This article continues the series on examining religion, faith, or lack of such in the astrological chart. In the last article, we looked at the chart of a religious leader, Pope John Paul II. In this article we turn to the chart of another religious skeptic, Bill Maher. The ingredients and recipes for this type of analysis can be found in the first article, on James Randi. The basics were reviewed with additional comments in a few articles back, on Madalyn Murray O’Hair.
Bill Maher
Comedian and talk-show host Bill Maher is a very vocal critic of religion and frequent supporter and publicizer of the “new atheist” movement. He has served on the advisory board of Sam Harris’ Project Reason. Maher also has a film spoofing religious belief (Religulous). Additionally, he won the Richard Dawkins award from Atheist Alliance International.
Rather inaccurately, he self-describes as an apatheist, though he has actually shown great interest in religious belief. He attacks religious belief often and actively promotes atheist causes. You can read Maher’s biography on Wikipedia by clicking here. His natal chart is below, and has a Rodden Rating of AA.
Bill Maher’s Natal Chart
Bill Maher’s Chart Analyzed in Brief
Jupiter:
Not strong, not weak
Jupiter is just barely advancing, so it’s not very strengthened. It does not have any other major strengthening or weakening conditions. Retrogradation may be mildly weakening to Jupiter.
Mixed, somewhat benefic
Jupiter is naturally benefic and is in the 11th (its Joy). However, Jupiter is also out of sect and struck by the rays of Saturn (square within 1 degree). Therefore, Saturn hits Jupiter hard with its significations. On a more minor level Jupiter is in the term of Mars and is opposed by the Sun and Mercury. Overall, Jupiter is benefic influence but being afflicted by Saturn.
Notes on Jupiter
Jupiter is one of the weaker planets in the chart. However, it is not as weak as Venus, and is arguably about equal in strength to Mars and Saturn. We can expect some spiritually expansive experiences as Jupiter is not very weak and is somewhat benefic. However, Maher seems to have publicly chalked these up to his drug experiences. In any case, Jupiter is struck very strongly by Saturn, planet of doubt. Jupiter does not have a prominent and pervasive effect on the life, but should bring great fortune in terms of 11th place matters of friends, gifts, and social benefits.
9th Place:
Moderately strong, primarily Mercurial and Saturnine
The empty 9th, Gemini, is ruled by Mercury, planet of reason, intellect, and communication. Mercury itself is moderately strong, being in phasis. However, it is also weakened from stationing retrograde about 2-3 days before birth. Mercury not only rules the 9th but overcomes it by trine, and is the 1st triplicity ruler. Saturn and Mars both oppose the 9th from the 3rd. Saturn has the stronger effect, as Saturn is a triplicity ruler, and is a bit more prominent than Mars (Saturn rules the Sun and Mercury, is exalted at Ascendant, and is in a partile sextile with the Sun). Venus dominates the 9th (right-side square). However, her influence does not seem as strong as that of Mercury nor Saturn, as she is rather weak and has no rulership of the 9th.
Mixed, somewhat malefic
Mercury rules the 9th. It is rather benefic in the chart, being in sect, and in the very good 5th (of creative performance). However, it is heavily influenced by Mars and Saturn which overcome Mercury by sextile. This hints at how Maher’s mercurial performance can be controversially dark, skeptical, and even aggressive. Still the combination works well or harmoniously for him, as shown by the sextile. In other words, Mercury is friendly with Mars and Saturn, though they rub off on Mercury because of their more influential position in the friendship. Overall, the 9th is more malefic than benefic by having both malefic opposed to the place (i.e. in the 3rd).
Notes on the 9th Place
Matters of belief-systems and searching for some greater truth have moderate prominence in the life, but are not as prominent as in most of the charts of vocal atheists we’ve seen. His beliefs tend to be heavily influenced by rationality and intellectualism (Mercury rulership), doubt/skepticism and contentiousness (Saturn and Mars opposition), and also sensual pleasure (Venus domination).
Saturn:
Somewhat weak
Saturn is not very strong in the chart, as it is cadent, and just barely advancing. While Saturn has a strong effect on the 9th, and upon the Sun and Mercury, it doesn’t have a strong effect on the life overall. Overall, the life is not marked strongly by doubt, loss, dreariness, darkness, and negativity as it is in the charts of many atheists.
Malefic
Saturn is naturally a mafefic. Here Saturn is made more malefic as it is out of sect, not in a good place (nor a bad one), and assembled with Mars. Jupiter overcomes by whole sign trine, but by degree it is a close square (within 1 degree). Jupiter is expected to ease up some of Saturn’s significations as its ruler. Overall, Saturn is still quite malefic in the chart, and is the significator of the most difficult challenges in his life.
Notes on Saturn
As noted, Saturn does not have a very strong or pervasive influence over Maher’s life. Saturn does have a strong impact on the belief system though. Additionally, there is a self-identification with Saturn (exalted ruler and a triplicity ruler of the 1st, while also regarding the 1st). Saturn is destructively inclined, signifying the more difficult matters in life, rather than simply discipline and duty or something like that.
Mercury:
Moderately strong
Mercury is advancing, and is in phasis, but stationed retrograde 2-3 days before birth. The Lights are very prominent in Maher’s chart, but Mercury is the strongest non-luminary. Mercury is in the 5th place of creative performance (the Joy of Venus). It is with the publicizing Sun, in an idea-oriented Air sign (and one of the “human” signs).
Overall benefic
As noted, Mercury is overall benefic in the chart, being in sect, and in the very good 5th but very influenced by Mars and Saturn. Saturn is especially influential as Mercury is in one of Saturn’s houses (Aquarius). We expect some of the greatest fortune in the life to be associated with Mercury, even though the styling is influenced by the malefics, especially Saturn.
Notes on Mercury
There is a strong identification with Mercury, as Mercury is strongly connected to the Ascendant. For instance, Mercury is the 1st triplicity ruler of Air signs, the term/bound ruler of the Ascendant, and regards the Ascendant by trine. The domicile ruler of the 1st, Venus, does not regard the Ascendant. There is also something of an identification with Saturn, the exaltation ruler, and another triplicity ruler, of the Ascendant. There is not a strong identification with Jupiter. Mercury does have a prominent and pervasive influence upon the life, and has a particularly strong influence on the 9th of belief, which it rules.
Conclusion
With Bill Maher, we see many things we expected, but also some surprises compared with other outspoken atheists and skeptics. For instance, Maher does not have a Saturn that is significantly stronger than Jupiter. However, Jupiter is most strongly linked to the out of sect malefic (Saturn). Maher also has a 9th place characterized by Mercury and the malefics. Most importantly, there is a strong identification with Mercury and Saturn, and Mercury itself is very saturnine. When it comes to belief, a saturnine Mercury runs the show in Maher’s chart.
In the first post of this series, I explained an ancient technique for finding the significator of the profession in the birth chart. I will apply the technique in this series of articles, so please first get acquainted with it by reading the initial article. Now, let’s explore the astrology of profession in the chart of Trent Reznor, and how it relates to the music of Nine Inch Nails.
Trent Reznor
Trent Reznor is a musician, primarily involved with vocals and electronic composition. Lately, he has been involved with major film soundtracks, including that for “The Social Network” and the “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”.
As an artist, we can expect Venus to play a major role in matters of profession. Vocals, as well as composition, are areas of music particularly pertinent to Mercury due to Mercury’s associations to verbalizing and intellectualism, respectively. Mercury also pertains to technology which plays a strong role in his music. His particular style is characteristically dark, with strong themes of pain, oppression, death, and control – things typical of the domain of Saturn. The style is also aggressive and industrial, things associated with Mars.
Finding the Professional Indicators
Before analyzing the profesional indicators, let’s briefly review the technique. The technique involves finding planets with more pertinence or “testimony” regarding “actions”, which involves the Mars, Venus, Mercury, the 10th place, and the Lights. We also look at general indications of planetary strength. The factors and basics are from Hellenistic and Persian astrology.
Relevance to Actions
Places:
No planets in the 10th or its “stakes”. In terms of the 2nd and 6th, Venus and Jupiter are most pertinent, as they’re in the 6th. Mercury and the Sun are relevant by this factor because they are in the 5th. Therefore, of the three planets of action, we look to Venus and Mercury.
Rulership:
The ruler of the 10th place is Venus, which is also a triplicity ruler of the Ascendant. The only planet with a stronger relationship to both the 1st and 10th is Saturn. Jupiter is the bound ruler of the Ascendant (and Mars is the bound ruler of the MC). Mercury does not have rulership at the Ascendant but is the first triplicity lord of the 10th. Therefore, between Venus and Mercury, Venus has more important forms of rulership at the 10th place and the Ascendant.
Phasis and the Lights:
No planets are in phasis. Venus is nearly so, as she is moving out from the beams. Mars is the bound ruler of the sect light.
Relevance Conclusion
Venus has the most relevance to actions.Mercury is also significant. Note that Venus is in the place of the Lot of Fortune and Mercury rules the place, providing lesser indications. Jupiter, the Sun, and Saturn may also relate to the profession, though they are not among the three planets of actions.
