Aquarius Friends and Family

Aquarius Friends and Family

• Strengths: Idealistic, universal, spontaneous
• Weaknesses: Bizarre, unreliable, uncertain
• Interactive style: Abstract, objective, cool

Friendship is extremely important to most Aquarians. For them, it often assumes an idealistic, global, and universal significance more than a personal one. Consequently, most of their friendships are tinged with a highly abstract and objective quality – cool rather than passionate. Rarely interested in committing themselves to daily or even weekly contact, Aquarians will contact you while they are on the run or when one their latest active exploits has simmered down or momentarily come to rest. Thus you should not count on them as a pillar of stability but rather as an interesting sidelight in your life – one that can be both entertaining and a bit special.

It's bet to have just one or tow questions for your speedy Aquarius friend – especially ones that can be posed and answered in a rapid-fire-interchange. As far as help with moving, planning, arranging functions, making lists for work and future plans, and shopping for hard-to-find items, you had better not count on it. To Aquarius friends, help is something they can offer only in their spare time, which is already probably extremely limited or nonexistent. Then there is the problem of contacting them, which is also difficult. It's best to leave a voicemail or give a heads-up email several days or even a couple of weeks before you need assistance.

Communication and keeping in touch with the Aquarius friend: Although they are generally good communicators, Aquarians are probably the ones who will contact you rather than the other way around. Not only are they difficult to reach, but they also prefer being the ones who initiate conatct, depending on when, where and how it suits them. Too often this will come smack in the middle of something you are presently busy with, and once you find it impossible to respond to their spontaneous gestures, they may prove even more difficult to contact in the future. Aquarians have to feel that you truly need them urgently, first of all, and, secondly, your attempt to communicate has to strike them in exactly the right way and at the right moment.

Borrowing money from the Aquarius friend: Don't depend on Aquarius friends for loans, even thous that have been agreed to or promised. Chances are that just before they are about to deliver, with all the best intentions, they spent the money elsewhere. So spontaneous are they with outlays of cash that they absolutely cannot be counted on to fulfill fixed financial obligations. If you can interest them in what you will do with the money, however, they may look on the loan as an interesting investment and come through with even more than you asked for. This awakening of their interest is worth developing over time, since it is likely to pay off in a generous outlay of cash.

Asking for advice: Aquarians are not ones to give lengthy advice. Normally they can tell you what they think in a few words and do not need time to mull things over. Usually they are perceptive when it comes to objective issues, but they are not particularly talented in the areas of psychological observation, human emotions, and the darker side of life. Sometimes they outright refuse to get involved in discussions of depressing or unhealthy matters, not only out of dislike but also out of principle. It's best to limit your requests for advice to areas that they have shown adeptness for dealing with, particularly in technical matters.

Visiting the Aquarius friend: It is difficult to visit and Aquarius friend since they are often not at home. Furthermore, if they are there but are fully engaged in a professional or private matter, they may not answer the bell or a knock at their door. Aquarians' full engagement with the matter at hand, which of course can change from minute to minute, frequently precludes even visits that have been scheduled well in advance, so be forewarned not to make assumptions or get your expectations up. You may find it better to suggest that they visit you, giving them a wide range of choices and allowing each of these to span a period of several hours or even days when they might drop in.

Celebrations and entertainment with the Aquarius friend: Fun-loving Aquarians enjoy celebrating special occasions and going out on the town for a good time. However, because of their rapidly changing schedules, it usually works best to make the decision to celebrate or go out on the spur of the moment. Following such impulses, you are both likely to have a great time in a wide range of activities, from a simple meal or drink to a full-blown binge of entertainment possibilities. You will find Aquarians inexhaustible in their ability to have a great time, only posing a problem when you try to put on the brakes and bring things to a halt.

Aquarians' fascinating qualities and quick minds attract people who seem willing to overlook or forgive their wayward tendencies. Illustration by Elena.

Aquarius: Love

Aquarius: Love

Strengths: Spontaneous, natural, enjoyable.

Weakness: Flighty, superficial, unreliable

Interactive style: Lively, animated, particular.

The Aquarius First date, suggested activities

Aquarius first dates are, for the most part, lively and fun-loving. Not interested in hassles or complications, these colorful personalities just want to have a good time. An opportunity to get to know you better and possible deep involvements lie somewhere way down the tracks.

To stay on the rails with Aquarius first dates, you should offer a few choices of restaurants, bars, clubs, or concerts for them to pick from  Don »t be surprised if they have already decided what they want to do, probably five or ten minutes befor you see them. This is not a good idea to make fixed plans before hearing what they have to say at the present moment.

Aquarius first dates move very quickly, both mentally and physically, and they are hard to keep up with. Moreover, you had better take advantage of the first few seconds that you have their attention or have caught their eye, for they are apt to disappear rapidly in the crowd. Do not be surprised if, when trying to pick them up, they suddenly drop all interest in you and turn toward someone else at a party or other social gathering. These ephemeral creatures are hard to pin down, particularly on fist meeting unless the find you highly attractive.

