Astrology is made up of “planets” and combinations of various energies relating to those celestial bodies. The goal is to look at aspects of personalities that we know already. In this case we are looking at my Mars Square Jupiter situation. What can be expected? What are the strengths and the weakness? Relevant information follows:
How goes Mars retrograde come across?
Mars stations retrograde every twenty-six months, with these retrogrades normally lasting between two to two-and-a-half months. During these transits, Mars appears to move backward in the sky, recovering anywhere from ten to twenty degrees each retrograde over the course of sixty to eighty days. Mars retrogrades are only second to Venus retrogrades in their rarity.
Mars embodies our drive and ability to act. While we may think of Mars as a warrior planet exclusively concerned with the offensive, in truth, Mars plays both sides of the battlefield equally well: a dignified Mars has more than enough chutzpah to strike as well as strike back, depending on the needs of the moment.
Psychologically, Mars is associated with the process of individuation, the gradual unfolding of selfhood that only seeks to please itself. Mars may erupt into ruthless action when sufficiently traumatized, however, blindly striking forward with Machiavellian cunning. Mars is also our inner survivalist, battling the elements and opposition for the right to thrive. Mars is often associated with choleric emotions like anger and frustration.
MARS RETROGRADE IN THE NATAL CHART
It is relatively common to have transpersonal planets like Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto retrograde in the natal chart since they spend nearly half the year retrograde. Mars, on the other hand, only spends about nine percent of its time retrograde, making natal Mars retrograde far less common. Further, and importantly, because Mars is a personal planet tasked with integral parts of our personality and psyche, the effects of Mars retrograde in the natal chart are far more profound.
Mars is a planet which galvanizes us into action. With Mars retrograde, however, there is often an inhibited sense of this energy. If Mars normally seeks conflict so it can feel the thrill of the challenge, and hopefully even victory, Mars retrograde shirks from the same, preferring to stay well away from the battlefield.
Libidinous energies may also be repressed, keeping us from expressing our sexual and physical needs. Keeping the more difficult emanations of Mars under wraps, particularly anger, may lead to outbursts of repressed rage, depression, and even Mars-like bodily responses such as fevers and rashes. Some Mars retrograde folks may find that while they flounder in moments which call for aggression, they excel in matters of passive-aggression and have a peculiar, roundabout way of achieving their desires.
Like Saturn retrograde, Mars retrograde in the natal chart may indicate issues with the father or father figures. While Saturn retrograde in the natal chart suggests an absentee father figure, leaving its bearer unable to generate self-worth and suitable boundaries, Mars retrograde manifests differently.
Natal Mars retrograde describes a father (or father figure) who may have been relatively listless or ineffectual in his ability to direct his will. Without a role model to demonstrate the appropriate journey from intention to action, Mars retrograde individuals may find difficulty in setting defined goals, preferring to hide behind nebulous, unspecific plans. At its most extreme, this may make us less able to stand up for ourselves or strike out in search of personal fulfillment.
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How about Mars Conjunct Ascendant?
Mars Conjunct Ascendant Natal
You can't help but exude that you’re sharp and direct. You likely showed talent as an executive even in the crib. Of course, it's hard to tell whether you're the go-to person for accomplishment—or if you’re just bossy. You want what you want and you think everyone should go after what he or she wants. In fact, you don't fully understand people who hold themselves back and don't go after their heart's desires. That lack of understanding, though, is often what others don't get about you. You're sometimes perceived as selfish and inconsiderate because you rarely seem to yield space for others to assert themselves. When the world pushes back, though, you feel you must be defensive and prevent things from happening to you. That’s unfortunate since you’re reactive rather than proactive. Better to stick to your overall intentions and learn to solicit feedback from others for how you're progressing with your goals.
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How about Mars in Aries?
Mars in Aries are strong-willed, independent and assertive individuals that exude self-confidence even when faced with the worst of circumstances. These people are pioneers who love nothing more than leading the way and following their own path.
They boldly make decisions and never allow anything or anyone to stand in their way. This strength of character is a product of their future-minded Aries nature that has led them to be strong-willed, independent and assertive individuals.
Mars in Aries has a bold, fearless, and energetic personality. Her fiery resolve feels as if it can conquer anything and her passions ignite around anything that fires her up. Positively fearless, she has the ability to make instant decisions using gut instinct to guide her.