Reznor’s Natal Chart
Prominence
Advancing/Retreating:
Mercury is conjunct an angle within 3*, so I consider it advancing in the strongest sense. All of the planets, aside from the Moon, are advancing, but the Sun is the next most advancing behind Mercury.
Relationships to Lights:
There are no planets in phasis. The Moon is applying to Mercury and had separated from Saturn. Mercury is assembled with the Sun. Saturn and Mars are the only planets regarded by both Lights. Therefore, Mercury has the strongest relationship with the lights.
Stationing:
There are no stations.
Prominence Conclusion
Mercury is by far the most prominent planet. The Sun and Saturn also have prominence. Therefore, we expect Mercurial significations to crop up strongly in all areas of life. Mercury signifies rationality, intellect. technology, complexity, vocalization, language, and all forms of exchange.
Synthesizing Venus and Mercury
Venus is the planet with the most testimony regarding this matter but Mercury is the strongest planet of the chart and has some testimony with regards to actions. Therefore, we take both Mercury and Venus. Venus is viewed more in terms of the types of actions the native would like to be involved in as a calling due to her greater overall relevance. However, Mercury is the type of skill development that tends to dominate and get the most attention due to his generally powerful and pervasive influence in the life. We expect a desire for artistic work with a strong intellectual, technological, and/or verbal component (in this case, all three).
That Venus is in a house of Mercury (Gemini) and Mercury in a house of Venus (Taurus) further stresses the mutuality of both, rather than them being totally separate skill sets. In fact, Mercury is in the term of Venus also, and is in the 5th house, the Joy of Venus. The 5th house pertains to children as well as other forms of creative output (performance, works). It is as if these planets keep evoking each other and looking for new ways to serve each other.
Venus in Depth
Further delineation of Venus finds that she is in the domicile of Mercury. She is naturally fortunate as she’s a benefic and she’s in sect. Her fortune is enhanced by her assembly with Jupiter, location in Jupiter’s term, and the regard of the sect light, the Moon. However, she is also in the 6th, dominated by Saturn and square to Mars, so she is strongly connected with malefic themes.
The themes which Venus connects with are the most prominent themes of Nine Inch Nail’s music. The strong associations of Venus with Mercury pertain to lyrics, vocals, programming, and a rational orientation. Venus is in an air and human sign, Gemini, so music (air art) and technology are fitting. The duality of the sign indicates an orientation toward playing two roles (singer, programmer/instrumentalist). The themes of the music relate strongly to her place and aspects, from her location in the 6th place, a bad place associated with slaves, accidents, and disease, to her associations with dark Saturn and violent Mars.
Saturn and the Self
Venus is colored by Saturn, lord of death, darkness, loss, and oppression, and Saturn has a strong association with the character and identity of Reznor. Saturn rules Capricorn, the 1st place of the self, so the planet of doubt, dread, death, and darkness makes its mark on Trent’s appearance and self-identification. An out of sect Saturn is particularly malefic. Venus is dominated by Saturn (right-side square) so themes of constriction, abuse, and bondage connected with sex and beauty are symbolized.
While an aside, it is interesting that Saturn is in the third place of siblings. When Reznor’s parents divorced he went to live with his grandparents and was separated from his sister who lived with their mother. The Moon (mother) in the 12th house of oppression dominates Saturn and the third house of siblings. Much more could be said about Saturn and the self but the focus of this article is on professional matters.
Mars in the House of God
Saturn, the ruler of the self, is strongly opposed by Mars in the 9th house of God, and both are in the stakes of Venus. The symbolism is of a violent God (Mars in the 9th) oppressing one who is despairing, doubtful, and downtrodden (Saturn as lord of the 1st). However, there is also a strong identification with Mars, as Mars is the exalted ruler of Capricorn and a triplicity ruler. The Saturn-Mars configuration connects strongly with the self and with Venus, so we see its autobiographical role in the art. The struggle with truth, doubt, and the trespasses of religion are frequent themes in the music of Nine Inch Nails.
Mercury in Depth
Mercury is in the domicile, term, triplicity, and Joy of Venus. Therefore, Mercury (communication, intellect, reason) is strongly directed to the arts (Venus). Matters associated with a Mercury have a strong and pervasive effect on the life. Mercury is determined most directly to creative works (5th place, Joy of Venus). Saturn overcomes Mercury by sextile and is assembled with the Sun, so there is both a sense of strong duty and discipline associated with Mercury and of publicity and achievement. The 9th place of God is ruled by Mercury, so there is a rational and utilitarian outlook on higher truth.
Birth of Nine Inch Nails
Pretty Hate Machine was released in October 1989 and was Reznor’s first album as Nine Inch Nails. Reznor was 24 years old. Therefore, in terms of annual profections, the album was released during a 1st house year, with Capricorn, and its ruler Saturn active. It was a pivotal year in terms of defining his identity as Nine Inch Nails.
As the cycle of Jupiter is 12 years and that of Venus is 8 years, both Jupiter and Venus are activated at 24 years (see planetary years). Additionally, both were undergoing their returns at his solar return for the year. In fact, the solar return for 1989 had Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury all together in Gemini. This highlighted the year as one in which their combined significations would come together. Additionally, Saturn was transiting through Capricorn, the first house, further highlighting the year as key to the Saturnine aspect of the identity. There was even a Mars-Saturn opposition at the time, mirroring that theme in his chart.
1989 Solar Return Transits (outer) to Birth Chart (inner)
1987-1992: Nine Inch Nails is Born
The primary directions of the Ascendant are very interesting for the period. We see his musical path become more defined in later 1987 and early 1988 when Venus aspects the directed Ascendant. The first Nine Inch Nails album is recorded in 1988, and re-recorded in 1989, and released in 1989. Broken is also recorded in early 1992. For the recording of both of these pivotal albums, the directed Ascendant was in the bound of Venus in Aquarius. In other words, the distributor, the planet that is most strongly activated in terms of life events, is Venus, his primary lord of actions.
Reznor Primary Directions of the Ascendant 1987-1997
Late 1992-1997: Peak Success
Interestingly, the peak success in his career came from late 1992 to 1997, with release of Broken (1992) and the Downward Spiral (1994). This was a period in which Jupiter was the distributor. Jupiter is conjunct Venus in his natal chart signifying fortunate circumstances related to Venus.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this brief look at the professional indicators in the chart of Trent Reznor. In future articles in this series, we will continue to explore matters of profession in the astrological chart.
Note: This article was significantly expanded and revised in April 2018.
Image Attribution
Featured image of Trent Reznor (cropped) by Rob Sheridan (Trent Reznor, February, 2008 (Press Photo)) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Classical astrologers frequently explored the astrology of profession. They even had techniques to focus in on the planets most relevant to profession. Special techniques for the delineation of one’s calling appear early in the Hellenistic tradition. Anubio (1st or 2nd century CE), Ptolemy (2nd century CE), and Paulus Alexandrinus (4th century CE) all provided techniques for determining profession from the astrological chart.
Praxis
The Greek word used is “praxis”. It is often translated as actions, though I’ve also seen it translated what one does (Greenbaum’s translation of Paulus). The reckoning of the descriptions for varieties of praxis in Greek texts are what we’d call a profession or a calling. One of the meanings of praxis is “practice”. As the professional indicators pertain to skill-development, but not always and necessarily to what one does to make a living, practice may be the better definition. The professional indicators indicate what we practice and thus what we become skilled at.
Background
My own strategy for the delineation of actions follows Ptolemy, Paulus Alexandrinus, and Rhetorius in approach. My emphasis lies on Paulus Alexandrinus as he is relatively early (4th century) and used the places. I am more concerned with effectiveness than historical reproduction, so you will find some minor deviations from Paulus in my approach to actions. The differences are minor and are similar to the differences in the use of technique by the various Hellenistic astrologers and later Persian ones. Medieval European authors, such as Bonatti, deviated even further. After years of exploring the technique, I find Paulus the most reliable.
Lords of Actions
The technique pertains to identifying the planets that most pertain to actions. These planets will describe the nature of the calling. I urge astrologers not to think in terms of there being only one true calling for each and every person. Rather, planets signifying actions will give indications as to skill people try to develop for their calling. We will call the planets that signify actions the lords of actions.
The 10th Place and the Lights
The 10th place of the chart is the one that pertains most to this reckoning. It dominates the 1st place (i.e. it is in a right-side square to the place representative of the person themselves, like an authoritative influence). The 10th place is sometimes called the house of actions. It also pertains to status, recognition, achievement, and rank. The 1st place is also relevant because it pertains to temperament, talents, and self-identification. In addition, the Lights (Sun and Moon), the planets most representative of power, are important.
Three Swift Lords of Action
I break the technique into three steps. My first step is to identify planets with relevance to actions, closely following Paulus. Secondly, I find the strongest planets in the chart. The third step is to delineate the nature of the profession or calling based on the strongest indications from Mars, Venus, and Mercury from the other two steps. This is just to assess the basic nature of the profession or calling.
