Stewart and Novak; Vertigo; Paramount Pictures, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Hollywood Mega-Star: The Down-To-Earth James Stewart
by Jude Cowell
One of the brightest of legendary Hollywood screen stars, James Maitland Stewart, was born May 20, 1908 at 7:15 am EST in Indiana, Pennsylvania. A view of the AA-rated natal horoscope of the popular actor known as Jimmy Stewart is available with his double-Earth Sun Taurus-Moon Capricorn personality blend suggesting a down-to-earth, practical, and creative persona. Additionally, his Sun (conscious) and Moon (unconscious) energies formed a beneficial trine (120 degrees) with one another and this accounts, at least in part, for his pleasant, onscreen aura of smoothness and reliability with seemingly few if any rough edges.
In fact, a Sun-Moon trine, if unmitigated by harsher planetary factors causing turbulence within the psyche, indicates just that - a smooth demeanor with easy adjustments to life's peaks and valleys. Perhaps this aided him during his military service as a World War II pilot, one imagines.
If you wish, check out his Wikipedia bio page for more details including a list of his many films, awards (ex: the Oscar for Best Actor in 1940 for The Philadelphia Story), and medals which even include the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded him in 1989.
Now one of Stewart's more popular films through the years has been Vertigo with cool beauty Kim Novak, pictured above with Stewart, and some serious eyebrow action going on! And as you know, the suspensefulVertigo was directed by the inestimable Alfred Hitchcock, who was quite an intriguing character in his own right! And how curious that in the film Stewart portrays a man bothered by heights - and he having served as a WWII bomber pilot! Well, I believe it's called, acting.
So now in closing, and curated just for you, is a list of three film trailers starring Jimmy (James) Stewart, any of which you may find enjoyable!
Photo: Mae West in "Go West Young Man" 1936; Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
A view of the natal horoscope of Mae West born August 17, 1893 10:30 pm EST Brooklyn, NY Kings County reveals the self-admitted "grand ego" of her Sun @25Leo36 (dramatic Leo, a natural leader), and Moon in brooding, deep-feeling, sometimes ruthless Scorpio. Late Taurus rises (24:49) bringing up the star of deep passion, Algol. As a natural talent and a shrewd business woman, the actress' most famous line from her films has to be, "Why don't you come up and see me sometime?" which is a slight misquote from her film, She Done Him Wrong (1933), spoken to a character played by a young actor named Cary Grant. Her suggestive scripts relate to her natal Mercury in romantic Leo (11:03) as we see in her natal chart for Mercury Stationed Retrograde ('Rx') at the time of her birth (nee Mary Jane West) which added strength and focus to her thoughts and planning ability with Mercurial thoughts often trending toward romance, entertainment, and creativity (Leo).
Meanwhile, chart-ruler Venus in Virgo (sign of The Virgin, a goddess symbol as is Lady Venus) in the 5th house of Romance and Creative Pursuits makes only one applying aspect in her natal chart - a lucky trine with beneficial Jupiter (5A39). The Great Benefic rises in 1st house @29Taurus (a critical 29th degree, so eager to get on with it) which suggests that her larger-than-life schemes paid off significantly. And of course, with money planet Jupiter in money sign Taurus, her desire for financial security and talent for 'making it happen' are revealed along with a love of comfort.
Mae West August 17, 1983 -- November 22, 1980, passing away with Pluto in Libra conjunct her natal South Node, Mercury in Scorpio conjunct natal Moon in her 6th house of Health, Moon in Gemini conjunct natal Neptune, and Neptune @21Sag36 conjunct her natal 8th cusp, just inside the 8th house of death.
Now her extraordinary career success implies that Mae West was not a good loser and kept plugging away, but for sparkle and excitement on the Silver Screen and onstage, there's her 6th house Moon-Uranus conjunction, scintillating in sexy Scorpio!
Then there's her steamy Fire-WaterSun Leo-Moon Scorpio personality blend of conscious + unconscious energies in stubborn fixed signs providing her with a large measure of magnetism, a defiant attitude, strong ambition and competitiveness, fanaticism toward survival, an aura of queenly imperiousness, a capacity for hard work, and a love of drama and risk (Sun Sign-Moon Sign, Charles and Suzi Harvey #ad). Naturally, self-dramatizing impulses would have supported her play writing which led to Broadway success in addition to her high-grossing films (during the Great Depression!). And perhaps you agree that her personality blend's two 'Images for Integration' apply to this popular glamour queen, so see what you think:
"A fateful, passionate love affair between the queen and a mysterious, wandering peasant...The conception of a divine child takes place during a total eclipse of the Sun."
