Bob Dylan & Joan Baez – The 60s’ Political Protest Singers

It is known to most who lived through the 1960s that the activist singers Bob Dylan and Joan Baez enjoyed a personal relationship that fell just short of marriage.

There are astrological aspects between the planets in their charts showing the reasons for their attraction. The major factors are highlighted and can be compared with other celebrity couples, such as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and Sandra Dee and Bobbie Darin.

CROSS TIES

The most powerful magnetic factor between the songwriters is identified by their exact Sun-Moon conjunction. Baez has her emotionally charged Moon in the exact same degree as Dylan’s purposeful Sun. The tie between the Lights in a horoscope can create a feeling of a personal destiny and perhaps even a carryover from a past life.

The iconic couple was also drawn by their shared interest in political activism, shown in the close opposition of Dylan’s mental prowess of Mercury to Baez’s idealistic and compassionate Venus close to his ascendant. Baez’s Mars is exactly opposite Dylan’s Sun which profoundly stimulates their Sun-Moon conjunction and promotes exciting chemistry and physical passion. Dylan’s Sun, representing self, is sandwiched between Baez’s tight Mars to Moon opposition. This must have brought them together in dramatic fashion but also could have been the force that pulled them apart. Oppositions act much like a magnet. When the positive and negative poles face each other, similarly with a man and a woman, it generates a powerful attraction. If, however, one pole is

reversed, the magnets repel each other, as can happen when two individuals find their differences are too much to endure.

Baez’s Uranus is in close contact with Dylan’s Moon and further draws them together, albeit in a detached Uranian manner, especially for her. The Moon indicates that Dylan was emotionally responsive to Baez’s obviously liberated spirit as a feminist. Her Uranus brought spontaneity to their relationship which was the substance that nurtured the independence demanded in a career in entertainment. Both natives had to maintain composure within the push and pull of the contradictory emotional attachment of the Moon versus the detached Uranian impulse. Often couples mirror the other’s planet meanings. For example, one could say that Dylan felt detached in response to Baez’s emotionalism. Only they knew what they felt and experienced, and perhaps a few individuals observing them from outside.

Dylan has no oppositions in his horoscope and that fits with his reputation as one who is extremely private and hard to approach. However, with so many planet crossties between the two charts in the form of conjunctions and oppositions, Dylan was able to experience a strong engagement with outer experience that normally comes with oppositions in one’s own chart.

SABIAN SYMBOLS

The Sabian symbol for Venus in Dylan’s chart is outstanding in that it is quite literal. His Venus, the planet representing the fine arts including music, is rounded to 13 Gemini, A great musician at his piano. Although Dylan primarily played the guitar at the onset of his career, he was also proficient on the piano, as seen more often in his performances in recent times. It is obvious Dylan has accomplished all that the keyword and positive interpretation that the Sabian imagery describes:

GEMINI 13 A great musician at his piano This is a symbol of individual artistry as the property of all, with its expression both its strength and the means whereby others are encouraged to like accomplishment. Here is experience at a climax on the side of self-refinement in skills and talent, and at a peak in its gratification and its promise of continuing effort and sharing of rewards. A continually expanded dimension of being becomes the constant revelation of man’s true estate. The keyword is ACHIEVEMENT. When positive, the degree is the creative assurance that contributes enduring overtones to human understanding, and when negative, self-defeat through a delight in momentary attention or superficial adulation.

Joan Baez has an equally revealing Sabian symbol. Her Sun degree is rounded to 20 Capricorn, A hidden choir singing. Her voice is her obvious gift, and the positive description in this one of the many symbols in her chart betrays any desire on her part to keep her talent, goodwill and benefit to herself alone. At a young age Baez was concerned for the good of all mankind. Her natal opposition in mutable signs gives her a Natural Disposition that puts the welfare of others above her own. It is the mark of a humanitarian:

CAPRICORN 20 A hidden choir singing This is a symbol of the eternal music of the spheres, and is an emphasis on the ideality of experience as at root a symphony of cosmic reconciliations. The differences of individual character which have contributed to a person’s initiative and a conscious selfhood are here brought to their point of ultimate and single source in an overall existence, and each and every element of inharmony is reordered as a participating distinctiveness of the whole. All men are at one in the universal pattern. The keyword is WORSHIP. When positive, the degree is a unique gift for establishing a common interest and making it a power for the good of all, and when negative, personal aloofness and lukewarm loyalties.

Both musicians were categorized as folk singers when they started out in their careers. Bob Dylan went on to win numerous awards for his talents, including the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature, although he questioned his songs’ relationship to literature. A recipient of several awards herself, Joan Baez remains well known for her efforts in the field of social justice and the pursuit of peace. Among her accomplishments is The Institute for the Study of Nonviolence, which she started in 1961 in Carmel Valley, California. In addition, she is linked to the civil rights movement through her 1963 performance of Pete Seeger’s and Guy Carawan’s version of We Shall Overcome at the March on Washington alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

ELEMENT COMPATIBILITIES

Fire with fire signs, air with air signs, and fire with air signs are compatible with each other. Water with water signs, earth with earth signs, and water with earth are compatible.