Mars is indicative of violent, dangerous, or highly competitive callings. Venus is indicative of aesthetic, artistic, or sensual callings. Mercury is indicative of intellectual, analytical, or highly transactional callings. All 7 planets are relevant to this matter but these three are the focus. Rhetorius (Holden, 2009, p. 134-145) does give indications for all of them, but he too stresses the importance of Mars, Venus, and Mercury.
Mars
Mars does not just show more physical activities, pertaining to things like athleticism, building trades, mechanical work, or dangerous work, but also tends to show development of competitive skills, such as those involved in leadership.
Venus
Venus will show development along aesthetic lines as well as that pertaining to women, attraction, and sexuality, so there is likely to be some sort of artistic discipline.
Mercury
Mercury will show a developmental stress along intellectual lines. Whether it is in academics, business, or mystical study, there will be intense mental development.
Eminence and Social Mobility
There are other techniques pertaining to eminence or social-mobility. Whether the attempt to develop a skill into a profession is successful will depend to some degree on class and social mobility. The specific form and nature of the profession will also depend in part on class and social mobility.
Many of the typical Mars professions appear to apply to those of lower social standing. Those of higher social stnading are more likely to channel that competitiveness into political strategy (e.g. many popes have Mars connected with profession). Along this vein, Rhetorius does make a statement connecting the signs of Mars with “weapons or fire or iron or iron-working or public affairs” (Holden, 2009, p. 135). Similarly, in the commentary on Paulus by Olympiadorus, he associated Mars with positions of command, especially military ones, like generals and professional soldiers, when it is made more authoritative (Greenbaum, 2001, p. 124). When very malefic, however, Mars can show those who engage in criminal acts for a living.
Jupiter, Saturn, and the Lights
Jupiter will tend to show development of a quest for truth. Law may also be indicated. If Jupiter is prominent then there may be more development along religious lines. In either case, there is a sense of a commitment toward an ideal which is being worked upon.
Saturn is associated with land, farmers, sailors, the soil, natural resources, the dead, misery and poverty, as well as discipline, control, and management. Rhetorius also associated a strong Saturn with public service and management (c.f. Greenbaum, 2001).
In my opinion, both the Sun and Moon in relation to profession show publicity or prominence, as the Lights are associated with power. The Sun is associated with things being more heroic, public, or publicized. The Moon is associated with things being more idiosyncratic, natural, subjective, nurturing, and/or group-oriented (counseling is something I often see strongly connected to the Moon).
Paulus Alexandrinus on Actions
Paulus Alexandrinus (4th century CE) presented the best early explanation for how to find the professional indicator. While Ptolemy’s exposition is earlier (2nd century) and provides many useful pointers, he also did not use houses and his method is not as reliable. Therefore, let’s examine Paulus’ method in some detail.
Mars, Venus, or Mercury in the Effective Places
He advised to look at Mars (Ares), Venus (Aphrodite), and Mercury (Hermes) and to see which of them are in the nine places which are effective (10th, 1st, 7th, 4th, 2nd, 11th, 5th, 8th, or 6th). He also points out which places provide better indication. Paulus appears to view the 10th (status, rank, actions) and 2nd (income, possessions) places as the most authoritative.
These are the places which are useful when these [three] are present: all the pivots, the post-ascensions of these and the sixth from the Hōroskopos, but of course the culminating zōidion being preferred among the pivots, and the second for the Hōroskopos among the post-ascensions. (Alexandrinus, Ch. 26, 2001, Greenbaum trans., p. 57)
The Lot of Fortune and the Lights
If Mars, Venus, and Mercury are not in one of those nine places then Paulus suggests also seeing if one is in the place of the Lot of Fortune. If the three are also not on Fortune then he suggests looking at which are in an applying aspect with the Sun or Moon, as well as if Saturn, Jupiter, or Mars are coming out of the beams while oriental to the Sun or Venus or Mercury are coming out of the beams while occidental to the Sun, within a week of birth.
But if none of the aforesaid stars is set up on one of these places, nor indeed on the Lot of Fortune, it is proper to seek which one of them has been bound under application of the Moon or the Sun, or a morning appearance of Kronos, Zeus, Ares – in regard to this, also an evening rising of Aphrodite, Hermes — if it should happen to be made seven days before or seven days after the birth. (Alexandrinus, Ch. 26, 2001, Greenbaum trans., p. 57)
Distinguishing the Types of Indications
The anonymous authors of the Greek Scholia (as well as that by Olympiodorus) on the chapter by Paulus point out that the planet in the more authoritative of the nine places will show a more authoritative profession, while one in a less authoritative place shows a more common one. Also, that each planet in one of such places indicates a skill, so many such planets show many skills. The more important skill will be indicated by the one in the more authoritative place. The authors of the scholia also give examples of the types of professions indicated by each of the three planets, both with upper and lower class forms.
Ares makes generals in the stronger places, or soldiers or goldsmiths; but in the worse ones butchers or locksmiths. (Alexandrinus, anonymous authors, Scholia for Ch. 26, 2001, Greenbaum trans., p. 58)
However, the point about the quality of the profession being indicated by the authoritative nature of the place may be overstated. As I noted above, I would rely more upon the judgment of eminence or social mobility in the chart to assess the upper or lower class nature of the profession.
Rhetorius on Actions
Rhetorius (7th century CE) provided a lengthy treatment of actions (chapters 82-96 of his compendium), incorporating information from Paulus, Ptolemy, Anubio, and others. He recounted the technique of Paulus, provided some notes from Ptolemy’s technique, gave another technique and some pointers from Anubio, and a thoroughly discussed specific configurations.
The discussion of profession in Rhetorius is placed after that of general good fortune. This implies that a delineation of general good fortune (eminence or social mobility) is important to contextualizing indications regarding profession.
Anubio and the Syzygy
Anubio’s text is poetic verse from the 1st or 2nd century CE and has not yet been translated. Rhetorius is currently a good source for much of Anubio’s commentary on actions. According to Rhetorius, Anubio advised to first delineate health and injury from the chart, as injury can rule out some professions.
Rhetorius also presented a technique from Anubio in which we examine the prenatal syzygy (the new or full moon which preceded the birth, depending on whether the birth followed a new moon or a full moon) to examine to which planet (Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, or Mercury) it was applying an aspect. However, I have not had luck with this particular technique and find it much less effective than that of Paulus.
Look to Rulers
Rhetorius suggested that it is important to examine the configurations and domicile ruler of the lords of action. A planet in its own domicile will pertain to professions characteristic of the planet, while one in another planet’s domicile will blend the significations with things associated with its ruler: Jupiter makes for delightful and splendid activities; Saturn makes for difficult or dirty ones; Mars makes for dangerous, hot, or political activities; Venus makes for sensual or artistic activities; Mercury makes for intellectual or commercial activities; the Sun makes for public or hot activities; and the Moon makes for personal or self-taught activities.
And if on the one hand the [star] granting action chances to be in its own domicile, that one grants the characteristic action that it has obtained by its appearance; but if it chances to be in an alien sign, it also takes along the characteristic action of the [star] receiving it. (Rhetorius, Ch. 82, 2009, Holden trans., p. 135)
Look to Aspects
Rhetorius spends a lot of time analyzing planetary aspects to the lords of action. In this he follows Ptolemy relatively closely. The aspects are very important so I advise one to read over Ptolemy’s treatment of actions from Book IV, Ch. 4 of the Tetrabiblos (available free online by clicking the link). Ptolemy treats of aspects as well as combinations of two planets in the same sign as lords of action.
Sign Type and Actions
Rhetorius also follows Ptolemy in advising to look at the sign type for the sign of the lord of actions. For instance, in signs of human form the lord of actions tends to indicate relating to scientific and useful arts, while earth and water signs tend to indicate concerning earthy or watery activities. I find this to be less reliable than the ruler and aspects, but it is worth a mention.
On the other hand, the quadruplicity of a sign can be very important to professional indications. Cardinal signs tend toward swiftness, impact, change, extraversion, and turning points. Fixed signs tend toward the opposite, as in long-term progress, introversion, steadiness, writing instead of speaking, depth, and so forth. Mutable signs tend toward a mix of the two and to duality, interaction, back-and-forth, and mingling.
Steps to Reckoning Actions
Find Planets with Relevance to Actions (in order of importance)
Places:
The planet should be in one of the following places (which include all but the 12th, 9th, or 3rd), in the following order of relative importance: 10th (place of actions), the “stakes” of the 10th (1st, 7th, and 4th), the triplicity of the 10th (2nd and 6th), the 11th, the 5th, and the 8th (i.e. succedent places). Look at Mars, Venus, and Mercury and see which are in such places.
If none are in these places then, and only then, see if any are in the sign of the Lot of Fortune.
