Zélia Cardoso de Mello
motivation

When reading Cardoso's description in the preceding chapter, one would never guess that behind her direct and self-assured manner lies a great deal of caution and self-doubt. Part of Zélia Cardoso de Mello wants to take risks and forge ahead; the other part is far more cautious and sees all the ways her ventures could fail. Moreover, as mentioned below, precision and meticulous attention to detail are actually strong points of Zélia's, though one might be deceived at first by her impetuous manner.

At heart Zélia Cardoso de Mello is modest and humble and rarely strives to be in the limelight or in a position of power. Zélia Cardoso de Mello has a sharp analytical mind, a keen eye for detail, and prefers to observe, dissect, and study life from a distance. Conscientious and conservative, Cardoso can be relied upon to be cautious, efficient, and thorough in her work and she takes pride in a job well done. What she may lack in self-confidence Zélia Cardoso de Mello often makes up for in skills - fostering expertise, technical knowledge and competence in a specialized area. She is adept at using her hands to create or fix things, and meticulous attention to detail and careful craftsmanship are her forte. Some would say she is a little too meticulous, for Cardoso can be extremely critical and petty if everything is not done exactly as she thinks it should be, and she worries about things that other people consider trivial and unimportant. Zélia Cardoso de Mello likes to organize, categorize and arrange everything into a logical system and is often distinctly uncomfortable when something does not fit into a neat category. Disorganization vexes Cardoso. She probably wishes that she were not such a perfectionist, for besides being a stickler for details, Cardoso can also be mercilessly self-critical. Whether in her environment or within herself, Cardoso tends to focus on the flaws, with a desire to improve, refine, and perfect. She is strictly factual, truthful, and scrupulously honest in her self-assessment and often does not give herself enough praise or credit.

She is also highly discriminating and may be especially particular about her diet, hygiene, and health habits. Zélia has high aesthetic standards and refined sensitivities, and is bothered by environmental elements (such as disorder, cigarette smoke, etc.) that others overlook. Her tastes are simple and understated, yet refined. She is truly offended by coarseness, bluntness and vulgarity. Cardoso can sometimes be difficult to live with because of her fastidiousness, sensitivity and idiosyncrasies about food and cleanliness.

Though Zélia Cardoso de Mello seems rather cool and self-contained, she is very helpful by nature and enjoys serving others. She is content to play a supporting role rather than the lead. She is quietly devoted to the ones she cares for.

She is cautious, realistic and practical in her approach to life and disinclined to gamble. Zélia Cardoso de Mello analyzes before she acts. She is sometimes too serious. If Cardoso allowed herself to play and make mistakes, it would be highly beneficial to her health!

Her energies are directed to either perfecting her techniques, skills, and abilities in work, or in "perfecting", refining, and improving herself as a person. Critical analysis and attention to minute detail are intrinsic in either process. The urge to bring about a state of wholeness or optimal functioning is a strong motivation of Zélia Cardoso de Mello's, and she is quite a perfectionist!

Cardoso can easily become overly identified or involved with the function she performs, with her work, or with her own health and "growth process".

There is an ongoing, subtle conflict within Zélia Cardoso de Mello, between her conscious attitudes and aspirations, and her deeper emotional and subconscious beliefs, needs, and feelings. This creates considerable inner stress and sometimes paralyzing indecision, mostly due to the fact that Zélia may be trying to follow a path that is at odds with her subconscious desires. Chronic tightness or tension in her body may well be a signal that Zélia Cardoso de Mello is denying or suppressing the messages from her subconscious or emotional self.

Ideally, Zélia Cardoso de Mello will learn to accept the two quite different aspects of her and to express both of them. If she cannot do this, Cardoso is apt to attract many relationships into her life with people who reflect her denied or repressed qualities, and who seem to make her life difficult. (Read also chapter 4 in order to get a better picture of the duality described here.)

Zélia has big aspirations and the desire to succeed in life in a grand way. Zélia Cardoso de Mello tends to exaggerate, promise more than is feasible and misjudge by being overly optimistic. However, she never gives up on her hopes for the future. Cardoso tends to be restless and discontent with the responsibilities and limitations of life.

Zélia Cardoso de Mello has a great need for security which she may seek in a partner who could be older than her and perhaps married before. Zélia Cardoso de Mello probably feels restrained in expressing affection, giving the impression of being cool and indifferent toward those she loves.

Her vitality is not up to par and her will-power a bit weak, making Zélia Cardoso de Mello vulnerable to swindle or deceit. Her inner discontent and casual attitude could easily lead Cardoso into dubious schemes. Zélia should refrain from any activity that seems to be subversive.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Ascendant in Aries and Sun in Virgo

Sun in Virgo

Sun in 6th house

Sun Quincunx Moon

Sun Square Jupiter

Sun Conjunct Venus/Saturn

Sun Conjunct Mars/Neptune