Leo Tolstoy
approach to life and appearances

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

Leo Tolstoy 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. Leo 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. Tolstoy tends to cling to people, memories and possessions of personal or sentimental significance. Having a home, a safe haven, is very important to Tolstoy.

Tolstoy 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, Leo Tolstoy 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 Leo'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 Leo 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. Leo Tolstoy empathizes with others and intuitively senses the feelings and needs of other people. Compassionate and sympathetic, he is easily moved by others' pain, and Leo Tolstoy 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. Leo Tolstoy communicates nonverbally and appreciates a person who can pick up subtle cues and hints, rather than having to make everything explicit.

Leo never forgets either kindness or unkindness shown to him.

He may be perceived as someone who provokes conflict because Leo Tolstoy likes to get everything out into the open and generally does not avoid disagreeable issues. His relationships with others may be marked by a great deal of competition, anger or friction as a result. Or, Tolstoy may seem to run into more than his share of inconsiderate, pushy people. Learning to harness his energies into joint efforts and shared endeavor is Tolstoy's challenge.

There is an intense and somewhat secretive or guarded quality about Leo Tolstoy which may make people around him distinctly uncomfortable. They may feel that Leo is constantly monitoring their inner motives, and he probably is. Tolstoy sees through anything phony, any false pretense - and he may or may not be above using others' Achilles' heels (which he perceives so clearly) against them. At times, however, Leo Tolstoy may be too suspicious and assign negative intentions to innocent people. Leo should avoid always looking on the dark side.

Leo Tolstoy comes across as tolerant, broad-minded, and well educated or as a seasoned traveler. He radiates a certain distinction, even nobility. Tolstoy is apt to have a significant, beneficial impact on the people he encounters, without even realizing it.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Cancer Rising

Mars Opposition Asc.

Pluto Square Asc.

Jupiter Trine Asc.