In New York City, August 7, 1974, Philippe Petit walked on Wire from the top of one of the World Trade Center’s towers to the other. His motivation was to accomplish something personal (Jupiter) that would gain him notoriety with the public (Moon). This shows up conveniently in the Natal horoscope with Jupiter and the Moon set off from the other planets and independent of each other, as well as a Pluto/Sun Conjunction. But the really strong indication to be in the public eye and to accomplish some outlandish feat is the Mars/Uranus (indomitably radical) Point Focus of a T-Cross Conjunction embracing the Midheaven. It is well known that he was always a climber and that his parents and any other authority over him could not control his drive to explore. 

What was happening in the Transit and Progressed charts is interesting in that it involves the important Mars in several ways. The Progressed Mars (shown circled in purple) is in the degree of A case of apoplexy. This phrase is not as revealing as the original symbol description, which is; A normally good natured man of affairs is red to bursting to have his own way.

This symbol of the Progressed Mars in an uncanny way, literally explains the makeup of the native at the time of his exploits in New York. He was unstoppable. And that is the meaning of a very strong Natal Mars.

Progressed Mars: LEO 1 A case of apoplexy This is a symbol of an overwhelming potentiality, and of an ever-pressing necessity for genuine self-establishment and personal stability. Implicit in the reversed symbolism is man’s complete lack of inhibition in his everyday make-up, together with his ability to mobilize all his powers and even risk his own existence rather than accept any thwarting of his desires. Here is emphasis on the unbroken continuity between being and doing, or between identity and its continual manifestation of itself. The keyword is IRRESISTABILITY. When positive, the degree is creativity in the day-by-day expression of the self’s real possibilities, and when negative, thoroughgoing self-indulgence and imposition on others.

Pluto Transiting very close to Petit’s Ascendant is another indication of the obsession to become a powerfully known personality, by attempting a daring act that had never before been accomplished and most likely would never be again. Pluto indicates ultimate extremes and this fits perfectly into that picture. Supporting this in the Natal chart is the Conjunction between the Sun and Pluto in the 11th house – this shows an obsession with reaching his goals in life.

Transit Mars comes close to Natal Saturn on the day of his performance and Mars is in the degree of A harem. Normally I would focus on the symbol for Saturn which is important because of the birth potentials active throughout the life, and the Transits are just that, transitory. But the symbol of a harem is revealing in that when Petit completed his daring feat, just as he was being released from police custody, he was approached by an attractive young woman who wanted to be the first to congratulating him with an afternoon of intimacy in her hotel room. Petit was caught in the glory of his now notorious accomplishment and was unfaithful to his dutiful girlfriend, who was now just one more member of the harem. Saturn is only 3 minutes over the line and is so close to the harem degree, but in all honesty, we must acknowledge the true symbol of 8 degrees Virgo of a First dancing instruction. Perhaps it was a dance across the wire that Saturn indicates in its birth potential.

The symbol for A harem is worth posting here:

VIRGO 7 A harem This is a symbol of the withdrawal from reality in one aspect as a means for regrasping in another, here dramatized by an acceptance of regimentation as a species of insulation against life’s demand for some more dynamic manifestation of the self. Implicit in the static symbolism is the necessity for using any fellowship in lesser values as a self-strengthening in a definite and renewed struggle towards the greater. An enforced conservation of energies need not encourage a surrender of basic ideals. The keyword is RESTRAINT. When positive, the degree is a courageous and complete disregard of limitation by the rejection of its terms at any cost, and when negative, self-betrayal for momentary ease.

The words in red definitely speak to the mood of the moment – at least in the context of a very real opportunity that would not have happened had there been no risk or challenge.

Progressed Mercury is exactly in Opposition to Natal Moon, showing the activation of the Natal T-Cross with its focus on the Midheaven resulting in ultimate fame for an unusual and physically challenging feat.
 

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The universe is the stage and all the planets merely players. The planets are people. They represent the people in our lives that create the circumstances of the astrological houses where events take place.

