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Maya Angelou’s Venus in Pisces and Much More

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Introduction

Maya Angelou lived a very complex and noteworthy life. She experienced life’s lowest lows and highest highs, keeping her humanity in tact along the way. Because he life has such low lows and high highs, and a well-timed birth chart is available for her, her chart is instructive one for understanding the complexity of significations.

Maya Angelou was born on 04/04/1928 at 2:10 pm (standard time) in St. Louis, Missouri. Her birth time is said to be from a birth record (AA rodden rating).

Note About Objectives

I read Angelou’s debut novel, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” when in my late teens. Additionally, I had the pleasure of seeing a lecture by her about 15-20 years ago. I recall that she emphasized the importance of letting those around us know we love them. She also discussed how all women can tap into the feeling of sexiness no matter their appearance. As the experience was long ago, much of the biographical information about Angelou’s life which I discuss, has been gleaned from online sources.

In this article I’ll explore the complex way that her chart reflects important points in her life. There are lessons on the site which explore the symbolism and this symbolic approach to astrology. My objective is to show how timing techniques enable us to better evaluate competing interpretations of factor meanings.

In Angelou’s chart this is particularly instructive. Her highs and lows were documented in an earnest fashion across seven autobiographies. She also has an exalted Venus and a Mercury in fall. These are particularly pivotal planets in her chart, as she is someone known particularly for her writing (Mercury), as well as art, entertainment, and sexuality (Venus).

Ages of Man

I recently completed an article that broadly surveys her life using the Ages of Man technique. In that article, it was clear that she was quite vulnerable and downtrodden during her Mercury and Venus periods of her youth. The solar period found Angelou much more empowered, as a globe-trotting entertainer and activist. The Mars period saw a full transition to very active writer and poet. We will consider again the Venus period in this article.

Future Articles?

Here I will particularly focus on some strong activations of Venus in Angelou’s life. The major activations of Venus in Angelou’s youth coincided with some of the most difficult events of her life. Perhaps at some point n the future, I’d like to look at many of the other planets in her chart in greater depth, especially Mercury.

Angelou is known for her wisdom (Jupiter), personal triumphant story (Sun ruling 1st house), and fight for civil rights (Mars) as much as for her art (Venus) and writing (Mercury). All of these things are, however, strongly related to each other in her chart (Jupiter rules Mercury-Venus and is conjunct the Sun; Mars rules Sun-Jupiter).  I hope to show the distinctiveness of some of these complex indications.

Venus Exalted and Afflicted

The significations of Venus have been prominent in many of the most important difficult events of her life, but also some of the good ones. Angelou was raped at the age of 7 1/2 by a boyfriend of her mother. Also, later as a young adult she worked as a sex worker and a pimp at different points. Venus is the planet of sexuality.

Maya Angelou is also known as an artist and entertainer. Venus rules her 10th house of actions, recognition, and profession. Venus is symbolic of artists and entertainers.

In this article, I want to start by zeroing in on Angelou’s Venus. It is all too easy to associate the successes in Angelou’s life with Venus’s exaltation. How do we untangle the complicated mix of a planet’s significations, anyway? Timing techniques enable us to separate out and distinguish many of the different, often even contradictory, indications of a planet by what is activated at different points in time. Here we will focus on the significations of Angelou’s Venus for her early life experiences.

Dignity Interpretation

Angelou has Venus in Pisces, the sign of its exaltation. I’ve noted in many articles on dignity and in some on sexuality, that reinforcement by dignity tends to make the planet’s natural significations a bit more prominent (raised up in prominence) in the life.

This is different from the way that dignity is typically interpreted, where it signifies social or political value (high status) or associates the signification with gain or pleasure (benefic). Rather, my interpretation is that exaltation is making the significations of Venus, both natural (sex, art) and accidental (8th house, rulership of X and III, aspects, etc.) a bit more prominent in the life.

Maya Angelou’s Natal Chart with Twelfth-Part Positions Outside the Wheel

Benefic?

Since my work on dignity many years ago, I’ve noticed that it has generally become less emphasized in traditional astrology. I’ve also noticed that when it is emphasized, it is at least re-interpreted. While these are positive developments, some of the reinterpretations have also been concerning.

One of the more popular recent reinterpretations of dignity is that positive dignity shows something coming easy or naturally, while negative dignity shows something that one struggles with. I would caution against this interpretation. It is actually a re-working of the interpretation of dignity as benefic. Many of the arguments I’ve made in the past against the benefic/malefic interpretation of dignity apply also to this interpretation.

Struggle?

The interpretation also tends to diminish the accomplishments of those with planets in dignity.  If, for instance, a writer has Mercury in fall and becomes a great writer, then it is seen to be due to their own perseverance against adversity. However, the same writer with Mercury in dignity supposedly just had it come easy. When one is successful, it is then attributed to dignity (easy talent) or negative dignity (improvement through struggle) when “success” itself is reflected by other factors in the chart, such as those pertaining to eminence. Therefore, too much is attributed to dignity or negative dignity in disservice to actually reading the chart.

Up and Down

When it comes to exaltation and fall, there are some special considerations. Fall was the only sort of “negative dignity” for most Hellenistic astrologers. Exaltation has a sense of raising up and fall of bringing down or depressing. These need not be benefic or malefic in signification. Rather it is again keeping with the interpretation of dignity that I advocate, pertaining to prominence; a type of raising up and putting it out there vs. a type of bringing it down and hiding it away. The planet in exaltation has its matters made more prominent in some way in the life, while the planet in fall may signify a type of being brought low, suppressed, or hidden.

As planets are in signs for extended periods, these are weak significations in themselves. However, when there are multiple similar indications then they can become more significant.

Exaltation as a Form of Prominence

Exaltation does not make significations better, easier, more beneficial, or more socially or politically normative. For example, both Jeffrey Epstein (Venus at 16 Pisces in partile conjunction with Mars) and Harvey Weinstein (Venus at 4 Pisces conjunct the twelfth-part of Saturn) were born with Venus in exaltation.  Sexual circumstances in their lives, like those in the life of Angelou, became quite prominent. As Venus was also strongly connected with malefics, these circumstances tended to pertain to adverse circumstances (not “dignified” ones).

This is not to say that Angelou’s Venus has no benefic significations. All planets in any chart have both positive and negative indications. It is just that the positive or benefic associations of Venus do not necessarily pertain to “exaltation”. Rather, they include being a benefic herself and being ruled by Jupiter (and having a twelfth-part in Jupiter’s bound) among other things. Distinguishing the positive and negative associations of a planet in the chart is very important as different types of meaning will be activated at different times.

In any case, exaltation applies to a planet over a prolonged period of time (in theory one-twelfth the population could have Venus exalted). Therefore, it should be considered an overall relatively weak indication of prominence. Always look for repeat indications of any particular meaning in the natal chart and through predictive techniques.

Turning to Venus in Angelou’s Early Life

Venus and the 7th House in Angelou’s Chart

When it comes to the rape at age 7 1/2 and other such adverse sexual events we are most interested in Venus and the 7th house. This is because Venus is the natural significator of sexuality and the 7th house is the house of sexuality. Some also associate the 5th house with sexuality (it is the Joy of Venus), making the 5th possibly also relevant.

The adverse symbolic associations with Venus in the chart include her being out of sect, in the 8th house (a dark house), in the bound of Mars, domination by Saturn which closely aspects by superior square, and her twelfth-part in Scorpio which is the Place of Affliction in her chart and ruled by Mars.

Maya Angelou Natal with Twelfth-Part Positions Outside the Wheel

Maya Angelou’s Natal Chart with Select Lots

The 7th house also has its share of adverse indications. Mars, the out of sect malefic, is present in the 7th house and is in the bound and home of Saturn. It (Mars) rules and squares the twelfth-part of Venus from the 7th house. The twelfth-part of Mars is in the dark 6th house, pertaining to health and accidents, opposite the twelfth-part of Saturn. Mars also connects its significations of violent adversity to the Moon (her twelfth-part is in the 7th). The partile conjunct between Mars and the Lot of Spirit is also noteworthy.

In conclusion, Venus has a lot of adverse meanings in the natal chart pertaining particularly to her location and aspect with Saturn, but also associations with Mars in the Place of Affliction. The adverse associations with the 7th house itself are primarily through Mars, but also its ruler Saturn.

Age 7-8 : Rape, Death, and the Start of Silence

One of the most well-known and pivotal events in Angelou’s life was her rape recounted in her first book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. In multiple interviews, Angelou has stated that she was 7 1/2 to almost 8 when the rape occurred. The event and its aftermath altered her life forever.

Angelou was raped at nearly 8 years old by her mother’s boyfriend. Shortly after telling her family, the man was beaten to death. The rape was extremely traumatic for Angelou but the death of the rapist was as well. She believed he was killed due to her reporting the rape to her family. This tormented her as she came to view her own voice as responsible. She in turn went nearly mute for about the next 5-6 years. She spoke sparingly, only with her brother, during those years.

The events bring forth much of the symbolism of the Venus-Mercury conjunction (sexuality; voice) in the 8th house (death) in a mute sign (Pisces) sharply squared by Saturn (death, muting), ruler of the 7th house.

Planetary Years: Venus

The 8th year (age 7) and age 8 are interesting as 8 is the planetary years of Venus. Therefore, the 8th year represents an activation of Venus by planetary years. This points to the significations of Venus as particularly important when it came to events of the time. This indication fits well with the events of the year.

Profection: Pisces 8th House

The annual profection at age 7 is to the 8th house (age 0 is the 1st house). Therefore, the rape occurred at a time when the annual profection was to Pisces, her 8th house, occupied by Mercury and Venus, ruled by Jupiter. Therefore, the year of the rape was not only reflected by the activation of Venus by planetary years, but also symbolized by the activation of the 8th house Venus in Pisces by profection.

The annual profection puts a clear focus on the themes of death, harm, and idleness (8th house, superior square of Saturn, Mercury-Venus in bound of Mars), as well as their relation to sexuality (Venus) and communication (Mercury). Additionally, as we’ll see, after and out of the harm of the 8th house comes an escape to a vast world of wisdom and sense of identity (Jupiter as ruler, in 9th conjunct Sun, ruler of 1st).

Maya Angelou Natal with Twelfth-Part Positions Outside the Wheel

It is also notable that the profection coincided with Maya briefly living with her mother. The rape occurred due to this brief stint of living with her mother and was at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend at the time. The 8th house, Pisces, is the Lot of the Mother.

Maya Angelou’s Natal Chart with Select Lots

Solar Return: Age 7

The meanings that are reinforced become clearer in the solar return for age 7.

 

Angelou Age 7 Solar Return as Transits Around the Natal Chart

Saturn in Pisces

Transiting Saturn had entered Pisces, the sign of the year. This was an activation of the dominating square from Saturn to the 8th house, and particularly to the Mercury-Venus conjunction.

Mars in Partile Opposition to Jupiter, Lord of the Year

The lord of the year, Jupiter was in Scorpio, the natal Place of Affliction, conjunct the natal twelfth-part of Venus, and opposed by return Venus, putting a focus again on Venusian events. When it comes to Jupiter natally, the capacity for upset to Jupiter is through Mars, as Mars is the out of sect malefic and rules Jupiter’s house (Aries). The return Jupiter is similarly “subject to” Mars, being located in Scorpio.