Rulership:
Among the planets that are in effective places, a planet will be more relevant to the profession if it has some dignity at the 10th place or the Ascendant (especially the 10th). If the planet does not have any dignity at either place, consider it less important. The domicile ruler of either, and/or a planet with some minor rulership in both places (especially if the term ruler of the Ascendant) is preferred.
If none of the potential lords of action have dignity at the 10th place or Ascendant then see which have dignity at the Lot of Fortune.
Phasis and the Lights:
This is reiterated below in relation to strength, but there is a special relevance to actions when a planet is in phasis (particularly, if moving out from the beams rather than in towards them). Also, check if the planet is the ruler of the bound of the sect light (and to a lesser extent the other light).
Orientality/occidentality considerations, particularly relative to the Sun, also often show up in the literature, although I don’t stress them here, as I haven’t yet found them to be consistently strong indicators in this matter.
Find Planets that are Generally Prominent
I have dealt with general prominence in the series of lessons (see the second lesson and the third lesson) so it may be helpful to read those lessons. The three considerations below are the most important in terms of assessing general prominence and strength.
Advancing/Retreating:
Look at the Ascendant, Descendant, MC, and IC. If a planet is more than 1/3 of the distance from one to the next it is “advancing” and strengthened. The closer the planet is to the angle (Asc, MC, Dsc, or IC), the more it is as if the volume is turned up on the planet. By contrast, when a planet passes the angle it is as if the volume quickly turns down on the planet. A planet that is approaching the angle within about 15 degrees should be considered “strongly advancing”. If a planet is conjunct an angle within about 5 degrees (even if separating, I use about 10 degrees for considering a Light to be conjunct an angle) then that is also extremely strong. Remember that the planets move clockwise in this regard, rising in the east and setting in the west.
Relationships to Lights:
The following relationships to the Sun or Moon will make the planet more relevant to profession: the planet the Moon is separating from or applying to, a planet in phasis, and to a much lesser extent a planet regarded by a Light (more so by trine or sextile, and/or if from the sect light, and/or if closer to exact). There are other relationships to the lights that are sometimes looked at but I think these are most important. It is rare, but if a planet is cazimi the Sun it may be extremely strengthened. By contrast, a planet within 8 degrees of the Sun at birth, which is not in phasis, is likely to be quite weakened.
Stationing:
Look 7 days before the birth and 7 days after to check for planetary stations. This is very important. A planet stationing direct within about 7 days of the birth will be extremely strengthened. The closer the station is to the time of birth, the more powerful. By contrast, a planet that is stationing retrograde is quite weakened, particularly if the station occurs closer to the birth.
Put it Together
It is most important to know which planets are relevant to actions and to what degree. Of the planets in the proper places, which have important dignities at the 10th place and to a lesser extent at the Ascendant. Also, are any in phasis or some other strong relationship to the lights.
There will typically be one planet that is much more relevant to actions than others. You will want to explore that planet in more depth in terms of its natural significations, configurations, rulers, and so forth to get a better sense of what it signifies for actions. All planets with relevance to actions, especially if they also have dignity at the Ascendant will pertain to some type of skill development.
Prominent planets will influence many areas of life. They will often impact the profession and actions. As there is overlap between general prominence and relevance to actions, prominent planets will also often be lords of actions. Quickly spotting the prominent planets will reveal strong influences in the life overall and they will be influential upon actions. When there are multiple planets equally relevant to actions, then the more prominent one will typically take the lead in characterizing the type of profession.
Note on Special Configurations
While variations on this technique are common in Hellenistic and Persian astrology, there were also a large number of special, career configurations. Maternus, Rhetorius, and many other authors give indications specific to many professions, that are aside from this method. Use this technique to focus your exploration of more specific configurations. Research into the configurations noted in Maternus and Rhetorius will help with fine-tuning.
Where to Go From Here
The rest of this series is devoted to applying the technique to chart examples. I’ll consistently stick to the rules set out here as I analyze charts. Consistency is the key. If the technique doesn’t consistently work on celebrity charts for whom the profession is already known then we cannot hope to delineate the chart of a stranger.
Note: this article was thoroughly updated and revised in April of 2018. Among the changes, there is now a detailed exploration of the technique of Paulus Alexandrinus.
References
Alexandrinus, P., & Olympiodorus. (2001). Late Classical Astrology: Paulus Alexandrinus and Olypiodorus. (D. G. Greenbaum, Trans.). Reston, VA: Arhat.
Rhetorius of Egypt, & Teucer of Babylon. (2009). Rhetorius the Egyptian. (J. H. Holden, Trans.). Tempe, AZ: American Federation of Astrologers.
Featured image of the Labor mural from the North Corridor of the Great Hall of the Library of Congress by Charles Sprague Pearce (1896) is in the public domain.
This article continues the series on examining religion, faith, or lack of such in the astrological chart. In the last article, we looked at the chart of an atheist, Arthur Schopenhauer. In this article we turn to the chart of a religious leader, Pope John Paul II. The ingredients and recipes for this type of analysis can be found in the first article, on James Randi. The basics were reviewed with additional comments in a few articles back, on Madalyn Murray O’Hair.
Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II was the last pope before the current Pope Benedict XVI. He was one of the more tolerant and well-liked popes. He encouraged interfaith dialog, in pretty sharp contrast to the current pope (Pope Benedict) who has made public derogatory remarks about other religions. Pope John Paul II also heavily engaged in that other 9th House activity, travel. You can check out his biography on Wikipedia by clicking here. His natal chart is below, and has been given a Rodden Rating of A.
Pope John Paul II’s Birth Chart
Pope John Paul II’s Chart Analyzed in Brief
Jupiter:
Extremely strong
Jupiter is extremely strong, strongly advancing on the MC. That Jupiter is overcome by the Moon, dominated by the Sun, and in the domicile of the sect light, The Sun, also confers strength and prominence.
Extremely benefic
Jupiter is naturally benefic, and here is in sect, in perhaps the most benefic place, the 11th (the Joy of Jupiter). It is also dominated by the benefic Venus, and overcome by the Moon by sextile.
Notes on Jupiter
Jupiter is one of the strongest planets in the chart, and the most benefic. Lofty spirituality has a profound influence over the life, and is associated with very fortunate matters. While Jupiter is only a triplicity ruler of the Ascendant, there is still likely to be a strong identification with Jupiter because Jupiter dominates the Ascendant and has some dignity there. Additionally, the domicile and exaltation rulers (Venus and Saturn) are both in aversion to (i.e. don’t regard) the Ascendant (i.e. less direct access to the self). Jupiter, Venus, and Mars, all have a strong effect on the character.
9th Place:
Very strong, Lunar and Mercurial
The 9th, Gemini, is ruled by Mercury. Most importantly, the Moon is in the 9th, bringing much prominence to matters of the 9th. The ruler of the 9th, Mercury, is advancing and in phasis, so is very strong also.
Quite benefic, some mixed indications
The benefic Moon is in the 9th. The ruler Mercury is also benefic overall, despite being in a bad place (the 8th), as Mercury is in sect and conjunct Venus (as well as ruled by Venus). Saturn squares the 9th, so more negative associations can also be present, particularly with Saturn’s activation.
Notes on the 9th Place
Matters of belief are very prominent in the life, and overall associated with fortunate happenings. The 9th is most directly Lunar (powerfully and vividly subjective, personal, even irrational). The 9th is also quite Mercurial, and in fact, John Paul II put a strong emphasis on reason during his papacy. He drew on St. Thomas Aquinas in stressing how reason and faith can be mutually supportive of each other. The Moon is the natural significator of journeys in ancient astrology. Mercury also pertains to movement. Therefore, it is little wonder that the association of the Moon and Mercury with the 9th signified such a globe-trotting pope (9th pertains to travel as well as religion).
Saturn:
Mildly strong
Saturn is mildly strong, as it is advancing, though also cadent. However, Saturn is arguably the weakest planet in the chart, as it is the only cadent planet.
Quite mixed, somewhat malefic
Saturn is naturally a malefic so will indeed have some negative significations, particularly as it is in the 12th place. However, Saturn is in sect and is overcome by trine by Venus, as well as overcome by both Lights, so we can expect things to be quite mixed overall.
Notes on Saturn
Saturn’s significations are not nearly so strong as those of Jupiter, nor of most of the other planets in the chart. However, Saturn does make itself felt, and with mixed results. Saturn is the exalted ruler of the Ascendant, but we don’t expect as much identification with Saturn because Saturn doesn’t regard the Ascendant.
Mercury:
Quite strong
Mercury is advancing, and is in phasis, so Mercury is quite strong.
Somewhat benefic
As mentioned, Mercury is overall benefic because it is in sect and assembled with a benefic. There may be some difficult associations on occasion due to the fact that Mercury occupies the 8th, which is a bad place.