In the news now is the parting of the ways of one of the most celebrated couples on Earth – Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. How this shows up in their horoscopes is an interesting study. The comparison chart of the couple has Angelina’s chart in the center with Brad’s on the outer wheel. According to Marc Edmund Jones techniques of comparison, the couple is not in an ideal astrological partnership. The Venuses are compatible, but in a wide Opposition aspect. Mars and Mercury in comparison shows that they are not in compatible elements. In close contact they cannot easily integrate the mundane activities of their lives. They are prone to different schedules and responsibilities.

Their Suns are in compatible elements, however their Ascendants and Moons are not. This means that although they seem to be equal in terms of their value to each other, they are not emotionally in tune, nor do they see life from the same perspective. In a crises there is support, but the daily supportive emotional (Moon) balance is missing.

Brad’s Jupiter is making a Conjunction with Angelina’s Mars. Mars is a crucial planet in her horoscope because it is the Leading planet of a powerful Locomotive Temperament Type. This mutual aspect shows that Brad’s personality and enthusiasm stimulate Angelina’s energies both sexually and emotionally. In other words, she is/was turned on by who he is and his contribution as an upbeat personality to the partnership.

What once was a great turn-on factor for both has apparently evolved into an irritation because when Mars is not motivated in a positive direction the result can be frustration and anger. There may even be battles over who wears the pants in the relationship because Angelina’s Mars is in the degree of The president of the country.(1) The Cutting planet in a Locomotive in the degree of the leader of the country produces an enormous amount of energy and Initiative (Mars’ keyword) focused on trailblazing, especially when it is in the sign of Aries. Jolie’s worldwide travel and fame are indicated in the Mars, Moon, and Jupiter conjunction in the ninth and tenth houses and her position as an ambassador for the United Nations fits well into this planetary scheme.

There is no Grand Trine in fire signs to make this an ideal example of the Locomotive Type, and instead of the free-flowing and pyramiding energies, there are significant blocks in the psyche that have need of recognition. These blocks are in the astrological form of Squares between Mars, Moon and Jupiter with Natal Saturn. Here is the Jupiter and Saturn pair of Motivation in Sharp Destiny. There was a prodigal and careless Aries outreach in the early years of Angelina’s life, but because of the Sharp Destiny the consciousness evolves to consider moral character as a valuable asset in the ongoing life process. There are public statements Angelina made that reveal harsh judgement concerning her father’s infidelity. The judgement of others comes in the aging process and often one does not recognize that one’s own life is filled with flaws. Life is a continuous struggle in terms of living up to the highest potentials with a Sharp Destiny. She can do this on her own, however, Brad’s Loose Destiny will typically downplay her “demands” for better performance on his part. Personal moral behavior is a serious issue in Angelina’s estimation, and this is the motivation for adopting children, as well as creating a film that is an example of moral character struggles as in The Land of Blood and Honey. 

Brad’s Mercury is Opposite Angelina’s Saturn and most likely, since their Mercuries are not in compatible elements, there are things that Brad verbalizes that Angelina would find offensive, especially in regards to her children, since Saturn is in the degree of; A hen scratching for her chicks.**

Angelina thinks for herself with a Natal Retrograde Mercury, and this is not easily accepted by Brad who has his Sun in the sign of Administration in a wide orb Opposition to her Mercury. Having both Conjunctions and Oppositions between charts would normally be considered an advantage, however, there are not enough mutual compatibilities as far as elements are concerned to have things function smoothly.

What makes September 2016 the end of the marriage? The Transits and Progressions in each of the charts will tell the story.

The charts of the couple along with the Transits of September 20th in the outer wheel shows Transit Saturn (circled in orange) exactly Conjunct Angelina’s Natal Neptune and Brad’s Ascendant. The planet Saturn has a disjunctive function, and its arrival at the couple’s Neptune/Asc Conjunction brings to the forefront a showdown as far as the circumstances of the children is concerned.

As of September 1, 2016, Brad’s Natal Uranus has been activated by Transiting Neptune, now exactly Opposite its position. On that same date, Natal Uranus experienced a Solar Eclipse just 42 minutes from exact Conjunction. The freedom and independence that Brad will now be experiencing is revealed in this aspect. Undoubtedly there are elements of this issue that have been a surprise to him, since the nature of Uranus is to act suddenly. There may be unrevealed issues that have brought this situation about, based on the activities carried on by Brad himself. Neptune may continue to place a cloud over the issue for a time. Neptune is known to be an indicator of lies, sex and drugs and alcohol. Time will tell.