A divine child?
Well, then let's consider the Prenatal Solar Eclipse ('PE') which manifested prior to the birth of Mae West, a Total Eclipse @26Ari48 perfecting on April 16, 1893 in the over excessive3 North Saros Series with themes of, "traumatic transformation; worrisome news that transforms a situation, possibly involving a young person; "obsession"; and, "large plans are wanted" which can be positive but "don't get carried away," cautions Bernadette Brady in her book Predictive Astrology #ad. Plus, we know that a solar eclipse in Mars-ruled Aries denotes ardor, enthusiasm, daring, a competitive nature, and a pioneering spirit. And a pioneering actress she definitely was!
(Side Note: You may remember that the last occurrence of a 3 North Solar Eclipse was on July 2, 2019 @10Can37, snugged among America's natal Venus-Jupiter-Sun in Cancer of July 4, 1776. 'Traumatic transformation' indeed.)
So! If you'd like more biographical details concerning this sparkling glamour queen try Mae West on YouTube, or, you might find the Wikipedia page for Mae West to be of interest.
By now my secret is out: Cary Grant is my favorite classic film star of the male persuasion! One of his best if quirkiest films in my estimation (a sentimental favorite) is director Frank Capra's Arsenic and Old Lace based on a 1939 play that was based on an actual lady murderer who only got away with her crimes for so long until the long arm of the law--well, you know the rest.
Thing is, having belatedly discovered a YouTube video from 2018 Arsenic and Old Lace: 13 Things You Don't Need to Know I couldn't resist sharing it with you in case Mr. Grant and/or Arsenic and Old Lace are favorites of yours, too! Hope you enjoy the video created by A Million Movies and if you'd care to check out the natal horoscope of Cary Grant, nee Archie Leach, here's my take on his natal planets and complicated psyche.
For when it comes to classic films, just like his oft-used exclamation Cary Grant is good stuff!
In part due to its adoption by early stage and film stars, Make-Up Went Mainstream as ladies were assured by advertisers and manufacturers that cosmetics didn't make them look 'bad' or inauthentic. With foundation, one assumes that 'evening out skin tone' was often a goal, then as now, with the result that actors' faces didn't fade under bright spotlights and their good features could be emphasized. And even then, perhaps the haggard look of a night out and subsequent hang-over benefited as well though for some big drinkers it may have taken more than one layer and a shovel before they reported for acting duties!
Do you perhaps have a moment or two for a trailer with a favorite actor of mine Cary Grant starring with Marlene in 1932's "stylish melodrama" Blonde Venus?
And so, in spite of the dubious chemicals in make-up (then as now!), film stars of any era wouldn't appear nearly as glamorous without their 'painted faces' and make-up tricks of the trade! And naturally, Neptune, planet of glamour, veils, masks, disguises, and film approves and was a driving force behind the early use of make-up on stage and in movies with the help of ravishing Venus, planet of beauty, art, decor, and romance, plus, a lift here and there from film-making's special effects!
Natal Astrology Reveals
Check out An Astro-Portrait of Cary Grant and the natal horoscope of Marlene Dietrichnee Marie Magdalena von Losch Dietrich (RR: AA) with Sun in early Capricorn, Moon in early Leo (sign of the entertainer), Ascendant in Virgo (the virgin and youthful looking when rising), and Midheaven ('MC' = The Goal Point) in the third decan of Venus-ruled Taurus, the builder.
Marlene as Ice Goddess
As for Dietrich's natal planets and asteroids, her Venus in cool Aquarius partially accounts for her ice goddess image and facial expressions while seductress asteroid Lilith is quite happy in sexy Scorpio. (See Venus through the Signs) for more details. Now Jupiter expands or increases whatever he touches in a chart, and hers conjoins asteroid Astraea, so often depicted as a starry goddess. Both planet and asteroid fall upon a critical degree (20 Capricorn). Astrological Astraea suggests many themes, justice among them, plus, the study of Astrology. But in relationships she may denote one who stays in relationships too long until the bitter end! Here are a few biographical details about her life including the fact that she and her husband lived together for only five years yet remained married until death did they part.
