INTJ Pisces - born on the Aquarius-Pisces Cusp Feb 19-26

Sometimes for fun, I delve into astrology - not the daily prediction kind, but the descriptions of characteristics.

I was born on the Aquarius-Pisces Cusp, which is the first week of the sign from February 19 - February 26, although some people say it is the first three days, February 1- February 21, in which case, I still fall into the cusp. This cusp is also called the Cusp of Sensitivity. It is very interesting how being an INTJ and an HSP also fit in perfectly with being born on this cusp. I definitely do not relate to the regular Pisces definition as I am not easily led, submissive or overly caring/martyr as they paint Pisces to be.

Here are a few descriptions of this cusp. Can you relate if you were also born on this cusp as well?

AQUARIUS/PISCES

"In the ozone, pure and simple. Not of the earth. Don't even try to figure them out. Terminally spaced out. This sign rules lost mail, the government bureaucracy, selfless individualism and decentralized fish." 



Fixed Air & Mutable Water this is perhaps the strangest combination. Both of these signs are unconventional as far as society is concerned. They seem to know things other people don't know. Aquarius desire to know with Pisces intuition could be very helpful. However, they aren't on the same wave length. It takes some objective observation to make this unusual combination fit. Society is no help when it comes to putting it together. Pisces belongs to the mystics while Aquarius belongs to the scientist. Of course, no one fits this pattern exactly. Both must find a part of society in which they feel most comfortable. Those dealing with this cusp of qualities in one chart must find a unique way to blend these two abilities on their own. Most of you will be rather silent about what you are able to recognize since you realize very early that no one else recognizes things as they appear to be to you. If you worry too much about other people, you may put so much pressure on yourself to fit in that you distort the best of what you have. If you are able to deal with the difference you recognize between you and the society in which you find yourself, it is possible for you to develop some real genius qualities. It will be up to you to recognize these differences and not try too hard to get the recognition you would like to have to help you develop your ideas. If you have enough control without looking weird, you will be able to learn something from everyone, even if they understand very little, if anything, about the way you see your world. Psychic phenomena is natural to you. If society laughs at this too early in your life, you will shut it off and deny you ever saw anything. You will learn very soon that others don't see what you see. You will have to decide whether you can find a safe way to be yourself or if it would be safer to try to be more like everyone else. Singers, actors, authors, and that in-between group which cannot be classified are able to do a good job with this cusp.

Source:http://accessnewage.com/articles/astro/cusps.htm#AP 
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Born on the Aquarius-Pisces Cusp

The Cusp of Sensitivity: A dreamy, compassionate place

Wondering what happens when your birth chart combines the energy of quirky Aquarius with dreamy Pisces? If you were born on the cusp of these two horoscopes signs, between about February 16 to 26, you were born on The Cusp of Sensitivity -- a compassionate and imaginative place.

Spiritual, artistic, peace-loving and friendly, Aquarius-Pisces cuspers are highly original people. This is the cusp most likely to be labeled “offbeat” or “eccentric,” and its citizens are stimulated by visionary ideas and new experiences. They are highly intellectual, however not so good with practical details and follow-through.

These cuspers may be social or shy, or they may be a peculiar mix of both. This is because pending time with others is a great stress relief, but at the same time they are so sensitive they often choose to hide out alone and escape into their imaginations instead.

Aquarius-Pisces is also arguably the most intuitive cusp placement, lending a naturally psychic and compassionate view of the world. Delving into spiritual matters and philosophical ideals is much more important to these folks than simply managing the details of day-to-day life. For this reason they may lose things, forget appointments, show up late or stand you up. But don’t be mad -- it’s only because they were too preoccupied thinking about how make the world a better place on a much deeper level.

Source:http://www.dailyhoroscope.com/horoscope-headlines/aquarius-pisces-cusp

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Aquarius-Pisces Cusp – February 16 – 26

Characteristics: Pisces Cusp

01. Aquarius/Pisces are selfless and spiritual, often strongly intuitive and receptive to the collective unconscious.

02. Those born on the Aquarius/Pisces cusp reflect the dual nature of life, reality and non reality, consciousness and the unconscious. They represent consciousness through the flowing of ideas. They work hard to bring their ideas to fruition, stubbornly refusing to give up their causes.

03. They are peace loving and friendly, and are the chameleons of the Zodiac, receptive to the needs of others but sometimes getting lost themselves.

04. Aquarius/Pisces tend to be strongly spiritual (not necessarily religious) and artistic. They are idealistic, but sometimes their dreams are vague and impractical.

