Thomas Merton
motivation

Behind Merton's tolerant, sympathetic and nonjudgmental demeanor (described in the previous chapter), Merton can be rather opinionated and staunchly devoted to a particular cause or set of beliefs, as discussed below. And though Merton may seem like a dreamer at times, he is also surprisingly capable of detachment, objectivity and a scientific approach to problems.

He is a freedom-loving, strong-willed and independent-minded individual, and he insists upon living his own life as he sees fit, even if it means ignoring convention and tradition. In personal relationships, Thomas Merton cannot be owned or possessed, and while he is willing to share himself with another, he does not always adjust easily to the emotional give and take of close relationships. Though intellectually open, Merton can be enormously stubborn, opinionated and inflexible on a one-to-one level. Thomas has strong convictions and feelings about fairness and equality, and he tries to abide by them; however, his ideals about how people "should" treat one another do not always take into account human weaknesses, differences and needs. Thomas Merton probably dislikes sentimentality and traditional gender roles and "games".

He is fair, intelligent, objective and rational and he often let his head rule rather than his heart. Thomas Merton seems rather self-sufficient and emotionally detached because he is capable of putting aside his personal feelings and viewing things dispassionately. But once Thomas makes up his mind on an issue, it is difficult to dissuade him, and he can be rather dogmatic.

Thomas Merton thinks in broad terms and is concerned with the world beyond his own personal sphere - his town, nation, or even planet. He is likely to become involved in, or show a keen interest in, community endeavors, social organizations and groups of all kinds. He enjoys being part of a group endeavor, and he often assumes the role of organizing, managing or supervising group activities.

Forward-looking and progressive, he harbors great hopes for the future. Thomas Merton stays current and up to date, and responds to contemporary cultural trends, both in terms of personal style and ideas. When young, Thomas Merton was very influenced by peer pressure and by all the "latest crazes". Thomas has an experimental mind and is attracted to novelty.

His strong points include his concern for human welfare and social betterment, his sense of fairness and democratic spirit, and his vision. His faults are his stubbornness and inflexibility, and a tendency to be very obtuse and insensitive when it comes to personal feelings and human needs.

Leading groups and classes, and being involved in community efforts, social activities, events or movements are areas where Thomas Merton really shines and expresses his creativity. An awareness of politics or the larger social impact of individual actions is natural to him.

His conscious intentions and goals are frequently opposed by his unconscious beliefs and desires. If Thomas Merton overrides his instincts and emotions because they seem to lead him in a direction diametrically opposed to the one he consciously desires, his emotions can become unruly. Poor relationships with women and/or difficulties in close one-on-one relationships are also a reflection of this tendency. However, if Thomas Merton attends to his emotional urges and feelings and listens to the voice of his intuition, dreams and gut feelings, he will derive greater satisfaction from a more balanced life.

Innovative, original, unorthodox and unconventional, he identifies with the role of a rebel, reformer or iconoclast. Thomas Merton insists upon a great deal of personal freedom and does not easily adapt to others' needs and wishes. Thomas needs a lifestyle that allows him to be spontaneous. He often feels that he is somehow different from other people and outside of society's mainstream.

Thomas Merton has a harmonious and graceful manner along with an appreciation of beautiful, perhaps even artistically furnished surroundings. Thomas may be quite attractive and he is likely to make a favorable impression on everyone.

Thomas Merton has a good relationship between his body and soul. Thomas Merton tends to seek out the public and because of his strong personality, others will follow him. Thomas could do well in public relations.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Ascendant in Pisces and Sun in Aquarius

Sun in Aquarius

Sun in 11th house

Sun Opposition Moon

Sun Conjunct Uranus

Sun Conjunct Venus/Asc.

Sun Conjunct Asc./MC