As you can imagine, her natal Moon (reigning need) in Leo, sign of the entertainer, craved applause, attention, and approval while her planetary line-up in Saturn-ruled Capricorn denotes quite a shrewd businesswoman--from her Mercury (2:17), Sun (5:25), Chiron (7:03), Saturn (her chart's final dispositor @17:12--in its own sign), Jupiter (20:25), and exalted-in-Capricorn Mars (25:57)--all posited in her 5th house of Creativity. (See Planet of Desire: Mars through the Signs for details.) Plus, Capricorn is a musical sign as her sultry singing voice can attest. Yet Dietrich's Moon squared her Scorpio Nodal Axis of public contacts (lunar nodes), so I'll guess that in her day she may have been more popular with men than with the ladies, as Cary Grant's character in the above clip apparently agrees. Brooding Scorpio also denotes the plutonian quality of some of her film roles, plus, Mars in Saturn-ruled Capricorn hints at her masculine tuxedo outfits and demeanor.
Astrological Neptune Prominent
Glamorous Neptune at the critical 29th degree of versatile Gemini in 10th house of Career and Public Status (and conjoining a Cardinal World Point of Fame and Fortune: 00Cancer) opposes both her Sun (personality, essence) and Mercury (thinking, communication, speaking, planning) suggesting early issues of confused identity and emotional insecurity especially in regard to authority figures, authenticity, and an inner sense of authority which had to be developed as she grew to adulthood. A father complex is suggested.
Actually, natal Sun-Neptune contacts are not unusual for thespians and her Mercury-Neptune aspect is prone to fantasies and daydreams--helpful for a career in acting which is one of the more positive ways to express these deceptive energies. Yet paranoia, suspicion, defiance, and fear of competition may have resulted as well due to Neptune's nebulous, undermining, and weakening influences although a fabulous and creative imaginary quality can still be seen exuding from Marlene's appearances on elusive Neptune's Silver Screen with Neptunian deception made to serve her showy Leo Moon on stage and in film.
Mars seen from the Hubble Telescope {public domain image}
Although starry myths and archetypal feminine goddesses are often prominent here on Neptune's Silver Screen, it's time to consider the planet of testosterone, sweat, and energy: Mars, the warrior and the ravisher, whose first imperative is to represent the impulse to be.
Below is a list of a few male expressions of energy as seen in many Classic Films and via Silver Screen images of yesteryear's stars. With many actors of the past, their magnetism and charisma, two traits that are often part of a noticeable Mars-Neptune emanation--remain discernible across the decades and the word 'steamy' may still be applied as their romantic appeal resonates from off the celluloid!
Of course, astrological Mars (its sign, aspects, and other conditions) describes such realms as: romance, passion, desire, energetic action, motivation, direction, how one initiates things, and males between ages 25 and 35, give or take a year or so. By the sign of natal Mars we find information about what the person (male and female) desires and, added to the sign of natal Venus (what the person attracts and is attracted to), we have a picture of love, romance, and sex in the life. Directors hope actors' chemistry together will ignite on the set yet nature determines how or if the pretend-partners jive or not, and it's usually Venus and Mars who tell such a tale. Other sparks may fly due to transits of planets and progressions of the natal chart and if studied, the picture becomes more focused.
One fine example is the suave romantic Cary Grant whose Venus in Sagittarius denotes attraction to, and attraction of, relationships with foreign partners (he was British) or those from a different background than his own, yet he desired partners of an Aquarian persuasion (see below). Sag and AQ are in beneficial aspect (sextile; 60 degrees) so a pleasant blend of attraction and desire is suggested which contributed to the actor's easy going style.
So what does your favorite celluloid Romeo desire? Here are a few notes on Mars through the 12 signs of the Zodiac:
Aries: in its own sign, Mars is energetic, impulsive, ambitious, headstrong, sometimes quarrelsome, and independent. Sports are enjoyed as well as other types of competition though a tendency to never finish what's started may be an issue for partners. A 'fools rush in' tendency may be noticed with such boundless energy as Mars in Aries for a pioneering spirit is inherent.
Taurus: money and material possessions may be uppermost rather than close relationships; in detriment when in Taurus, the natural inclination of Mars to act quickly is slowed here, perhaps into laziness though precision matters. Although not particularly aggressive in Venus-ruled Taurus, Mars here may turn possessive and jealous when his 'possessions' are challenged or threatened.