What Does Mars in Aries Mean?
They do not like to be tied down and can become impatient when they are confined. Their anger is explosive, and they resent any kind of restriction on their freedom.
Mars in Aries people have many exciting and intense qualities. They are daring, courageous, energetic and active. Their energy is often directed toward aggressive activities where conflict can be expected. They are the type of person who will walk into a house and, within seconds, rearrange the furniture - just to see how it looks.
They are the first to try new things. They thrive on competition and good grades. If they don’t succeed, they work harder until they do.
They always want to learn something new and will jump at the chance to take a class, attend a workshop or go to a seminar. They need constant stimulation and challenge in order to be satisfied and lead happy lives.
They are the eternal warrior, always ready for a fight! Individuals with Mars in Aries are shrewd and canny. They have energy to spare and are very much go-getters.
He is an independent thinker that loves to make his own decisions. He likes to be in charge and will let you know if he doesn’t agree with your decisions. It’s important for those close to him to pay attention to cues about how he’s feeling, because he isn’t always vocal.
Mars in Aries Woman
Mars in Aries brings a woman a dynamic personality. Her energy is dynamic and powerful, yet she will always project this energy in the most positive way possible.
She will take initiative and will be more aggressive than others. She won’t sit back and wait for a man to make the first move. She’ll be forceful and assertive, she will love to start wars with people who find her offensive.
Mars in Aries women are strong, confident and independent. They have a great need for freedom and mobility. They are spontaneous, courageous and energetic. They love competition and are always ready to take on a challenge. Their motto is ‘live life now’ and they always make the most of each day.
They are passionate, independent, and like to make their own rules. Their drive to discover and experience new things is stronger than anything they have ever felt in the past and their firey nature makes them unafraid of what is yet to come.
They’re a strong type of woman who stands up for herself, but has learned that sometimes having a passionate heart means giving her loved ones what they want or need as well.
Mars in Aries women are passionate, daring, and sometimes reckless. An Aries female can be blunt, even arrogant. She’s decisive and wants to be in charge. She’s also courageous and fights passionately for what she believes is right.
Mars in Aries woman is a firebrand! Mars is the planet of physical action and bold action. She is ruled by the impulsive planet Mars who wants what he wants when he wants it, and she’s ready to take on anything or anyone that gets in her way. She is the ultimate competitor!
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Let’s look at Mars in the 12th House
The Mars in 12th House person likes to explore the unknown or things that are random and spontaneous.
Mixing of business with pleasure or associates is another behavior from this placement. Paranoia and subtle distrust of superiors may also be associated with this placement.
They are not social creatures by nature but they do well in charity work for friends and family.
He or she is often on a quest to find meaning through religion or service to others. This person’s search for personal fulfillment may at times appear rather frantic, but there is no denying the strength of purpose behind such efforts.
People with Mars in the 12th have much to offer those around them. It is just a matter of their being willing to set aside some of their time and energy to get involved and make a difference.
What Does Mars in the 12th House Mean?
Mars in the 12th House persons have a compassionate side that is introverted and shy at times. You will find them giving advice others will often not ask for, and they seem to have a mind reading ability at times.
They are strong leaders who are very hard working, but they may show their less favorable qualities when they feel tired or not up to par.
This placement is an indication of your psychic abilities. When Mars, the planet of action and excitement; is in such a position, you are sure to be involved in situations that excite you, stir the emotions and awaken your interest.
Mars in the 12th House people are skeptical, reserved and distant. They are seen as detached from others and feel unclear about what they need to do to achieve their goals.
They often find themselves trapped in an unsatisfactory situation, merely going through the motions of everyday living.
They are sometimes boisterous and extroverted, but their behavior is not truly individualistic. It is imposing, sometimes overbearing, always innovative, and unique.
They would do best to be among scientists or philosophers rather than in the business world. They need a change of pace every so often, especially from routine situations and people.
Mars in the 12th House people are original, inventive and inventive. They can be highly critical with a great sense of judgement on others. Their ideas and initiative can cause problems for them at times which can affect their life path.
They evolve into the future rather than dwell on the past but their views may not always be appreciated by others who do not share their views.