Notes on Mercury
There is not a strong identification with Mercury, but there is a little bit of one, as Mercury is a triplicity ruler of the Ascendant and is conjunct the Ascendant Lord, Venus. Mercury is quite strong, and has mostly benefic associations, so there may be an overall pleasant relationship with rational intellectualism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pope John Paul II, like most religious leaders, had an extremely strong Jupiter, an emphasis on 9th house matters, and a relatively out-of-focus Saturn. Through the Lunar and Mercurial characterization of the 9th, we see the stress on humanity and reason which characterized his particular brand of religion. The association of the Moon and Mercury (the swift planets) with the 9th also reflects his propensity for nearly constant travel.
Schopenhauer’s beliefs were quite complex. Belief played a major role in his life. While he was an atheist, he was also heavily influenced by Eastern religious thought. You can check out his biography on Wikipedia by clicking here. His natal chart is below, and has been given a Rodden Rating of AA.
Schopenhauer’s Birth Chart
Schopenhauer’s Chart Analyzed in Brief
Jupiter:
Very weak
Jupiter is retreating and cadent, so it is very weak.
Mixed, somewhat benefic
Jupiter is naturally benefic. Here it is in sect and overcome by Venus by sextile, so Jupiter has positive significations. However, Jupiter is in a bad place (the 12th) and is dominated by Saturn (right-side square) so there are negative significations with Jupiter as well.
Notes on Jupiter
Jupiter is the weakest planet in the chart. There is not a pervasive influence of spiritual expansion and positivity in Schopenhauer’s life. However, there is some identification with Jupiter as it is the exalted ruler of the Ascendant. Jupiter overall signifies fortunate matters in the life, but it is not a prominent influence and has many negative associations. Additionally, Jupiter is dominated by the planet of doubt.
9th Place:
Very strong and Saturnine, Solar, Mercurial, and Jupiterian
The 9th, Pisces, is ruled by Jupiter. However, planets in the place will have a more direct effect on the place’s dealings. The presence of a Light, the Sun, in the 9th (the Joy of the Sun) is enough to make the 9th very strong. One signification of the Sun in the 9th can be in terms of honors and achievement related to matters of belief (religion, philosophy, science). Saturn and Mercury are also in the 9th, characterizing it as a place of much doubt, skepticism, and intellectualism. Jupiter rules the 9th, so there is a sense of religion and spirituality influencing the 9th in more of an overall sense. Therefore, the 9th is very prominent and very complex.
Benefic
While Saturn is in the 9th, it’s in sect, in a good place. Having the sect light (the Sun) in the 9th, Jupiter ruling the 9th, and both Jupiter and the Moon in stakes of the 9th, makes this place a place of very positive significations in this life.
Notes on the 9th Place
The 9th is a very complex and prominent place in this life. Overall it signifies very fortunate circumstances that arise in the life. Doubt (Saturn), Achievement/heroism (Sun), and Intellectualism (Mercury) very directly impact matters of belief in Schpenhauer’s life, but there is an overall influence of religion and spirituality (Jupiter) upon these matters.
Saturn:
Strong
Saturn is very strong, despite being combust and in a cadent place. It is strong because it is not only Strongly Advancing but actually conjunct the MC within 2 degrees.
Somewhat benefic
Saturn is naturally a mafefic so will indeed have some negative significations, but Saturn is in sect and in a good place, the 9th. Therefore, Saturn signified some fortunate matters in Schopenhauer’s life.
Notes on Saturn
Saturn is a very prominent and pervasive influence in Schopenhauer’s life. It is particularly strong in relation to belief. Saturn is made somewhat benefic, so is not necessarily inclined to connect a lot of destructiveness and fear with matters of belief. However, Saturn will add considerable skepticism and critical thinking (more common among scientific seekers of truth than religious seekers). The strength of the 9th and its beneficence shows considerable comfort with matters of belief and attainment of wisdom.
Mercury:
Strong
Mercury is strongly advancing, so while combust and in a cadent place, it still is strong overall.
Mixed, somewhat malefic
Mercury is somewhat malefic due to being out of sect and assembled with Saturn, but Mercury is in a good place and is naturally neutral, so Mercury’s capacity to signify unfortunate matters is limited.
Notes on Mercury
Interestingly there is not a strong identification with Mercury, the planet of intellectualism, though Mercury does have a strong influence upon affairs in the life. There may even be some degree of negative association with intellectualism due to Mercury’s capacity to signify unpleasant or unfortunate states of affairs.
Conclusion
Schopenhauer is considered to have been an atheist. He was critical of religion and objected to the notion that a god or gods created this world. However, he was not an outspoken atheist in the sense of actively speaking out against religion and all things supernatural. Rather, Schopenhauer was strongly influenced by the Upanishads and Buddhism, and strongly advocated compassion. The Full Moon in its Joy in the 3rd, also reflects a component of the belief connected with powerful vivid subjective experience.
As typical of those who are skeptically inclined and averse to uncritical and/or jubilant spirituality, he had a very strong Saturn and a Jupiter that was not prominent (actually, quite weak). Additionally, his 9th place and Jupiter were both under the strong influence of Saturn. Mercury was also quite strong. However, what made Schopenhauer so complicated on these grounds is that the prominence of the 9th place with all of its pessimism, intellectualism, and achievement, appeared to nevertheless evoke a spiritual purpose and sense of goodness. This is shown in part through Jupiter’s rulership of the 9th house. Additionally, Schopenhauer probably identified more with this Jupiter truth-seeking than with doubt or intellectualism.
Is a predisposition toward belief or doubt shown in the astrological chart? In this series on the astrology of religion, we have explored the charts of a number of famous believers and doubters. In each chart we look for signs of belief and doubt. Here we explore the astrology of religion in the chart of Billy Graham, the famous evangelist.
The ingredients and recipes for this type of analysis can be found in the first post of the series, which you can view here. The relevant factors were reviewed with additional comments in the last article of the series, on Madalyn Murray O’Hair.
Billy Graham
Billy Graham is one of the most prominent Christian evangelists. You can check out his biography on Wikipedia by clicking here. His natal chart is below, and has been given a Rodden Rating of AA.
Billy Graham’s Natal Chart
Billy Graham’s Central Belief Indications
Jupiter:
Quite strong
Jupiter is strongly advancing in the chart and is in an angle/”stake” of the chart. However, Jupiter did station retrograde 4-5 days before birth which is somewhat weakening to it. When a planet is strongly advancing it is as if the volume is cranked very high on the planet in the person’s life. The planet’s significations are powerful and pervasive, touching upon all areas of life. Therefore, this Jupiter is quite strong.
Extremely benefic
Jupiter is naturally benefic, and here it is in sect, in a good place, and scrutinized by the Sun (by trine). The Sun is the sect light, so it provides a benefic influence and it confers power and prominence (making Jupiter even more prominent because of its close connection). Additionally, Jupiter is trine Venus (with Venus applying to Jupiter). There are no major indicators of maleficence for Jupiter, so it is very benefic.
Notes on Jupiter
Jupiter is one of the most prominent planets in the chart (the Moon, and to a lesser extent Mars, are also very prominent). There is also an identification with Jupiter. This self-identification is because of Jupiter’s strong connections with the Ascendant which symbolizes the self in the chart. Jupiter is the term ruler and triplicity ruler of the Ascendant, regards the 1st Place, and rules the Lord of the 1st (Mars). Religious identification is strong, and religion represents almost purely good things in this person’s life.
Billy Graham’s Natal Chart (Ctrl-click to enlarge)
The 9th Place:
Extremely strong and Lunar, Martian, and Jupiterian
The 9th place, Sagittarius, is ruled by Jupiter, characterizing it as open and expansive in orientation. Planets in a place have a more direct effect on the place’s dealings. The planet ruling a place provides a more overall characterization. The presence of a Light, the Moon, in the 9th is enough to make the 9th very strong. That the ruler of the Ascendant, Mars, is in the 9th, makes the 9th even stronger, and very strongly tied to this person’s sense of self. Additionally, the Moon is within 5 degrees of the MC, thus is quite prominent, and Mars being tightly conjunct the Moon and just over 5 degrees from the MC, is also quite strong. Jupiter rules the 9th, and again is quite strong. Rarely do we see such a prominent 9th house, and one so strongly tied to the individual.
Mixed, somewhat benefic
–The benefic Moon is in the 9th, and the most benefic planet in the chart, Jupiter, rules the 9th, so there are strong associations of the 9th with beneficence. However, the out of sect malefic, Mars, is also in the 9th, and both Mars and the Moon are overcome and scrutinized (in this case a right-side trine) by Saturn. Saturn is not the ruler of the 9th, nor is Saturn in an angle or stake of the 9th, so the 9th is not Saturnine in nature though.
Notes on the 9th Place
The 9th is Lunar (powerfully and vividly subjective, personal, even irrational) and Mars-y (competitive, contentious, aggressive), in sometimes unpleasant or difficult ways. However, its overall characterization is that of religious and spiritual expansiveness (Jupiter). There is extreme self-identification with matters of belief, and Jupiter plays a major role in the belief-system.