Gemini: the sign of duality, there is great mental activity within this Mercury-Mars signature; Mars in versatile Gemini desires mental rapport with partners perhaps above all, though arguments may erupt. Physical and mental rest is important to keep irritability under control and a well developed Mercurial critical function must be used constructively for best results.
Cancer: Moon-ruled Cancer gives this placement a Moon-Mars signature of emotional anger, a volatile temperament, and moodiness; intense emotions sometimes careen out of control and perseverance may be lacking unless other more calming planetary factors are developed. Mars in Cancer tends to 'feel first' and act in accordance with instincts which may or may not be correctly perceived; mother issues are possible.
Leo: if egoism and self-love don't get in the way overmuch, this is a fun sign for active Mars to be in; self-confidence leads to positions of responsibility within an enthusiastic spirit of enterprise especially when drama, entertainment, and applause are involved. Romance is required by solar-ruled Leo, the proud Lion, and unbridled passion has been known to occur. Gambling and risky speculation may cause financial issues though a great striving for wealth and possessions will remain in evidence.
Virgo: a nervous sign, Virgo is Mercury-ruled and on the fussy side. Mars here has a love of cleanliness and order and may thrive in a science lab or take to the authoring of books. Methodical to a fault, Mars in Virgo (sign of the Virgin) may have romantic issues, be prudish, a perfectionist, or simply be too busy to appreciate your new negligee unless it's somehow practical--or on the schedule--to do so.
Libra: here in its detriment, Mars in the sign of Partnerships and Romance seeks cooperation and approval from others; contacts with the public suggests social activities where this Mars can be noticed and admired. A prim or refined air may be seen along with concerns over fairness, balance, diplomacy, and ethics; there may be a tendency to argue and/or to strenuously follow the rules of social conduct.
Scorpio: ruling here (and sub-ruling with powerful Pluto), Mars bestows intense desires, cravings, and powerful emotions when in secretive Scorpio. Motivation, one of the provinces of astrological Mars, is most important with this placement for Scorpio can glide to the heights or crash below in a heap of degradation. Possessiveness and jealousy in relationships are well known traits along with a strong sex drive; anger, resentment, and a brooding temperament cause relationship problems via words that are impossible to take back once spoken. Objective in Scorpio Mars is not, and the feelings of others may be considered of little or no importance unless other chart factors provide objectivity. Still, natural optimism and high-minded motivations will mitigate much of this placement's negativity if ego can be got out of the way.
Sagittarius: in this Jupiter-ruled sign Mars shows interest in foreign cultures and people and may prefer to live or work on projects abroad; philosophical or religious convictions are quick to turn up and improvement of society may be on the agenda. A spirit of adventure is increased with this placement for pioneering Mars; strong patriotism may also be noticed though a tendency to scatter energy may interfere with goals. A good sense of fair play, directness, and openness with others are refreshing traits of Mars in Sagittarius and the placement's Mars-Jupiter signature hints at bedroom prowess unless other planetary factors interfere.
Capricorn: here Mars is said to be exalted since it is the planet that most needs direction and control--and Saturn-ruled Capricorn supplies both which results in a highly efficient use of energy. Professional success and power are wanted by a Cap Mars but when it comes to romance, conditions must be right. Self-control, management, and ambitious enterprises are usually in evidence and there may be a noticeable age difference between partners with all the problems and benefits such differences can bring.
Aquarius: the unorthodox sign of Aquarius has two rulers associated with it: old man Saturn and progressive Uranus which gives a more complex planetary signature of Mars-Saturn and Mars-Uranus. Contemptuous of tradition, Mars in Aquarius is a very independent position for the planet of action, energy, and motivation. Freedom to follow one's own path may strain long term relationships unless both partners agree on questions of how-close-is-close-enough. Platonic friendship may be the outcome of a romance, or, friends may become lovers.
Pisces: if this Mars can be encouraged to stop brooding over past regrets, grudges, and unconscious anger, this is a compassionate placement for Mars. Subtlety may be noted when passive-aggressive actions are the usual method of getting along in relationships. Evasion and secret actions cause problems if motivations are not clear or aboveboard yet this is a tremendously creative sign for Mars. Issues of domination and martyrdom may require professional input for best results, and periods of solitude may be needed to recharge and regroup forces. Direct confrontations are avoided, and tears may flow quite easily with Mars in Pisces.