They could be considered unpredictable or eccentric by others yet they have a deep fascination with life and they are involved in the big picture.
Mars in 12th House Woman
The Mars in 12th House woman is driven by their emotions and more. This placement is not one for the faint of heart, but when she shows up in your life, be grateful and make friends with her fast because people like her are few and far between.
Mars here is where she exudes all her most masculine qualities, so as you can imagine, this placement is not your typical feminine persona.
A woman with Mars in the 12th House has a loving, compassionate soul and she instinctively listens to others. She works well with groups and can be most helpful for those in need.
The supportive nature of this placement makes her quite popular as she can often resolve problems before they arise.
However, her diplomatic ways can make her the target for unscrupulous individuals who have an ulterior motive. She needs to work on trusting those around her instead of second guessing motives.
Mars in the 12th House woman is reserved and thoughtful, careful and somewhat shy. Discretion is her middle name, and she takes care to reveal only a carefully selected portion of herself to others. This Mars placement tends to be somewhat cool, even aloof.
It is said that women with this Mars placement possess a stealthy, seductive air about them, they are deceptive and powerful to say the very least.
They are the secretive type of woman who is not afraid to keep things to herself and have no problem with secrets of others.
Once you’ve found a Mars in the 12th House, you’ve struck gold. These women are classy and, at the same time, alluring. They know how to use their charm to get what they want.
Smart yet vulnerable, these reserved women have a hard time trusting others until they feel entirely comfortable with them.
Shy introverts who can fiercely protect their relationships. These women often lack a female mentor. They rely on men for advice and guidance but they usually don’t divulge much about their feelings because they don’t trust people easily.
Often they’ll go to the ends of the Earth to help someone in need, but they expect nothing in return. Because this is an earth sign, they are very career-focused and like to get things done properly and correctly.
She can be extremely jealous and secretive. She often surrounds herself with secrets and mysteries.
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What can we learn about an intercepted Aries?
All signs are the same size, 30 degrees each. Houses, though, can have different sizes. The further away you get from the Equator, the greater the differences in house size become. This makes it possible for some signs in a horoscope to be intercepted. In other words, they are totally enclosed in a house, and, as a result, they do not appear at the beginning of any house. Now what are the effects of intercepted signs?
Much of what follows is based on the groundbreaking work of Joanne Wickenburg. She first reported it in Intercepted Signs: Environment vs. Destiny, published in 1978 (and no longer in print), and expanded on it.
In Your Hidden Powers (published in 1992 by AFA). What is presented here is a brief summary of her results. I highly recommend you read Your Hidden Powers for an in depth view. The horoscope is symmetrical. If a sign is intercepted, the opposite sign must be intercepted as well. There are twelve signs and twelve houses. There has to be one sign at the beginning of every house. If two signs are intercepted, two other signs must do double duty and each has to appear on two house cusps. Wickenburg has two different names for these. In Intercepted Signs, she called them duplicated signs.
In Your Hidden Powers, she named them intercepted houses (because the houses are enclosed entirely in those signs). These are important too and will be dealt with in the next chapter. In the horoscope of a person, an intercepted sign shows a blockage. The qualities of that sign have difficulty coming out. It is like a room in your house that can only be reached by first going through another room. An interception means that your early environment did not give you the ability to deal with the things ruled by the intercepted signs. The qualities of those signs can get bottled up, repressed. Eventually, the pressure builds to the breaking point and they burst out usually in ways that are not appropriate.
It is better to interpret intercepted signs in pairs. Opposite signs normally work as a team. For instance, the aggression of Aries is balanced by the charm and social skills of Libra. With intercepted signs, the link is broken. The opposite signs cannot balance each other. Take the Virgo-Pisces combination. A person with an intercepted Pisces may not be able to discriminate or be practical in the area ruled by that house. In the opposite house where Virgo is intercepted, they could be excessively focused on details and find it difficult to get the big picture. The effects will manifest mostly in the areas of life that are governed by the houses containing the interceptions.
How do you deal with intercepted signs? Your early environment didn’t give you the support necessary to develop the abilities governed by those signs and you have to make up for this with your own conscious efforts. But how do we know specifically what to do? One way is by using our duplicated signs.
