Leonard Bernstein
approach to life and appearances

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

He is very strong-willed and proud, but intensely private and not easy to know well. Behind Bernstein's quiet exterior lies a great deal of emotional depth, sensitivity, complexity, and also fierce determination. When Leonard Bernstein wants something he goes after it rather quietly but insistently and wholeheartedly - and what Leonard Bernstein wants, Leonard Bernstein usually gets.

He is not a person who lives haphazardly or superficially. Leonard wants to live passionately and intensely and is not averse to challenge, danger, or to facing the darker side of life - human pain and struggle. Leonard Bernstein functions well in crisis situations and he often seeks them out, for he enjoys the feeling of living at full capacity.

He is very intuitive about other people and especially about their unspoken feelings and hidden motives. Leonard Bernstein usually has strong, immediate gut reactions, either positive or negative, which prove to be correct. Bernstein approaches life very instinctively and is not always fully conscious of why he feels or acts the way he does. Leonard Bernstein also has a very strong affinity with animals - an acute sensitivity and a nonverbal rapport with them.

In new relationships he is rather cautious, sometimes even suspicious, until he gets to know and trust someone - and trust does not come easily to Bernstein. When Leonard Bernstein commits himself emotionally to someone, be it friend or lover, he is intensely loyal and devoted to them and he also expects the same kind of unwavering, undying loyalty in return. If he is ever betrayed by someone he cares deeply for, Leonard Bernstein is capable of hating and retaliating with as much fervor as he once loved. Nothing is done halfway. In fact, he is intensely involved and often jealously attached to whatever he cares about, be it person, idea, or cause. There is definitely a streak of emotional fanaticism in him.

Because of his natural reserve, others may see Leonard Bernstein as something of an enigma. He is quite self-protective and often defensive. Leonard Bernstein also has a very magnetic quality, especially to members of the opposite sex.

Leonard Bernstein comes across as 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, Bernstein may seem much more conservative than he actually is. Leonard is wary of committing social blunders and is extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection. As he matures, Leonard Bernstein's confidence is likely to grow because he will learn to depend more on his own self-assessment..

Leonard Bernstein comes across as quirky, unusual, offbeat and "different". Sometimes he appears to provoke people and upset the status quo just by being himself. Bernstein tends to be restless, excitable and somewhat ungrounded or nervous as well.

In significant ways, Bernstein's emotional nature and personal needs are at odds with the way he presents himself. As a result of this inconsistency, Leonard Bernstein may be uncomfortable showing his instinctive responses and true feelings. He may put them aside and may even be ashamed of them.

When Leonard Bernstein is in an emotionally charged situation, those who do not know him well may be quite surprised at his reactions or behavior. The real challenge, though, is to completely accept himself, so that he does not act as if his emotional needs and impulses did not count for very much.

At times Leonard Bernstein may feel that he is all alone in the world and that other people only cause him difficulties. Constantly bounced to and fro by others, Leonard has a strong desire to free himself from his stressful surroundings.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Scorpio Rising

Saturn Square Asc.

Uranus Square Asc.

Moon Quincunx Asc.

Asc. Opposition Saturn/Uranus