Image: Sarah Bernhardt appr 20 yo; Nadar, public domain 1864
In the natal horoscope of legendary French actress Sarah Bernhardt a distinguishing feature that would have certainly sparked the public's interest in her work and given her public appeal is an exciting Moon-Uranus conjunction in early Mars-ruled Aries, sign of the pioneer and path finder. Add to this the fact that natal Jupiter, planet of thespians rises with the alpha star of Aries, Hamal (keywords: to follow one's own path). Combined with her natural acting talent, Bernhardt's career as the premiere actress of her time is understandable on an astrological level and is well supported by her life's story.
Then with her Jupiter Rx in late Pisces, the thespian planet's own sign, the lady expressed onstage a gamut of human emotions with incomparable pathos. Perhaps the phrase "not a dry eye in the house" became 'a thing' during Sarah's career!
NeeHenriette Rosine Bernard October 23, 1844 8:00 pm LMT Paris France (RR: B)
Yet Bernardt's Moon-Uranus conjunction also suggests that she was an ambitious, restless, and possibly nervous woman (electrical Uranus!) with a yen for reformist activities, a lady who was willing to make sacrifices in order to achieve her special aims. As we know, sudden success was her reward along with fame and recognition. However, she may have over-strained her nerves and seemed quite the fanatic at times with a tendency to crave sensation. That such qualities would have spilled from stage into her private life seems a given and may have been part of her well known relationship difficulties.
Of course, natal Sun in very early Scorpio tells of an intense personality, brilliant but a brooder perhaps. And emotionally, her Aries Moon identifies her as an impulsive and willful woman with a lust for power and a strong personality, tending to act without thinking. In fact, both her Sun and Moon are ruled by me-first planet Mars but with a Pluto undertone--Pluto, the planet of power, manipulation, and wealth. (See her Sun-Moon personality blend details, below - and amazingly, here's a film clip of Sarah Bernhardt onstage in 1905!
Venus: Attraction Principle and Mars: Desire Nature
Venus in Virgo, sign of The Virgin, relates directly to Mary and to other archetypal goddesses, and suggests a lady indecisive in romantic matters. Practical considerations of this placement may have offset some of her impulsive tendencies, and a Venus-Chiron conjunction suggests a measure of childlike innocence in her personal relationships.
As for her Mars in early Libra, a friendly manner would have aided her in gaining success and suggests a desire to engage in teamwork, a necessity in the theater. However, a certain moodiness may have interfered in Sarah's relationships, as well as an overly frank attitude which may have caused disagreements - especially since natal Mars directly opposes her Moon-Uranus conjunction! The midpoint picture formed is one of a male or males challenging her excitable Moon-Uranus tendencies of restlessness and nervous anxieties, yet her ambitions would have been stimulated while a potential for violence or injury may have been engendered.
The steamy, volatile Water-Fire blend of Sun Scorpio-Moon Aries provided Sarah with a large appetite for life, a proud and persuasive personality, and a streak of missionary zeal. Sarah was a pugnacious fighter and strategist according to her combination of Sun-Moon conscious-unconscious energies; highly intelligent, she was aware of the need for self-control, a Scorpio quality. With a gracious amount of self-esteem intact, she was determined to 'make her mark upon the world' and through her large measure of creative talent and sense of fearlessness she did just that. Her Scorpio Sun gave her the ability to express smoldering intensity with passionate zeal at her command, both onstage and off.
Add to all this Sarah Bernhardt's sharp wit, raucous sense of humor, and tendency to drive herself toward self-imposed goals and it's no wonder that Miss Bernhardt reached the pinnacle of success in the theaters of Paris and has remained to this day one of the legendary actresses for young thespians to immulate, even idolize as the charismatic Neptunian goddess that she was, and a glowing, magnetic inspiration to others in her time and in ours.
And so as always with my astro-tributes to Thespians of the Silver Screen and Stage, I'm sending out a R.I.P. for the incomparable Sarah Bernhardt whose star of worldwide fame twinkles brightly here on Neptune's Silver Screen!
(For more personality blend information, I recommend Sun Sign-Moon Sign by Charles and Suzi Harvey #ad.)
A curious tidbit of thespianism: Miss Bernhardt was born in 1844 then 48 years later in 1892, another famous thespian was born who also acted under the determined influences of a volatile Sun Scorpio-Moon Aries combination: Dame Sybil Thorndike who began her career as a concert pianist. So for the sake of comparison, why not check out the natal planets of Dame Sybil!