Billy Graham’s Natal Chart (Ctrl-click to enlarge)
Saturn:
Somewhat weak
Saturn is arguably the weakest planet in the chart (Venus is also very weak). The Moon and Mars are conjunct the MC, Jupiter is strongly advancing, and the other planets are advancing (Mercury is also in phasis). However, Saturn is just barely advancing, with no other major strength indications.
Quite mixed, somewhat benefic
Saturn is naturally a malefic so will indeed have some negative significations, but Saturn is in sect and in a very good place, the 5th place. It is also being scrutinized by the Moon by trine. These are all indications that Saturn can also have positive significations. However, Saturn is also scrutinized by Mars by trine (in fact, exactly), showing maleficence. Therefore, we have quite a broad range for whether Saturn’s significations are more positive or negative. A fair characterization would be to say that Saturn overall serves to improve life circumstances, but in ways that are constrictive or challenging.
Notes on Saturn
Saturn’s significations are not prominent in Billy Graham’s life, nor does he really identify with them. Saturn has little influence on matters of belief, but does characterize some of the planets with direct influence on belief as more Saturnine. Overall, Saturn is more geared towards its positive significations (duty, tradition, discipline, tangibility), than negative ones (fear, depression, death, loss).
Billy Graham’s Natal Chart (Ctrl-click to enlarge)
Mercury:
Somewhat strong
Mercury is just barely advancing, but Mercury is in phasis, so Mercury has some strength.
Malefic
Mercury is somewhat malefic in the chart, as Mercury is neutral, and so easily swayed, and here Mercury is out of sect, in a bad place (the 8th), and dominated by Saturn, which scrutinizes it (right-side square within 3 degrees). Mercury is assembled with Venus and overcome by Jupiter though, so we expect some positive associations with Mercury also.
Notes on Mercury
There is not an identification with Mercury’s significations as Mercury neither rules, nor even regards, the 1st place. Intellectualism and communications have a somewhat strong influence upon the life, but they also have primarily negative associations in the person’s life. Mercury’s assemblage with Venus may show an artistry with communication, or a “way with words”, and Mercury’s ruler is in the 9th of belief, putting Mercury in its service.
Billy Graham in 1966
Strong Spiritual Belief with Crusading Energy
In conclusion, Billy Graham has one of the most belief-oriented natal charts one can find. Doubt and intellectualism are eclipsed by a strong personal relationship with belief systems (Jupiter and the 9th), and a pervasive spiritual influence (Jupiter), particularly upon matters of belief. We also see a strong Mars influence upon belief that is characteristic of evangelizing or “crusading” for one’s beliefs (even characteristic of crusaders for atheism).
In the last article of the series, we looked at the chart of Pope Benedict XVI. For those that are new to this series, the basic rules of the game were spelled out in the initial article which you can find here. This is a series on determining if there is belief indicated in the natal chart, and as such each analysis is not intended as a thorough look at any individual’s life.
Review of Significators
The basic idea is that Jupiter tends to give strong significations about the role of expansive spirituality in the life. Similarly, the 9th house tends to give indications about religion, but more broadly about philosophy, higher education, and “belief systems”. Saturn is a natural significator of doubt, fear, skepticism, and challenge. Mercury is a natural significator of intellectualism. The 1st Place (i.e. the rising sign) and its ruler tend to reflect strongly on the individual, their character, and self-identification.
Perhaps in a future article, I will go into more depth on the Hellenistic and Persian techniques for delineating faith and religion. Those techniques tend to incorporate additional things, particularly the Lot of the Sun (i.e. Lot of Spirit) and/or Lot of Faith, and the 3rd Place.
Review of Factors
Prominence
We restrict ourselves to just 4 major strength/weakness indicators. However, on occasion I mention more minor strength indicators such as dignity, joy, and regard from one of the Lights, i.e. the Sun or Moon. The strength of a place or a planet will show more prominence and pervasiveness in the life. For instance, a more prominent Jupiter will make spirituality, fortune, and positivity more prominent in the life. A more prominent Saturn will tend to make doubt, criticism, and challenge more prominent themes.
Interestingly, we found that both atheists and religious folk tend to have a strong 9th place. In other words, for both types belief plays a major role in their lives. This lends some credence to the view that atheism IS a religion, albeit one of doubt. However, “philosophy” is a better all-encompassing term for 9th place matters. Philosophy is inclusive of religion, science, atheism, and other approaches to belief and “big truths”.
Beneficence
We also use 4 major beneficence/maleficence indicators. Again, there are many more minor ones, such as being in the place or term of a malefic. These can be a bit trickier than the strength/weakness indications. They give us a measure of whether the planet tends to signify unpleasant matters and states (bad times) or more pleasant and fortunate matters and states (good times). All planets will signify a mix of some good and some bad. However, there is a great possibility for a predominance of signification of one or the other. There can be very mixed, maybe even to extremes, such that good is signified in connection with certain configurations and difficulty with others.
This is not necessarily a view incompatible with human will and spirituality (i.e. not necessarily fatalistic). Rather, we acknowledge the fact that will acts within a context and contexts can be very unfavorable.
Our finding so far is that atheists will tend to have negative associations tied to Jupiter. They will also tend to have a Saturnine influence on the 9th (doubt-oriented belief-system). Additionally, a strong identification with Saturn and/or Mercury (i.e. doubt and negativity and/or intellectualism and rationality) is common, as shown through the 1st place. Religious people on the other hand, will tend to have more positive circumstances associated with Jupiter and the 9th. They may also have a more Jupiterian (faith, positivity, expansion, fortune, spirits) characterization of the 9th.
Why Use Folks Representative of the Extremes?
Of course, the bulk of us humans are likely to be quite mixed. This mixture emerges through time in the form of various degrees of faith and doubt through life. Similarly, belief itself may have an unstable importance in our life, sometimes figuring into matters, sometimes disregarded. Some of this complication can be seen in just a cursory glance at the factors I’ve discussed in a natal chart. One can be highly religious but still be a scientist and a rationalist. Similarly, one can simply have no interest in either religion or atheism, putting their focus completely elsewhere. The natal chart of an average person typically shows a complex mixture of indications concern religion and spirituality, befitting the complexity of the matter.
Trent Reznor and Complex Beliefs
For example, sometimes people strongly critical of religion, who are assumed atheist, have also publicly stated that they believe in some form of God or higher power in explicit terms. In such cases, they are often mislabeled as an atheist or agnostic. An example, which I hope to address in a future post is Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, who has railed strongly against religion, leading many to assume atheism (one quick example), but also has acknowledged explicitly that he does believe in God. Reznor has Mars in the 9th, Virgo, with Mercury ruling the 9th, though Mars is in sect and dominated by both benefics, Venus and Jupiter. Mercury, as you might imagine is extremely strong, and is actually conjunct the IC.
Extremes as Test Cases
The techniques “work” quite well, and can even be used predictively to see events affecting these matters. However, they won’t necessarily classify the populace into “believers” and “non-believers”. Human beings are complex and dynamic. The techniques need continual refinement and improvement if we are to untangle the web and grapple with that complexity. When we examine the charts of people who sit strongly on one end or another of a continuum, we can test our hypotheses regarding which factors are most important and in what ways.
Madalyn Murray O’Hair
Madalyn Murray O’Hair was a prominent crusader for atheism. She helped to put in place many reasonable political reforms related to her beliefs. For instance, she helped protect public school children from having someone else’s religion hoisted on to them in their daily lives. With three planets in the 11th place of friends/groups, she emerged as an activist and organizer. Her beliefs were a strong reflection of important personal circumstances in her life, particularly surrounding abortion. She was known to generate a fair amount of controversy.
Sadly, O’Hair was also a victim of career criminals who kidnapped, killed, and mutilated her. I will not be addressing her death in this article.
Jupiter is somewhat strong, as Jupiter is advancing.
Somewhat malefic but mixed
Jupiter is naturally benefic and is in sect, but Jupiter is dominated by Mars, the out of sect malefic.
Notes on Jupiter
For an atheist, we find Jupiter unusually strong and mixed. The 2nd Place was included in the bad places in Hellenistic astrology. The 2nd doesn’t regard the 1st. The 6th, 12th, 8th, and 2nd don’t regard the 1st and therefore were considered “dark” or “bad”. However, in many ways the 2nd is the least bad of those houses.It may be the case that O’Hair’s atheism was a development in life brought on by Mars dominating Jupiter. This is a common configuration for evangelizing but can similarly pertain to aggression, contention, and competition when it comes to belief. She was known to purposely try to offend people that disagreed with her. Additionally, she disowned her own son for becoming a preacher (Moon in V applies to and is dominated by Jupiter but is opposite Mars; Jupiter’s twelfth-part is in V).
9th Place:
Strong and Saturnine
Just as in the charts of James Randi and Percy Shelly, we see the 9th empty but ruled by an extremely strong Saturn. Saturn is in the 3rd of communication (messengers, transportation, as well as siblings/cousins). Saturn is in a cadent place, but Saturn is Strongly Advancing. It is in fact the most Strongly Advancing planet in the chart. Therefore, 9th place matters of philosophy, belief, and religion are very prominent in the life, and strongly Saturnine (doubt-oriented).