Natally, Jupiter, the lord of the year, is in very bad shape. Mars, the out of sect malefic, is in the return at 16 Libra retrograde, applying a partile opposition to natal Jupiter at 16 Aries. The position of Mars in Libra is significant for other reasons as well. Libra is a house of Venus and is the location of the Moon, indicative of the body.  The rMars conjunct natal Moon also reflects the natal twelfth-part Moon with Mars in the 7th house (bodily harm in the house of sexuality).

Additionally, those with a good sense for twelfth-parts will realize that the position of Mars at 16LIB27 actually has its twelfth-part at 17 Aries, conjunct natal Jupiter.

In conclusion, we see an emphasis on the conflictive and malefic side of the Mars-Jupiter relationship. This is very significant as Jupiter is the lord of the year. Jupiter is also the ruler of the Mercury-Venus conjunction, so both the conjunction and its ruler are afflicted in the return.

Angelou Age 7 Solar Return as Transits Around the Natal Chart

Venus in Focus

I’ve noted a few ways in which Venus was in focus for the year, from the activation by planetary years, to the activation of the 8th house by profection. The solar return greatly intensifies this focus on Venus. It also reinforces what I’ve said about being wary of interpreting dignity as ease or beneficence.

The solar return had the Moon rising and conjoining Venus in Taurus, with the actual bound of Venus on the Ascendant. Additionally, the degree of return Venus is 17 Taurus, the same degree as Angelou’s MC. This is a “status” changing year, but not for the better. Saturn’s twelfth-part in the return also falls in Taurus by the Ascendant (5PIS47 -> 9TAU), again reinforcing the Saturn-Venus natal configuration.

Maya Angelou Age 7 Solar Return

Mercury-Saturn

Of course, looking beyond the Saturn-Venus indications, we find that the Saturn-Mercury indications are also in focus for the year. Mercury is in return in the 8th house, while Saturn is also there. Due to the tight applying Mercury-Venus conjunction in the natal chart, the significations of both planets are often strongly related to each other. Return Saturn and return Mercury together in Pisces further emphasize the themes of suppression and muteness associated with natal Mercury in Pisces square Saturn.

Angelou Age 7 Solar Return as Transits Around the Natal Chart

Primary Directions: Saturn to the Moon

The primary directions for the period are revealing as Saturn (by sextile) directed to the natal Moon. This connects Saturn’s significations of affliction to the personal life and sexuality. The Moon is located in the house of Venus and has her twelfth-part in the 7th house with Mars in Aquarius, ruled by Saturn. Saturn’s difficulties pertain particularly to sex, communication and death due to Saturn’s square to the 8th house Venus-Mercury).

Angelou Age 7-8 Primary Directions

Aftermath of Experience

I’d like to take a moment to note the transformative effect that the year had on Angelou. The events were traumatic on multiple levels and would drive her to become a near mute. However, over the subsequent years, Angelou would immerse herself in reading and writing. She would also meet a teacher, Mrs. Flowers, who would become a pivotal role model, eventually coaxing her to start talking again at age 13.

Much of the aftermath is reflected by the natal Sun-Jupiter conjunction in the 9th house and the Moon in the third (female school teacher). The beneficial aftermath consisting of near constant reading and writing would transition to more difficult periods in her late teens and early twenties. Note that the period from age 4 to age 14 is the period of Mercury, planet of communication and study, in the Ages of Man (see below).

Age 14-22: Teen Pregnancy and Struggles

Ages 14-22 are interesting when looking at Venus. Ptolemy viewed the ages of 14-22 as particularly tied into the symbolism of Venus. A scheme that he noted called the Ages of Man creates a set of correspondences between the planets and stages in every person’s life. In this scheme, Venus is representative of the late adolescence, a time puberty puts sexuality and relating into focus and one physically transitions into an adult.

This is a time lord technique used by Ptolemy for sketching the broad outlines of the life. You can find Ptolemy’s full explanation of the Ages of Man in Book IV of Ch. 10 of his Tetrabiblos (follow the link).

For Maya Angelou, these years were some of the darkest in her life, as detailed in her second autobiography, Gather Together in My Name. The period is marked by teen pregnancy, dropping in and out of school, despair, suicidal thoughts, and resorting to crime, even prostitution to survive.

Age 14: Moves in With Mother

At age 14, kicking off the Venus years, Angelou moved from her grandmother, who had raised her since age 3, to her mother in San Francisco. This would have been an annual profection to the 3rd house, Libra, ruled by Venus, and occupied by the Moon. The symbolism of the chart fits, as the Moon, in her Joy in the 3rd, is very symbolic of Angelou’s mother. This would have been the first profection to the house occupied by the Moon since Maya moved in with her grandmother 11 years prior.

Maya Angelou Natal with Twelfth-Part Positions Outside the Wheel

Age 15 or 16: First Black Streetcar Conductor

Around age 15 or 16, Angelou became the first black streetcar conductor in San Francisco. This was a job she was very proud of. It is sometimes reported as happening in 1943 (she turned 15 in 1943) and at other times in 1944 (she turned 16 that year), and typically reported as when she was 16. As she got pregnant when she was 16, I’m guessing that this event took place when she was 15, during the profection to Scorpio, occupied by the twelfth-parts of Mercury and Venus, significant for a job (Venus ruled 10th) pertaining to street cars (Mercury).

Age 16: Teen Pregnancy

Angelou’s Venusian troubles didn’t end at age 8. She got pregnant at age 16 (another activation of Venus by planetary years; 2 x 8) by a neighborhood boy, and gave birth to her first and only child at age 17.  Note that age 16 was an activation of the Sagittarius 5th house of children by profection (occupied by Saturn), and age 17 of Capricorn (Saturn as lord of the year).

The solar return for age 16 sees Saturn at 21 Gemini, opposite natal Saturn within 3 degrees. It also sees Venus at 22 Pisces, in exact return within 2 degrees. The lord of the year, Jupiter, a planet that confers children, is transiting through the 1st house of the body and closely trine its natal position. Clyde, who later went by Guy, was to be her only child.

Maya Angelou’s Solar Return at Age 16 as Transits Around Natal Chart

Venus as Distributor: Ages 16-28

The teen pregnancy was not just an activation of Venus by planetary years. It also occurred just after the distributor changed to Venus for the first time. The distributor of the Ascendant had been Mercury since about age 7 1/2, around the time of the rape and the silence. At about age 16, it switched to Venus.

Maya Angelou’s Distributors of the Ascendant Over the Entire Life

The period which began with the pregnancy, also included the desperate years of her late teens and early twenties, as well as her first marriage, and the start of her entertainment career. We see darker elements of the Venusian signification during the Venus developmental years (by Ages of Man), while themes switch to marriage, publicity, and travel in relation to entertainment during the solar ones.

Ages 17-21: Struggles and Criminality

In the late 1940’s, as a young adult (about age 17-21) she worked odd jobs to support her child. This included exotic dancing in night clubs and even serving as a madam and sometime prostitute at a brothel.

Using the Ages of Man technique, we find that the Venus developmental years are largely marked by obscure struggle to survive; a desperation to make a living and support her son. She came face-to-face with poverty, racism, and having to resort to crime to survive, even resorting to prostitution. Almost as soon as the period ended, circumstances changed for the better.

This is the contrast between the heavily afflicted Venus and the very strong and prominent Sun which is conjunct Jupiter. Angelou married a Greek sailor who was an aspiring musician, at age 23, just after the Sun period started. Her and her husband immersed themselves in the study and performance of dance and music. She also changed her name from Marguerite Johnson to Maya Angelou. This change involved her childhood nickname of Maya, together with a modified version of her Greek husband’s last name Angelos.

Age 26: The Venus-Pisces Activation

While the activation of the exalted Venus at age 8 by planetary years was tragic, we may suppose that this was an isolated incident. Perhaps activation of Venus together with the sign that she is exalted in (Pisces) would produce a much different scenario.

One traditional Hellenistic means of looking at an activation of the planet together with the sign is to look at the planetary years of Venus plus the rising time of the sign. The rising time for Pisces in her chart is 18.57 years, which together with the 8 planetary years of Venus is 26.57 years. What happened at about age 26 in Angelou’s life?

Rising Times of the Signs at Angelou’s Birth

Marriage Dissolution

In 1954, at age 25 or 26, Angelou got divorced from her first husband and briefly went back to exotic dancing (1954-1955). This was a difficulty and a setback, keeping with the symbolism of Venus in her chart. It was also a liberation that would make way for her career as a traveling entertainer.

There are some important significations related to the combination of the solar significations of the development period (by Ages of Man) and the Venusian significations of the Venus in Pisces activation. Actually, age 26, the 27th year, is also an activation of the Sun-Venus relationship by planetary years (19+8). One point of contention in the marriage (Venus) was religion (Sun-Jupiter in IX), as her husband was an atheist. Additionally, just after the marriage dissolved, Angelou didn’t just feel freer to worship (Sun-Jupiter in IX) but also to travel as an entertainer (Venus ruled by Jupiter in IX).

Career Takes Off

Starting at age 26, Angelou joined a production of Porgy and Bess which toured Europe. This was one of the highlights of her early entertainment career. While she didn’t complete the entire tour due to a need to return to her son, she visited 22 countries over about a year’s time. It was a significant time for career, travel, and Venus.

Profection to Libra

I’ve already noted how the Sun-Jupiter in IX and Venus in Pisces fit into the equation. However, the annual profection continues the themes of Venus and travel. The profection was to the 3rd house, Libra, occupied by the Moon and ruled by Venus. The Moon and the 3rd are both significant for journeys, while the ruler, Venus, lord of the year, signifies the arts and entertainment. The twelfth-part of Jupiter is also in Libra conjunct the Moon, further reinforcing the themes noted by other indications.

Maya Angelou Natal with Twelfth-Part Positions Outside the Wheel

Age 26 Solar Return

The solar return for age 26 shows the divorce and separation from child (she didn’t take her son on tour), as well as the career focus and glory. First of all, 19 Scorpio rises in the return, putting a focus on Maya’s 4th house and her twelfth-part Venus (20 Scorpio). Saturn is transiting in the natal 4th house at the return, indicating a break-up and ending of the home life. This is further reinforced by a partile opposition between the Moon in the 7th house of the return and Saturn in the return 1st house.

Maya Angelou’s Age 26 Solar Return

Libra, the sign of the year is occupied by only the Lot of Fortune (and twelfth-part of return Mercury at 8 Libra). It is unafflicted by the malefics. Venus is lord of the year, and in the return she is opposed to Saturn. I take this as showing a separation from (Saturn and opposition) the difficult home life (Saturn transiting through 4th), through entertainment career (Venus transiting in X) and travel (Moon with Venus in X; natal Moon and twelfth-part Jupiter in Libra III).

Maya Angelou’s Age 26 Solar Return as Transits Around Natal Chart

A Complicated Web

The return Jupiter graces natal Venus with a very tight (within a degree) applying inferior square from the natal 11th house. All in all, we find a very mixed year. The significations of Venus for family and partnership are clobbered by Saturn. Return Mars has a superior square to Pisces which also plays out a return to some of the 8th house Venus themes of sexual exploitation. However, as a stripper she is discovered by a production company and her entertaining career hits a new high.

The distinct career benefit orientation of Venus is shown by return Venus (and her twelfth-part) in X, finally calling the shots in that house sheReadability rules. Therefore, there is a distinct polarity between career success and family upheaval playing out. The malefic reign in the lower chart and the benefics up high.

