Tom Waits
challenges and difficulties

Tom Waits 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 Waits knows it should be done.

He frequently over analyzes or picks things apart mentally. Tom Waits may also be somewhat of a hypochondriac. Tom 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.

His attitude toward religion, philosophy, and politics is very conservative and possibly narrow or rigid. On the one hand, Tom Waits may believe in nothing that is speculative or intangible, requiring proof for any idea presented to him. Each idea is thoroughly and systematically examined. On the other hand, Tom may tenaciously cling to his grand philosophical or metaphysical beliefs and opinions, refusing to modify them or to be open and receptive to others' insights and perspectives.

His overall outlook on life is serious, and Tom Waits may feel that life or God will punish him if he does not watch his step!

Tom Waits tends to have a pessimistic outlook and he seems to be plagued by deep inner conflicts, which could severely undermine his strength. Self-critical and uncertain about his goals, Tom feels that he cannot live up to his ideals and ends up disappointed.

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

Seeking harmonious interpersonal relationships, cooperation, and togetherness, as well as the desire to please or appease other people, are drives that come very naturally to Tom Waits - so much so that he seeks them out at his own expense. When he is under stress, Waits tends to look outside himself for approval or answers, and he leans on others too much. Therefore, developing self-reliance, and the courage to look inwardly for answers and forge his own path through life is a key factor in his self-development.

Tom Waits is often tempted to be less than completely straightforward about his intentions or desires, and he can become enmeshed in a quagmire of "little white lies". Stark honesty - both inward and toward others - is the only way out! This, however, leads to the need to confront some of Waits' most deeply ingrained fears, such as "what if they do not like me?" and "what if I have to go through this alone?".

Tom Waits needs to cultivate his ability to be assertive, take initiative and act on his own behalf. Directness and self-reliance are imperative.

It is in trying to strike a balance between Waits' inner, personal life and his career or involvement with the world at large that he is most likely to wrestle with these issues. Tom Waits needs to focus attention on his home and family situation, and create a secure inner anchor.

The specific habits which are likely to hold Tom Waits back, or which he is prone to overdo, especially during stressful periods, include:

Escapism through fantasy, intoxicants, or passive, vicarious activities (television, movies, etc.), waiting for a miracle instead of taking constructive steps to help himself, aimlessness or an inability to make and keep commitments, and self deception regarding other people. Tom has a tendency to be a martyr.

Some of his relationships tend to be a bit peculiar and Tom should beware of becoming involved with bad company. Tom Waits could be easily lured by others to take part in dubious or underhanded schemes.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Saturn in Virgo

Saturn in 9th house

Saturn Conjunct Neptune/Pluto

N. Node in Aries

N. Node in 4th house

N. Node Opposition Neptune

N. Node Opposition Neptune/MC