Iris Murdoch
approach to life and appearances

The following is a description of Iris' basic stance toward life, the way others see her, the way Iris Murdoch comes across, the face she shows to the world. In the page about motivation you will read about the inner Iris Murdoch - her real motivation, which describes the kind of person she is at heart and where her true priorities lie. Study this page and the next one and compare them - there may be significant differences between the two, in which case "the inner Iris Murdoch" may not shine through and others may be in for so a few surprises once they get to know Iris a little better. This page describes the disguise Murdoch wears, her role in life, while the page about motivation talks about the real person beneath the disguise.

Ferociously proud and somewhat vain, Iris Murdoch likes to be impressive and to be considered special and unique. She is not timid, meek, or self-effacing, and is rarely content with staying in the background or in a subordinate position. She is a natural leader, and does not take orders from others very well. Murdoch must have something of her own, something creative - be it a business, a project, a home or whatever - that she can develop and manage according to her own will and vision. Whatever Iris does, she does it in a unique, dramatic, individual way. She likes to put her own personal stamp on it.

Iris Murdoch also has a very strong sense of dignity, self-respect, and personal honor and is deeply offended if someone treats her in a humiliating or dishonorable way. Murdoch will rarely confront the offender - she is too proud to do so - but she will lose her affection and respect for them. Iris dislikes pettiness and hates to be snubbed or ignored.

Murdoch admires others who are strong individuals like herself. When Iris Murdoch befriends someone, Murdoch is tremendously loyal, sincere, and willing to go to extraordinary lengths to make that person happy. She is very giving and generous, but her gifts are never anonymous - Iris expects recognition and appreciation for them. She also expects the intense loyalty that she offers to her dear ones to be reciprocated. However, Iris Murdoch often has trouble developing relationships with people who are as strong as herself, for she does not really cooperate or share the leading role very easily. If she is not in the leading role, she aspires to be and will compete with the person who is.

Iris Murdoch has great heart and courage, and people often look to her for strength, encouragement, and affirmation. Iris always puts her best face forward and rarely allows others to see her hurting, disheartened, or vulnerable. Iris Murdoch also has a very strong need for love, admiration, appreciation, and praise, although she does not like others to realize just how important it is to her.

Her outlook on life tends to be very personal and rather self-centered. Her own self-expression, self-actualization and self-realization interest Iris more than anything else. Iris Murdoch feels that if she does her best where she is, the rest of the world will take care of itself.

She is mentally active and restless and she likes to talk, communicate, and exchange ideas with others. Iris Murdoch expresses herself well, and is suited to activities that involve presenting ideas to other people, such as teaching and sales.

The effect of her childhood experiences, and the beliefs and attitudes Iris learned while young, are clearly apparent in her demeanor. It is all right on the surface, but when trouble arises Iris Murdoch seems childish and needy. When she is in smoother waters, she appears to have a vulnerable, trusting nature that brings out the mothering instinct in other people.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Leo Rising

Mercury Conjunct Asc.

Moon Opposition Asc.