Mars, Venus and Mercury Triad

The two famous songsters, although mutually attracted to each other by virtue of compatible Venus elements in air and fire, had no rapport of elements between their Mars’ and Mercuries. Her Mars in fire did not hold up well when saturated by his Mars in water. Their communication also fell short of clarity with his Mercury in air and hers in earth.

Sun, Moon and Ascendant Triad

Baez and Dyan were also not suited well as far as personal Wills were concerned, with his Sun in an air sign and hers in an earth element. Dyan’s Sun in air could have made him flighty while most likely Baez’s “feet” were anchored on the ground. Their Moons also clashing in element meant they would eventually part ways to go down differing paths. The Ascendants are the only match in this triad. Both are in the fire element and point to their similar approach to life and music at the beginning of their careers.

It is best to have two of the three in a triad compatible and one not, so that there is more harmony than discord between the parties. The one incompatibility in element normally brings a necessary stimulus and challenge to the union. For this potential couple, however, there simply were not enough harmonies to bring them lasting joy, and ultimately they went their separate ways.

 

Prognosis for a Marriage – Just Harry and Meghan

There are astrological techniques that can help couples make certain that their choice of partner brings about a fruitful and happy marriage. At the beginning of an attraction between two hopeful individuals comes a sense of emotional and physical euphoria. This often blinds the prospective couple with the belief that their match was indeed made in heaven, only later to find out that the realities are far different than what was expected. Astrology often reveals harsh realities, so it is wise for the astrologer to be sensitive to the feelings of their clients when it comes to revealing the facts about what is seen in the chart comparison data. This should apply in the case of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, previously known as His Royal Highness Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex, and actress Meghan Markle of Los Angeles.

The reason to be ultra-cautious in reading the potential cross ties and element comparisons between these two celebrated individuals is that the vital factors of effective exchange are significantly lacking. With missing astrological connections come continuous challenges that may hinder their union over time.

The following techniques are applied when assessing the potentials of any forthcoming partnership whether for personal or for business purposes.

Cross Conjunctions and Oppositions

Using a one degree orb, one needs to identify the planets in one chart that are in the same degree or opposite any planet in the chart of the other individual.1 If there are planets in the same sign and degree or opposite sign and degree, it is safe to say that the connection between the couple is potentially positive for an active and continuing relationship with minimal struggle toward that end. An analysis of the house positions and characteristics of the planets involved are considered in the interpretation as well. Oppositions of planets within one degree orb are favored more than a conjunction of planets because a magnetic stress develops with this polarizing aspect and assists in continuously drawing the couple together. It is essential at the same time to warn of potential conflicts due to the planets poised in stressful opposition to each other. The conjunction of planets from one chart to the other reveals the perpetual need to be in each other’s presence for the bond to continue in an ongoing manner.

If there are no cross conjunctions or oppositions between the planets in the two charts, the individuals in question will need to make a very concerted effort to establish and maintain a connectivity that promotes enduring fulfillment. With a lack of these cross ties, the parties concerned will be caught up in daily adjustments to compensate for the lack of synergy between them, thus leading to the perpetual reestablishment of their commitment to the relationship. On the other hand, when necessary factors are present and of a positive nature, the shared experience is primed for active interaction and vibrant, mutual exchange.

Compatibility in Triplicity

The planets of daily Efficiency are Mars, Venus and Mercury. These three indicators are compared (Mars to Mars, Venus to Venus and Mercury to Mercury) to determine if they are in or out of harmony by virtue of their sign elements. Earth and water signs are compatible as are fire and air combinations.2 If for example Mars in one chart is in an earth sign, in order to be compatible with the other person’s Mars, it must be either an earth or water sign.

The ideal potential occurs when two of the three planets of Efficiency are in harmonious elements, and one is not. Two pairs in harmonious elements allow for establishing general compatibility, while the single pair that is not in harmony establishes the stress and stimulation for growth and development in the relationship. Examination of the Suns, Moons and Ascendants in the same fashion, provides a comparison of the more personal characteristics between individuals.

Examining the Natural Disposition, Temperament Type, Sharp and Loose Destiny, and other Focal Determinators between the two charts can further reveal hopeful possibilities. Marc Edmund Jones states the following when the primary techniques explained above lack interactive cross ties and compatible elements:

When no sympathy is revealed by any of the three pairings considered for the general pattern of compatibility between two charts by TRIPLICITY, the basis of the tie between the individuals involved can be assumed to have no roots in the ordinary elements of experience through which people are likely to develop an intimacy for one purpose or another. This may indicate that other and deeper factors are the clue to the nature of a given relationship, and to the probable developments to be expected from it. Much more frequently however there is indication that the ties have no vital significance, or are not anchored in any basic reality of being.3

Chart Comparison between Harry and Meghan

Comparing Cross Ties

The chart cross ties between the Duke and the Duchess are nonexistent. There are no cross conjunctions or cross oppositions within one degree between the planets from one chart to the other. This leaves the couple at a disadvantage, unless they have an arrangement to be open to much time involvement with separate pursuits.

