Henri Matisse
motivation

Although Henri Matisse has a warm, dramatic side and he really likes to show off or stand out in some way (as described on the previous page), inside he is much too grounded, conservative and cautious to let himself get too overwrought or wild. And while Matisse may seem kind hearted and generous, he is quite unsentimental and businesslike on issues that are important to him.

Serious, disciplined and quietly ambitious, he is driven to prove himself and to achieve material accomplishments and success. His work, his position in the world, and his contributions to society are very important to Matisse. Henri Matisse will persevere through enormous hardship and frustration in order to reach a goal he has set for himself, and he often sacrifices much in the area of personal relationships and home life in order to do so.

Henri Matisse has a thoughtful, quiet and self-contained disposition and does not readily show his inner feelings and needs. Henri Matisse seems to always be in control, capable, efficient and strong. He is often the person in the family or group who is given more responsibility (and more work) than the others. He is highly conscientious and even as a child he possessed great maturity, soberness, and worldly wisdom.

He is basically a pragmatic realist, and though he may have all sorts of dreams, ideals and colorful theories, he feels that the ultimate test of a concept is its practical usefulness. Henri has an innate shrewdness and business sense, and there is a bit of the cynic in him as well.

He is clear-headed, detached and objective, and is not swayed by emotional dramatics. He is often authoritarian - strictly fair, but without mercy. Henri Matisse has a great respect for tradition and even if he does not agree with certain laws, he will abide by them or strive to change them, but never flagrantly disregard them. Cautious and conservative, Henri Matisse plays by the rules.

He is subtle, understated, quiet, deep, not easy to get to know intimately, and never superficial. He is a modest person and sometimes overly self-critical. Giving himself (and others) permission to feel, play, be spontaneous and silly, and sometimes weak and vulnerable is not easy for Matisse.

Matisse's strong points are his depth and thoroughness, patience, tenacity and faithfulness. His faults are a tendency to be rigid and inflexible, and too serious.

Henri Matisse has a very dramatic, creative, expressive nature and he loves to perform. Henri enjoys being the center of attention and he seeks to shine, to excel, and to be outstanding in some unique way. He is very involved in his own creativity and self-expression, and takes great pleasure in developing and using his special talents, whether these are artistic, athletic, or intellectual. Henri Matisse has a strong sense of pride.

Henri has lofty aspirations but does not struggle or labor to achieve them. His self-confidence and inner harmony attract success and benefit him in an almost magical way. His optimism and cheerful generosity also win Matisse many allies and successes in life.

He is strong-willed, forceful and independent. Matisse knows what he wants, but sometimes may act too impulsively, causing quarrels or disagreement with others. Henri Matisse tends to judge himself and others quite severely, but he is very sincere, honest and trustworthy.

Matisse alternates between aggression and apathy and sometimes feels that he is unable to meet all the demands made on him. Once Henri Matisse becomes aware of what he needs to do, however, he is capable of working long and hard, not giving up until his work is done.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Ascendant in Leo and Sun in Capricorn

Sun in Capricorn

Sun in 5th house

Sun Trine Jupiter

Sun Conjunct Moon/Mars

Sun Conjunct Mars/Saturn