Link: a trailer for Saratoga starring Jean Harlow and Clark Gable (1937). Apologies that the film clip with Cary Grant has been removed (sorry!) but on Blogger a post's title cannot be changed...or else!
Also note that this post is being updated June 7, 2018, the 81st anniversary of the death of the luminous Jean Harlow of renal failure, age 26. Saturn Return time? Yes. But tragically, the lady deserved better.
An Astro-Portrait of Jean Harlow
by Jude Cowell
If you wish, read a brief bio and view the natal horoscope of Jean Harlow who was born on March 3, 1911 at 7:40 pm CST in Kansas City, Missouri; Rodden Rating: AA (BC in hand); Hour of the Sun. Naturally March 3rd identifies The Blonde Bombshell as having Sun in Watery Pisces, the imaginative sign of creativity and compassion, ruled traditionally by expansive thespian Jupiter and sub-ruled by the glamorous planet of acting, illusion, and the Silver Screen, Neptune, seen here in her 10th house of Career:
Now since her birth data is accurate we know that Harlow's natal Moon is in Aries ruled by pushy Mars which gives her a Sun Pisces-Moon Aries personality combination of Water and Fire...steamy! Although Jean Harlow, nee Harleen Carpenter, was active in films for only 10 years (1928 --1937) she made 36 movies! At age 18, a major career break came in 1930 when Howard Hughes cast Jean in the role of the "sexy, voluptuous blond" in Hell's Angels, a war film. Hmm...apparently Howard Hughes played the role in Jean's natal chart and life of wealthy Pluto conjunct Cupido! (see her goddess asteroids, below.)
Her Pisces Sun in the Virgo-Pisces Victim-Savior Axis
As mentioned, her Sun (vitality) is in Pisces which is also the sign of contagion, infection, and illness. Harlow suffered serious illnesses in her childhood such as meningitis age 5 and scarlet fever age 15. She left home at 16 to marry and get away from a home situation: a 'gangster' stepdad and an overbearing mother (see the top of her chart with Neptune and Pluto, an underworld crime/occult pair of energies). Soon the young couple moved to Beverly Hills, California. However, an abusive husband victimized Jean so badly that it caused internal injuries which was not properly treated at the time and which weakened her later on. Jean Harlow tragically died at age 26 of cerebral edema and uremia on June 7, 1937 in Los Angeles.
Her Planetary Patterns: a YOD, T-Square, and Grand Trine
To an astrologer, the 26th year suggests an early response to her Saturn Return (a 28 to 30 year cycle) which can be difficult for health matters if there are medical conditions from the past that can come back to haunt. Unfortunately, this was the case for the lovely and popular Jean Harlow though her date of death on June 7, 1937 (hour unknown) shows transit Saturn @3Ari52--conjunct natal Venus on her Descendant and transit Venus @2Tau51 conjunct natal Saturn in the 8th house of Death. And Ebertin gives the Venus-Saturn pair as a potential for "kidney disease." It isn't unusual to see a double transit of this nature at the time of death and in this case, Venus is Harlow's chart-ruler (Libra rising), restrictive Saturn is on an angle (Descendant), natal Saturn is in natal 8th house, and there is a health pattern formed at birth--a crisis-ridden YOD configuration (highlighted in red and listed, lower right) pointing to her Ascendant, the Physical Body. The YOD and other chart factors such as Jupiter conjunct South Node suggest that Jean inherited physical weaknesses, plus, Chiron (the wound; the weak spot) sextiles (60 degrees) Saturn (the earthly father) which forms the base of the YOD pattern. Both Jupiter and Saturn are references to Dad and his DNA.
You note the Water Grand Trine (highlighted in blue) between her Sun, Jupiter, and Neptune which is a protective pattern, a closed circuit of energies making her hard to get to know on a personal level. In Water signs (Cancer-Scorpio-Pisces) a need for protection from threat and harm and her psychic sensitivity are emphasized. This pattern denotes an escapist who tends to withdraw from the world in order to dream but also shows great creativity and a talent for sensing underground currents and trends within the Collective.