Duplicated signs, as mentioned earlier, are signs that appear on the cusps of two houses. If you have intercepted signs, you must have duplicated signs as well. These signs and their intercepted houses can show a way out of the difficulties caused by the intercepted signs.
You can also look to the ruling planets of your intercepted signs. The house and sign positions of these planets, as well as the aspects they form, can show another way to solve the problems caused by your intercepted signs. Sometimes though, one of these planets is also placed in an intercepted sign. That is like having your keys locked inside your car. It usually means that this planet cannot be used to overcome the interception.
Aries-Libra Intercepted: Intercepted Aries makes it difficult to take action. Since Pisces is the sign on the cusp (beginning) of the house, the person will generally find it easy to daydream in the area of life ruled by that house, and daydream, and daydream. Taking action tends to get put off. When they finally do act, they are likely to suddenly dive in as if they had never thought about the thing they were considering. Pisces is dreamy and peaceful. Aries is aggressive. Intercepted Aries makes it difficult to be assertive in the life area ruled by the house where it is located. Pisces on the cusp would rather avoid confrontation. Those with an intercepted Aries may fear taking action or asserting themselves. Emotional pressure can build up, and when they finally do assert themselves, they frequently explode, doing something totally inappropriate.
In the opposite house, it is difficult for them to form partnerships where both parties are equal. For example, if the intercepted Libra is in the 6th house, that would cause problems treating co-workers as equals. If it were in the 11th house, the problem would be with friends. Since Virgo is the sign on the house cusp, a person with intercepted Libra will be seen as a servant in that area, or as someone who is always supplying services, or who always has the answers. Conversely, other people may be the ones who are forced into the role of servants. A balanced relationship is difficult to achieve and sustain.
How do you deal with these problems? Look to Venus and Mars in your horoscope. Their sign and house placements, as well as the aspects they form may offer a way out. Also, see which signs are duplicated and on what two houses. The functions of these duplicated signs and the areas of your life affected by the houses they occupy can give you an escape hatch from the interceptions.
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Here we’re looking at a Jupiter in the 10th House
Jupiter in House Ten
Jupiter in the 10th House Overview:
Jupiter in the 10th house represents positive and fortuitous prospects in the realm of career and reputation. People with this placement are thus likely to attract good luck and karma throughout their professional journey. Jupiter brings abundance, good cheer and optimism that can help an individual go far up the ladder of success. Higher education and academic accomplishments are likely to be a significant factor in their success. In the public eye, people with this placement are bound to garner a mostly positive reputation and an image of trustworthiness, benevolence and open mindedness. There is a general trust and high regard for their capacity as an authority in their field. Here now is a look at Jupiter in the 10th house and what it means as both a transit and birth chart placement.
Jupiter in the 10th House key Traits:
high ambitions
benevolent public image
prosperous career
respect for authority
favor from bosses
professional influence
rise to fame or infamy
strong learner
opportunist
The 10th House:
The 10th house represents the area of career and reputation in one’s life. It is also called the “Midheaven” and “Medium Coeli” and encompasses our ambitious aim and goal in life and what we are working hard to attain in life on a material level. It also governs the nature of how others perceive us in terms of our public image. The level of professionalism and career drive we possess is also highlighted here.
People who are not particularly driven to rise up the ranks or attain status and influence are bound to have a weaker or afflicted 10th house. A lot of planetary energy in the 10th house however, can indicate someone who possesses significant willpower and drive that is directed in the area of their career and achievement.
The Planet Jupiter:
In astrology, Jupiter is known as the great expander. It represents progress, good luck and higher learning. It is also associated with good fortune, long trips, philosophy, and religion. Jupiter carries the energy of optimism, generosity and a tendency towards excess. Jupiter may also bestow a broad and optimistic outlook along with a sense of humor. Ultimately, depending on what sign it occupies, it will reveal the nature of our outlook, mindset and future prospects.
Jupiter is the planetary ruler of Sagittarius and the 9th house. It is a benefic planet, meaning that its energy and influence is often beneficial and auspicious. Saturn by contrast, is associated with bad news, tough lessons and a need for caution. Jupiter rules over knowledge of a higher order such as that provided at universities and academies. It is secular and worldly and does not exclude itself from enriching experiences.