With Aquarians, the fist date is likely to be the last unless you come up with something unusual. Bored with the same old routines,m Aquarius first dates expect a special experience; in particular, they want an activity tailored to their peculiar needs and wants. Listen carefully to what they say and make decisions accordingly if you want to survive the first fifteen minutes together.

Activities involving media and music or danging are good bets. Staring off with a quiet dinner by candlelight is not usually. Aquarians' speed – your romantic intentions toward them will be too blatant, and the time required to sit opposite you in one place will be excessive.

Their first dates are turned off by assumptions you make about them or any obviously practiced routines you fall into that demonstrate your inflexibility and unresponsiveness to their individuality.

Aquarius first dates will be startled and impressed if you can manage to take the lead in whirlwind style and sweep them off their feet. Avoid penny-pinching attitudes such as patting yourself on the back for finding such a good deal for food or entertainment. While respectful or your Aquarius first date's privacy be your liveliest self by flamboyantly leading the way to the next mutually pleasurable experience.

Aquarius first dates will be impressed by the more unusual aspects of your personality and behavior. If they find you truly funny, this is a big step in the right direction. Most Aquarius first dates will show little if any interest in a depressed, unhappy, or troubled personality.

Normally, a couple of bad looks or negative remarks are enough to send Aquarius first dates scurrying off in a flash. Thus if you are truly interested in them, avoid sending any negative signals that could be even remotely interpreted as a brush-off. Smiling, laughing, and above all responding to their light chatter are recommended. Avoid teasing them about their little idiosyncrasies and peculiarities.

If they are not interested, you may never get a second chance since Aquarius first dates can be quite unforgiving of a premature advance. It may work out much better for you to hang back and wait for them to make the first move or, at the very least, flash an unequivocal green light for you to do so.

Governed by the revolutionary planet Uranus, Aquarians tend to be modern, forward-looking individuals who are unusual and accepting of this quality in others. Illustration by Elena.

Luna - Moon Rising

Luna – Moon Rising

By Ian McDonald (excerpt)

(A hundred years in the future, a was has broken out among the Five Dragons – five families who control the moon's leading industrial companies. Each clan does everything in its power to claw its way to the top of the food chain – marriages of convenience, corporate espionage, kidnapping, and mass assassinations).

The rule is this: women of a particular status, in their ninth decade, do not hurry. The do not scurry. A fussy bustle is permissible but it is the limit. A lady never rushes.

Lady Sun rushes, heels clip-clopping in and undignified trot down the palace's curving corridors. Caught between walk and run, here entourage struggles to keep pace with her. The message on Amada's secure channel had ordered her to come at once. Her granddaughter's suite is too near for a moto to arrive in time, too far to avoid the shame of haste. A palanquin, like the dowagers of old China. That would be the very thing. Like the Vorontsovs use to gad around St.Olga, powered by Earth-muscle and youthful enthusiasm. Perfidious Vorontsovs. Lady Sun will not soon forgive the humiliation of the Battle of Hadley, Marooned by VTO, taken in an upholstered cage to Hadley. The smirking politeness of the Mackenzies. Denny Mackenzie grinning his ghastly gold teeth. Grin while you can, golden boy. The power rests elsewhere and when you have served their purpose, the women of Hadley will arrange a boardroom coup, and it will cost you more than your finger. The ransom was insultingly low; Taiyang will recoup it through the breach of contract case against VTO, but it is another unforgivable offense.

Lady Sun instructs her sharp young women and men to wait outside Amanda Sun's appartement. Zhiyuan is present, Tamsin. The whole board. The surprise is Mariano Gabriel Demaria.

“Is it Darius?” Lady Sun asks at once. “What has happened to him?”

“Darius is well,” Zhiyuan says. “Mariano brings information about the Eagle of the Moon.”

“Lady Sun.” Mariando dips his head in respect. “Now that I have the board in full, I can deliver my information. Lucas Corta serves Amanda Sun, plaintiff in the case of Corta versus Corta, Sun and Luna Corta as an Academic Ward of the University of Farside, with a summons to satisfaction at the Court. The time and location of this satisfaction to be mutually agreed, but within one hundred and twenty hours.

“Satisfaction?” Amanda Sun says.

“Trial by combat,?” Lady Sun says.

“I know what it means,” Amanda Sun snaps.

“Ridiculous,” Zhiyuan says. “There hasn't been a satisfaction by combat since...”

“Since Carlinhos Corta opened up Hadley Mackenzie balls to voicebox,” Amanda Sun says. She twists open a vape, inhales deep, exhales slow. “The Cortas have form here.”

“He knows he was a weak case,” Lady Sun says.

Fascinating, ruthless. Every moment with his characters makes them precious, real, and alive. Illustration by Elena.

Exploring the Past and Present

Exploring the Past and Present

An information explosion has taken place, and scientists have gained vast stories of new knowledge in such fields as informatics, space and medicine. Mass communication has helped spread this knowledge. Schools and universities have expanded their courses of study to cover massive amounts of new information. In addition, an increasingly literate public is reading about the latest discoveries.