Jean's Midpoint Pictures
Now there are some natal midpoint pictures containing potentials for health problems as well: Mars-Saturn (the 'death axis') = Sun:weak vitality; inability to master all situations; death; a T-Square pattern of Mars-Neptune (infection) = Moon (also indicative of the physical body; Mars opposing Neptune strains her Moon): illness; infection; crooks. Her two other midpoint pictures are on the romantic and creative side:
Venus-Mars = Mercury:thoughts of love; actors, writers: thinking of marriage and progeny (she wanted to have a baby!) and Mercury-North Node = Venus:an art association; a love relationship (R. Ebertin.) With midpoint pictures we can say that whenever Jean's natal Sun, Moon, Mercury, or Venus were or are activated by transit or progression, these midpoint pictures--two health related, two romance related--are or were triggered as well.
An indicator of urinary disease or weakness that is aggravated is marked upon the chart--her Moon conjunct asteroid Bacchus whose mythology denotes overuse of alcohol and/or other drugs which affected her physically (Moon), plus, her Moon is ruled by Mars (Aries), a planet associated with infections, fevers, and surgical tools--the ones she didn't have a chance to profit by, thanks to her odd and overbearing mother (Moon in Aries), the legend goes. Mother became a religious fanatic which also is indicated by Bacchus conjunct the Moon.
Yes, the story of Jean Harlow is tragic yet I didn't know how to write this tribute without mentioning the Astrology of her brief life and death so please pardon if this isn't what you expected. Now let's list her glamorous and romantic goddess asteroids before we close:
Urania rising; Juno (the wife) in 1st house opposing natal Moon and Bacchus; glamorous Neptune and goddess star Sirius in 10th house of Career and Public Status; Cupido (romantic cupid but also corporations and The Syndicate) conjunct powerful Pluto in 9th house near her MC; Sappho (sexual relationships) in 9th h but conjunct a difficult star, Alcyone of the Pleiades (something to cry about); Vesta (the vestal virgin) in 8th h with her North Node (NN = public contact); erotic Eros and Pallas (the daughter) in 6th h of Health, Work, and Service; Amor (intimacy) just barely in 4th h of Home and Domestic Scene but influencing her 5th h of Romance and Creative Pursuits.
You must agree that The Blonde Bombshell was a very glamorous star of the Silver Screen but sadly was born with poor health, victimized in her private life by people who should've protected her, and in the end did not possess the stamina (Pisces Sun weak in the 6th house of Health) to enjoy the popularity and success that she achieved during her brief 26 years on Earth.
For more info on Jean Harlow be sure to visit Jean Harlow, her official website.
~:~
Now here's an astro-portrait of the dapper Mr. Cary Grant in case you missed it!
A happy Cary Grant often exclaimed, "good stuff!," proving that a positive attitude makes all the difference.
Here is a screen crop of two of the film industry's most enduring film legends Marilyn Monroe (to be astro-profiled in a later post) and Cary Grant appearing together in Monkey Business (1952):
There are no copyright notices (Monkey Business trailer) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
And now it's time to place the gentlemanly Mr. Grant under an astrological lens:
Astro-Notes: Cary Grant and his New Moon in Capricorn
The natal horoscope of Cary Grant reveals attractive Venus as chart-ruler since late Libra rises. Tap or click for a brief bio including his filmography details and a view of his natal chart which is rated B for Biography. Born Archibald Leach on January 18, 1904 (1:00 am UT) in Bristol, England, the yet-to-be Cary Grant had a tough beginning--some gossips said he was an illegitimate child though that isn't obvious in his natal chart for mysterious Neptune is not posited in the 4th house of Roots and Family as is often the case of unknown parentage. Baby Archie's Neptune in Cancer is in the 9th house of Philosophy, Religion, Higher Education, and Foreign Travel (denoting trips across water--his first was to NYC as a teen). Still, Neptune in Cancer, sign of mother and family shrouds his birth with a sense of loss and this suggests the death of his older sibling John, a tragedy his mother never recovered from emotionally. Baby Archie was produced in an attempt to console his parents for the loss of their first child and to 'save their marriage', a typical if misguided solution in those days. Needless to say, this put huge pressure on little Archie Leach who escaped through an early interest in a variety of entertainments which included movie-going with his Dad.
Please enlarge his natal chart for closer viewing:
Hour of Saturn; the element of Air (mental) is strong. With Sun in Saturn-ruled Capricorn (26:31) and Moon @00Aquarius (4 degrees 12 minutes past a New Moon) we find the actor with an Earth-Air personality blend denoting the skeptical intelligence of a practical idealist. Here is one with a mixture of order vs change, social yet solitary, conservative yet progressive. Earth-Air types prefer to take an extremely rational approach to matters and can bring abstract thought together with real issues to find solutions. "Applied knowledge" can be an Earth-Air descrption. (See conflicting indicators of unconscious obsessions, below.)