Exaltation

What can we gather about exaltation from all this? On the one hand, the activation of sign and planet together coincided with some Venusian lows, including divorce and a return to stripping. Yet, on the other hand, it coincided with Venusian highs of career opportunity (Venus ruled 10th) and globe trotting as an entertainer.

Again, I would argue that chiefly what we see is that an exalted Venus is one in which the sign gives the planet more prominence. The activation by sign + years brought forth an explosion of important themes represented by Venus in the chart. An annual profection to Libra certainly reinforced these. However, this is a very complex Venus, and one quite loaded with symbolism of affliction. Many of the themes of affliction through Saturn were reinforced for marriage and home life. At the same time, many beneficial significations follow from Jupiter in the natal chart and its relation to Venus.

Raised Up

It is important to first consider the role Jupiter may be playing. That is, before crediting “exaltation” with all manor of benefit as astrologers are apt to do. The profection falls to Jupiter’s twelfth-part and Jupiter in the return aspects natal Venus within a degree. Natal Jupiter in the 9th conjunct the Sun (recognition, fame) also accords with the nature of the travel and significant opportunities of the year.

In the sense of being “raised up” to prominence, perhaps the exaltation can signify more. As I’ve noted before, it signifies weakly in itself. Planets are continuously in a sign over an extended period, so the signal is not very distinctive. Still, we may see a broader signification of raising up in some sense. In this case, a raised up signification is reinforced by Jupiter, which also signifies loftiness, and return Venus in the 10th house, the loftiest of houses. Angelou was literally raised out of her home and circumstances to tour the world for entertainment (Venus-Moon in X).

A Note on 1965 and the Sign+Planet Technique

Very few astrologers today use symbolic techniques like planetary years and rising times of signs. However, I think they are missing out. For instance, combining rising times with planetary years, we might also want to focus on the time that is about the 37th year and the age 37, 1965. That year combines the planetary years of Mars (15) with its natal house Aquarius (22.18 years), as well as the Sun (19) with its natal house Aries (18.57 years).

Rising Times of the Signs at Angelou’s Birth

1965 is interesting as it marked Angelou’s return from Africa to the US. She had lived in Ghana with her son for the preceding few years. Upon her return to the US she worked with Malcolm X on the new civil right organization, Organization of Afro-American Unity. However, he was assassinate in February of that year. Devastated, she moved to Hawaii to sing again. Yet, she then moved to the Watts neighborhood of LA to focus on writing. There she witnessed the Watts riots of the summer of ’65, the worst LA unrest until the Rodney King riots of 1992.

These events clearly show the importance that the Sun and Mars hold for political activism in her chart. I touched upon how her Aquarian Mars and her Aries Sun relate to her career in activism in my exploration of the Ages of Man. Similarly, we see the value in using planetary years and ascensional times as a form of planet in sign activation.

Jupiter, Saturn, and the 5th House of Creative Fruits: Some Key Years

I won’t be looking at every activation of Venus in Angelou’s life, as that could fill a book. However, I do want to note that many landmark years actually coincided with profections to the 5th house, Sagittarius, occupied by Saturn and ruled by Jupiter. In the article on the Ages of Man, I noted how the 5th house can pertain to creative fruits of all sorts. I also mentioned that Angelou directed her first film to kick off her Saturn Ages of Man period (age 68; also a profection to the 9th house, occupied by Jupiter).  AI also noted that Angelou’s teen pregnancy occurred during a 5th house profection.

Yet, the significance the 5th house Saturn extends well beyond her teen pregnancy or the 68 year old directorial debut. Angelou recorded her first CD in November of 1956 (Miss Calypso), which would have been during a profection to her 5th house (age 28). She also acted in her first film the same year (Calypso Heat Wave), which would be released after her 29th birthday.

Angelou wrote her first book, and most famous autobiography (I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings) when she was 40 (1968-1969), another 5th house profection. 24 years later, in January 1993, at age 64, she delivered her landmark public recitation of a poem, at Clinton’s inauguration. The performance catapulted her fame and the recording of the poem won her a Grammy the following year.

Maya Angelou Natal with Twelfth-Part Positions Outside the Wheel

Why Jupiter-Saturn?

I bring up these Jupiter-Saturn 5th house activations because they point to an often overlooked part of her chart. Saturn is a malefic and contributes to the harsh significations around Maya’s 8th house Venus. However, Saturn is also a planet in sect, ruled by Jupiter, involved in a trine with its sect mates the Sun and Jupiter. Together with Mars in the VII, we find that activations of these planets have much more to do with productive and successful periods in Angelou’s life than Venus.

This highlights the symbolic complexity of a natal chart. We must go beyond “good planets” and “bad planets” to specify just how certain combinations can symbolize in difficult or beneficial ways. Saturn in this chart is quite mixed, being very harsh in relation to Venus but extremely beneficial in relation to the Sun and Jupiter.

A Couple Key Activations

That first book was not only written when Angelou was 40 but it was published when she was 41 (her 42nd year), an activation of Saturn with Jupiter (30+12). Angelou most memorable acting role was in early 1977, during her 49th year, an activation of Saturn with the Sun (30+19), in Roots.

Venus, Mom, and Character

I want to end this article with a look at character analysis in the chart, as well as some of the significations pertaining to Venus, especially as regards her mother.

Character

In some of the other explorations of character on the site, I’ve noted the key importance of the rulers of the Ascendant for self-identification. There are other factors that are important as well. These include Mercury, the twelfth-part of the Ascendant, Mercury, and the Ascendant lord, the planetary day and hour rulers, the Lot of Spirit, prominent fixed stars, the sect light, and more.

The Sun

The Ascendant lords are always a good place to start though. Angelou was born with the Ascendant in the Mercury bound of the Sun’s home, Leo. The Sun is a key planet for the character in her chart, as both the Ascendant lord and the sect light. We see the Sun’s natural significations of confidence, attention-grabbing, leadership, boldness, and flair in the character.

There are also its natural significations pertaining to its conjunction with Jupiter in the Mercury bound of the 9th house, Aries. We see religion, wisdom, travel, internationalism, courage, teaching, bluntness, honesty, and communication as tied up with these accidental significations.

Maya Angelou Natal with Twelfth-Part Positions Outside the Wheel

Mercury

Mercury is the other most significant key planet for character in her chart. It is not only the bound ruler of the Ascendant, but also the bound ruler of both lights, and Jupiter, and Saturn. In addition to being the bound lord of the Sun, Mercury also rules the Sun’s twelfth-part (in Virgo). Mercury can even naturally signify the conscious or rational mind.

Day and Hour?

Even more significantly, Mercury is the planetary day and hour ruler. While these symbolic day and hour rulerships are not strongly emphasized today, they were in the past. Hellenistic astrologers like Valens, Paulus Alexandrinus (Chs. 19-21), and Rhetorius (Ch. 56) noted the planetary day and hour rulers. The day lord was said to preside over the day, while the hour lords managed affairs for their period. These day and hour lords were also given significant weight in some later medieval point-based techniques for finding a chart lord.

Maya Angelou Natal with Twelfth-Part Positions Outside the Wheel

Complex and Verbose

Mercury is clever, communicative, and complex. From Angelou’s self-identification as a poet to her teaching and her influential period of near muteness, Mercury in the chart says a lot about who she is. Mercury is conjunct Venus in the bound of Mars, in fall, in the 8th house, dominated by Saturn, but ruled by a lofty and fiery Jupiter. Much of what Angelou has to say is described by this proximity to love and art, and rulership by a planet granting broad opportunity, yet familiarity with abuse, desperation, prejudice, and loss.

Mars

Mars is the most prominent planet in the chart in one sense. This is because it is so strongly advancing toward the Descendant and is the only planet in an angular house. In fact, these two factors render Mars an important career significator. This is further reinforced by the conjunction of Mars with the Lot of Spirit. The Lot of Spirit can signify in relation to the character but also in relation to profession.

Maya Angelou’s Natal Chart with Select Lots

As Mars does not rule the Ascendant, its significations regarding the character are a bit more indirect. Its prominence makes martial affairs prominent in the life in a way that suggests Mars is “busy” in the life. Angelou is very familiar with violence, masculinity, struggle, conflict, and courage. She even had relationships (Mars in VII) with revolutionary men. Aquarius, a human sign, makes the struggle largely a humanitarian one, and connects it with the oppressed and minorities (Saturn).

In the Ages of Man article, I noted that Angelou’s writing career didn’t fully materialize until her Mars period started at age 41. The Mars period saw her as highly productive and extremely politically active. Mars represents the activist, fighter, and hard-working side of her character.

Venus

Venus also has no rulership of the Ascendant so its significations too are a little more indirect. She does rule the twelfth-part of the Ascendant though, which gives he some importance for the character. However, Venus is more important when it comes to the career. Venus and Mercury, like Mars, have significance as career significators. There is more identification with Venus-Mercury for matters of career because of their connections with the Ascendant and MC, despite the greater prominence of Mars. Venus-Mercury also both have their twelfth-parts in the 4th house, a stake of the chart. See the first article in the series on career significators for more information about these placements.

The 10th house, Taurus, is ruled by Venus and both her and Mercury closely aspect the MC. Angelou identified with being an artist and entertainer, especially in her early years. She was a singer, dancer, and actor. Even her forays into being a madame, an exotic dancer, and prostitution indicate her associating Venus with making her way in the world (X). Therefore, I take Venus as being less relevant for describing the character itself than in describing an identification with using Venus for the career.

She was eventually able to combine her more personal identification with Mercury with her need to incorporate Venus into her career. Her role as poet and creative autobiographer/memoirist fits the bill. Few professions are a better fit for the symbolism of her Mercury-Venus conjunction in Pisces.

Maya Angelou’s Natal Chart with Select Lots

A Closer Look at Venus and Mom

Angelou’s Venus is significant on a number of other levels as well. I’ve noted that exaltation, rulership by Jupiter, and its rulership of the 10th house all serve to increase the prominence of Venusian matters. Less obvious is the connections between Venus and Angelou’s mother. This is itself a matter of afflicted hard feelings with prominence, much like Venus.

Pisces is the Lot of the Mother, and Venus is there. Venus has her twelfth-part in the 4th house of roots, and as a feminine planet in the house of roots this is significant for the mother. The Moon, a natural significator of mothers, is in Libra, ruled by Venus. The Moon has her twelfth-part in Aquarius with Mars. There’s much Mars and 8th house in these significations, but also a lot of importance and prominence. The Moon, and Jupiter, tend to show the pleasant side of things here while Venus the more problematic.

Maya Angelou Natal with Twelfth-Part Positions Outside the Wheel

A Pivotal Complex Relationship

Angelou felt abandoned by her mother as a child. Her rape occurred during her brief time living with her mother again, and at the hands of her mom’s boyfriend. Her mother disapproved of her marrying a white foreigner. There was a lot of conflict with her mother in her early life. Yet, Angelou’s final autobiography centers entirely on her complex relationship with her mother. It is title Mom & Me & Mom and was published in 2013.

Maya reconciled with her mother and they were crucially supportive of each other. Her book is a testament to her profound admiration of her mother. It befits a birth chart with a Full Moon in its Joy in Libra conjunct the twelfth-part of Jupiter. She laid out the good and bad of her mother and their relationship in the book, while leading with the theme of her mother’s profound influence and wisdom.

