Iris Murdoch
motivation

Behind Murdoch's strong, proud appearance (described in the previous chapter), there is a very tender, sensitive, sentimental, feeling person. She is probably much shyer and more private than initially presumed.

Iris has powerful emotional attachments to the past, her family, her childhood, places she associates with safety and security, and her beginnings. It is very important to Murdoch to maintain a connection with her roots and heritage and keep family bonds strong. Loyal, devoted, and sentimental, Murdoch tends to cling to whatever is dear to her - be it a person, a familiar place, or a cherished possession.

She is sympathetic, nurturing, supportive and very sensitive to the emotional needs of other people. Iris likes to be needed and to care for others, and she often worries about the people she loves. Iris Murdoch has a very strong need for a sense of belonging and acceptance, and much of her life centers on her home. She is more concerned about people and their feelings than with power, achievement, or position in society. Kindness, consideration and tenderness are more meaningful to Iris Murdoch than any sort of honor the world can bestow.

She is primarily emotional and her views are often dominated by her feelings and her own personal, subjective experiences, rather than reason, logic or abstract principles. It is difficult for her to judge situations fairly and objectively because her personal sympathies and loyalties usually factor in. Iris Murdoch takes things very personally and sometimes builds a wall around herself to shield herself from pain and rejection. Iris Murdoch feels rather shy and vulnerable at heart. She also tends to be moody and experiences frequent mood swings. Iris Murdoch needs to have a place and time in her life to withdraw, introspect, dream and replenish herself; otherwise Iris Murdoch becomes cranky and unhappy with those around her.

Iris Murdoch functions in an instinctive, irrational manner and likes to immerse herself in creative activities where she can express her feelings, imagination and instincts. Murdoch often loves to cook, since it can be both creative and a way to nurture and nourish others. Iris Murdoch also has a great affinity for music, because it evokes and communicates feelings that may be difficult or impossible to put into words.

Her compassion, sensitivity, and imagination are Murdoch's strong points. Her faults include an inability to let go of the past and move forward, clannishness and prejudice, and a tendency for self-pity when facing hardship.

Iris Murdoch tends to get involved in the helping professions or in activities where her efforts are hidden, behind the scenes, unacknowledged, or unknown to the public. Asserting herself or getting up in front of an audience may be exceedingly uncomfortable for Murdoch.

She is blessed with abundant optimism, self-confidence and cheerful generosity. Her good will and friendliness win her many allies. Iris Murdoch also has grand visions and aspirations, and the desire to succeed in life in a big way. Iris expects the best, and usually gets it.

Her vitality is not up to par and her will-power a bit weak, making Iris Murdoch vulnerable to swindle or deceit. Her inner discontent and casual attitude could easily lead Murdoch into dubious schemes. Iris should refrain from any activity that seems to be subversive.

Iris Murdoch has a sensitive physique, is impressionable and prone to external influences. Iris should guard against the tendency to escape through drugs, alcohol etc. Her imagination is very vivid and Murdoch is likely to dream of big things.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Ascendant in Leo and Sun in Cancer

Sun in Cancer

Sun in 12th house

Sun Conjunct Jupiter

Sun Conjunct Mars/Neptune

Sun Conjunct Neptune/Pluto