Leonard Cohen
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 Cohen comes across, the face he shows to the world. In the page about motivation you will read about the inner Leonard Cohen - 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 Cohen" 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 Cohen wears, his role in life, while the page about motivation talks about the real person beneath the disguise.

Modest, unobtrusive, and often rather quiet or shy, he is a person who is content to stay in the background or to serve as an assistant, in the supporting role rather than in the lead. He is quite humble in his own assessment of himself; he seeks perfection, with a tendency to be overly self-critical. No matter how well he does something, Leonard Cohen always sees the flaws in it and how it could be improved. Often Cohen will simply refuse to attempt something because he feels he cannot meet his own high standards.

Leonard Cohen has an eye for detail and he gets upset when something is not done just so, usually something others consider rather inconsequential or trivial. He is hard to please and his relationships with others may suffer because of this. Leonard Cohen also has refined sensitivities and is very discriminating and particular in his choice of foods, clothes, friends, artwork, etc. Order in Cohen's environment is very important to Cohen.

Cohen steps into situations rather cautiously, and not without realistically assessing all of the risks and potential advantages involved. Unless something is a safe bet, he is unlikely to dive into it. Leonard Cohen tends to underestimate his own capacities and to lack confidence and trust in life, which inhibits his spontaneity. Worrying is a bad habit of his. On the other hand, Leonard rarely falls flat on his face and what he does, he does very well.

Others see Leonard Cohen as a self-sufficient and rather self-contained person. Cohen has a strong sense of propriety. Politeness, good manners, and correct behavior are important to him. His clear, cool, objective and non-emotional attitude is apparent to others first, and though he is really quite helpful and caring, he does not radiate much sympathy and as a result, others may not see the helpful side as readily. Leonard may seem more businesslike and factual as well as more conservative than he really is at heart. He is the person others might go to for technical advice or an unbiased opinion, but not for emotional support.

He is keenly observant, intelligent, and has a great desire for learning and for self-improvement, but he is not especially ambitious and is often satisfied with a rather simple, unglamourous position in life.

When Leonard Cohen believes he has something important to say or to contribute, he overcomes his shyness and modesty, and he can make a striking impression with his intelligence, expertise, skill, or clarity. In fact, though not self-aggrandizing, Cohen does make his presence felt wherever he goes and even if he does not seek it, Cohen tends to be a dominating influence on others in his circle. Leadership positions may be thrust upon him. Though subtle, Leonard Cohen cannot and will not be ignored.

Leonard has penetrating insight into people and a keen eye and ear for the hidden, unspoken, behind-the-scenes elements in life. He may seem intense and make other people a bit uncomfortable at times. There is also a sexual quality in Leonard's manner which can be quite alluring, in a subtle way.

He may be seen as the wild card, the unpredictable or kooky one, because occasionally Leonard Cohen does surprising things that are either totally out of character or are actually intended to shock people. There is an erratic quality or rebelliousness that comes across at odd moments. It seems to be Leonard's role to shake things up a bit and he may not be entirely comfortable with this himself.

At times Leonard Cohen may feels that he is all alone in the world and that other people only cause difficulties for him. 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:

Virgo Rising

Sun Conjunct Ascendant in Virgo

Pluto Sextile Asc.

Uranus Quincunx Asc.

Asc. Opposition Saturn/Uranus