05. When reality intrudes, they can become pessimistic or lethargic, but they are very adaptive and broad-minded, so they can rework their ideals when necessary.

06. Aquarius/Pisces are tolerant and open-minded, but tend to stick to their beliefs. They are compassionate, sensitive, imaginative and sympathetic to the feelings of others. They tend to be romantic and sentimental, but they may give in to escapism.

07. They are devoted to their goals, but they can be disorganized or procrastinate when faced with difficulties.

08. Their intellect makes them logical and self-confident, but it may also makes them aloof from people around them.

09. They are original, offbeat and even eccentric, but they are also rather bored by detail. Reformist and experimental, Aquarius/Pisces may seem cold toward people who don’t share their intellectual orientation to life.

10. Those born on the Aquarius/Pisces cusp may become timid if their emotions are abused too often.

11. Aquarius/Pisces are often multitalented, both in scientific and creative endeavors.

12. They are unique and rebellious people who are driven to change the world. However, they can be shy, quiet and sometimes elusive, refusing to show their true selves.

13. They are modest and thoughtful, sometimes displaying remarkable musical talent. Their freedom is important to them, and they are often driven to help others become free, as well.

14. They may work to alleviate their emotional stress through contact with others and exercise.

15. The great strength of the Aquarius/Pisces is in their visionary nature and their compassion. They are the people who take the world to the next level; they make others see things in a new light. Their ability to break the rules and help others reach their fullest potential makes them one of the most understanding characters of the zodiac.

Source: www. astrology.com

Fixed Air & Mutable Water this is perhaps the strangest combination. Both of these signs are unconventional as far as society is concerned. They seem to know things other people don’t know. Aquarius desire to know with Pisces intuition could be very helpful. However, they aren’t on the same wave length. It takes some objective observation to make this unusual combination fit. Society is no help when it comes to putting it together. Pisces belongs to the mystics while Aquarius belongs to the scientist. Of course, no one fits this pattern exactly.

Both must find a part of society in which they feel most comfortable. Those dealing with this cusp of qualities in one chart must find a unique way to blend these two abilities on their own. Most of you will be rather silent about what you are able to recognize since you realize very early that no one else recognizes things as they appear to be to you. If you worry too much about other people, you may put so much pressure on yourself to fit in that you distort the best of what you have. If you are able to deal with the difference you recognize between you and the society in which you find yourself, it is possible for you to develop some real genius qualities. It will be up to you to recognize these differences and not try too hard to get the recognition you would like to have to help you develop your ideas. If you have enough control without looking weird, you will be able to learn something from everyone, even if they understand very little, if anything, about the way you see your world. Psychic phenomena is natural to you. If society laughs at this too early in your life, you will shut it off and deny you ever saw anything. You will learn very soon that others don’t see what you see. You will have to decide whether you can find a safe way to be yourself or if it would be safer to try to be more like everyone else. Singers, actors, authors, and that in-between group which cannot be classified are able to do a good job with this cusp.

Source: www.linda-goodman.com 

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Aquarius-Pisces Cusp -
Your Sun Sign Personality

February 18 to February 22
Those born on the Aquarius-Pisces cusp are sensitive. They are more open to their personal space and universal space than they are to worldly concerns. They spend time digging within themselves for better understanding. Managing day to day life may be more challenging for them because it is hard for them to focus on these mundane things.

Aquarius-Pisces wants experiences, but it is difficult for them to remain objective. Because of their ultra-sensitivity, this can be a difficult balance for them to achieve. For the best results, they need to put themselves out there and not hide away. They need to learn to feel more comfortable in this world.
Aquarius-Pisces is compassionate, imaginative and sympathetic to others. They set goals, but they may procrastinate or be so disorganized that they create their own obstacles. They may be eccentric and offbeat, but they are definitely original. They are often multi-talented and feel the need to change the world. This may be difficult since they can be painfully shy. They are sometimes blessed with incredible musical abilities.

Aquarius-Pisces is compassionate, imaginative and sympathetic to others. They set goals, but they may procrastinate or be so disorganized that they create their own obstacles. They may be eccentric and offbeat, but they are definitely original. They are often multi-talented and feel the need to change the world. This may be difficult since they can be painfully shy. They are sometimes blessed with incredible musical abilities.

Aquarius-Pisces likes to socialize. Being with others helps them relieve stress and anxiety. They love water activities. They are flirtatious and romantic, and they genuinely care for others. Their compassion is all-encompassing. They have a unique angle on the world that others just don't see.