Ida LupinoTrailer screenshot [Public domain]; The Hard Way
For the curious, why not check out a full view of the natal horoscope of classic film star Ida Lupino born February 4, 1918 11:00 GMT London, England with Sun @15AQ21, Moon @22Sco32, and Ascendant in Venus-ruled Libra (20:30), sign of relationships, the arts, and beauty. With her Midheaven ('MC' = The Goal Point) in Moon-ruled Cancer (22:04), Ms. Lupino's ambitions included publicity and fame bwo the lunar influence. This is understandable as a member of an acting dynasty that stretched as far back as the Renaissance!
Biography aired an excellent 44-minute feature on the life and decades-long career--over 60 films--of Ida Lupino if you'd care to have a look!
Gregory Peck 1948; Studio, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
March 20, 2022
by Jude Cowell
Perhaps you've noticed that there are several interesting YouTube videos available for fans of legendary film star Gregory Peck. One that I recommend gives details on his life and stellar career, all in less than 30 minutes: Gregory Peck: His Own Man. For you see, the wise Mr. Peck never allowed himself to come under the control of any one Hollywood film studio and always acted in films that he himself had selected. This was quite unusual back in the day, as you may agree. So let's see how such individualism is expressed in his natal horoscope with perhaps a bit of Neptunian romance as well!
Below: Horoscope of Gregory Peck born April 5, 1916 8:00 am pst La Jolla, California; RR: AA for accuracy; ASC 2Gem30 with Venus rising, chart-ruler Mercury @6Aries00 in 11th house of Groups (film-making is a group endeavor); Midheaven ('MC': The Goal) @13AQQ52 offers his 8 North Prenatal Solar Eclipse ('PE') @13AQ30 on the World Stage with 8 North themes of 'flashes of genius; visions; vivid dreams; insights; intuition; a need for temporary freedom causes strain in private relationships' (paraphrasing B. Brady). An obvious expression of such solar-lunar energies could have been his acting career requiring that he work away from home and family during filming.
Now if you wish, consider my study notes penned and color-coded on the chart for not all of them are mentioned in this text:
Individualism
Immediately we find Uranus, planet of freedom, individualism, disruption, and excitement, in Peck's 10th house of Career and Public Status - and strong in its own sign of progressive Aquarius! Here Uranus leads the tilt of a BOWL shape of his natal planets with Mars, planet of desire, energy, and motivation, in opposition, and conjunct the IC (Foundation) of his chart - Mars in romantic, dramatic Leo. The BOWL shape has a mission or advocates for a cause and is discernible, as you see, with all planets on the self-selecting side of the chart (choosing his own movie scripts and stage roles), and with a majority of his planets in the Public sector. As a pair, Mars-Uranus can be revolutionary and when in opposition as here, Peck's ability to stand out from the crowd is a positive expression of an individualist mindset, plus, an interest in Politics is also suggested. A lifelong Democrat, details may be found via Peck's Wikipedia page.
Then there's powerful Pluto @1Can19, within orb of the Aries Point of Fame, Fortune, and Recognition in his 2nd house of Earning Ability; Mr. Peck had for a talent for fund-raising. Yet restrictive Saturn is in 2nd house as well which suggests a conservative approach to finances, although some Saturnian boundaries may have been more difficult to establish or maintain than others (Saturn in watery Cancer also indicates family problems - tragically, the Pecks lost a son due to probable suicide). Had a father's financial overindulgence been a part of the problem? Certainly, a Mercury-Saturn square of 'the worrier' (A. Oken) denotes sobering issues in his life along with his natal Mercury conjunct sad Orpheus.
Yet from his acting debut in 1944 onward, Gregory Peck enjoyed critical success, then handsome leading-man status, but I believe it was his role as Atticus Finch in 1962's To Kill a Mocking Bird that has earned him his most popular acclaim and lasting fame through the years. Based on the novel by Harper Lee, the book and film dealt with an oft-neglected topic in our country: America's original wound - her fatal flaw - racism. Peck's career success, plus, a talent for philosophical topics (Mercury conjunct Jupiter = 'The Philosopher' who can see the larger issues) may be viewed through his expansive, enthusiastic Sun-Jupiter conjunction of Salesmanship in 11th house of Groups. And his 9th house of Foreign Lands, Higher Education, and Philosophy contains the North Node of public contact @5AQ12 (opposing the dreamy, romantic Mars-Neptune duo conjunct his natal South Node of inherited talent!).
That his Nodal Axis opposes by sign that of America (July 4, 1776) - South Node to North Node, and vice versa, implies that Peck and the American public could bring out either the worst, or the best, in one another. My suggestion is that this cosmic condition relates to his role as Atticus Finch, a script he obviously chose for himself, and which for many Americans brought out our best reactions, or at least, a still-active reconsideration of the difficult issue of racism, and of the inequality that existed, and still exists, within our two-tiered legal system.
