Pope John Paul II
challenges and difficulties

Pope John Paul II has a penchant for order and precision, and an almost compulsive attention to detail. He is often hypercritical and can be such a demanding perfectionist that he discourages himself or others from even attempting something that will not be done exactly the way Karol Wojtyla knows it should be done.

He frequently over analyze or pick things apart mentally. Pope John Paul II may be something of a hypochondriac also. The Pope must learn that he does not have to rationally understand everything in order for it to be valid, and also to relax his unnecessarily high or strict standards.

He is very conscientious, responsible, and concerned with his duty, his public image and reputation, and becoming a person of stature in the world. Pope John Paul II understands the need for hard work and careful planning in order to accomplish anything substantial and he is capable of much self-discipline and patience once he sets his sights on a goal.

But Pope John Paul II is very judgmental and hard on himself if he fails to attain success, and he can become dry, bitter, or cynical if the world does not recognize his efforts.

Pope John Paul II seesaws between playing it safe, and doing something unique and original, between self-control and letting loose, between being a responsible adult and a rebellious adolescent, between what The Pope has to or should do and what his spontaneous impulses tell him to do. All of this creates enormous inner tension as well as friction with people in his environment. Pope John Paul II may, for instance, bitterly resent government or authority figures who "crush his individuality", yet ignore his obligations and responsibilities, thus ensuring that they will pursue him. Learning to give each side its due is an ongoing challenge for Karol Wojtyla.

Now we will discuss patterns of behavior which Pope John Paul II instinctively and habitually reverts to when under stress - a mostly subconscious process that he is apt to over indulge in because it is so familiar and hence easy for him. The direction Pope John Paul II needs to follow in order to develop balance, greater awareness, and wholeness is also described.

He is capable of withstanding outside influences and remaining constant and steady on his path, but when under stress Pope John Paul II becomes downright obstinate and implacable, resisting any change no matter how necessary or desirable the change may be. Tenaciously trying to preserve the status quo and hold on to what he has, he is apt to ignore the subtle signals he receives about needing to do something differently, which often leads to a crisis.

Pope John Paul II needs to learn the limits of his ability to control life, and to accept and even embrace change and loss of the familiar, in order to allow for new life and growth. "Letting go" is a major life lesson for him. Karol Wojtyla also needs to develop a balanced attitude toward his appetites and desires, as Pope John Paul II tends to overindulge and/or deny himself excessively.

It is in his relationships with others that he is most likely to wrestle with these issues. There is a dynamic balance (or conflict) within Pope John Paul II between acting spontaneously and being true to himself versus modifying himself or his behavior to suit others. Pope John Paul II seesaws between being inordinately concerned with his self to being overly conciliatory and concerned with others' needs, rights, or opinions about him. Learning to act authentically and forthrightly regardless of possible consequences is Karol Wojtyla's task.

The specific habits which are likely to hold Pope John Paul II back, or which he is prone to overdo, especially during stressful periods, include:

Excessive thinking, rationalizing or talking, the overuse or misuse of Karol Wojtyla's intellectual abilities and the tendency to allow his energy to be dissipated in trivial activities.

The tendency for self-indulgence, laziness, and over-reliance on the generosity or affection of others, as well as making love relationships, social life and superficial pleasures more important than anything else in his life.

He is very social, loves artistic events and entertainment, and has the ability to show his feelings without reservation. Pope John Paul II probably found joy in learning things early in life and he keeps in close relationships with his family and other relations.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Saturn in Virgo

Saturn in 10th house

Saturn Opposition Uranus

N. Node in Scorpio

N. Node in 1st house

N. Node Opposition Mercury

N. Node Opposition Venus

N. Node Opposition Mercury/Venus