Joseph Smith
approach to life and appearances

The following is a description of Joseph's basic stance toward life, the way others see him, the way Joseph Smith comes across, the face he shows to the world. In the page about motivation you will read about the inner Joseph Smith - his real motivation, which describes the kind of person he is at heart and where his 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 Joseph Smith" may not shine through and others may be in for so a few surprises once they get to know Joseph a little better. This page describes the disguise Smith wears, his role in life, while the page about motivation talks about the real person beneath the disguise.

Joseph Smith appears gentle and soft, and he acts rather reserved with others until he knows them well and feels it is safe to be open with them. Joseph has a strong need for emotional security and a sense of belonging, and is deeply attached to the past: his heritage, roots, family, cherished friends, familiar places, etc. Making radical changes or moves away from what is familiar and safe can be very painful and difficult for him. Smith tends to cling to people, memories and possessions of personal or sentimental significance. Having a home, a safe haven, is very important to Smith.

Smith approaches life emotionally and subjectively and he is sensitive to the emotional atmosphere, the subtle undercurrents of feeling in and around him. Instinctive and non-rational, Joseph Smith is often unable to give a clear, simple explanation for his actions. Something either feels right, or it does not.

His emotions and personal loyalties tend to color Joseph's thoughts and opinions. He views life from a very personal perspective and often cannot mentally detach himself from his own personal bias and prejudices. He is apt to be concerned primarily with how something affects him and those dear and close to him, rather than with the principle or the broader social implications. For instance, he may be very patriotic and feel that whatever "my country" does is right without really knowing much about the other nation's policies or point of view. Simply put: if it is good for Joseph and his near and dear ones, then it is good. If it is not good for him and his near and dear ones, it is no good.

He is tenaciously loyal, protective, and supportive of those he cares about, and has a very strong nurturing, paternal nature. Joseph Smith empathizes with others and intuitively senses the feelings and needs of other people. Compassionate and sympathetic, he is easily moved by others' pain, and Joseph Smith is often the one that others seek out when they need comfort, reassurance, or help.

His moods fluctuate and change frequently and he is sometimes open and sometimes withdrawn emotionally. Joseph Smith communicates nonverbally and appreciates a person who can pick up subtle cues and hints, rather than having to make everything explicit.

Joseph never forgets either kindness or unkindness shown to him.

He is highly verbal and communicative. Connecting with and talking to other people are key aspects of Joseph's personality. Joseph Smith may seem to be a busybody to others sometimes. He may also depend too much on other people's advice or feedback before making up his own mind, and Smith may thus appear to be indecisive.

Joseph Smith appears contained, and perhaps wary or mistrustful as well. He watches his step, and frequently withdraws if his environment does not feel welcoming and safe. As a result, Smith may seem much more conservative than he actually is. Joseph fears making mistakes in social situations, and is extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection. As he matures, Joseph Smith is likely to grow in confidence, because he will learn to depend more on his own evaluation of himself.

Joseph Smith seems quirky, unusual, offbeat and "different". Sometimes it seems that he is trying to provoke people and upset the status quo just by being himself. Smith tends to be restless, excitable, and somewhat ungrounded or nervous as well.

At times his desire to impress other people, to be important, or to be popular may make Smith does things that go against his better judgment. Even Joseph's sincere attempts to be generous or helpful may be misinterpreted, seen as pompousness or interference. Joseph Smith needs to be aware of his tendency to overdo - to go all out - even when it is not appropriate.

Joseph has strong leadership qualities and finds it natural to take charge of his family environment. He throws himself wholeheartedly into all his affairs, does not like others to make demands on him, but Joseph Smith will willingly give of his in most situations.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Cancer Rising

Mercury Opposition Asc.

Saturn Square Asc.

Uranus Square Asc.

Jupiter Quincunx Asc.

Asc. Opposition Moon/Mars