Aquarius-Pisces is a natural psychic. If they don't get support for this at an early age, they will shut it down and pretend it doesn't exist. It may be difficult for them to open up to others once they realize they see things differently because they don't want to be ridiculed.

The Cusp of Sensitivity is known for tolerance, sensitivity, uniqueness, talent, artistic merit, emotions, practicality, dreaming, sensuality, idealism, flirtatiousness, pride, loyalty, romance, compassion, sympathy and imagination. They may also be pessimistic, hyper-sensitive, moody, secretive, impatient, stubborn, aloof, cold and quarrelsome.

 Some would call Aquarius-Pisces cusp a bit peculiar. They like luxury, and this desire may keep them in the day to day world enough to keep their business obligations. Their kind nature can make them overbook their time, trying to oblige everyone; then when they forget an engagement, they let people down. While they can exaggerate their accomplishments, they often decline telling about their failures or troubles. They love their freedom, and their dreaminess can lead to spiritual depth and insight. They may be responsible for amazing creative works. People are attracted to them, and in well balanced circumstances, they enjoy travel as well as delving into science or religion.

Source:http://www.alwaysastrology.com/aquarius-pisces-cusp.html 

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Characteristics, strength and weakness, advice for Aquarius-Pisces Cusp Between Feb 16 to Feb 22

CHARACTERISTICS :

The Zodiac position of this week is approximately 18-27 degree Aquarius. The season is midwinter, element is air and the ruler is Uranus. The Aquarius III period takes Acceptance as its central image. This period can be symbolically likened to a time in a person’s advanced age when a more accepting outlook has emerged. Many prejudices, preconceptions and judgmental attitudes have diminished in relevance and have perhaps been stripped away altogether. Although irritability and negativity can certainly rear their head at this late stage of life, many by this time have adopted a forgiving attitude toward themselves and the choices they have made, friends and loved ones – indeed, the world in general. For those who are religious, thoughts of the afterlife and a deepening sense of responsibility motivate charitable acts. Psychic powers, an enjoyment of the simple pleasures, humor and wisdom in thought and speech mark this time. Ideally, even those who may be struggling physically can manage to display a dignity and wholeness that is inspiring to younger people.

STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS :

They are affectionate, lively and inventive. The weakness is that they may blame themselves constantly. It is impossible for them to take advice from family members than from friends or even strangers.

ADVICE FOR THEM :

Accept your need for other people and cultivate meaningful social interaction. Remain open and accepting, but demand that others accept you as you are, too. Your psychic abilities are valuable – use them constructively. Beware of allowing rejection to lower your self-esteem.  Source:http://solutionastrology.com/sunsignbasicdetails.asp?sunsignbasicid=275

Introverted HSP or Extroverted HSP

Some highly sensitive people are also extroverts or High Sensation Seeking. This article goes into it very well: Highly Sensitive People who are also High Sensation Seeking

At first, I thought that perhaps I am a high sensation seeker because I can be very social and I make acquaintances quickly. I also don't fear public speaking more than most people, have no problem taking leadership roles and also enjoy positive praise for my hard work. I also enjoy new experiences, such as traveling and meeting and getting to know people of different cultures and experiences. I also enjoy walks alone, sitting in a cafe and quietly observing people or reading a good book by myself.

I feel the intense need to retreat to re-cooperate after socializing.  I need a few minutes alone every day and cannot be around people all day or else I feel drained. These are qualities of HSPs as well as introverts. However, if I stay home too much, I become jaded, down and loose energy. So, it seems that I acquire energy both from being alone and from being in the world. Curious to see if I am indeed a high sensation seeker, I took the HSS test, and scored 11, with 11 or more qualifying one as a high sensation. So I guess I am borderline. On a strictly Sensation Seeking Test, I scored 22 out of 40. Again, quite borderline.

Taking the Jung Test, I always place as an INTJ, with my introversion always being between  22-44%, which is slightly to moderately introverted. I am very reflective, analytical and enjoy working alone, but I also enjoy breaks to speak with a few people or just to go out and be in the world.

Curious to see what strictly introversion-extroversion tests would say, I got took the following.

This strictly Introversion Extroversion test gives me the result of being a being a balanced introvert extrovert:

Your extroversion level is 52%

This means that you are well-balanced, not too concentrated on you inner life, but at the same time you don't depend on the outside world too much. You like either spending time with other people, or staying on your own analyzing your inner world and talking to yourself. Write us if you enjoyed this test.

This one, place me as a balanced Introvert Extrovert as well with my extroversion being 45%.