The purple line showing Transit Pluto advancing toward an Opposition to Angelina’s Natal Saturn will no doubt expose more information concerning her health (6th and 12th houses) and also the ensuing struggles regarding the issues with her children and the divorce. I believe that there is going to be a long and hard battle over the divorce as it relates to the children, because Pluto is going to be actively passing opposite Angelina’s Natal Saturn for the next few years. This will be a focus on her ability to “scratch” diligently for her “chicks.” And it won’t be comfortable for Brad when Transit Pluto passes back and forth over his Natal Mercury.

The individual charts with the partner’s Progressions in the outer wheel shows very powerful and immediate stimulation. The chart on the left shows Angelina’s Progressed Sun and Saturn exactly opposite Brad’s Natal Moon and Venus. The Progressed Saturn alone indicates a severe reevaluation of the relationship. The Sabian Symbol for 23 degrees Cancer is; Meeting of a literary society. But the really interesting point is made with the keyword CRITICISM, which Progressed Saturn brings into the picture. The positive definition is “accomplishment through an exacting appreciation of common effort and a rigorous revaluation of private acts and attitudes.” Here is more indication of a direct insistence on her part to correct the activities that are undesirable on his. This is a focus on Brad’s public image and feelings toward family and finances (Moon family, 2nd house finances).

Angelina’s Ascendant and Venus at 29 degrees is; A Muse weighing twins. This is remarkable since Angelina gave birth to twins in 2008. Brad’s Progressed Mercury is now making an Opposition to her Venus. This Progression shows the open conflict (7th house) that is eminent. Angelina’s tenacious (Venus) hold on her children will definitely be contested.

 

*ARIES 11 The president of the country This is a symbol of high ego on the impersonal side, evident in the complete and naive dedication of the individual to some part he chooses to play among his fellows. Implicit here is the selection of such a role as will have a maximum breadth of recognition, so that the player may be established in a reality which he would be quite unable to sustain by himself. There is a subordination of all other considerations to one primary act of individual assurance. The keyword is IDEALIZATION. When positive, the degree is the self-sacrifice required of anybody who would become the creative representative of eternal value, and when negative, an often well-meaning but usually destructive assertiveness or vain pretense.

**CANCER 18 A hen scratching for her chicks This is a symbol of the maximum protection which life at large will provide for the individual in general, here given emphasis on the personal side. There are always high rewards for any effort which is self-consistent or industrious at base, and by the reverse implication of the symbolism it is always possible for human creativity to endow its own manifestations with a gift of self-continuousness. Normality is exalted in the simple business of self-being. The keyword is PROVISION. When positive, the degree is a marked capacity for meeting every demand of existence advantageously and with a persisting self-fulfillment, and when negative, idle bustle and unprofitable labor.

 

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An analysis of the horoscope of Robin Williams shows that the transits on the day he took his life were engaged in an unusual number of planetary contacts of both conjunctions and oppositions to natal planets.

The planets that apply the most pressure for attention are the three outer planets of Significance; Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. All three are extremely slow-moving and are long-term transits that reveal that the problems leading up to Williams’ suicide were plaguing him for some years before the tragic event. There was an intense development of cosmic pressure up to the very end.

The three outer planets’ keyword is SIGNIFICANCE because when they are in an active aspect in a person’s horoscope very important opportunities for growth are synchronized along with their movements. They call for self-conscious awareness and consciousness expansion; however, when individuals do not understand the nature of these profound physical pressures, brought on by transits, and how to handle them properly, a Spiritual Crises can occur.

Astrology plays an irrefutable part in our lives, and if these difficult transit had been explained to Williams years before the day he took his life, he may have achieved a healthier psychological and emotional approach to his situation, which could have contributed to a more positive outcome.