Meanwhile, let's credit the Mutual Reception (on friendly terms!) between his natal Sun and Mars, which are beneficially trine one another in creative Fire signs, for his ability to reach to the heart of matters, plus, Jupiter in Aries suggests a man of nobility of character and integrity. And Jupiter in Mars-ruled Aries provides support for his Mars-Jupiter trine, a cosmic picture of endowment.
As for the personality blend of Gregory Peck, that is in part revealed by his intense Fire-Earth combo of conscious-unconscious energies - the Sun Aries-Moon Taurus combo, a Mars-Venus pairing. This blend describes a man with a tough vs tender demeanor and an intuitive yet pragmatic approach. Self-confident and ambitious, Gregory Peck possessed staying power and a charismatic magnetism which can still be viewed on-screen. In fact, taking center stage was a natural activity for him and he did it with grace and style as his long Hollywood career attests!
April 5, 1916 - June 12, 2003, age 87
Well, many more chart factors are there for your consideration if you so desire but let's close this astrological tribute with a link to the extensive Filmography of the legendary Hollywood star, Mr. Gregory Peck, long a favorite around here.
May he R.I.P.
For more personality information, you may wish to consult Sun Sign-Moon Sign, by Charles and Suzi Harvey #ad.
Buster Keaton WWI 1918; Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
March 16, 2022
by Jude Cowell
In our era it's somewhat difficult to credit the past career and stellar popularity of an actor, producer, and writer like Buster Keaton, a man whose physical comedy, amazing stunt work, and basset-hound facial expressions remain easily recognized. Keaton's pioneering career in Hollywood is graced by an impressive, extensive Filmography if you care for a peek.
And you may wish to check out the natal horoscope of Joseph Frank "Buster" Keaton (RR: Avia his Dad: 'born between acts of his parents' medicine show'!) where you'll find his seriously minded, deep-thinking Mercury-Saturn conjunction squared by jolly Jupiter in dramatic Leo, a cosmic signature of his style of comedy - or perhaps tragi-comedy style is more the case. Recommended is a YouTube video (5M 12S) of Some of Buster Keaton's Most Amazing Stunts. Or, fast forward to his September 1, 1957 appearance on What's My Line? (including comic Ernie Kovacs), if you wish. That evening, transit Pluto @00Virgo, planet of power, was conjunct Buster Keaton's natal Ascendant as was the transiting Mercury-Uranus midpoint! This suggests enhanced creative ability and a sense of recklessness - perhaps a reference to his years of celluloid stunt work that looked - still look - dangerous and painful. However, this was Keaton's "line" of work, and that evening a beneficial trine from North Node in Scorpio to his natal North Node in Pisces provided him with the opportunity for a major contact with the public on what then was a very popular TV show.
A Hollywood Legend's 'live-wire' Air-Fire Sun Libra-Moon Aries
Now allow me say this: until a few minutes ago I was unaware that today's position of the North Node of public contact @24Tau14 points directly toward, of all things, the natal Midheaven (@24Tau37, the Career Point of Public Standing) of Buster Keaton but apparently this post might in a very small way fulfill a karmic imperative of public contact with his career. Naturally, Mr. Keaton is no longer around to benefit specifically, but there it is!
As for Mr. Keaton's conscious (Sun) - unconscious (Moon) blend across the Libra-Aries axis of relationships (married thrice!), it's under the influence of the Venus-Mars duo, and admittedly as a child, I always thought the actor was a handsome fellow. His astounding physicality and energy may be seen through his risk-takingSun-Mars conjunction in Libra, yet with wounded Chiron nearby.
(For more personality details see Sun Sign-Moon Sign, Charles and Suzi Harvey #ad.)
Meanwhile, a natal YOD of crisis-special-task-turning-point-spiritual-opportunity implications may be read as a midpoint picture: Moon-Neptune = Uranus (in brooding, dark, attractive Scorpio along with a bottomless pit of creative, novel ideas) suggesting potentials for emotional unpredictability (three marriages?) and an impulsive nature. Add these energies to his risk-taking Sun-Mars duo, plus his thespian planet Jupiter in entertaining Leo, and we find a legendary Hollywood actor whose pioneering performances and stunts remain awesome, even energizing, to watch - yet as a maternal type myself, this caution must be added: Please don't try this at home!
R.I.P. Buster Keaton: October 4, 1895 Piqua, Kansas - February 1, 1966 of lung cancer.