People are also taking a new interest in the past. Many records of the past have been stored in museums. In the postwar period (after 1945), museums have opened their doors to millions of people. They have mounted well-planned, lively exhibits. Science museums have let people explore complicated space age technology. Museums of art and archaeology have allowed people to learn about other societies.

Proud of their ancient heritages, nations as Egypt and China have allowed museums in other countries to display treasured artifacts. In the 1970s, an exhibit of treasures from Tutankhamon's tomb traveled to the United States and Western Europe. A world tour of Chinese artifacts included 3,000-year-old Shang bronzes and terra cotta figures that had guarded the First Emperor's gave. These exhibits have increased people's curiosity about other people's cultures.

Museums have also collected modern works of art. People flock to see the works of twentieth century masters such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Competition among museums and private collectors to buy modern works of art has caused prices of these pieces to skyrocket.

In the late XXth century, the center of the art world shifted from Paris to New York, and this brought tremendous changes to people around the globe. New nations emerged in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Since 1945, these nations and the developing nations of Latin America have taken a prominent role in world affairs. Improved communication and transportation have put people from different parts of the world in closer touch with each other than ever before. In addition, nations have been tied more closely together by economic needs.

In both developed and developing nations, education has contributed to wide-spread changes. In the United States and Western Europe, college attendance soared in the postwar period. Dozens of new colleges and universities were opened. In the same period, developing nations worked toward increasing literacy rates. Many students from these nations attended universities in the United States and Europe.

Important changes have occurred in the workplace. Working conditions, hours, wages, and fringe benefits have been improved. New inventions have led to the growth to revolutionize industry. On farms, new high-yield crops and machinery have changed the way food is produced.

The movement of people from rural areas to cities has been a worldwide phenomenon in the latest years. In cities and their suburbs, people have easier access to education, jobs, and various forms of popular entertainment. 

Patterns of change in the latest years have also affected women. In developed countries, women have entered the workforce in increasing numbers. Women in many countries have expanded their roles in public life.

All these patterns of growth and change continue to pose challenges to all nations. As in the past, individual societies are developing their own ways of meeting these challenges.

Research scientists working with engineers and technicians have made many advances in technology. Photo by Elena.

Symbols in an analysis

The beginning of the analysis

There is a widespread belief that the methods of Jungian psychology are applicable only to middle-aged people. True, many men and women reach middle age without achieving psychological maturity, and its is therefore necessary to help them through the neglected phases of their development. They have not completed the first part of the process of individuation that Dr. M.-L. Von Franz has described. But it is also true that a young person can encounter serious problems as he grows up. If a young person is afraid of life and finds it hard to adjust to reality, he might prefer to dwell in his fantasies or to remain a child. In such a young person (especially if he is introverted) one can sometimes discover unexpected treasures in the unconscious, and by bringing them into consciousness strengthen his ego and give him the psychic energy he needs to grow into a mature person. That is the function of the powerful symbolism of our dreams.

Dr. Jung assigned great importance to the first dream in an analysis, for, according to him, it often has anticipatory value. A decision to go into analysis is usually accompanied nu an emotional upheaval that disturbs the deep psychic levels from which archetypal symbols arise. The first dreams therefore often present “collective images” that provide a perspective for the analysis as a whole and can give the therapist insight into the dreamer's psychic conflicts.

People who rely totally on their rational thinking and dismiss or repass every manifestation of their psychic life often have an almost inexplicable inclination to superstition. They listen to oracles and prophecies and can be easily hoodwinked or influenced by magicians and conjurers. And because dreams compensate one's other life, the emphasis such people put in their intellect is offset by dreams in which they meet the irrational and cannot escape it.

One immediately notices the singularity and the exceptional meaning of the dream, its wealth of symbols, and its compactness.

C.G. Jung and some of his associates have tried to make clear the role played by the symbol-creating function in man's unconscious psyche and to point out some fields of application in this newly discovered area of life. We are still far from understanding the unconscious or the archetypes – those dynamic nuclei of the psyche – in all their implications. All we can see now is that the archetypes have an enormous impact on the individual, forming his emotions and his ethical and mental outlook, influencing his relationships with others, and thus affecting his whole destiny. We can also see that the arrangement of archetypal symbols follows a pattern of wholeness in the individual, and that an appropriate understanding of the symbols can have a healing effect. And we can see that the archetypes can act as creative or destructive forces in our mind: creative when they inspire new ideas, destructive when these same ideas stiffen into conscious prejudices that inhabit further discoveries. 

Jung has shown how subtle and differentiated all attempts at interpretation must be, in order not to weaken the specific individual and cultural values or archetypal ideas and symbols by leveling them out – i.e., by giving them a stereotyped, intellectually formulated meaning. Jung himself dedicated his entire life to such investigations and interpretative work. Naturally this article sketches only an infinitesmal part of his vast contribution to this new field of psychological discovery.

Dreams compensate more or less explicitly for the dreamer's conscious attitude of mind. Illustration by Elena.