Bio Shorts | Lana Del Rey

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Update 02/26/2020: A Note on Birth Time Controversy

Original Instagram Source

At the time that this article was written there was an A-rated birth time of 2:46 am (Gemini with Taurus rising) which was from a supposed comment made by Lana Del Rey on Instagram to an inquiry for her birth time or rising time. However, a couple years after the article’s publication, the accuracy of that time was called into question and the rating was changed to a C on AstroDataBank (and I added a note as to that fact in this article).

This is because the link to the Instagram comment no longer turned up the comment. However, it should be noted that a link to any deleted comment will not turn up a comment. So, the most likely scenario is that the comment was deleted rather than that someone fabricated an entire Instagram thread in order to give Lana Del Rey an inaccurate birth time.

New Twitter Source

To further complicate matters, on June 6, 2019, when someone posted a screenshot of the Instagram correspondence on Lana’s Twitter feed (see here), Lana Del Rey responded that she is actually a Cancer, born at 4:47 pm (again, see here). AstroDataBank then updated their record with the new birth time and gave it an A rating, since it came from Lana herself.

Two Possibilities

This leaves us with two possibilities. One, someone went through a whole lot of effort to manufacture a fake Instagram screenshot just to give Lana Del Rey the wrong birth time. Two, Lana Del Rey is somewhat into astrology, as supposedly she indicated on Instagram, but was really unhappy once she saw her life laid so bare with it all over the internet. She then deleted the post where she provided the time, and when that proved to not be enough, much later did she provide a false time.

Both scenarios are quite possible. Until we have a birth record, it is difficult to say which is the case. I certainly understand and sympathize more strongly with the second scenario. I’ve done similar things myself – both deleting instances when I’ve provided my birth time and given false birth and/or chart info. If you the reader witnessed the original Instagram post, then let me know. I’m assuming that if it was real then multiple people probably remember seeing it on her feed before it was deleted.

Vitriolic Comments

I also lean more strongly toward the second scenario because of the strong wording of the comments on this article and other non-related ones I’ve received in regards to her article and birth time. I’ve had people send me nasty comments that I was trying to intentionally mislead my readers. I’ve also had comments on unrelated articles that I need to change the birth time on Lana’s article, despite having already included a comment regarding the rating change.

My experience has been that interested astrologers tend not to be so harsh about such matters. The vitriolic nature, especially after I had already added a clarifying comment on the source, speaks more to some personal involvement.

Take With a Grain of Salt

In conclusion, this article may be based on bogus birth data, so take it with a grain of salt. If the data had been controversial at the time then I wouldn’t have used it in an article. As I noted, it was A-rated at the time. It became controversial about 3 years later. However, the article is written now, so here it stands for better or worse. I’m not re-writing the whole thing every time Lana Del Rey offers up a new birth time on social media. Sorry.

The Two Charts

I will note that the two charts have some similarity. The new time basically flips the Asc-Dsc, so Venus is on the Dsc instead of Asc. Venus is still the professional significator. Both charts have the Mercury bound of a fixed sign rising. The new time, however, puts the Sun into Cancer rather than Gemini, and flips the chart to a diurnal one. There is also no primary direction of Jupiter to the MC at age 22 anymore. Fool around with both charts and tell me which you think best fits.

Here ends the update and starts the article.

—-

Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey was born on June 21, 1985 at 2:46 am in New York City (see 2020 update above on controversy with this birth time). She was born with Venus rising, in Taurus. Also, the Moon was in Leo and the Sun was in Gemini. In this quick look at her chart, I’ll examine career indications and character. I will not be providing a biography or deep analysis of her life. You can find a bio on Wikipedia.

Natal Chart

Lana Del Rey’s natal chart is picture below with the twelfth-part positions around the outside of the wheel.

Lana Del Rey – Natal Chart with Twelfth-Parts

Career

Venus as Planet of Actions

Venus is conjunct the Ascendant in Taurus within a degree! This is one of the most striking features of her chart. You may recall from a past article on the career significator that Mercury, Venus, and Mars are the most significant planets for career.  In this case, only Venus is in one of the places noted in that technique. Mercury and Mars are both in the 3rd place, Cancer, the house of the Moon.

Venus is the most prominent planet in the chart, being in the 1st house and strongly advancing. Additionally, Venus is the domicile and triplicity ruler of the 1st house. Therefore, there is a strong identification with matters that Venus symbolizes (the arts, aesthetics, sexuality). Venus is clearly the career significator, signifying an artistic pursuit.

The Role of Mercury

Mercury is in phasis as Mercury departed from the beams of the Sun within 7 days of her birth. This is a form of prominence for Mercury. Also, Mercury rules the bound of the Ascendant (13TAU), so there is an identification with Mercury. Additionally, Mercury is a triplicity ruler of the 10th house, Mercury is in its own bound, Mercury is in the house of the sect light (the Moon), and it is the domicile ruler of the Sun. All of this indicates that Mercury is prominent.

Mercury is in a tight aspect (under 3 degrees) with Venus. Therefore, these two planets have a strong relationship with each other in the chart. This extends to the role of Venus in relation to career. Mercury-Venus combinations with Venus dominant can signify musical careers. Venus is more prominent and is behind Mercury in the aspect so is more dominant in the relationship. The Venus-Mercury combination can also indicate singing as Mercury signifies vocalization.

The Promise of the Directed Jupiter

Jupiter, Saturn, and the Moon are all in stakes of the chart, so can also be significant in relation to the career. Jupiter is particularly significant as it is in the 10th place. The 10th place is the most pertinent place for career-matters. Jupiter also closely dominates Venus with its tight right-hand square, and rules Venus by bound.

In relation to Venus and the career, Jupiter promises a fortunate event to be timed to when it culminates at the MC by primary directions (click here for a summary of how to use primary directions).

Jupiter culminated at the MC by primary directions in 2007.

It was in 2007 that Lana Del Rey signed her first record contract.

Character

Mercury and the rulers of the Ascendant are typically the most important planets to examine in relation to the personality. Someone who is famous may use a “stage persona” that is more linked with planets pertaining to the career shown by the lights. The Sun and Moon signify things put more prominently on public display.

In Lana Del Rey’s case, Venus and Mercury are the most important planets for indications concerning career as well as personality. There is a lot of overlap between herself and her stage persona. While she has described her persona as a sort of “gangster Nancy Sinatra”, which implies some theatrics, she has also discussed how autobiographical her music has been.

Mercury with Mars in the 3rd House

There is a notable dark side to most of her music, especially in the lyrics. Mercury is with Mars in the 3rd house, Cancer. Mercury with Mars puts that “gangster” edge of violence and crassness to her lyrics, set amidst the lunar Cancerian backdrop of emotional nurture, subjectivity, and dreamy sentimentality.

Saturnine Love

Additionally, her Venus is opposite Saturn, signifying the strong association of her image with coldness, control, darkness, sorrow, and even depravity.  Saturn is in the 7th, the place of partnership and marriage and Venus is also the natural significator of partnership and marriage. Therefore, we see the heavy sorrow of Saturn expressed in terms of relationships, through both Saturn’s place (the 7th) and Saturn’s opposition to Venus.

Cover image attribution

By Jaguar MENA (Jaguar F-TYPE) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Bio Shorts | David Lynch

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Man on the Moon

Industrial Symphony No. 1 is a very ethereal musical play created by David Lynch. It features music by Angelo Badalamenti with vocals by Julee Cruise. It was performed in 1989, after Wild At Heart and foreshadowing, musically and thematically, the Twin Peaks series. I missed it on its release to VHS in 1990 but it’s also been released in the Lime Green Box Set and a lower quality version floats around on YouTube (below).

The Moon through a Loud Speaker

The irrational is pervasive in Lynch’s work.  Watching his films is akin to a swim through the sphere of Yesod on the kabbalistic tree of life.  It is of little wonder to find the Moon as the loudest and most influential planet in his life.

General Lunar Prominence

There are many factors that make the Moon the most prominent planet in Lynch’s life in a general way as if her volume has been turned up. The sect light is the Moon (Lynch was born at night), and she is above the horizon in a feminine sign (i.e. in haym). Luna is very prominent as she is strongly advancing on the MC (conjunct MC within 2 degrees). The Moon is in the place of the Good Spirit (the 11th house; pertaining to friends and social benefit). She’s also in the place of Love (i.e. place occupied by the Lot of Love, one of the 4 principal lots, and actually within 2.5 degrees of the lot).

Lynch’s Natal Chart with 4 Principal Lots (CTRL-click to enlarge)

Personal Lunar Prominence

The Moon is also one of the planets that impact the character and sense of self. The Moon’s twelfth-part is in the most important place, the 1st house, which pertains to the self. She also is a lord of the Ascendant (participating triplicity lord with a regard by sextile). Additionally, she regards and rules the lord of the Ascendant (Mars in Cancer) and she is conjunct the twelfth-part of Fortune.

Lynch’s Natal Chart with twelfth-parts (CTRL-click to enlarge)

Lunar Themes

Lunar themes of vivid depths of subjective experience, instinct, and irrationality permeate Lynch’s work. Also, lunar themes of the familiar and habitual (i.e. sentimentality) are also apparent in his life and work.  I am thinking particularly of his repeated use of familiar actors, the non-linearity of his work,  and the thematic grappling with the relationship between role and real-life. He also explores the complex and paradoxical subconscious evocations of rural life and nature, as well as the influence of dreams, visions, coincidences, and spiritual experiences on life.

Diving Deeper into Lynch’s Birth Chart

His birth data is rated AA for accuracy. I also provide his chart with twelfth-parts and with four principal lots.

David Lynch’s Natal Chart

More on the Moon

The Moon is in Virgo, a mutable sign, thus the Moon tends to express through interactivity, as opposed to through powerful changes (cardinal) or stable developments (fixed).  Virgo is an earth sign, evoking the land, tradition, and the body.  Virgo’s ruler, Mercury, is the messenger. He is in the 3rd House, the Joy of the Moon. The Moon is herself a traveler, while Mercury delivers and communicates. This adds a lot of movement, interaction, communication, and consultation to the prominent relationship between the Moon and Mercury. The Moon rules Cancer, the 9th house, which is the place of God, pertaining to truth-seeking, spirituality, and foreigners.

Mercury in Capricorn with Sun and Venus

Mercury is in phasis and is most directly influenced by Venus and the Sun, with which he is assembled in the third house, Capricorn. Venus pertains to love and art; the Sun to influence and publicity.  This is especially so with Venus, as she is most closely assembled with Mercury and rules his bound (as well as being a triplicity lord of Capricorn).  The combination of Venus, Mercury, and the Sun in a place of connection and conveyance is evocative of many important professional aspects of Lynch’s life, from the artistic direction of important projects to his bold use of music.

Capricorn, the 3rd house, is mostly benefic in the chart. It is occupied by the sect benefic and dominated (right-side square) by Jupiter. Meanwhile, Mercury applies an opposition to both malefics, and it is ruled by an out of sect Saturn (in the 9th house of God). This lends an aura of foreboding ethereal terror over matters of Mercury, Venus, the Sun, and the 3rd House.

Echoes in Life and Work

The Moon pertains to family and childhood, especially the mother. The Virgoan Mercurial influence and prominence of the 3rd house fits with Lynch’s mother being an English tutor and his father and agricultural research scientist. Additionally, the prominence of the 3rd House, the Moon, mutability, and Mercury, all evoke travel and movement. This fits with his experience of moving a half dozen times with his family as a child and embarking on some formative trips as a young adult.  The land, tradition, the elderly, fear, and handicap are all very Saturnine themes evoked in his work. They are linked with the supernatural and lurking in the shadows, contrasted with human innocence.