Now much has been written about Grant's difficult childhood (Saturn in Aquarius rules 4th house; Hour of Saturn) and his mother's overbearing nature which may be seen by his natal Moon (mother) in aloof, detached Aquarius (but just barely--if the birth time is off by much his Moon could be in status quo Capricorn). Ruled by Saturn and co-ruled by Uranus, an Aquarian Moon placement may support all or some of the prevalent theories and rumors--including the one about his mother Elsie not actually being his birth mother. However, one key clue is that Mr. Grant was not born with the Moon out-of-bounds of the earthly plane and therefore, separation or a distant relationship with his birth mother is not in evidence, at least not immediately after birth. However, her sense of isolation as she grieved over her first child is indicated. Read on...
His birth at a New Moon phase (26Cap01) shows an impulsive and spontaneous nature but under control of inhibited Capricorn's ruler, Saturn. While he was away at school his father Elias institutionalized his mother and told Archie she had died--and when dad remarried there was no room for Archie. There be deep scars here and it isn't unusual for a talented individual with such scars to strive toward fame and fortune in order to fill a deep emotional void--this Archie fellow certainly achieved the success he aimed for! Plus, a New Moon phase at birth also indicates confusion and a lifelong journey to discover who one really is. His later use of LSD (under guidance of his therapist) was a part of that journey and an attempt to make peace with the past. He eventually discovered that his mother was living and managed to have a relationship with her which must have been a relief.
Yes, there is restrictive, cold, controlling Saturn 9 degrees from his Moon and both snugged around the IC of Home and suggesting a seriously depressed mother who had lost her first child and was married to a philandering husband, Elias Leach. Mercury (young people; the thinking process) is present as well, retrograde in Capricorn (sign of the father), and affecting him psychologically so this depressive indicator adds to his emotional issues of Moon-Saturn-IC and may certainly describe his later control issues with women. And on a sad note, it is reported that Grant made at least one attempt to commit suicide after his marriage in 1934 broke up by overdosing with alcohol and sleeping pills. His enjoyment of alcohol is supported by overindulging Jupiter in Pisces, sign of negative escapism (as in, 'drink like a fish')--and Jupiter is apex planet of an opposition between Venus and Pluto (see below) which means that the planet of actors in creative Pisces is squared by both Venus (women; romance) and Pluto (manipulation, control, sex, wealth) so that dynamic tension results in all things relating to the three planets.
Perhaps he tended to overreact to every nuance in romantic relationships and probably tended to fall in love at first sight but fall out of love just as easily. Playing "Mommy" and "Daddy" may have appealed, too. How curious that onscreen he played the role of a man who was a little afraid of women (ex: Monkey Business) for that is just what his Venus-Jupiter square with its mother/anima issues reveals with the sign of Jupiter denoting how he related to others--as a compassionate, sympathetic, creative Pisces--or, as an evasive, deceitful, slippery fish? My guess is that he alternated these reactions as most people might do in similar circumstances and with similar obsessions.
(Yes, Grant is known to have had a longstanding homosexual relationship with actor Randolph Scott and others but that's beyond the scope of this portrait.)
In their gender-bending films Hollywood studios and directors made good use of Grant's comedic talents honed during his vaudeville and New York theater days. A very popular 'heart throb' for women, he was seen as non-threatening by men who enjoyed his portrayals in 'screwball comedies' where equality between the sexes was heavily and subtly promoted with humor, style, and elegance.
Now on the deeper level of obsessions, add in the powerful energies of his Jupiter-Pluto square and the plot thickens including in the financial realm. With this square the relating principle of Jupiter is blocked in some deep way by images from the Collective Unconscious (Pluto) which results in--you guessed it--control issues. Early childhood memories affect motivations in relationships and confusion over what relating is gums up the proceedings with others. This condition describes one who confuses relating and sharing with being in control and manipulating partners and he obsesses over any relationship that doesn't go his way. "Control games" and "role-playing" are used as substitutes for the genuine give-and-take a successful relationship requires and this negates the emotional security one should feel within a true partnership. Actually, an apt motto for a Jupiter-Pluto square is: "a law unto himself" which for Cary Grant is well supported by his Saturn-ruled Sun ("Daddy" the authority).
