Thomas Merton
challenges and difficulties

Merton doubts his own intelligence and mental capacities, and he may work very hard at studies in order to compensate for this. Thomas is often overly serious and disinterested in light or superficial conversation. Spontaneous communication, social give-and-take, and making small talk are likely to be difficult for him.

He is serious-minded and may have difficulty making light social conversation or participating in friendly, personal interchanges.

Thomas Merton tries to be strictly accurate and he is critical of people who exaggerate or talk on subjects they really know little about. Merton withholds his thoughts and opinions until he has thought everything through quite thoroughly, and sometimes Thomas' silence discomforts others.

His mental concentration is very good but his breadth of understanding may not be.

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

He is quite cool and reserved in matters of love relationships and tends to hold back his inclination for love. Somewhat inhibited in regard to relationships, Thomas Merton is inclined to feel that he is better off staying by himself.

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

Thomas Merton's path lies in cultivating idealism and humanitarian feelings, being concerned with how Merton's actions impact the world at large, perhaps becoming more aware of the social implications of Merton's life style and personal choices or becoming active politically. Participating in organizations that support Merton's ideals is one way to do this.

When under stress he is likely to become overly focused on himself and his own little world.

Instead of "how will this benefit or hurt me?" Merton's focus needs to shift to "how will this affect us all?".

Ideally, Thomas Merton needs to strike a balance between doing for himself and doing for others, by discovering how Merton's unique gifts can benefit others.

It is deep within himself, as Thomas Merton faces his own demons, fears, and struggles - those aspects of life that are not easily or readily shared, those parts of his life that Thomas Merton keeps hidden from public view where he is most likely to wrestle with these issues.

The qualities described above can also be beneficially channeled into some sort of charitable work, altruistic service or ministering to people in need.

The following are specific activities that will support Thomas Merton in his growth. These may or may not feel natural to Merton, and he may initially resist or feel awkward about them, but they are crucial to his path to wholeness.

Thomas Merton has to learn to communicate and express himself through the written or spoken word. It is best for Thomas to study, learn skills and develop his intellectual interests and capacities. Merton needs to become involved in sharing and exchanging information with others and in developing his intellectual reasoning ability. Thomas Merton should practice using his mind, his thinking skills and his ability to be objective. "Work smarter, not harder" might be a motto for him.

Writing, teaching, recording, transcribing, dialoguing, negotiating, mediating, communicating, or facilitating clear communication are significant activities for Thomas Merton to pursue.

Thomas Merton should develop faith and confidence both in himself and in a higher power that can guide, nourish, and help him. He needs to expand his willingness to dream and envision better things in life by studying religion, philosophy and other subjects that enable him to acquire a larger, more inclusive view of the world.

Being generous with his time, energy and resources in helping others achieve a better life will in turn benefit Thomas Merton.

Merton is a good team worker and has the ability to lead others. His relationships and associations with others tend to be harmonious and cooperative. Thomas Merton may also have a very industrious family and he tends to be strongly tied to them.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Saturn in Gemini

Saturn in 3rd house

Saturn Conjunct Pluto

Saturn Opposition Venus/MC

N. Node in Aquarius

N. Node in 12th house

N. Node Conjunct Mercury

N. Node Conjunct Jupiter

N. Node Conjunct Mars/Asc.