Malefic
The 9th is ruled by Saturn. Saturn is naturally malefic. Saturn is not only the ruler of the 9th but also opposes the 9th. Additionally, Mars overcomes Saturn (right-side trine) and aspects the 9th. Venus is in a stake of the 9th (the 12th) but it is a left side aspect. Venus is also out of sect and in a dark place. The 9th is linked with Venusian matters (reproductive rights) but Venus is associated with being under threat (dark place, out of sect, square Saturn and in Saturn’s bound).
Notes on the 9th Place
Displeasure pervades matters of belief in her life . The 9th house is more oriented toward destruction and contention than construction and enjoyment.
Saturn:
Very strong
Saturn is very strongly advancing, but is in a cadent place. In any case Saturn is quite strong, and could easily be considered the strongest planet in the chart, though I think Mercury is a bit stronger. The influence of Saturn in the life is extremely pervasive. The lord of darkness, death, doubt, and dread should make its mark all over the life in a major way.
Somewhat malefic
Saturn is naturally malefic entailing very malefic significations, unless there are major counter-indicators. Saturn is in sect. However, Mars (out of sect malefic) overcomes Saturn (right-side trine).
Notes on Saturn
As with Randi, O’Hair is someone in constant touch with a powerful force of doubt, skepticism, and hardship of an often harsh sort.
Mercury:
Very strong
Mercury is advancing (albeit barely) and is in phasis. Mercury is therefore very strong. In my opinion, Mercury is the strongest planet in the chart, and then Saturn. Both of them having a very powerful and pervasive influence over affairs of the life. We also find Mercury in its own bound, a minor strength consideration.
Somewhat benefic to mixed
Mercury is in sect and in a very good place (the 11th of friends). Overall, Mercury should be quite benefic, associating Mercury’s significations with the more enjoyable things in life. However, Mercury is assembled with (and ruled by) the out of sect malefic, Mars. Mercury’s negative significations follow from Mars.
Notes on Mercury
Mercury is the ruler of the Ascendant, as in James Randi’s chart. There was a strong self-identification with that signified by Mercury (intellectualism, rationality, speech, and argumentation). Mercury overall signified some of the better circumstances and matters in her life, and was a very strong and pervasive influence. However, it is charged with the more malefic side of Mars (meanness, vulgarity, aggression, and competitiveness).
Conclusion
In conclusion, in O’Hair’s chart we see Saturn much stronger than Jupiter. Additionally, Mars afflicts Jupiter. We also see a 9th place characterized by Saturn and impacted most strongly by the malefics. Like many skeptics and atheists, her identification with Mercury (as well as Saturn) was strong. Her strong and aggressive, sometimes vulgar, war against all things religious seems strongly signified by Mars dominating Jupiter in her chart.
Featured Image Attribution
“Madalyn Murray O’Hair (full)” by Alan Light – Flickr: Madalyn Murray O’Hair. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Madalyn_Murray_O%27Hair_(full).jpg#/media/File:Madalyn_Murray_O%27Hair_(full).jpg
In this article, we turn again to someone who is highly religious We are focused particularly on how Jupiter, the 9th, Saturn, and Mercury are placed and relate to the person’s sense of self. The ingredients and recipe for this analysis can be found in the prior article which you can view here. Note that this series of articles is one on discovering indications of belief in the astrological chart and will not really address other aspects of the life or personality.
Jupiter was conjunct the Ascendant, rising at birth. This means that it was both strongly advancing in the strongest way possible, and in the strongest “stake”, the rising sign. None of the planets in the chart are stationing, in phasis, nor combust.
Primarily benefic
Jupiter is naturally benefic. It is in a good place, the 1st, where it directly affects the individuals sense of self, so there is a strong identification with Jupiter. Jupiter has some malefic influences owing to being dominated by Saturn (right side square regard from Saturn, the out of sect malefic) and being out of sect.
Notes on Jupiter
Jupiter is both in and ruling the 1st. Therefore, the identification with spirituality, religion, and expansive wisdom is very strong with this person. Additionally, Jupiter’s effect in the affairs of the life are powerful and pervasive.
9th Place:
Very strong and Martial
The 9th, Scorpio, is ruled by Mars. Mars, like Jupiter, is strongly advancing in a “stake” of the chart. It is in the last degree of the 4th sign/place, Gemini. Mars makes the matters of belief, wisdom, and religion signified by the 9th prominent. It tends to make matters more competitive, quarrelsome, even violent, depending on the benefic/malefic tendencies of the planet. A very Martial 9th can be found with those that actively crusade or attack those with different beliefs, as well as those that compete for positions of religious power. The Mars influence can also simply show contentions about particulars of their belief system. It depends on many additional factors, but in either case some level of aggression and drive is connecting with matters of belief, wisdom, religion, dogma, and the like.
Mixed, somewhat benefic
Mars, while naturally malefic, is in sect, in a good place, and dominated by Jupiter (Jupiter regards from right side square). Saturn regards Mars from the opposition, and Mars is naturally malefic, so the 9th place matters are likely to be beset with difficulties at time, particularly at activations of the Mars-Saturn opposition.
Notes on the 9th Place
The 9th place relates strongly to the Jupiter-Mars square in the chart which has Jupiter dominating. We see ambition and competition (Mars) strongly linked with the faith and self-identification (Jupiter in I; IX). .
Saturn:
Somewhat weak
Saturn is somewhat weak, as it’s retreating. However, it is in a “stake” of the chart (the 10th), so while not overtly pronounced it has a strong effect on important matters in life.
Malefic
Saturn is the out of sect malefic, and is therefore malefic, even though in a good place, the 10th. However, this would be modified somewhat by other minor factors which add up. These include the placement of Saturn in the sign, term, and triplicity of Jupiter (Jupiter has a lot of power over the development of Saturnine activity). Jupiter therefore has an influence on alleviating challenges to his status or authority, and challenges from government and other authorities (i.e. challenges from 10th house figures/matters).
Notes on Saturn
Saturn is not strong in a general pervasive sense (not advancing, stationing, etc.) so its significations are more focused. It is in X and dominating the first house, so it does influence the character and career to a great extent. Saturn has the capacity to signify considerable challenges, but also can signify hard-won religious authority through its strong connections with Jupiter.
Mercury:
Very Strong
Like Jupiter, but not the same extent as Jupiter, Mercury is strongly advancing and is in the strongest “stake” of the chart, the 1st place. Unlike many religious figures, Ratzinger self-identifies as an intellectual, as Mercury is in his 1st place, though he identifies more strongly with Jupiter (religion, God) because Jupiter is both in and ruling the 1st. Mercury has a pervasive and powerful effect on the life, and there is much intellectual activity.
Somewhat malefic/mixed
Mercury is somewhat malefic in the chart, as Mercury is neutral, easily swayed. Mercury is out of sect and dominated by Saturn, and in a close applying square with Mars. However, Mercury is mixed because it is in the 1st, in a good place, and is assembled with Jupiter. Still, we expect Mercury to be attached with difficulties. Mercury strongly reflects this person’s own self, since it is in the 1st, so there is likely to be few qualms about putting forth inflammatory and hurtful comments, words, and intellectual positions on occasion.
Notes on Mercury
Pope Benedict does strongly identify as an intellectual, and doesn’t mind being controversial or contentious on intellectual pretenses. However, overall the chart shows a person who identifies more strongly with religion and spirituality (Jupiter).
Conclusion
In conclusion, in the Pope’s chart we see an extremely strong and pervasive influence of Jupiter and the 9th. This influence is for the most part positive. However, because of the influence of Mars, things can get competitive, zealous, and contentious. This person identifies strongly with both religion/spirituality and with intellectualism, though more strongly and fundamentally with religion/spirituality. Saturn is one of the weaker planets in the chart, and certainly the most malefic planet in the chart.
In this series, the charts of notable skeptics and religious folk are analyzed. Consistently applying some basic principles of Hellenistic astrology, we find that atheism and faith shows up in the birth chart.
The basic rules of the game were spelled out in the initial post of the series which you can find here.
Percy Shelley
Once again we are going to be looking at the chart of an atheist. This time it is the brilliant poet, Percy Shelley. He led a short life filled with romance, as well as controversy. Notable for our purposes, Shelley was expelled from Oxford for writing a pamphlet, “The Necessity of Atheism”. Shelley is one of the few notable atheists of past centuries whose birth time is said to be accurate, with an A Rodden Rating.
Percy Shelley’s Natal Chart
Percy Shelley’s Chart Analyzed in Brief
Jupiter
Weak
Jupiter is weak, as it is retreating and cadent.
Malefic
Jupiter is naturally benefic, but here it is out of sect, in a bad place (the 6th), and assembled with (actually in partile conjunction with) Mars. Jupiter is regarded by Venus from the right side, but overall Jupiter is strongly associated with unpleasant things.