Extrovertedness: 45%

 The Introvert-Extrovert Test
says that I'm Balanced

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What does it mean?

You are fairly balanced in your introvert-extrovert personality. You like going out, but like to have time to yourself as well. You typically have a few great friends, and many that you can hang around with.

Extroverts:
-have motives and actions that are directed outward.
-are more prone to action than contemplation.
-are typically very friendly to unknown people.
-feel empowered in social situations.

Introverts:
-have motives and actions that are directed inward.
-tend to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings.
-minimize their contact with other people.

My Conclusion:

I am definitely a HSP and an introvert because much more than the need to interact and experience new things is my need to reflect and have time alone. However, the Jung tests are very accurate in placing me as a "moderate introvert", rather than a distinct or very distinct introvert. My social skills are developed enough, and I am not shy, but it seems that many INTJs are also very confidence. Perhaps we are more at ease with being introverts and show it through our quiet confidence. I am not always comfortable with social situations where I have little in common with others, but I don't fear or shrink from them, but rather see them as a challenge that I like to take on every now and then. Sometimes we can learn a lot though uncomfortable situations. Furthermore, INTJs are not only analytical and reflective, but they also enjoy taking action. Sometimes to take action and make changes, we have to engage in the world, take leadership and social roles, and I am glad I enjoy it enough to do so. Please tell me your thoughts.

I read this article on being an Introverted Extrovert, and it totally describes me as I believe that I am an introvert who is adept with certain extroverted tendencies.

Do any other INTJs think and relate similarly?

Introverted vs Highly Sensitive Person

It's interesting in our outward based society how different temperaments can be misconstrued.

My Jung Typology test indicates that I am moderately introverted (44%). However, I have no trouble making friends, being social, striking up conversations with strangers, and although I am quiet at times when I am observing a situation, I cannot recall an instance, even as a child when it was due to shyness or timidity. I have met people who say they are introverted, and who are socially awkward, but although I may feel anxiety at times, I quite natural with my social graces and behavior. I also enjoy being out and about and experiencing new things. However, I also enjoy being alone or just one on one with a friend, and social activity every day, except for with my few closest friends who are like me, leaves me feeling drained, and desperately craving alone time to recharge my batteries after social activity. I also like spending lunch breaks alone at work, but have made exceptions for a few coworkers over the years. I used to tell people that I am introverted because of this need to be alone at time and recharge and because I dislike large crowds. However, people took my saying that I am introverted to mean that I did not feel comfortable or natural socializing. Consequently, introversion has to do with where one gets one energy from. It is not shyness or social awkwardness, and most people think. Shyness and social awkwardness occurs in people who desire to be more social or lack social skills. Some introverts are also shy, but so are some extroverts. I obtain my energy recharge internally and from being alone as well as from new experiences and sensations in the world. After too much outward activities though, I feel overwhelmed. This led me to be unsure of whether I am introverted or extroverted for a long time. I never felt that introverted descriptions aptly fit me or extroverted ones.

Then I discovered one of the books that changed my life: Elaine Aaron's The Highly Sensitive Person for it really changed my understanding of myself. I realized that while I do lean more toward introversion, I am not an extreme introvert, but I am definitely highly sensitive from being affected by loud noises, having a very sensitive body to allergies, my need to be alone due to overwhelm of stimuli, and being able to sense and feel a room or a person's moods very strongly. However, when I tell people that I am highly sensitive, they assume that I am emotionally sensitive and just emotional in general. This couldn't be furthest from the truth because I am a true INTJ because I am very logical and analytical. I even analyze my emotions. High sensitivity related to sensory and biological sensitivity more than emotions. So, I have then stopped telling people I am a HSP, because I find it extremely aggravating when people assume I am emotionally sensitive and delicate (not that there is anything wrong with that. I have a close friend who is very sensitive and I love that about her. However, it is very much not me). I know for sure that I am an HSP as described by Dr. Aaron.

Only 30% of HSPs are extroverted and many assume that the need to withdraw due to over-stimulation is due to introversion, but that is not always the case. Sometimes, you know instinctively when something describes you.

This article explains my point of view quite aptly and explores the relationship and differences between HSP and introversion, check out this great article: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/attending-the-undervalued-self/201107/understanding-the-highly-sensitivity-person-sensitive-int

What I have learned from people's feedback is that it is not necessary to tell people what you are, especially if you are doing so in an effort to make them understand you because there are preconceived notions prevalent in society about some labels. If they are interested, you can perhaps describe your character trait and then explain high sensitivity, and then send them an article or get them a book on it. However, I find it quite cumbersome, and it appears so self-centered to go to such great lengths to explain and talk about yourself for as long as it will take to clear up the mis-assocations. Even some of my wonderful friends have made a mis-association when I told them I was more introverted and a HSP. These concepts are great to learn about so that you can understand yourself and learn how to maneuver in your own life and in the world in a manner that utilizes your greatest strengths and enables you to build build coping skills in regards to your weaknesses.

