Born September 10

September 10 is addicted to luxury. They read recipe books for pleasure, dreaming of spicy prawns with delicate watercress. At night they nod to sleep cogitating over the extra touch of brown sugar needed to transform a chicken chorizo. And in the morning over coffee and home made croissants, they take important decisions about ice cream sundaes. Marble is their favourite bathroom decoration. The dark brilliance of malachite underpins the colours of this Virgo’s exotic soul. White lace might be welcomed by the girl, but the woman will choose mysterious, sea blue. Men prefer dark, gentlemen’s club library colours. Everywhere old mirrors glimmer their soft light. The bedside reading material of both sexes contains cooking, decorating, travel, gardening and some antique collecting thrown in. They like Victorian china, but may be drawn to the historical feel of old coins or domestic implements. Many make a good living, catering to big business, running shops or restaurants, because they are meticulous, with that beckoning, alluring taste which attracts customers. Others who go into teaching professions, suitable for this controlled and concentrating person, may become very rich when they set up independent schools or coaching colleges. Some seek life abroad where their teaching abilities and amusing conversation attract influential and generous friends. Find this toffee dipped earthling ensconced in its own little palace a stone’s throw from the markets in Marrakesh, rose petals strewn on the courtyards and barefoot exquisites stepping forward to serve iced goblets of aphrodisiambrosia. Lesser sybarites settle down and raise their kids, learn the language, fit into local business, build large houses and watch their children grow native to the adopted country. September 10 ain’t the homesick kind. At home, in less exotic locations, it’s wise to remember that even in age there’s an aura of glamour about September 10, which makes people look up when they enter a room and want to hear what they have to say.

Body

Here’s how to achieve the chocolate ice cream sundae dream. Take a tall, wide glass and layer vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, crumbling milk chocolate flakes on top of the sauce, or if it’s for very small children, smarties. For adults, use grated dark chocolate. Decorate with whipped cream and grated chocolate, smarties or chopped nuts (not for anyone under five). For the chocolate sauce: 55g plain chocolate, 15ml milk, knob of butter, 1tsp vanilla essence. Put the chocolate and butter in a small basin over a pan of hot water and stir until melted. Add the milk and vanilla essence and serve at once.

Mind

A starlit and moonlit sky comforts the bereaved with its beauty, encompasses lovers within its silky boundaries but at its heart, where the golden fires of sun and moon and star are minted, there is no memory