to the holidays you take. Theres a carefulness about these choices, too, which suggests a thoughtfulness about how you want to live your life. Because of this, you may find that it takes time to find out what it is you really want to do as a career. Almost by a process of finding out what doesnt appeal, you will eventually find the right role for your talents. This may also mean working not in a large organisation, but for a small start-up where its easier for your individuality to fit in. However, because of your diligent approach, you are likely to be a valued colleague whatever you choose. You probably take a similar approach to your more intimate relationships and even though people often say opposites attract, you will likely only really consider a life partner who has a similar take on life to your own.

No. 2: Shows resilience and power in gentleness, often provides the role of mediator, and linked to psychic abilities.

Ten of Swords: The Swords are about action and although this card depicts quite a violent image, it suggests that your actions shouldnt pin you down. Although decisiveness is generally valued, dont always feel obliged to act, because its sometimes better to wait and see whether this is absolutely in your best interest.

Cuba Gooding Jr American actor

Christy Turlington American model

St Therese of Lisieux French saint

Astute charmer

Theres something rather canny about those born on the third day of the first month and, like a lot of Capricorns, something very sure-footed about your approach to life. You have probably already learned that you can charm more flies with honey than vinegar, and this is often how you approach a problem, making you something of a smooth talker. Luckily, there is usually some substance behind your words, as you are astute enough to realise that you cannot fool people, especially when it comes to delivering at work, and your career is important to you. Youre likely to find work in a role where you can manage people, possibly at quite a senior level, and your ability to graft really pays off here. Family means more than just blood relatives to you and your friends can often be of equal or even greater importance. That said, your most intimate relationships often arise from initial friendships because you value having a solid basis on which to build something as important as a family.

No. 3: Creative with the gift of imagination and an ability to communicate through writing, art or speech.

Queen of Wands: Wands are always depicted in leaf, and as such represent life and being rooted in something enduring. Theres a strong and mature quality to this card, suggesting something quite solid that can be relied upon, much as those around you know they can rely on you.

Mel Gibson Australian actor

J.R.R. Tolkien British author

Greta Thunberg Swedish environmental activist

Charismatic explorer

Those born on this date have a tendency to go straight to the heart of things. Whether this is a problem or a journey, its all the same. You probably tend to look outwards, taking a pragmatic and long-term view of situations, as if focused on a horizon that others cant yet see, which is a characteristic of Capricorns view from the metaphorical mountain. Strongly grounded, you are someone who often enjoys a slower, more methodical approach to life, and are unfazed by more airy temperaments that appear, initially, to make faster progress. Your approach makes you well suited to those professions requiring attention to detail, such as research, editing or project management, within different arenas. If this sounds a little dull, remember that you can be highly effective across the most creative of industries and you are also blessed with a sense of fun that breathes life into the most mundane of tasks. All of which gives you an attractive charisma that will have many wanting to be your friend or lover. When it comes to your love life, your instinct is for monogamy and a secure base from which to explore.