HSP & INTJ : Not Paradoxical as it seems

I had trouble coming to grips for years with the fact that I am very analytical, but also am very affected by my environment.

I was further confused by this since I usually type as an INTJ, and also realized two years ago that I am an HSP. It seemed paradoxical because I sometimes found it uneasy that I am so affected by my environment, despite my logical observations that most people in the world are not. Also, I did not feel that I am extremely emotional, with friends or the world, except when it comes to longstanding psychological relationships, i.e. familial relationships. As it turns out, INTJ and HSP are not incompatible, but fairly common because being Highly Senstive is more of a neuro-biological issue.

The poster "m" on this forum describes it quite well:

"Obviously, 'sensitivity' doesn't mean what most people think of when they hear the word: we're not Fs, after all, who get upset over every little thing. rather, the word means that we're highly-attuned to nuances we perceive in others, as well as our environment in general.


obviously, 'sensitivity' doesn't mean what most people think of when they hear the word: we're not Fs, after all, who get upset over every little thing. rather, the word means that we're highly-attuned to nuances we perceive in others, as well as our environment in general.

i like "sensitivity of intellectual conscience."

i hearken to Nietzsche's view of himself as having been wise as a consequence of his 'acute aesthetic sensitivity to nuances of health and sickness in people's attitudes and characters.'

i believe another way of looking at INTJ sensitivity can be found in what Kant called 'the beautiful.' he described this as what 'pleases in a disinterested way.'(obviously, INTJs are not *immune* to allowing our high sensitivity to affect us emotionally on occasion.)"

Holiday Parties & Socializing - INTJ / HSP perspective

I enjoy meeting new people and learning about their backgrounds and lives. What I do not like is having to talk to a lot of people at a party and schmooze with almost everyone. Sadly, that is what a lot of holiday parties are about the in business, corporate or any office type job.

I went to a holiday party on Monday, and while in the past, I would force myself to schmooze at any party, be it personal or for a job, this time, I just stayed low key. The reason I did this is because I understand and accept that while I have good social skills, and enjoy socializing in small groups, especially with people I know, and can do it when necessary, I don't particularly like socializing in itself. The small talk generally bores me and makes me feel drained the next day or that very night. On Tuesday, I felt a bit drained after the party, and this confirms what I have known and began to accept for almost two years now - I am a highly sensitive person. Before, I used to think that I felt overwhelmed because I was introverted and forced myself to speak to too many people in a group. However, this time, I spoke to only my three family members and said a few sentences to 2 people I knew from previously, and yet I was still exhausted and a little frazzled the next day.

For those who can identify with this experience, please read The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Lacey, Psy. D and The Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aaron. These two books really changed my life, by helping me understand and accept myself and make the most of my qualities. I found that I needed to read both because although I am more introverted than extroverted, I am not to the far left of the introversion spectrum. This is because I do enjoy meeting and talking to people and going out and experiencing life. However, I still get very overwhelmed in groups and being out too much or from doing too much, which is due to my high sensitivity. You will find after reading these two books which applies more to you.

I will be posting some lessons I learned from these two books soon.

Kurt Cobain - Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

This article goes into Kurt's astrological chart. While some may think that astrology is hogwash, his chart and his being in the Cusp of Sensitivity is very telling. He was such a talented and beautiful person, but his mental illness (depression, and perhaps manic depression/bipolar), and other health problems were too much for him to handle.As it turns out, some HSPs struggle with depression and anxiety in our fast paced, sometimes callous society.
 
In any case, I am certain that Kurt was a Highly Sensitive Person, and that is why he had such trouble coping with fame and crowds. Many Highly Sensitive People are very gifted, intelligent and empathetic, but they have to learn how to find time to balance themselves also, or any of those gifts or successes will end up wearing them down. It is very important to have one or two friends who are also highly sensitive, so you do not feel so alone. Perhaps, this or therapy with a therapist that understands high sensitivity would have helped Kurt.


As for Kurt Cobain's Jungian or Myers-Briggs personality type, I am not sure what he was, but he may have very well have been an INTP..

It is sad that the world lost such a talented and beautiful person. May his soul rest in peace.