H. L. Mencken
challenges and difficulties

Henry has difficulty asserting his will and desires directly and openly. He may also suppress his anger and aggressiveness. Developing self-confidence, courage, and faith in himself are important tasks for Mencken.

He may have nebulous but ever-present guilt and fears that are difficult to pinpoint or eradicate. It is as if H. L. Mencken does not trust Life itself, and is always seeking ways to defend himself from its dangers and its unknowns. H. L. Mencken must learn to overcome his ingrained habit of discouragement and anxiety, and to see the world more as a friendly place than as a treacherous one.

Now we will discuss patterns of behavior which H. L. Mencken instinctively and habitually reverts to when under stress - a mostly subconscious process that he is apt to over indulge in because it is so familiar and hence easy for him. The direction H. L. Mencken needs to follow in order to develop balance, greater awareness, and wholeness is also described.

H. L. Mencken has a great capacity for sympathy, tenderness, and caring, which is a gift that he is apt to over bestow at times. For balance, H. L. Mencken needs to foster mature self-discipline, self-control, and personal responsibility.

When under stress, he has a strong instinct to retreat back to the nest, to be a child again, or to become overwhelmed with feelings and longings to be taken care of. Also, he may encourage others to depend on him emotionally (and otherwise) to an unhealthy degree. H. L. Mencken needs to learn how to set limits and to turn off the flow of support when necessary.

It is in relationships that are more than superficial or casual - in particular in cases where H. L. Mencken has merged emotionally, legally, or financially with another person - that he is most likely to wrestle with these issues. Mencken will see these issues arise in close partnerships of any kind, especially when there is a mutual dependency involved. Dealing with in-laws, inheritances, and legal matters involving joint custody, shared assets, and resources is also a part of this.

The following are specific activities that will support H. L. Mencken in his growth. These may or may not feel natural to Mencken, and he may initially resist or feel awkward about them, but they are crucial to his path to wholeness.

H. L. Mencken should care for and nourish children, plants, pets or other people. He needs to make a home, create and sustain strong relationships with his family or a community that can support him and give him a sense of safety and belonging.

H. L. Mencken should develop his listening skills and deepen his understanding and appreciation of women and their perspective. H. L. Mencken has to learn to trust his own feelings, intuitions and emotional needs. He needs to care for himself in an accepting, non-judgmental way.

It is in H. L. Mencken's best interest to take all that is good and helpful from his past and use it in a new way. (If he is so inclined, Henry may want to explore the potential of past-life regression to tap into gifts he has already developed).

He is very social minded and it is easy for H. L. Mencken to show his affection. His family or community probably provided good possibilities for his development. Mencken may love to show off a little and he thrives on being involved with others in joyful group activities.

H. L. Mencken has a strong desire to take part in social functions and entertainment and cultivate an active exchange of thoughts with others. Henry also appreciates associations and has the ability to carry enterprises to a successful conclusion in team-work.

H. L. Mencken tends to have a certain fear of crowds and may find it hard to integrate himself into a group of people. Working with others is not easy for Mencken, and he may frequently encounter some upsets or hostility.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Saturn in Aries

Saturn in 12th house

N. Node in Capricorn

N. Node in 8th house

N. Node Conjunct Moon

N. Node Opposition Sun/Jupiter

N. Node Opposition Mercury/Jupiter

N. Node Opposition Saturn/Uranus