David Lynch’s Natal Chart

Malefics in the Lunar House of God

When it comes to personality analysis, the main indicators are the lord of the Ascendant (Mars in this case), Mercury, and the Moon.  Mars is in sect and in a good place in the chart, but conjunct the out of sect malefic, Saturn. It is also strongly influenced by both benefics (benefics are in the stakes of Mars), and ruled by the very benefic Moon, while in the bound of the benefic Jupiter.  The overall sense with Mars is of an ambitious nature and one which can be irritable and rebellious, but very beneficial and noble (sect, good place, benefic influence). Yet Mars is also touched by the dark, dreadful, and macabre (Saturn).  All in all, there is incredible complexity to the character because of all the planetary influences on the lord of the Ascendant.  Mars additionally occupies the 9th Place, the House of God, drawing Lynch to spiritual matters.

The 9th House of God

Spirituality itself is a complex and prominent matter in Lynch’s life. On the one hand, there would seem to be animosity toward religion given the strong association between spirituality and evil. This is signified by the presence of both malefics in the 9th, the retreat of Jupiter in the 12th house of the Evil Spirit. Also, there is an identification with rebellious Mars and intellectual Mercury. However, there is an overwhelming prominence and personal investment in matters of spirituality, truth, belief, and dream in his life.

Note that most of the planets in his chart (5 of 7) are in the 9th and 3rd houses. This includes both Mars and Mercury. Also, the sect light (the Moon) rules the 9th, lending additional prominence and associating spirituality with her significations.  While Mercury is strong in some ways, it lacks the overwhelming pervasiveness of the more subjective and irrational lunar influence over the life.  Through twelfth-parts, we also find the identification with the Moon and Venus, as their parts are in the Ascendant. Additionally, we find Jupiter, the planet of faith and spirit, playing a more prominent role in career and administrative aspects of the life, with its twelfth-part positioned in the 10th of actions and authority.

Lynch with twelfth-parts

Darkness

Fear-inducing (Saturn) and violent (Mars) spiritual entities (9th place) tended over by nature, night, and instinct (the Moon) are frequent themes in his work. The connection with art pertains to the fact that the malefics oppose and rule his Venus, the goddess of beauty and art.  Venus is in the 3rd House, the Joy of the Moon, in the nocturnal house of Saturn (Capricorn), in the bound of Mars, and with the Moon as the primary triplicity lord.  Her twelfth-part is in the 1st House, that of the self, in the nocturnal house of Mars (Scorpio), in the bound of Jupiter.

Venus is the primary planet pertaining to his aesthetic and it is fitting to find her dominated by subjective and spiritually-tinged maleficence (Mars and Saturn in the 9th, in the bound of Jupiter, ruled by the Moon) and irrationality (Venus in the Joy of the Moon, general pervasiveness of the Moon, Venus and Moon twelfth-parts co-present in the 1st of self and identity).  The 3rd house journey/transportation themes also occur frequently in Lynch’s work.  Wild At Heart, Lost Highway, and even The Straight Story are road movies, while main characters are often visiting outsiders.

A Couple Key Years

1966: Age 20

In my opinion, a pivotal year in Lynch’s life was 1966, when he moved to Philadelphia to attend an art school which held more promise than the last one, got his future wife pregnant, created his first short film (Six Men Getting Sick), and became acquainted with the fear of crime-ridden urban living.

9th House Profection

He would have been Age 20 at the time, thus the annual profection would have been to his 9th House, Cancer, occupied by the malefics, Mars and Saturn, with the Moon as lord of the year. These are all key influential planets in his chart and especially in terms of relationship and artistic matters (Venus).  Lunar years are typically quite varied and eventful, as the Moon is prominent and moves quickly.  In this case, the Moon herself profected to the 7th of partnership, ruled by Venus.  It was as if in this year Lynch stepped into the house of the Moon, finding Mars and Saturn there creating fear and violence. The Moon lorded over everything as its guide, in terms of pregnancy, bonds, and the artistic promises of the 3rd house.

Solar Return Moon in the 3rd

At the time of the solar return, the Moon was in the 3rd house, conjunct natal Mercury. This put a spotlight on the work of that house.  Mars and Venus of the return were both in the 4th of home and family, while Saturn was in the 5th of children just as Saturn’s natal twelfth-part is. This signaled weight and apprehension in the house of children.

David Lynch’s 1966 Solar Return Transits

Zodiacal Releasing of Spirit to Cancer

The importance of a year in terms of one’s professional objectives is primarily seen through zodiacal releasing of Spirit.  In October of 1965 the 1st Level of Spirit’s releasing made its first transition from its starting period in Gemini to its new period in Cancer where it would stay until 1990.  This started off with a 2nd Level period also in Cancer until October 1967.  Therefore, both of the two main levels of Spirit’s releasing were to the 9th House, Cancer, ruled by the Moon, occupied by both malefics, and additionally activated at the Age 20 profection.

Venus-Jupiter and Mercury Activation by Planetary Years

The activations by planetary year were also interesting.  Age 20 is most prominently a Mercury year, while also a year in which Venus-Jupiter (8+12) relationships come into play, such as his Jupiter in sign and bound of Venus and dominating her, signifying artistic benefit and children (both planets confer children, and both are the main rulers of the House of Children, the 5th, Pisces).

1990: Age 44

9th House Profection

There were many other pivotal years in his career but 1990 stands out as particularly important and prolific.  He won the Palme d’Or at Cannes for Wild at Heart, Twin Peaks was hitting TV audiences, he released the Industrial Symphony No. 1, and his early paintings were in an exhibition.  Interestingly, 1990 marked another profection to the 9th House, Cancer.  The Moon, lord of the year, was transiting through the 1st house of the Self at the time of the solar return, which was also a Venus return, as Venus was at 27 degrees Capricorn in the return, almost exactly conjunct her natal position at 26 Capricorn, strongly realizing Venus’s artistic birth promises.

Lynch 1990 Solar Return

Zodiacal Releasing of Spirit to Leo

When we look at the releasing of Spirit for 1990, we find that it marked the next Level 1 transition. It went from Cancer (the period which started in 1965) to Leo, the 10th house, ruled by the Sun.  Thus this next major transition in his professional life marked a new period, ruled by the Sun. The Sun is with Venus in the 3rd and the Sun rules the 10th house of actions, honors, and authority.  It was as if Lynch had received his king’s (the 10th and the Sun both pertaining to rulership/kings).

 

Image Attributions: Eraserhead poster image (cropped) is in the public domain.

Astrology of Profession or Calling | 6. O.J. Simpson

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Introduction

This series of articles has been about testing and refining an ancient Hellenistic approach to the astrology of a person’s profession or occupation. It can be best to view the results as pertaining to skills used in the context of one’s calling.

Actions in Hellenistic Astrology

Techniques of this sort were discussed by Ptolemy (2nd century CE), Paul of Alexandria (4th century CE), Olympiadorus (6th century CE), and Rhetorius (7th century CE), among others. These astrologers presented their own preferences, or art, for the application of the same basic technique. The techniques assign particular importance to the indications given by Mars, Venus, Mercury, and their combinations. These three are the planets of actions which can become the significators of the occupation. Furthermore, there is an emphasis in the technique on planets in the “stakes” of the chart (the 10th, 1st, 7th, 4th houses) or triplicity of the 10th house (10th, 2nd, and 6th houses), rulership of the 10th, and being configured with the Lights (i.e. Sun and Moon).

Not all ancient astrologers of the Hellenistic and Persian period used this technique. Some preferred basic delineation or a special combinations of factors for delineating profession. Rhetorius used this technique along with basic delineation and a discussion of special chart combinations which indicate specific occupations. However, as a specific technique for finding the planets most relevant to the occupation or calling, this technique is unrivaled in its efficacy.

Looking Back

In the first article, I outlined some notes and quotes on the Hellenistic views on the technique, as well as my own particular approach to it. In the last article, I reviewed the technique and explored three examples from a recent chart challenge. Please refer to those two articles for quick summaries of how the technique is applied in practice.

So far, most of the articles in the series have focused upon artists (Venus) and intellectuals (Mercury) with little attention paid to athletes and laborers (Mars). However, I’ve mentioned that Mars can be a little trickier than the others. In a chart of high social standing Mars may indicate a more aggressive managerial role or competitive political role rather than athletics or labor.  So far, we’ve only seen one example of Mars as the main significator; Dick Butkus from the last article.  Here we’ll look at another example of the technique correctly singling out Mars as significator in an athlete’s chart.

O. J. Simpson

O. J. Simpson is now a convicted felon who will be serving decades in prison. He is now best known for the controversial legal trial over the death of his ex-wife Nicole Brown. That trial was preceded by a lengthy flight from the police, but ended with his acquittal. Amazingly, it was followed by his attempt to publish a book detailing how he would’ve killed her if he had done it.  Years later, he was arrested on multiple felony charges.  You can read a brief bio on Wikipedia. His chart is rated AA for accuracy and is pictured below (with twelfth-part positions).

Simpson’s Natal Chart (outer wheel positions are those of the twelfth-parts)

Brief Note on Character

This series is not about delineating character, but I’d like to quickly note the indications of planets most relevant for character. Typically, the factors most relevant for character are the ruler of the 1st, the Sect Light, Mercury, planets in the 1st, and the Moon.

Dark Places and Malefics in the 1st

OJ’s Sect Light (the Sun) is the ruler of the Ascendant, but it is in a dark place, the 12th, pertaining to betrayal and enmity, in Cancer, ruled by the Moon. The Moon is also in a dark place, the 8th, pertaining to death and stagnation.  Additionally, the twelfth-parts of both Lights are in the 6th, a dark place, in Capricorn, ruled by the malefic Saturn. Therefore, both Lights and the ruler of the Ascendant are entirely oriented toward the dark places, pertaining to hidden and potentially harmful matters.

Mercury is out of sect and in a dark place, the 12th, while under the beams (concealment). This is an association between the rational mind (Mercury), concealment (12th house, under the beams), enmity (12 house), and instability (out of sect).

Saturn is in the 1st house of self, as is the twelfth-part of Mars, the out of sect malefic. Therefore, the malefics are directly operable in the house of the character and temperament. Additionally, the Ascendant and the Moon are both in the bounds of Mars.

Malefic Character with a Jupiter Life

Overall, it is very clear that the malefics and dark places predominate over matters of character. Therefore, it wouldn’t be unusual to expect much in the way of hidden motives, malicious intent, and personal undoing.  However, the sect benefic, Jupiter, is the most prominent planet in the chart, actually right on the IC (conjunct within 3 degrees). Fortunately, or unfortunately, a great deal of good fortune, luck, and a larger than life atmosphere permeate the life as loud and pervasive themes as well.

Actions

Let’s turn to the technique for actions.

Pertinence

Place

Mars is advancing to the MC (about 18 degrees from it).  Saturn and Jupiter are the only planets in stakes of the chart (the 1st and 4th respectively).  However, out of Mars, Venus, and Mercury, only Mars is in an appropriate place, the 11th, Gemini.  Additionally, the twelfth-part of Mars is in the 1st house. Of lesser importance, Mars also overcomes, by applying sextile within 3 degrees, Saturn, the occupant of the 1st.