~:~
UPDATE March 16, 2022: just a note that it occurred to me to check geni dot com to see if Buster Keaton and I are connected and it turns out that we have an in-law connection: we're 17th cousins once removed. Tracing his Keaton line back on the geni site, the earliest of his ancestors I could find was Zachariah Keaton, born circa 1682, died circa 1743, both in Pasquotank County, North Carolina. Also, I left out of the above post the descriptive factoid that Buster Keaton was often called, "The Great Stone Face," and if we look to his natal chart for "30 Pisces" which has this Sabian Symbol attached, we find not a planet but a midpoint of Moon-North-Node = 'contact with the public' along with a link to major publicity, possible spiritual unions, and, biologically, the immune system. jc #
Brando: Edward Cronenweth (1903-1990) [1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
In the natal horoscope (RR: AA) of the bold and innovative actor Marlon Brando the fiery sign of Aries, ruled by Mars, is the primary focus with his Sun, Moon, Mercury, andAscendant in the me-first, pioneering sign. And curiously, his Chiron, the wounded healer centaur, @20Ari06 precisely conjuncts America's Chiron of July 1776 with a descriptive Sabian Symbol for its rounded-up degree, "A Pugilist Entering the Ring." During Brando's difficult childhood, this Symbol relates to his alcoholic, abusive father and later to some of the screen roles he took on in his career which probably aided him in working out his inner demons (a typical exercise used by thespians). Note his plaintive "I coulda been a contender!", regretfully spoken like a wounded creature in On the Waterfront (1954) for which he won his first Oscar.
However, the socially conscious Brando was arrested and not allowed in when he went to Wounded Knee (aka, an occupation) and, on March 27, 1973, he declined the Academy Award for his performance in The Godfather to make a point. Sacheen Littlefeather attended in his place and is remembered for her 'inconvenient' speech that night which I watched on TV and was annoyed by how they ushered her off the stage before she finished speaking. This controversy is discussed by Brando in the video linked, below. And of course, you know about the Wounded Knee Massacre, a crime against humanity, perpetrated on the morning of December 29, 1890, when the US Army massacred nearly 300 members of the Lakota tribe of South Dakota.
Before he became an activist, Marlon Brando sizzled across Neptune's Silver Screen
Besides the heat (Mars) he gave off from the silver screen (and in his personal life, 'tis said), one of Brando's more famous quotes may best describe his Mars-infused personality,
"An actor's a guy who, if you ain't talkin' about him, ain't listening."
Well, today I'm typing about him in an attempt to pay tribute to a thespian (may he R.I.P) who changed the way the world looked at acting and actors. Was it for the best? That would be a matter of personal opinion for there were many changes in society during the years of his celluoid appearances. Yet I must fall upon the side of Yes! to his pioneering ability and raw talent as he expressed every human emotion on full display. Plus, I believe that Brando channeled America's 'wounded' energies via our shared Chiron in Mars-ruled Aries, a hint that one's sense of self has been wounded (when Chiron is in Aries).
Yes, his strong Mars influences resonate well with his second Oscar for Tennesee Wiliams' A Streetcar Named Desire for as you know, desire falls directly within the province of astrological Mars!
So in closing, dear reader, I've curated for you several YouTube videos with Brando as subject and my favorite to recommend is his June 12, 1973 interview on The Dick Cavett Show, soon after he rejected the Oscar for The Godfather. Mr. Brando had flown in from Tahiti for the interview during which they discussed American Indian issues and concerns, the controversy of the day in 1973, and, "what the motion picture industry had done to the American Indian, as a matter of fact, all ethic groups, all minorities, all non-whites."
So perhaps you'll agree that Marlon Brando was ahead of this time in the social conscience department - and in the acting department, too. Impulsive Mars likes to act and emote, and it isn't rare that a person under the strong influence of Mars turns out to be an activist, one who is interested in Politics, Government, and Law which fall under the purview of Saturn-ruled Capricorn, the sign of Brando's natal Mars. This placement gave him with maturity (Saturn) the ability to control, channel, and direct his Martian energies most efficiently while his worldwide fame provided opportunities to speak out on the causes in which he believed.
And so as many people have admitted through the years, Marlon Brando, with his quadruple Mars influences and pioneering acting talent, was most definitely a contender.