The three outer planets call for transformation and awakening. It is this enlightened perspective that reveals to us our shortcomings and gives us an opportunity for self-correction. When we do not have assurance as to the meaning of these necessary astrological times, we then walk blindly on the path, without knowing how to open ourselves and surrender to these personal and universal lessons. We are caught up short and fail under the enormous pressure to go through the painful yet cathartic process of ego death; an ego death that will bring new life into being, if only the spiritual techniques, so essential for success, were known.

Two of the Significant indicators of the long-term crises are the transits of Uranus and Pluto making exact opposition aspects to Williams’ natal Neptune and Mars/Uranus. As well, transit Neptune is Stationary Retrograde in conjunction with Williams’ natal Moon. Each aspect alone can cause the need to seek help. Having these three intense energies active all at once is something most difficult to experience. Only the forewarned and forearmed are able to pass through the fire of this refinement and come out at a higher level of consciousness.

It is apparent in the chart above that the Transit Moon was exactly opposite a very sensitive point on the evening of August 10th, and set-off the other more long-term indicators. This shows that there was a possible provocation earlier in the day instigating the event that was to take place late that night. The sensitive point that the transit Moon activated is natal Mercury at 23 degrees Leo. Mercury is being multi-aspected by both transits and progressions. Mercury ruling mind and Mars indicating upset and perhaps anger and frustration are increasing as the aspects commence. When both transits and progressions synchronize there is a greater indication of the manifestation of eventful activity in a person’s life.

In progressions, the Moon is coming to square with natal Saturn. The pressure is building, although the exact aspect is yet to arrive. The progressed Moon in the 8th house of social approval indicates that the opinions of others had a direct effect on the native’s continence. Another sign of a long-term issue at the forefront of Williams’ mind is shown by the progressed Sun that passed over natal Saturn approximately a year previous to the date under observation. Several signs of concern can be seen by difficult transits and progressions both in the past and imminent. Progressed Uranus square with natal Jupiter indicates that Williams would feel a pressure to escape and be free of the difficulties he was facing, along with a heightened anticipation and resistance to the public learning of the multiple issues he was grappling with at the time. Here we are at a point where a brief analysis of the birth chart is revealing.

TEMPERAMENT TYPE

The Temperament Type is a technique showing the way the native approaches life in general. It reveals our psychological outreach in one of seven unique patterns of initiative. This technique was used by astrologers early in the development of horoscopy. The Temperament Types in use, before Dr. Marc Edmond Jones refined and added patterns, were the Bundle, Bowl and Splash. The patterns added by Jones are the See-Saw, Bowl, Bucket, Locomotive, and Splay.

The planets move in and out of geometric formations from a geocentric point of view, and at times a birth or event can be ‘caught’ between several ideal Temperament patterns. In Williams’ chart it is the See-Saw Temperament Type that is outstanding among the seven possibilities.

A first look at the geometric patterning shows a distinct separation defining two segments consisting of 2 and 7 planets, indicating that there is a division in the nature of personality. The opposing groups facilitate a fluctuation of attention between different points of view. A native of the See-saw Temperament has the capacity to unite very distinct and opposite perspectives with a willingness to cooperate and compromise between otherwise conflicting factors. There is an ability to penetrate into the minds of others, and by doing this, bridge the gap between the disparaging perspectives. The See-Saw is the communicator; the one who reaches out to engage the minds of others and draw them into relationship and thus maintain equilibrium. This does not only create an interaction with people, but integrates the divisions within oneself as well.

Looking deeper into the structure of the See-Saw pattern we need to define planetary oppositions of 180 degrees with a 10-degree orb of allowance on both sides of the aspect. An opposition aspect between the two planetary groups will facilitate a natural flow of energies from one area of activity to its opposite segment. In the See-Saw pattern there are possibilities for two distinct types of oppositions; a Delimiting Rim and/or a Core Opposition. Williams does have the required Rim oppositions to indicate an approach to the ideal patterning, however there is a lack of a Core Opposition so necessary for “backbone” to facilitate real strength of character when in the throes of mounting conflicts of interest. There is no Core Opposition because there are only two planets in one of the groups and it is essential to have a third planet that is buttressed by a flanking two. No Core shows the mark of inner weakness, yet offers flexibility of perception. This can lead to twists of perspective that were so apparent in Williams’ approach to comedic dialogue. Delimiting oppositions in Williams’ chart are the Moon opposite Venus and Jupiter opposite Neptune. The two delimiting oppositions allow for direct polarization and dynamic exchange in relationships, but the lack of a Core Opposition leads to insufficient inner strength which could have come into play at several challenging pivotal points in Williams’ life and career.