Rulership and Other Matters

Mars is the only planet of the three action planets in the chart with some form of rulership at both the Ascendant and the MC It rules the rising bound, while it has participating triplicity at the MC and 10th. Jupiter also has a form of rulership in both places. The Sun and Venus, which respectively rule the 1st and 10th are both in the 12th, which is generally the most inappropriate place for actions. However, Venus is strongly in phasis in the chart, almost exactly 15 degrees from the Sun.

Conclusion

Mars is judged to be the most relevant planet for professional matters by far. It advances toward the MC, in an appropriate place (with its twelfth-part in a pivotal place), and has some rulership of the Ascendant and MC.

Jupiter is also very important for the profession. It is in a stake, with rulership at the 1st and 10th. However, it is not one the three action planets, so we view it more as a modifier. Note that the twelfth-part of Jupiter is with Mars in the chart, an indication of a champion (fortune in athletics).

Venus also has importance on account of ruling the 10th and being in phasis. The Moon very closely aspects Mercury also (separating). Therefore, there is a sense in which the 12 house cluster of Sun, Venus, and Mercury together signify entertainment work of a Venus-Mercury nature  (vocal, acting). In later life he was an announcer and actor fitting with such work.

General Strength

Jupiter is by far the planet with the greatest general strength in the chart.  It is not just strongly advancing but actually conjunct the angle of the IC.  Jupiter also regards both lights by trine. The Sun (Sect Light) overcomes Jupiter by applying trine within 3 degrees. Additionally, Jupiter stations direct about 6 days after birth.  Jupiter is ruled by Mars, arguably the second strongest planet in the chart, and pertaining to athletics.

I consider Mars the second strongest planet in the chart in a general way. It is the strongest of the three action planets. Mars advances to the MC and is dominated by the Moon. Most of the other planets in the chart are retreating or barely advancing.  Venus is also strong but in different ways. Venus is in phasis, and is advancing, while she is co-present with one Light and regards the other.

Conclusion

Mars is the planet in O.J. Simpson’s chart with the greatest relevance for profession. It is also a planet with a broadly pervasive influence over his life. We expect martial significations to show up in many guises and in many different areas of the life, with great frequency.  In the most simplistic terms, Mars would show a career path pertaining to brawn, as opposed to the brains of Mercury or aesthetics of Venus.  It is interesting that Mars is in the bound of Jupiter and with the twelfth-part of Jupiter, connecting it with success.

Once again we find this technique to be a breath of fresh air in comparison to most other vocational technique of western astrology. It leads us down the right path to look at the proper planets. We even learn something of the nuances and variety to occupational possibilities and developments. Not only is Mars singled out for O.J. but we get a sense of the importance that Venus (entertainment) can play and how it all relates to a hugely pervasive Jupiterian influence on life circumstances. Saturn’s twelfth-part is conjunct Jupiter, suggesting where such luck hits limitations.

Featured image is in the public domain.

Astrology of Profession or Calling | 5. Skyscript Mystery Charts

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Enjoy a Good Mystery?

There was a mystery chart challenge posted in Skyscript’s astrology forum by Tom Callanan a couple months ago.  Tom posted three charts without names or birth data. He asked readers to see if they could figure out which was a musician.  Later, before revealing the answer, he also noted that one of the charts is of a Roman Catholic Cardinal and another is of an American football player

At that time, in early March, through private correspondences (and on her Facebook wall), my friend, Kate Petty, and I both accurately matched all three charts to the proper occupations. How did we do so? By using the ancient techniques for delineating occupation which I’ve discussed in this series. Our methods were objective and repeatable, not intuitive.

Actions in Hellenistic Astrology

I discussed the technique in the post Astrology of Profession or Calling | 1. Technique.  The basis of the technique is found in comments made by Ptolemy, Paulus Alexandrinus, Rhetorius, and other Hellenistic astrologers who commented on their work. However, there is some variation in the way the technique is explained by different authors. Additionally, it is by no means the final word in delineating actions and occupation.  Every astrologer should adapt the technique to their needs and attempt to improve upon it.  This technique provides the best foundation you’ll get for delineating profession. You will learn to identify those planets that are most significant in terms of skills and themes developed within the context of one’s calling.  There are many other more specific indications that can then be used in the hopes of narrowing down to more specific professions.

In a chart challenge situation, the technique will rarely be 100% accurate. It’s not the final word on occupation and my adaptation is not perfect. Additionally, special combinations in the chart can be relevant for profession. However, this technique shines in differentiation tasks. Therefore, I’d like to go through and show how the technique itself performs on these three charts to lead to objectively obvious decisions which happen to be correct. Before reading on, please familiarize yourself with the chart challenge thread and my explanation of the technique.

Technique Notes

Below I reiterate what I stated about the technique in the first post. Perhaps the simplest explanation would go something like this: 1. Planets strongly “pertaining” to the 10th, MC, and Lights give strong significations regarding personal striving and one’s calling. 2. Those strongly “pertaining” to the 1st and the Ascendant give strong significations regarding the personality and self-identification. 3. Planets which are generally strong tend to show broad pervasive influences upon the life circumstances.

By “pertaining”, I mean occupying a place, ruling a place or position, scrutinizing a position (i.e. aspecting it within 3 degrees), strongly advancing toward the angle (i.e. advancing within about 15 degrees), being in a “stake” of the place (1st, 10th, 7th, or 4th from it), and otherwise regarding the place or point.

These things are all indications that a planet has “testimony” (things to say) regarding the place or point being investigated. Testimonies form the basis for later almuten or “winner” techniques. However, such “winner” approaches are sophomoric mechanized ways of handling testimony. As astrologers, we must be more judicial than that. One of the problems with “winner” techniques is that there is a tendency to consider one planet as always the most significant. By contrast, there may be many significant planets which become relatively more prominent at different times in the life, which we can observe through timing techniques.  In other words, we want to know both the range and the relative pertinence of each planet, as well as which planets stand out and in what ways.

Technique Recap

Pertinence to actions:
  1. MC: Strongly advancing to MC.
  2. Places: Order of importance – 10th (place of actions), 1st, 7th, or 4th, (i.e. the “stakes” of the 10th), 2nd or 6th (i.e. triplicity of the 10th), 11th, 5th, 8th.
  3. Ruler­ship: Dignity in 10th or Ascendant (or to a lesser extent at the MC).  Planets scrutinizing the Ascendant or MC, i.e. aspecting them within 3 degrees, should also be considered.
  4. Pha­sis and the Lights: In phasis, or a bound ruler of a Light (esp. of sect light).
General strength:
  1. Advancing/Retreating: Advancing planets are stronger than retreating ones, in the sense of being “louder” in the life, and this is a continuous variable.
  2. Lights: The Lights (Sun and Moon) naturally signify prominence and power, so a strong relationship between one of them and a planet make the planet more generally strong.
  3. Stations: Stationing direct within 7 days of birth makes a planet generally stronger or more prominent while stationing retrograde make it generally weaker.

As noted in the original post, I start with pertinence, and then use general strength pick out the more dominant planet or planets among the most pertinent ones.

Analysis of Charts

I will deal with the charts in a rather collective way.  I want to note the first impressions of the chart that anyone should get when using this method for such a purpose.  Rather than posting them here immediately, I want the reader first to view them on the thread here as one did in the chart challenge.

Evaluating Placement

The first thing you want to look at is to see if planets are strongly advancing toward the MC, i.e. to the left of the MC degree within 15 degrees.  None of the charts have this.  Next, you want to look to see if any of them have planets in the 10th place, which is the 10th sign from the Ascendant, which in the first chart is Aries, the second is Taurus, and the third is Leo. All are empty except for Moon in Leo in Chart 3.

Next, look at planets in the other “stakes” of the chart, which are the 1st, 7th, and 4th, in about that order of priority.  Chart 1 has Venus (in Capricorn 7th).  The next one, Chart 2, has Mars (in Scorpio 4th). The last one, Chart 3, has the Sun (in Scorpio 1st) and Saturn (in Taurus 7th). We have planets with pertinence to action by place already, so we won’t keep looking at less pertinent places, except maybe for Chart 3 as we’d like to know which is most pertinent by place among Mercury, Venus, and Mars.  However, all three are in the 12th of that chart, so the relative pertinence of each will have to be assessed without consideration of place.

1st Chart

2nd Chart

3rd Chart

Preliminary Placement Results

So far our best candidates and their indications by chart number are as follows:

  1. Venus – the arts – the musician. Why? Because Venus is angular (in VII).
  2. Mars – physical or dominance-oriented – the football player. Why? Because Mars is angular (in IV).
  3. Moon, Sun, Saturn – all leadership-oriented planets – the Cardinal. Why? Because the Moon, Sun, and Saturn are all angular (in X, I, and VII).

Evaluating Rulership

Let’s look at rulership for confirmation.

For Chart 1 we find that Venus has rulership by triplicity and bound of the Ascendant. She also has rulership by exaltation and triplicity atthe MC. Additionally, Venus also most closely scrutinizes the MC (sextile of about 2°). Therefore, there is strong support for Venus.

Chart 2 is one in which Mars has triplicity in the 10th and MC. No planets scrutinize the MC or Asc. Therefore, there is a little bit of confirmation for Mars, though  it is fairly weak from rulership.

In Chart 3 we find that the Sun, which is in the 1st house, as domicile and first triplicity lord of the 10th house. Additionally, the Sun and Saturn both closely scrutinize the MC. The Moon has only triplicity at the MC. All three are confirmed as significant, but especially so for the Sun.

Dave Brubeck

Chart 1 has Venus angular, ruling the rising bound, and exalted ruler of the MC. Looking at the chart we also find that Venus is the bound lord of the sect light, the Moon. She is also bound lord of the Sun. So she is bound ruler of both luminaries. Furthermore, Venus is strongly advancing. No planets are in phasis. If we were to look at twelfth-parts we’d also find twelfth-part Venus angular in her own domicile (Libra). Therefore, Venus is the obvious choice. The first chart is that of the musician, as Venus pertains to art and aesthetics (and sexuality/sensuality, etc.).

Brubeck’s Natal Chart

It is also good to understand how other planets can be involved in the occupation. Saturn may be relevant because it is strongly advancing on the IC, where it scrutinizes the MC. Additionally, Saturn dominates Venus. Finally, Mercury is a planet of actions and in a relevant place (the 5th), and it closely aspects Venus, within 2 degrees, so it also relates to the occupation. Mars can also pertain to matters of the occupation as Mars rules the 10th and is in an eligible place (the 8th). However, what is most important is that Venus provides much stronger testimony than any of the other planets, including the other planets of actions.

Dick Butkus

Chart 2 has Mars angular in IV while it rules the MC and 10th by triplicity. Looking at the chart we find that Mars does not rule the bound of either Light. However, Mars does rule the Moon, the sect light, by exaltation and triplicity.  There are no planets in phasis.  Mars is the most advancing planet in the chart, and there are no stations, etc. It is also domicile and first triplicity ruler of its own place. The obvious choice here is Mars, clearly indicating Chart 2 to be the football player. It is the chart of Dick Butkus.

Butkus’ Natal Chart

Mercury and Venus can also be relevant for occupational matters as they are planets of actions in the eligible 5th place. Butkus became a sports commentator and an actor later in life.

Butkus and Twelfth-Parts

It is always a good idea to look at the twelfth-parts in the matter of occupation. The lots, especially the lots of Fortune, Spirit, and Actions, can also be significant, as can relationships by antiscia. Let’s look briefly at the twelfth-parts in Chart 2.