Jupiter in the 10th House Natal:
In the 10th house, Jupiter brings a spirit of expansion and high ideals to the domain of career and reputation. This placement puts an emphasis on one’s career as a vehicle for growth and knowledge. People with Jupiter in the 10th house of their chart are likely to learn a lot about life through their career trajectories. Although they may experience some rough patches along the way, they are bound to attract success through good karma. Additionally, they are likely to benefit from good mentors and benefactors helping them to reach their professional goals.
These individuals are keen on being grateful to anyone and everyone who has helped them achieve whatever success they are able to attain. Education is likely to play an important part in their career path. They are attracted to professions where they are afforded freedom to explore and consume or dispense information. They tend to have big ideas and a grand vision for what they want to accomplish in the public sphere. Whatever they do, it will likely make an impact on the world.
Jupiter in the 10th house indicates our capacity and hunger for growth and expansion within our career or profession. Such individuals may harbor an impressive range of ambitions or often benefit from auspicious events that aid them throughout the course of their career or public life. Additionally, they may garner a reputation for being generous and good humored. In a position of power or authority, they are willing to go to great lengths to improve and make things better for their subordinates or constituents.
In many situations, they can show themselves to be very wise and sagacious. They maintain a large picture perspective that is able to look past the troubles and problems of the moment that can often discourage and demotivate others. In their careers, they are never fully satisfied and feel compelled to find new mountains to climb whenever they feel they are starting to stagnate or fall into a restrictive routine or pattern.
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Jupiter is in Aquarius
It comes as no surprise that Jupiter, the largest of all the planets, is the planet that encourages growth and good fortune. It expands anything it touches. So when Jupiter enters the progressive and innovative sign of Aquarius, our minds are triggered and our eyes are open wide! Aquarius is already a broad-minded sign, and Jupiter's presence here allows us all to access ideas and solutions that, at other times, may seem too big or too daunting.
Jupiter’s transit though Aquarius gives us the opportunity to look beyond the confines of our individual lives and personal concerns to see the world as a whole. It encourages us to think beyond ourselves and to give of ourselves, realizing that we are each a small part of a great community, and every one of us has an important role to play.
When Jupiter is in Aquarius
Aquarius is a very idealistic sign. It has a knack for seeing what’s wrong with the world, then coming up with unique and innovative ways to improve things. While Jupiter is moving through Aquarius, we are all gifted with this Aquarian ability to think and do things differently, and create a more ideal future. Thanks to the expanding nature of Jupiter, it’s easier to step outside of ourselves during this time to consider the needs of others in our communities, countries, and the world at large.
Jupiter in Aquarius makes us optimistic for the future. Regardless of how things look in the present moment, we know we have the ideas and solutions that will make for a better tomorrow. Instead of seeing limits we see opportunities. Instead of seeing differences we see similarities.
During Jupiter’s transit through Aquarius, we’ll find it easier to connect with other people who have the same visions as we do, so we can join forces to instigate the changes that need to be made. Jupiter is a planet that prizes learning, making this a time that we can learn a great deal from others. We want to share our own ideas with others, but we can gain even more knowledge by listening to the unique thoughts and experiences of those around us.
There is, however, a potential for philosophical extremism during this transit, if the radical tendencies of Aquarius are not tempered with compassion and respect for others’ opinions. Both Jupiter and Aquarius have a strong need to be right, and can be intolerant of differing viewpoints. We must remember that this is a time to look further than our individual preferences and privileges, and realize that we each need to be committed to the survival and well-being of the one group we ALL belong to: humanity.
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Mars conjunction Jupiter, Mars square Jupiter or Mars opposite Jupiter are the best combinations for a military commander, for they are all daring, courageous, pioneering and busting with red-hot, sexual energy. These folk are extremely physical beings and usually quite fit because they find it impossible to keep still for very long.
Jupiter can be pretty greedy however, so some of them might end up quite beefy, but always over a muscular frame, and very robust, like good sturdy oxen. Mars/Jupiter combinations have a well-earned reputation for business and military success, mainly because they are so darned pushy and competitive.
