Robert Mapplethorpe
challenges and difficulties

He is very self-conscious and has a great need for ego-affirmation and praise. Expressing himself freely and openly is not easy for Mapplethorpe. Robert Mapplethorpe tends to work hard at playing and "having fun", rather than being light-hearted and spontaneous. Developing self-love and self-acceptance regardless of his "performance" is an important task for Robert.

He is very conscientious, responsible, and concerned with his duty, his public image and reputation, and becoming a person of stature in the world. Robert Mapplethorpe 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 Robert Mapplethorpe 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.

Robert has an inner conflict between idealism, hope, and faith in the future versus doubt and oppression by limitations and practical realities. Robert Mapplethorpe needs to develop discipline and patience in order to achieve his aspirations. Mapplethorpe will grow by learning to accept frustration and to persevere in spite of obstacles.

He is suspicious of groups, crowds, and social organizations. Mapplethorpe is quick to pick up on social charades and insincerity and avoids the limelight and glamour. Robert Mapplethorpe is direct and to the point in speech and manner, stubborn and inflexible, and often unwilling to communicate his innermost feelings and thoughts.

Now we will discuss patterns of behavior which Robert Mapplethorpe 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 Robert Mapplethorpe needs to follow in order to develop balance, greater awareness, and wholeness is also described.

Robert Mapplethorpe needs to take what he has learned (either through formal education or his own questing and life experience) and share it with others, communicate it or express it in a way that can benefit others. Knowledge and understanding, which does not enhance either Robert's quality of life or that of persons in his world, is of little real value. Putting Mapplethorpe's understanding, philosophy, and convictions into practice in his daily relationships, and in the multiple choices he makes every day, will enable Robert Mapplethorpe to really test his belief system and discover more about life.

When under stress, Robert Mapplethorpe is apt to seek refuge in imagining that the grass is greener elsewhere, rather than working with what is at hand. Robert Mapplethorpe needs to cultivate his ability to live in the present!

It is in relationships that are more than superficial or casual - in particular in cases where Robert Mapplethorpe has merged emotionally, legally, or financially with another person - that he is most likely to wrestle with these issues. Mapplethorpe will see these issues arise in close partnerships of any kind, especially when there is a mutual dependency involved. Dealing with in-laws, inheritances, and legal matters involving joint custody, shared assets, and resources is also a part of this.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Saturn in Leo

Saturn in 10th house

Jupiter Square Saturn

Saturn Conjunct Pluto

N. Node in Gemini

N. Node in 8th house