Dick Butkus Natal Chart with Twelfth-Parts (outside wheel)

Mars takes on increased important as twelfth-part Mars is in the 2nd place, another eligible place, and very closely aspects the MC. Additionally, the twelfth-part Ascendant is in a house of Mars (Aries) and conjunct Jupiter (fortune). Twelfth-part Venus is with twelfth-part Mars connecting their significations (Venus-Mars can pertain to athletics). Mercury (voice, analysis) becomes more pronounced and important for the profession and identity as its twelfth-part is in the 1st house.

Cardinal Krol

We noted that the Sun is particularly relevant for the profession, as are Saturn and the Moon. We didn’t see much from the planets of actions, as they are all in the 12th house in chart 3. Paulus also advised to check the place of Fortune but it is empty (ruled by Mercury). However, we find that only Mercury is in phasis, and Mercury rules the bound of the Moon. Additionally, Mercury receives the next aspect of the Moon, which Paulus also advised as significant. Mars rules the bound of the sect light (Sun). Therefore, out of Mercury, Venus, and Mars, we expect Mercury to be the most pertinent to occupation, tending more toward a thinking occupation. Mars is next most pertinent.

Cardinal Krol’s Natal Chart

Altogether we see strong relevance for leadership and administration. This is due to the importance of the Lights and Saturn in signifying for profession.  Without really strong signification for a cardinal specifically, we still rule this chart to be the best match for the Cardinal.

Krol and the Twelfth-Parts

The twelfth-parts really provide the key to understanding the religious leadership orientation in Krol’s chart. Twelfth-part Jupiter is at 18 Leo, in Krol’s 10th house, in partile conjunction to his Moon (ruler of his 9th). The twelfth-part Ascendant, Venus, and Mars (Mars rules the Asc) are in the 9th of God. Twelfth-part Mercury is in an eligible place (the 8th) in its own domicile.

John Krol’s Natal Chart with Twelfth-Parts (outside wheel)

Conclusion

The method indeed lead to the correct matches, with some additional valuable information.  So while this isn’t as much of a flashy technique as many of them used in that thread, it is systematic and objective. It is also has its origins in the earliest strains of traditional horoscopic astrology.

 

Featured image is in the public domain and is the Egyptian design of a scarab amulet with two different images of Thoth from some time between 646 BCE and 342 BCE (Late Period). It is from the collection of the Walter Art Museum and was retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.

Update 2018: This article was updated on 12/15/18 with some editing for clarity as well as a couple new links. The notes and charts concerning twelfth-parts were also added at that time.

Astrology of Profession or Calling | 4. Jimi Hendrix

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Introduction

Today is the birthday of Mr. John Allen Hendrix, aka Jimi Hendrix.  I’m a big fan, particularly of his final album, Electric Ladyland.  I’ll be doing the normal very brief profession analysis below. Additionally, I’ll conclude with some notes about indications for character (personality) in the chart.

Profession or Calling

Here, I apply a special technique for delineating profession, or perhaps more accurately, skills development. It originated in the Hellenistic period of astrology with developments and modifications through the medieval period.  The reader is referred to the brief outline of the technique which can be found here, “Astrology of Profession or Calling | 1. Technique“. You should first familiarize yourself with that article to better understand my delineation process and the significance I assign to the planets.

Jimi Hendrix

A brief biography for Jimi Hendrix can be found on Wikipedia. His chart is given a Rodden Rating of AA for accuracy on Astro-Databank. Hendrix’s natal chart is pictured below (CTRL+click to open an expanded version in a new tab).

Jimi Hendrix’s Natal Chart

Relevance to Actions

First, we identify the planets with some pertinence to “actions”.

Places:

Venus, the Sun, and Mercury are in the 1st, and Saturn is in the 7th.  Additionally, the Moon and Jupiter are in the 8th, which is less relevant. No planet advances toward the MC. Mars is in XII so is not relevant by place. Therefore, Mercury and Venus are most relevant by place.

Rulership:

Mercury rules the 10th and is in the 1st.  Venus rules the sign and bound of the MC. Additionally, Venus is the 1st triplicity ruler of the 10th and is in the 1st. Mars has no rulership of the 1st, only triplicity at the 10th, and no rulership of the MC. Therefore, Mercury and Venus have the most relevance by rulership.

Phasis and the Lights:

No planets in phasis.  Mercury and Venus are assembled with the Sun.  Jupiter is assembled with the Moon.  The Moon is separating from Jupiter and applying to Mercury. Mars has no regard from the Sun but is overcome by the Moon. Overall, Mercury has the strongest relationship with the Lights, followed by Venus.

Relevance Conclusion

Mercury and Venus have the most relevance to actions. They are together so their combined significations are particularly important. The Moon, the Sun, and Jupiter have lesser relevance.

Prominence

Secondly, we identify the planets that are strongest in a general way in the chart. These planets push their natural significations onto the life in a strong way

Advancing/Retreating:

There are no planets strongly advancing. However, Jupiter and the Moon are advancing with the greatest strength.  Mars is advancing to a lesser extent and the rest of the planets are retreating.

Relationships to Lights:

No planets in phasis.  As noted, Mercury has the strongest relationship with the Lights, followed by Venus. Additionally, of the other planets, Jupiter has the strongest relationship to the Lights.

Stationing:

No planetary stations.

Prominence Conclusion

Jupiter is the strongest planet.  The Moon is also very strong.  Mercury is the most prominent planet of the three of actions as it is in the 1st with the Sun and receives the application of the Moon.

Synthesis of Occupation for Jimi Hendrix

As in Trent Reznor’s chart, we see that Mercury and Venus are the most relevant for characterizing the profession and are combined. As mentioned in that post, this pair combine the intricacy, intellect, and wind/verbalization features of Mercury with the artistry of Venus.  It is common for music, a profession pertaining to artistry in sound waves (wind), but particularly with singing (air, verbalization), as well as composition/arrangement of songs. Furthermore, Mercury can pertain to digits and manual dexterity, so fingered string instruments are another indication.

In relation to Venus as significator of mastery, al-Qabisi noted, “And she signifies the mastery of all sounds, like music and the rest” (Dykes, 2010, p. 254).  Additionally, al-Qabisi noted, “And if Mercury is complected to her, it signifies the sound which is used in the composition of verses” (Dykes, 2010, p. 255).

Modern Day Apollo

Venus and Mercury are on either sides of the Sun, both of them conjunct the Sun within 3 degrees. Interestingly, when it comes to music, the Sun is most associated with stringed instruments. For instance, the Sun god Apollo’s symbol is the lyre. Here we find intellect, verbalization, beauty, and artistry, joined with and outshone by the dynamic Apollo and his lyre. Furthermore, al-Qabisi noted, “And if the Sun is complected to her [Venus], it signifies the sound of wood [Dykes footnote: “Ar.: ‘the lute.'”] by which one plays in the presence of kings and nobles” (Dykes, 2010, p. 255).

Jupiter and Character

The 1st house cluster is in the sign and bound of Jupiter. Jupiter may be the most prominent planet in the chart.  Additionally, Jupiter is the planet most relevant to character. Jupiter is relevant to character in at least five important ways.

First, Jupiter rules the 1st house. Lords of the 1st house of self were commonly used for character (see Masha-allah and Abu’Ali al-Khayyat). Second, Jupiter is the house and bound ruler of Mercury. Mercury and its Lords were also used for character (see Ptolemy, Masha’allah, Abu’Ali al-Khayyat).  Third, Jupiter is the house and bound ruler of the sect light, the Sun. The sect light has a signifies prominently in the life (particularly when in a “stake” like the 1st), and it is colored by its rulers. Fourth, Jupiter is assembled with the Moon and the exalted ruler of their house. The Moon signified the irrational mind and the body to Ptolemy, and was used in character delineation.  Fifth, it’s generally a strong and pervasive planet, advancing, conjunct the Moon, exalted, and in its own bound. Abu Bakr stressed the impact of prominent planets on character.

Jovial

The English adjective “jovial” literally means “of Jupiter”. It denotes one who is jolly and cheerful.  Jupiter tends to pertain to “out of bounds” and lofty experiences of adventure, spirituality, good fortune, exaggeration, or insight.

On Jupiter as ruler of the chart and primary indicator of character, Julius Firmicus Maternus (4th century CE) noted (Bram, 1972, p. 139):

9. JUPITER. Those who have Jupiter as ruler of the chart are always trustworthy, of high spirit, and are impelled toward great deeds.  They spend more than their resources or their inheritance allows.  Commanding in all their acts, noble, famous, honorable, lovers of luxury, cheerful, desiring to please in every way, large eaters, faithful friends, they are simple and friendly to all; successful and accustomed to do everything well.

10. Their body is of middle size but well-formed, handsome, and they are light-complexioned.  Of beautiful eyes and head, with long flowing hair; firm of step.  Their life will be glorious and filled with good fortune and they attain their desires.  Their activities turn out well, and they are protected by the influence of great men […] Their illnesses come from stomach trouble, from wine and from indigestion; death comes from high living, hemorrhoids, or sexual intercourse.

Further Reading

For more on Hendrix, including a look at a few key events in his life with predictive techniques, please see the article on the houses.

References

Ma’shar, A., & Al-Qabisi. (2010). Introductions to Traditional Astrology. (B. N. Dykes, Trans.). Minneapolis, MN: The Cazimi Press.

Maternus, J. F. (1972). Mathesis: A fourth-century astrological treatise. (J. R. Bram, Trans.). NY, NY: New York University.

Image Attribution
Jimi Hendrix – One by MadeInKobaia, retrieved from MadeInKobaia’s DeviantArt page. Cropped image.

Astrology of Profession or Calling | 3. Steve Jobs & Bill Gates

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The Astrology of Two Tech Titans

Let’s look at the astrology of tech entrepreneurs Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. Their operating systems, Apple and Microsoft, continue to dominate the world computer market and made them both billionaires. Given the similarity of their professional paths and their rivalry, it seems fitting to analyze profession in both of their charts together.

I apply an ancient astrological technique for delineating profession. It originated in Hellenistic astrology. The reader is referred to the brief outline of the technique in the first article, “Astrology of Profession or Calling | 1. Technique“. Please read through that article so you understand the delineation process. Also, see the last article on the analysis of profession in the chart of musician Trent Reznor.

Mercurial Occupations and Martial Strategies

Technologists, businessmen, and scholars all share a strong emphasis on Mercury. Mercury is the planet of intellect, reason, speech, technology, and symbolism. We often (though not always) see a lot of overlap between academic prowess, technological proficiency, and financial acumen. For instance, the founders of Google, Larry Page and Sergey Brin are tech scholars turned business leaders. Entrepreneurship pertains to Mars, due to the heavy emphasis on strategy. Therefore, tech entrepreneurship is a matter that pertains to both Mercury and Mars.

Steve Jobs

A brief biography for Steve Jobs can be found on Wikipedia. His chart is given a Rodden Rating of AA for accuracy on Astro-Databank. His chart is pictured below (CTRL-Click to open an expanded version in a new tab).

Natal Chart – Steve Jobs

Relevance to Actions

  1. Places:

    The Sun is the only planet in a “stake” being in the 7th.  Mercury is in the 6th. Jupiter and Venus are in the 11th and 5th respectively.  Less pertinent are the Moon and Mars in the 8th. All three planets of action are in relevant places, so all have some thing to say about professional skills.