SELF-ORDERING

The planets in the Solar System are paired by departments and each pair represents one of the four categories of Vitality, Motivation, Efficiency and Significance. The pairs are analyzed by determining if they are involved in a major aspect with their planetary partner. It is ideal to have two of the four pairs in major aspect and two not in major aspect to determine the Mode of Self-integration. The Sun and Moon in Williams’ chart are not in a major aspect with each other. Jupiter and Saturn are not in aspect, but Venus and Mars do form a Sextile aspect. Uranus and Neptune form a Square aspect and so the departments of Efficiency and Significance become the Mode of Self-integration of Conjunctive Activity. With this form of integrating oneself into life’s experiences, the native is able to draw all possibly extraneous factors into a coherent organized whole. Life is an adventure and game to be played with impish characteristics in this particular case. There is no detail too trivial to be left out of consideration. Everything needs to be brought into the fold to form an all-encompassing perspective and approach to life.

NATURAL DISPOSITION

The Natural Disposition is determined by the quadrature of the oppositions. There is a Mutable and a Cardinal opposition in the chart, so the emphasis goes to the missing quadrature which results in a Fixed Disposition. There is an ambivalence between the two active oppositions which points the attention then to the missing quadrature. The Fixed Disposition reveals a capacity for deep penetration into the meaning of life, and the truth underlying all things and brings philosophical reasoning into everyday experience.

FOCAL DETERMINATORS

The Focal Determinator of importance in this horoscope is the T-Cross in Cardinal signs. The Point Focus of the T-Cross amplifies the characteristics of the planets Uranus and Mars. They put power into the 9th house of publicity and fame. Indeed the Sabian Symbol of Uranus is quite literal as it describes the nature of Williams’ form of entertainment. Uranus at 11 degrees Cancer is A clown making grimaces. To be even more graphic, the original symbol seen by Elsie Wheeler in 1925 is, A clown is making merry, gently caricaturing all manner of human traits with his grimaces and pantomimes. The Natal Mars and Uranus work together by conjunction, and while transit Pluto taps their potentials by opposition (seen in the chart at top) at the time of his death, Williams “stumbled” in an inability to grasp the nature of the planetary transit to natal challenge. The challenge being, to develop a better understanding of the scope of experience that the 9th house represents. An interest in a Uranus-ruled off-the-beaten-track subject like astrology could have filled that gap, and perhaps helped to give the native vital knowledge capable of offsetting his tragic end.

Pluto transits last approximately 4 to 5 years and develop through those years into the circumstances in life that lead to either successful living or failure on the native’s part to adjust to the demands of destiny as activated through planetary activities. In Williams’ case, it is obvious that with all his talent, he lacked the where- withall to comprehend the disintegration of his abilities in physical and psychological terms, and so sought to withdraw from life for unknown reasons, yet by private choice.

 

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Congratulations goes to the newlyweds! Seems that Stan’s Natal Mars has been activated for awhile by a Transit of Neptune in Opposition to it. The Sabian Symbol of his Mars is “A bride with her veil snatched away.”  Quite a revealing symbol for a man with a stellium of planets in Cancer in his 7th house. It is no wonder that Stan would be a multi-groom in his lifetime. At 85 years of age, and in the middle of his Uranus Return, it is no surprise that this trailblazer would offer his followers a truly unique announcement of betrothal. They chose a nice Transit Moon Sextile to Transit Venus to marry, and Transit Jupiter hovering over Natal Mars must have been an activating factor for a pleasant and joyful event.

It will be interesting to observe events when Transit Pluto arrives at a Conjunction with Natal Saturn and Opposite Grof’s Natal Pluto. This important Transit Station occurs in April of 2017. Pluto Stations within a degree of the very tight Opposition to itself. From 1st to 7th, it should involve something with the relationship, but could also mean even more responsibilities with one to one and one to group counseling.

 

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