1. Is what happens to you dependent on what you do? Or is it dependent on circumstance? Edit: If you would say both, please elaborate. Do you feel your choices and actions are mostly a result of, or reaction to, what happens to you? Or do you feel that what happens to you is primarily the result of your choices and actions? If you would again say both, please give an example. The kind of examples people give, and how they word them, says something about their thought process.
My choices are influenced by what happens to me, but those decisions change depending on circumstances. Often the circumstances can be ignorance, but that is why I am driven to seek more information. I feel the more I gain experience and knowledge about my circumstances, the more I can influence what happens to me. That doesn't necessarily mean I am in control. But I am at least aware more than I was before, hopefully.
For example, it is tempting for me to blame a lack of exposure as the reason why I can't play an instrument. I never got music lessons, so how could I have learned? That isn't really true. If I wanted to play an instrument I would have found a way. Even if I was playing on buckets and stones. I just wasn't motivated to do it, but it's easier to appeal to ignorance and circumstances as to why I can't do something.
I feel like a lot of people do that, even though some get dealt such a rough hand (or fortuitous hand) that it might as well be circumstance that determines their fate.
I suppose in short, I'm open to both possibilities, but I like to believe I can influence things at least in my own life.
2. Do you feel it's important to mark life passages and events in a way that others will see and recognize? Or do you not care about recognition, just about what the event means to you?
Yes, I feel it is important. I feel that sharing important events can give us meaning and a deeper sense of satisfaction. Times that I've marked important events in my life or shared others are moments where I learn to trust and support fellow humans.
However, I'm kind of weird about it. I never celebrated graduating college, for instance, but I am planning on throwing a party after I pay off student loans. I wouldn't want a big wedding, but I might want a celebration after 10 years of marriage. I gave a speech when I graduated high school, because that was a big deal and I think it was uplifting for others to hear.
I go to my family and friend's housewarming parties and bachelorette parties and birthdays and funerals to show them I care about them and how their lives change, if that is what they want to do. I don't think we need an excuse to recognize even small victories or tragedies when the desire to do so is genuine.
My chart is fairly balanced with almost an equal number of non-modern planets in each hemisphere (I think). It is in my signature.
Perhaps the total number of planets isn't as important as which planets.