Comparison of Elements

When examining the elements between the charts of Harry and Meghan, the only harmony between them is at the Ascendants which are in earth and water signs. Their Suns and Moons do not show any compatible element combinations. This reveals that their Wills and Feelings are quite different and that their purpose in life (Sun) and the path that each will ultimately follow (Moon) is quite different than the other. Observing the couple, it is already apparent that there are many separate projects, events, and responsibilities that they do not share in common. If independent experience is acceptable in the daily manifestation of their marriage, their chance for happiness can be enhanced.

Although their overall charts are not ideally compatible, the fact that their Ascendants are in accord with each other brings attention to their shared perspectives and approach to life in general. They will also find it convenient and supportive to rely on one another’s similar skills and abilities to handle any daily concerns coming their way. Each has a history of personal struggle that they share in common, and a continual vigilance that is armed with each other’s support promises a successful conquering of obstacles put in their way. They also have mutual experience in humanitarian projects that they can fall back on when more superficial pursuits fail to satisfy. Their partnership, as seen by the public, can be rewarding to them personally and can be a light in the lives of those to whom they give of themselves unselfishly. These are the strengths of mutual Ascendants in compatible elements, and hopefully this will be enough to establish a solid foundation going forward. It must be taken into account, however, that the sought-after ideal compatibility of elements is missing, so that no matter the similar approach to experience they may feel with like Ascendents, inevitable struggles may outweigh all common views putting the marriage at risk.

A look at the progressed horoscope of each individual will also shed light on the connections that are currently present and can be expected in the future. Comparing the progressed planets of one chart to the natal planet positions in the partner’s chart can give vital future perspectives. All of the major aspects can be brought into play for this revealing view of the marriage potentials. The Electional4 horoscope set up for the time and day for the marriage is also extremely helpful in creating the future success of the partnership.

The Marriage Potentials

The Electional chart for the marriage is set up for noon, May 19, 2018, and shows very good aspects within the layout of planetary relationship. The Temperament of the moment was Locomotive which indicates an expression of power in partnership. The Sun is elevated in the 10th house which prophesied parenting and all things done with public opinion in mind.

The rulers of the ascendant and 7th house are in trine, meaning that as individuals and in partnership there is a flow of cooperation and peaceful coexistence available to them. The Moon makes a gracious sextile to the Sun and is the very last major aspect made before leaving the sign where it is positioned. Giving a final note of good fortune is Jupiter on the 4th house cusp of home. Overall, this is a very gracious astrological promise for their union and may possibly make up for any deficiency in cross ties and element imbalances between their individual horoscopes.

Transits and progressions to the Electional marriage chart should be noted as they occur, especially with the long-term and powerful transit of Pluto as it forms its conjunction with the marriage chart’s Mars due to be exact March 2, 2024. Transits of Pluto are approximately four years in duration. This ominous transit of Pluto to Mars may declare the beginnings of a real need for a transformation and adjustment to each other’s energies. The Sabian symbol reveals quite stark possibilities in terms of physical well-being noted by the transit’s sixth house positioning:

AQUARIUS 2 An unexpected thunderstorm This is a symbol of nature’s potentialities as they lie beyond any individual control, as well as of the tendency of all things to come to some dramatic head in either physical or psychological terms. The primitive symbolism emphasizes the necessity that every living spirit remain wholly self-quickened within itself, and be alert to its more or less inevitable participation in every shifting pattern of events. The convergence of relations in some climax of experience is man’s real opportunity, for self-fulfillment. The keyword is ACCIDENT. When positive, the degree is creative opportunism and a genius for shaping all eventualities to some desired end, and when negative, complete temperamental instability.

While many people wish the couple well, there are formidable challenges for them to withstand in the overall compatibilities of this partnership. The nature of astrology is that it is the “science of probability” as Marc Edmund Jones notes, and because of this factor, the efforts individuals make can possibly overcome what otherwise may seem impossible.

 

  1. Essentials of Astrological Analysis by Marc Edmund Jones, Sabian Publishing Society, Stanwood, Washington 1970. Pg 335
  2. Fires signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, earth signs are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, air signs are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, and the water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.
  3. Essentials of Astrological Analysis by Marc Edmund Jones, Sabian Publishing Society, Stanwood, Washington 1970. Pg 333
  4. Electional horoscopy is used when choosing a time to open a business, embark on an adventure or to sign contracts of any kind, including marriage. It is associated with the predictive branch of astrology.