Note on Jupiter
Jupiter is weak and malefic, so we don’t expect expansive spirituality and religion to be a prominent influence in the life. We expect there to be a lot of negative associations with religion and faith.
9th Place
Strong and Saturnine
Just as in the chart of James Randi, we see the 9th empty but ruled by an extremely strong Saturn. Saturn is in the 1st of the self, so there is a strong personal identification with Saturn. Saturn connects the self with matters of religion and belief very strongly, but in a Saturnine way filled with doubt, fear, and darkness.
Malefic
The 9th, is ruled by the out of sect malefic, Saturn, and so is connected with negative circumstances, particularly concerning fear, control, doubt, and so forth. Mars is also square to the 9th place from the right side, adding to the contentiousness of this place.
Notes on the 9th Place
The influence of Saturn, planet of doubt, over the 9th place of God is very strong. There is an identification with the 9th place and a prominence in the life, but it is in a destructive sense. The 9th place is associated strongly with fear and suffering (Saturn) as well as fighting and contentions (Mars dominating the place and its exalted ruler). Therefore, there is a strong pull to repudiate religion. Also, matters of spirituality and higher truth have a dark coloring to them.
Saturn
Very strong
Saturn is strongly advancing and in the 1st place (strongest place), in fact, conjunct the Ascendant (Saturn was rising at birth). The influence of Saturn in the life is extremely strong and pervasive. The lord of darkness, death, doubt, and dread should make its mark all over the life in a major way.
Quite malefic
Saturn is naturally malefic, and as the out of sect malefic, entails malefic significations. Saturn is in a good place (the 1st) but overall Saturn signifies for some of the worst things that happen in the life.
Notes on Saturn
As with Randi, Shelley was someone in constant touch with a powerful force of doubt, skepticism, and hardship of an often harsh sort, even identifying with such.
Mercury
Somewhat strong
Mercury is advancing and is in its own sign and bound, without any other major strength/weakness considerations. Mercury is therefore somewhat strong.
Mostly benefic
Mercury is in sect and in a good place (the 5th of creativity and procreation) but is also regarded by Saturn by trine on the right side. Overall, Mercury will be more benefic, but the influence of Saturn likely had it signify some negative matters or dark influence in the life at certain points.
Notes on Mercury
Percy identified quite strongly with Saturn, which occupies the Ascendant, and Venus, which rules it. Mercury is not a planet that was strongly identified with but it is prominent due to advancing in its own sign and bound.
Parting Notes
In conclusion, in Percy Shelley’s chart we see configurations typical of deep skepticism and atheism. Notably, Saturn is prominent, Jupiter is weak, and Jupiter and the 9th are associated with with malefic planets and tendencies. These indications are often accompanied by a strong Mercury or a strong identification with Mercury and/or Saturn.
Image attribution:
Featured image (Mary and Percy Shelley Engraving by George Stodart after monument by Henry Weekes) is in the public domain.
Is there an astrology of religion? Can we look at a birth chart and tell if or when someone will come to believe in God or the supernatural? In this series, I critically ask that question by looking at the charts of more extreme cases (religious figures and outspoken atheists) using the basic symbolic tools of ancient astrology. The rules of the game for this analysis can be found in the first article.
In the last article, I looked at a prominent skeptic, James Randi. I will give analyses of very religious people as well, to make sure we’re consistent and are not over-predicting religious doubt. In this article, we look at faith and doubt in the chart of the fourteenth Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama
For obvious reasons, religion is an extremely important part of his life. The Dalai Lama has also experienced extreme hardship associated with his own religion. Within his lifetime and reign, he’s seen his country taken over and has had to flee for his life into exile.
Jupiter is advancing and it is stationing direct in the chart.
Benefic
Jupiter is naturally benefic. It is out of sect but it is regarded on the right side by the sect benefic, Venus. Additionally, Jupiter is in one of the most benefic places, the 5th, and is not regarded by a malefic from the right side.
Notes on Jupiter
Our initial expectation from Jupiter is that expansive spirituality and positivism is a powerful, pervasive, and mostly beneficial force in this person’s life. Jupiter is the exalted ruler of the 1st, and is regarded by both the sect light (the Moon in the 3rd of communications) and the Sun in the 1st. Therefore, spirituality (Jupiter), power (the Lights), and the self are strongly and harmoniously connected. The Sun in the 1st is applying an overcoming trine to Jupiter within 1 degree, so authority/recognition (the Sun) has a powerful impact on the nature of spirituality (Jupiter) in a beneficial way.
9th Place
Very strong and Jupiterian but also directly affected by Saturn
The 9th is occupied by a planet which gives it some increased prominence. Jupiter is the ruler of the 9th, and as analyzed above is very strong. Therefore, 9th place significations are very powerful and pervasive in the life. Jupiter’s effect on the 9th is to align it with loftiness, expansiveness, fortune, and spiritual experience.
Very mixed, overall benefic
The 9th, Pisces, is occupied by Saturn, which connects religion and long distance travel to trying and difficult circumstances. The relationship with religion is consistently tied to challenges and responsibilities. Jupiter is very benefic, so 9th matters are likely to be quite prominent and fortunate despite more direct misfortune. Jupiter regards Saturn by trine from the right-side, which in Hellenistic astrology is called Jupiter “overcoming” Saturn. This is the keynote theme here as a benefic overcoming a malefic is said to take away some of Saturn’s evil. Additionally, Jupiter is much stronger than Saturn in the chart and rules Saturn.
Notes on the 9th Place
The 9th place is prominent as it is occupied by Saturn, ruled by the exalted ruler of the Ascendant, and has both lights in aspect, with the sect light (the Moon which is also Ascendant lord) and Mercury in its stakes. There is an identification with matters of the 9th place as it is ruled by the exalted ruler of the Ascendant and has the Ascendant lord and sect light (the Moon) strongly in aspect (opposition). The 9th is mixed in terms of beneficence. It is most immediately malefic (due to the presence of Saturn) but overall benefic, due to the rulership by Jupiter who overcomes the 9th and Saturn by trine
Saturn
Somewhat weak
Saturn is not very strong in the chart. Saturn is retreating and cadent (and is not stationing). The afflication of the Moon by opposition and the close trine with the Sun, as well as placement of its twelfth-part in the 1st house, do give it great significance in the life, but it is not pervasive.
Somewhat malefic
Saturn is the out of sect malefic, and that alone entails some malefic significations. However, Saturn is regarded on the right side by trine by Jupiter and is in a good place (the 9th), so Saturn will have positive significations at times as well.
Notes on Saturn
We don’t expect doubt and/or fear to be a powerful and pervasive influence in this person’s life. We expect the most trying experiences from Saturn to be directly related to religion though.
Mercury
Somewhat strong
Mercury is retreating and cadent, but Mercury is also in phasis and stationing direct. Therefore, Mercury has a somewhat strong and pervasive influence over the life. The prominence is particularly related to the career and authority (twelfth-part of Mercury in the 10th, phasis). The twelfth-parts of Mercury and Jupiter are in the 10th of actions and authority, illustrating the important role of spiritual (Jupiter) communications (Mercury).
Malefic
Mercury is malefic in the chart, as it is out of sect, in a bad place (the 12th), and dominated by Saturn (overcome by square from the right side). However, Mercury is scrutinized by Venus, the sect benefic (i.e. Venus aspects Mercury by sextile within 3*). Rationality and intellectualism will have some strong associations with negative matters in the person’s life, and are not very strongly connected with the person’s sense of self (no rulership at Ascendant).
Notes on Mercury
This person does not strongly self-identify as an intellectual or as the voice of rationality. He may even see over-intellectualism as a vice. There is much exposure and involvement with intellectual activity and communication in the life though. Mercury has prominence on account of being in phasis and stationing direct. Betrayals and secret enemies (12th place) will probably be of a Mercurial character. For instance, the press and bureaucrats. Mercury may have other associations to unpleasant circumstances that occur in the person’s life.
Parting Notes: Illuminated Jupiterian Overcoming Saturn in the House of God
In conclusion, in the Dalai Lama’s chart we see someone with a very strong Jupiter and 9th place. Furthermore, Jupiter and the 9th are strongly tied together, providing a more spiritual view of truth and wisdom. With Saturn in the 9th, we expect difficult experiences with religion, even possibly strong doubts. In the chart, we see spiritual experience (Jupiter) overcoming such difficult experiences.
Skepticism does not play a generally significant role in the person’s life (Mercury and Saturn are retreating and cadent, with no rulership at the Ascendant). Skepticism and doubt are also not identified with as they Mercury and Saturn lack dignity at the Ascendant. Therefore, we not expect their influence on the identity to be sustained or forceful.
Rationality does play a role in the person’s life (sect light in Virgo). However, it is associated with unpleasantness (out of sect Saturn dominates Mercury and rules its bound). The identity is impacted by the Sun (occupies 1st), the Moon (rules 1st), and Jupiter (exalted ruler of 1st). Therefore, the identity is connected with leadership (Sun), social power and subjectivity (Moon), and fortune and religious experience (Jupiter).
