Théo van Gogh
general characteristics

Théo Van Gogh's fundamental needs, values, and orientation towards life are symbolized by the four astrological elements. Each person has their own unique balance of these four basic energies: fire (warmth, inspiration, enthusiasm), earth (practicality, realism, material interests), air (social and intellectual qualities), and water (emotional needs and feelings).

Van Gogh's "elemental make-up" is described below. Remember that most people are "unbalanced" or lopsided, and if Théo is lacking or deficient in a certain element (or elements), it simply means that he needs to consciously develop that particular aspect in order to appreciate and/or work harder in that dimension of life.

Sometimes we overestimate the element that we are least endowed with, sensing it as a lack within ourselves, but more often we neglect or ignore it. The qualities described below will be reiterated and explained in more detail in the following pages.

Van Gogh is a positive and lively person who generally has an invigorating, inspiring, and energizing effect on others. Boredom or staying anchored in old habits is not a problem for Théo Van Gogh since he has numerous interests and the energy to pursue many of them. However, he definitely has the tendency to overextend himself without taking the time to regroup or to move on to new things before he finishes previous tasks. Théo can burn out by being involved in too many activities. Théo Van Gogh seems impelled to be always in motion, as if he were afraid if missing out on something interesting "out there". Paying attention to his body's need for rest, attending to his own inner world and feelings and giving sufficient attention to his immediate family and their needs is something Théo Van Gogh needs to learn to do more of. It would benefit Van Gogh to simply stop from time to time and take a breather.

He is very idealistic and frequently disappointed that he does not live in a perfect world, but it is through the vision and energy of people like Théo Van Gogh that new ideas are introduced and positive changes made. Van Gogh's gifts are his ability to entertain and toy with creative ideas and possibilities, seek new solutions to problems, and venture gaily into new territory (literally or figuratively).

Théo Van Gogh needs to cultivate his capacity for receptivity - the ability to listen and quietly absorb what another person is saying, for example, instead of focusing on what he has to say. It would serve Théo Van Gogh well to learn to wait and trust, rather than make something happen or try to bend the world to his will.

One of his primary challenges lies in developing a sense of security and stability and adopting a steady rhythm in life. Cultivating self-discipline, patience and endurance and learning to accept realistic limitations will enable Théo Van Gogh to be more productive and to implement some of his ideas and creative impulses. Théo Van Gogh is not always interested in the practicalities and compromises required to make his dreams a reality.

At times, Théo Van Gogh feels out of place in the world, restless, discontent, unable to find his niche and dissatisfied with mundane reality. This may have the positive effect of sparking Van Gogh's exploration of the creative, imaginative or spiritual side of life. However, Théo tends to resist growing up and learning how to effectively deal with adult responsibility. He also tends to be either bound up with the past or projecting into the future, thereby ignoring the present. To become more grounded in the here and now, Théo Van Gogh may find it helpful to get massages on a regular basis, make a practice of gentle, rhythmic exercise like walking or yoga, and eat substantial, heavy foods.

Théo has trouble dealing with emotions - both his own and those of others. Théo Van Gogh often ignores or discounts feelings and the emotional reality of a situation, thus seeming insensitive or uncaring to others. Van Gogh needs to develop the capacity to experience deep emotional ties, empathy, compassion and sensitivity to the feelings of others; however, this ability will only manifest later in life rather than in his youth.

Though he may appear emotionally self-sufficient or above it all, Théo's tendency to repress his feelings could have physical ramifications; as such, it would serve Van Gogh well to learn to acknowledge and express all of his emotions.

Van Gogh may also find that he craves fluids or the desire to live near bodies of water as a means to acquire balance.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Fire and Air are Strong (F,E,A,W Scores = 28,2,19,0)

Earth is Weak (F,E,A,W Scores = 28,2,19,0)

Water is Weak (F,E,A,W Scores = 28,2,19,0)