But project his handsome face on to Neptune's Silver Screen and it's a different story!
For here stars his attractive, artful, charmingVenus in happy-go-lucky Sagittarius ("good stuff!") playing lead planet in a Locomotive pattern as she attracts money and beautiful possessions (2nd house) and sexy partners (Pluto in 8th house of Sexual Unions and Shared Resources)! In Astrology, a Locomotive pattern promises high-powered success and with his Venus-Pluto opposition across the 2/8 money axis, it's small wonder that Cary Grant was able to use his creative talents and sex appeal to build a very successful worldwide career in the Neptunian film industry of Hollywood even though he turned his back on the movie studio system, a maverick move that probably cost him an Oscar or two.
And although his passionate Venus-Pluto opposition aided his career it was not as beneficial for him in personal relationships. With this opposition we find the controlling mother again having a deep and profound psychological effect on her son and there may have been a particularly difficult event just prior to his 4th birthday (Venus-Pluto 3A50 = 3 years 10 months, if his birth time is reasonably accurate). In addition, Venus rules the 12th house of the Unconscious so there are shame and guilt issues involved as well (mother Elsie was on the puritanical side), issues he may never have been able to consciously recognize without benefit of therapy. Yet there is dramatic Leo on his Career Cusp (Midheaven/MC) to gloss over any sadness or feelings of inferiority by entertaining the public via glamour, sophistication, elegance, and a studied self-deprecating manner--and being highly paid for it as royal Leo would expect to be.
A wide conjunction between Venus (relationships; romance) and quirky Uranus (separation; freedom) suggests entering and ending relationships quickly though they may crackle with erotic energy while new.
As for his gender-bending, equality of the sexes film roles, Grant's 4th house Mars, planet of desire, is in detached yet friendly Aquarius conjoined with two asteroids: Lilith the glamorous woman archetype (or harlot) and Hera, the legal wife who keeps the accounts. Perhaps confused gender roles and cross-dressing for the camera are suggested by his Mars-Lilith-Hera trio.
Uranus and Neptune and his Solar Eclipse in Virgo
Though in dissociate signs in 1904, Grant was born during the Great Opposition between generational planets Uranus (science; reason) and Neptune (faith; imagination), Cary Grant's North Node @29Vir27 of public contacts (near his Pre-Natal Eclipse degree of 27Virgo in the 14 North Saros Series with themes of unexpected happenings in relationships and finances, unrequited love and despair, and confusion/delusion - Brady) is involved with the opposition through a double square: Uranus square the Nodal axis denotes nonconformist leanings that conflict with societal standards; Neptune square the Nodal axis reveals mystical tendencies, visionary pursuits (and with Urania rising--see chart), and an interest in the occult, psychism, and/or possibly Astrology. With Uranus also in opposition with powerful Pluto, we see a revolutionary soul with the capacity to unsettle the status quo of society. Putting on an apron in a screwball comedy might do it!
Well, there's my astro-portrait of Cary Grant though of course there is much more to say about this complex man. His childhood memorabilia burned during World War II which was a loss for him and is now a loss for us. He never penned his autobiography so in its place I highly recommended his daughter's revealing book about her father who retired from the film industry in 1966 in order to take care of her and who turned out to be a very good and doting father indeed!
Now let's close on the topic of his shiny Leo Midheaven of Career and Public Status (which happens to conjoin America's natal North Node @6Leo!) for you may wish to check out an October 6, 1984 NYT article announcing that MGM Turns 75--Toasts Cary Grant, a ceremony during which they presented him with 'a 10-inch gold lion with diamond eyes', a symbol of the studio's roaring Leo the Lion (and the mega-bucks he made for the studio with films like Hitchcock's North by Northwest). In response, an 80-year-old self-deprecating Cary Grant "read what he called a prayer on the technical difficulties of growing old."
Today as I mosey around on the excellent TCM website I run across a blog entry spotlighting a 1934 article Christmas Dinner with Cary Grant which includes his then-wife Virginia Cherrill's recipe for mince meat pie.
A wonderful photo of the two of them plus a marvelous gif of Cary magically decorating a Christmas tree make this a must-see from December 1934 all the way to December 2015!
Coming Soon to Neptune's Silver Screen: an astro-portrait of Bristol-born actor extraordinaire Cary Grant so be sure to Subscribe if you wish to be notified!