These Go Getters find it very hard to take no for an answer in all areas of their life, but especially when it comes to sex. Mars square or opposite Jupiter adores the chase, the more their beloved plays hard-to-get, the more turned-on they become. They are so relentless in their pursuit, that often their would-be lover just gives in through shear exhaustion, plus Mars/Jupiter are pretty irresistible once they turn on their dashing hero or heroine act.
Mars square or opposite Jupiter can whisk you off your feet quite easily even as you are cursing yourself for letting them do so. These folk are winners, pure and simple, the square just makes them more determined! So they infuriate most people and get themselves into hot water often, but as supreme survivors they tend not to get too burnt. Irrepressible, sometimes vulgar and very saucy, their life can be one romp after another.
Thrill Of The Chase
Much of Mars/Jupiter’s young adulthood resembles a bawdy farce where everyone ran around half-dressed with pie on their face. And these folk do spend quite a lot of time wiping off pie… from betrayed spouses, defeated rivals or just from rollicking around with their many grandchildren.
Mars/Jupiter have great gusto and can come across as being a bit too enthusiastic sometimes, but they are fantastic sales people. They get so wrapped up in their passions that they are oblivious to the reactions of those around them.
Mars/Jupiter often wrongly assume that their peers or partner feel just as exuberant as they do. This leads to accusations tactlessness and insensitivity when others might be experiencing sadness or depression. Mars/Jupiter’s approach to gloom would be to slap you hard on the back, and in a voice like that of Brian Blessed, bellow “Come oooon, snap out of it, life’s too short!”
These feisty individuals are certainly not ones to cry over split milk. These are society’s conquistadors and conquering machines, constantly on a quest to make expand, learn, better themselves and grow. Life is one big adventure for Mars square Jupiter even if the square produces some accidents along the way. The protection from Jupiter will still serve them well, except they will probably have quite a few battle scars to show for their trophies.
Mars Square Jupiter
Vincent Van Gogh did not live long enough to receive the fabulous financial success that his passionate Mars square Jupiter work generated. He died at 37 from a gun wound, though no one knows if he committed suicide for sure. He is famous for his bold, wildly colourful and expressive paintings and his reputation as the archetypical tortured artist.
What is less well known is that Van Gogh was deeply religious and at one time wanted to become a pastor. While he worked as a missionary; “His choice of squalid living conditions did not endear him to the appalled church authorities, who dismissed him for “undermining the dignity of the priesthood.” ~ Wiki
Vincent is a good example of another way this aspect can manifest. Vincent never married but frequented brothels. He suffered from mental illness and when sectioned, Gauguin (With whom he had a turbulent friendship) wrote of him; “His state is worse, he wants to sleep with the patients, chase the nurses, and washes himself in the coal bucket. That is to say, he continues the biblical mortifications.” ~ Wiki. Vincent’s greed was for absinthe, a highly alcoholic spirit which further inflamed his psychotic episodes and deliriums.
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Mars Opposite Uranus Natal
You perpetually feel pressed to defend your originality and independence against circumstances and people who would dare to check it. The problem is that you could spend so much time defending yourself that you don't authentically get to enjoy your own life and live out the full scope of your unique talents. You likely stay on the move so much to keep unrestricted that not only are you hard to pin down, but the array of folks you fight could end up coming at you and in increasing numbers. You no doubt have enough energy and inventiveness to tackle many of them. You're even willing to lend your energy and anger to other causes and people who are threatened by different forces. You relish the fast and furious life. Yet, you must decide whether you want to live like an endless string of firecrackers with fleeting shock value. Or you stick around long enough to be the liberated liberator you can be.
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Jupiter Square Uranus Natal
In more ways than one, you're an innovator and revolutionary. You can't help yourself. You want to see the world become better, like you constantly strive to improve. And you're willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. That's often where you can get into the most trouble. You love the thought of bringing something “new” to individuals or groups, almost as much as you relish discovering something new yourself. It's an ultimate high, because it feels like you're doing something god-like. Yet, this aspiration can allow you to come off high and mighty, as if the efforts, routines, and thoughts of others aren't good enough. Perhaps they're not that good, but you can't force change down people's throats. Likewise, your relentless pursuit to keep up with innovations and societal changes, whether ideological or sociological, probably takes a toll on you, too. You so never want to miss an opportunity that you miss out on simple, intimate pleasures with loved ones, nature, or knowing more about yourself.