  2. Rulership:

    Mercury is the house ruler of both the 10th and the 1st, the 1st triplicity ruler of the 10th, and the exalted ruler of the 1st. Mars is bound ruler of both the Ascendant and MC. The other planets have less relevance as they all have only triplicity rulership in either the 1st or 10th, but not both. As both the 1st and 10th are houses of Mercury, Mercury has the most relevance. Mars has secondary relevance.

  3. Phasis and the Lights

    Mercury is in phasis, coming out from the beams less than a week before birth. Mercury is the planet receiving the next application of the Moon. Mars is assembled with the Moon. Again we see a particular emphasis on Mercury, with a lesser emphasis on Mars.

Relevance Conclusion

Mercury has the most relevance to actions. Of the three “actions” planets, Mars is next most significant.  The Sun is also significant in terms of professional matters. Venus, Jupiter, and the Moon are significant to a lesser degree.

Prominence

  1. Advancing/Retreating:

    The Moon is just about strongly advancing, while Jupiter and Venus are also advancing pretty forcefully. Mars is also advancing, while Mercury is just barely advancing.

  2. Relationships to Lights:

    Mercury is in phasis and is being applied to by the Moon. Mars is assembled with the Moon. Both Lights regard Jupiter and Venus.

  3. Stationing:

    Mercury is very strong, as it is stationing direct within 24 hours of birth.

Prominence Conclusion

Mercury is the strongest planet.  Mercury is stationing direct, in phasis, and is advancing. The Moon is also very strong, while Jupiter and Venus are to a lesser extent.

Steve Jobs Professional Indications

Mercury has the greatest testimony in matters of occupation and is the strongest planet of the chart in a general way. Intellectual development is most relevant to the occupation. This emphasizes technology and business.

An element of publicity (the Sun) is also extremely relevant to the profession. Competitiveness and public affairs are very relevant (Mars). There is also an important role that subjective experience plays (the Moon), which is reflected in his software and hardware design choices (ease of use). There is additionally pretty relevant development in terms of aesthetics (Venus).

Mercury in Depth

To keep things brief though, let’s focus on the primary planet of actions, Mercury. Mercury is in a human air sign, pertaining to social phenomena, like ideas, trends, news, education, and technology. Mercury is in a sign of Saturn and is dominated by Saturn (right-side square). Saturn is the out of sect malefic, so there are many negative associations with Mercury in terms of struggle, death, loss, oppression, and so forth, and Mercury is in the 6th of slaves (employees) and health issues, both of which were critical sore areas in Jobs’ life.  Saturn pertains to solidity, industry, and management, while it is in the 3rd which pertains to communication and transportation.  Mercury’s natural significance in terms of communication is increased and there is an increased association with business management and working with solid resources such as hardware.

Bill Gates

A brief biography for Bill Gates can be found on Wikipedia, and his chart is given a Rodden Rating of A for accuracy on Astro-Databank. His chart is pictured below (CTRL+click to open an expanded version in a new tab).

Natal Chart – Bill Gates

Relevance to Actions

  1. Places:

    The Moon is in the 10th, while Mars and Mercury are in a “stake” (the 4th).  Jupiter is in the 2nd.  The Sun, Venus, and Saturn are less relevant, being in the 5th.

  2. Rulership:

    The ruler of the 10th is Mars, while the Moon rules the 1st.  Mars and Jupiter have dignity in both places, but Jupiter more so.

  3. Phasis and the Lights:

    Mercury is in phasis, coming out from the beams just under a week before birth.  Mars is the planet receiving the next application of the Moon.  Venus and Saturn are also in phasis and assembled with the Sun.

Relevance Conclusion

Mars, Mercury, Venus, the Moon, and Jupiter have  relevance to actions. Of the three “actions” planets, Mars and Mercury are the most relevant and are together in the same sign. Both planets are in a stake of the 10th. Mars has dignity at the 10th and 1st, whereas Mercury does not, but Mercury is in phasis, so it is particularly highlighted. Venus is in appropriate place and in phasis so she has lesser relevance as well.

Prominence

  1. Advancing/Retreating:

    The Moon, Mars, and Mercury are strongly advancing.  All other planets in the chart are advancing to a lesser extent.

  2. Relationships to Lights:

    Mercury, Venus, and Saturn are in phasis.  The Moon applies to Mars.  Venus and Saturn are assembled with the Sun.  Jupiter regards both lights, and is in the home of the Sun.

  3. Stationing:

    Mercury is stationing direct.

Prominence Conclusion

Mercury is the strongest planet.  Mercury is stationing direct, in phasis, and is very strongly advancing.  Mars and the Moon are very strong in the chart. Venus is also quite strong.

Bill Gates Professional Indications

Mars has the greatest testimony in terms of occupation, while Mercury is stronger in the chart overall due to being in phasis, stationing direct, in a “stake” of the chart, and strongly advancing, all at the same.  Jupiter in the 2nd of wealth and possessions, as well as strong, is probably connected in some part to both Bill’s immense financial acumen and development of philanthropic pursuits as a vocation.  He is currently working full-time with his philanthropic organization, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The prominence of the Moon is very interesting, as Gates, like Jobs, worked primarily in adapting technology to natural human experience.  The strength of the Moon and Mercury, and the strong connection of the Moon with the 1st, give strong indications of his mental acuity. The Moon and Mercury were the two most important planets for mind or soul in Ptolemy’s astrology. The Moon also pertains strongly to the brain, memory, and intuition.

Mercury in Depth

As with Jobs, Mercury is in an Air sign, pertaining to more social phenomena. Mercury is in a sign of Venus and is assembled with Mars.  We might expect Mercury to pertain to design (Venus) and the military or domestic public affairs to some extent (Mars). In other words, we see a greater emphasis on involvement in meeting the demands of competitive business, military, and public affairs in this Mercury placement, and less on physical materials, than we do with the more Saturnine Mercury of Steve Jobs.

It is worth noting that the twelfth-part of Gates’ Mercury is in the Mercury bound of Aries, the 10th place. This further reinforces the importance of Mercury in his career and connects it with Mars.

Gates with Twelfth-Parts in Outer Wheel

Mars in Depth

Gates was able to secure great success for his company through aggressive strategy. At times his aggressive competitiveness became unethical as he sought to lock out competition, bringing on multiple controversial anti-trust suits. His management style was also known to be particularly harsh and abrasive. Mars is in Libra with Mercury, so many of the same associations with Mercury apply to Mars and they work together. He participated in the congressional Page program at age 17, so his involvement in public affairs came early and has persisted in his life.  In whole, his career has been centrally about beating competition and coming out ahead in power struggles. He was the wealthiest person in the world for 14 years and has persisted as one of the most powerful.

This technique with the chart of Bill Gates shows similar results as those for many very high-climbing politicians and industry leaders. For very socially mobile people, Mars does not show “brawn” so much as a development of competitiveness, strategy, and the desire to make a powerful impact on the lives of others.

Interestingly, Gates had some political experience at a young age. He was a congressional page for the House of Representatives at age 17. That same year he graduated high school as a National Merit Scholar, scored 1590 out of 1600 on his SAT, and enrolled in Harvard the same year. It was the year when Mars directed to the Ascendant by sextile and the Jupiter directed to the sect light (the Moon) by trine. If you are not familiar with primary directions, then please check out the introductory article on them.

Bill Gates Important Aspectual Primary Directions at Age 17

A Key Year: Microsoft Windows

There are a larger number of stand-out events in Gates’ life. Let’s look at one particularly pivotal year for him, age 30, which saw the launch of the first retail version of the Microsoft Windows operating system (on 11/20/1985).

Mercury as Distributor

The event occurred during the first time in Gates’ life in which Mercury was the distributor. Mercury was the distributor from early 1984 to mid-1992. This period saw the development, launch, and ascendancy of Microsoft’s flagship product, Windows.

Bill Gates – Distributors Ages 0-100

Saturn as Lord of the Year Conjunct Mercury

In terms of annual profections, age 30 is a 7th house year. Gates’ 7th house is Capricorn, so the lord of the year was its ruler, Saturn. In his natal chart, Saturn is in the 5th house of good fortune, conjunct the sect benefic, Venus, and dominated by the 2nd house Jupiter. In his solar return chart of the year, we see that the year marked his first Saturn return and that return Mercury was conjunct return Saturn and natal Saturn. Additionally, return Venus was conjunct his natal Mercury. Therefore, we see an emphasis both on Saturn (responsibility, authority, challenge, maturity, solidity) and on Mercury (technology, intellect, commerce), with fortunate circumstances linked to Mercury through Venus (the sect benefic).

1985 Solar Return Positions Marked on Outside of Bill Gates’ Natal Chart

Timing by Degree-Based Profections

In the article on degree-based profections, I noted that they can be used to time out big events in the year within a couple weeks. There are a number of very interesting profections involved with the release of Windows on 11/20/1985.

We’ve already discussed how important Mercury and Mars are for Gates’ career. Mercury and Mars are strongly advancing together, Mercury’s twelfth-part is in the 10th, and Mars is the ruler of the 10th.  Mercury is the distributor for the time period. We also must look at Saturn and Venus. The profection is to the 7th house ruled by Saturn, making Saturn lord of the year, and it is conjunct Venus. Saturn is also activated by planetary years at age 30, and Saturn was lord of days. The solar return emphasized those planets as well.

Bill Gates Natal Chart with Twelfth-Parts (outside wheel)

Take note of the following natal positions: Mars at 10 Libra, twelfth-part Ascendant at about 23 Taurus, and twelfth-part Mercury at 19 Aries. The rate of change for degree-based profection is 2.5 per month. About 3/4 of a month had elapsed since the solar return, amounting to just under 2 degrees. It was a 7th house profection, so the year starts with all points opposite their natal positions. Therefore, every point in the natal chart would have profected to the opposite degrees as its natal position plus about 2 degrees.

Bill Gates 11-20-1985 Profections

The following profectional conjunctions are within a degree at the time of Windows release: profected Moon conjoins natal Mars; profected Saturn conjoins natal twelfth-part Ascendant; profected Mercury conjoins natal twelfth-part Mercury.

Conclusion

Both Bill Gates and Steve Jobs have Mercury and Mars as the most relevant planets for actions. While both were technologists (Mercury), they were also both leaders engaged in highly competitive strategy and public affairs (Mars). The combination of Mercury and Mars is also evocative of electronics themselves. The emphasis on air signs in both charts gears things toward the more human and ephemeral (software) as well as the utilitarian and trendy.

With Steve Jobs we see Saturn play a stronger role, both in terms of a greater focus on the physical (hardware) and in terms of the more pertinent career struggles. Bill Gates highlights the more important role of Mars, where the emphasis is more on the competitive advantage and being number one.

Image Attribution

Featured image by Joi Ito from Inbamura, Japan [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Update

Note that this article was updated in late 2018 (October-December) with some additional information on twelfth-parts in the charts and the addition of the example of the release of Windows.

Astrology of Profession or Calling | 2. Trent Reznor

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The Astrology of Profession

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”.

A brief biography for Trent Reznor can be found on Wikipedia. His chart is given a Rodden Rating of A on Astro-Databank (note: Astrodatabank’s biography of him has some factual inaccuracies).  His chart is pictured below (CTRL-Click to open an expanded version in a new tab).

Reznor’s Natal Chart

Thinking in Terms of Planets

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

Astrology of Profession or Calling | 1. Technique

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The Astrology of Profession

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)

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.