Screenshot from the Internet Archive of the trailer for Dracula (1931) [Public domain]
On the 'Horrorscope' of Screen Legend Bela Lugosi: Sun Libra-Moon Aquarius
by Jude Cowell
Boo! Yes, that's Bela Lugosi as Dracula staring menacingly at you! And with the spooky season soon upon us, I've decided to post the natal horrorscope and add a few astro-notes concerning the pioneering celluloid Prince of Darkness of the 1930s and 1940s, film legend Bela Lugosi. His life story makes for an eery and tragic tale in spite of major Hollywood success for in 1935 Lugosi succumbed to some bad habits and became ensnared in heavy drug use which went on to control much of his life and damage his health. Yet he married five wives, and to me it seems rather a marvel that he could manage to walk down the aisle as many as five times!
Born on October 20, 1882 at 3:30 pm LMT in Lugos, Romania (RR: A), Lugosi's birth name is quite impressive: Bela Ferenc Dezsco Blasko. He was a Lugosi from Lugos! On that day, hour, and at that particular location, the Sun clocked in @27Lib06, the Moon @4AQ37, and Mercury @2Sco49 Rx--and recently on October 4, 2019 (although he's unaware of it) Bela Lugosi had a Mercury Return! And of course, Scorpio is the most appropriate sign for the spooky season of the year and is ruled by Mars (planet of needles), co-ruled by intense Pluto, a pair of planetary energies often associated with drugs and drug use as is urge-to-merge Neptune, Venus (planet of veins and pleasure), and overindulgentJupiter who, when acting negatively, only makes things worse.
Therefore, his natal Ascendant (Self; Physical Body) in early Pisces, ruled by Jupiter, co-ruled by Neptune, makes sense for besides drugs, toxins, liquids, and secrets. Pisces is associated with inspired creativity and The Arts. Yet as you know, the sign's traditional symbol is the Two Fishes, one swimming up toward the heights, the other swimming down to the depths. Innovative film making and success: the heights, drugs and their soul-destroying use: the depths, and Lugosi's life encompassed them both.
As for his double Air Sun Libra-Moon Aquarius personality blend, Bela was a 'detached humanitarian' who was reasonable, idealistic, and well-meaning but maddeningly elusive when it came to being pinned down (pardon, but one can't help but think of a silver stake for this!) - no pigeonholes for Mr. Lugosi! A visionary, he tended to set himself up for disappointment as most visionaries tend to do, and his attraction to emotional intrigue spurred his sense of self-dramatization (on stage and off, one imagines). Able to be flirtatious and sincere at the same time, this blend highly values relationships and 'comes alive' (!) in social settings yet Lugosi may have been blind to his own need to depend upon others. And perhaps it was his personality blend's tendency to 'dream life away' and to 'build castles in the air' that worsened his drug dependency for a certain laziness was a potential if not an actuality, plus, such Utopian dreams usually possess a siren song quality about them, so difficult to resist.
Then with his Midheaven ('MC', the Aspiration, Goal, and Career Point) in Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius, rewards in his career came yet Lugosi is reported to have spent all his money on drugs, and died penniless on August 16, 1956 in Los Angeles, California after entering a drug rehab facility on April 21, 1955--but sadly he had not stuck with the program.
And so, as another Halloween draws near, I wish all ghouls and readers a safe and joyful evening full of sweets but no tricks at all. And with this astro-tribute I wish for Bela Lugosi another night to R.I.P.
Note: more personality blend details may be found in Sun Sign-Moon Sign by Charles and Suzi Harvey.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:For_better,_for_worse_-_Gloria_Swanson.jpg; For Better, For Worse; Paramount Pictures (1919)
As we see in the natal horoscope of Gloria Swanson, a Sun Aries-Moon Libra personality blend with its passionate Venus-Mars vibes describes a woman for whom relationships, attraction, and desire were all-important. Her publicity-seeking Moon in lovely Venus-ruled Libra conjoined her Midheaven, the most visible point of aspiration in any horoscope, aka, the Career and Public Status Point. Plus, there's another love indicator for asteroid Cupido (Cupid's 'cousin'!) rises with her Ascendant @20Sag14 and can also represent creativity and The Arts.
Yet nowadays most people only know Gloria Swanson for her "stunning" 1949 comeback at age 50 (and still beautiful!) in the film Sunset Boulevard but for years previously she had been a popular, top-paid actress in the early days of Hollywood, beginning her film career in silent movies at age 14.
Born in Chicago, Illinois on March 27, 1899 @12:20 am CST (RR: A, from memory) as Gloria May Josephine Svensson, Gloria Swanson originally studied opera having a beautiful singing voice but soon became enticed by the burgeoning film industry.
During her lifetime Swanson made and lost wealth and husbands (six!) and was abandoned and decimated by a certain lover (and father of a US president), Joseph P. Kennedy, who stole from her--ruined her, in fact (see video link, below). Then in 1980 she published an autobiography Swanson on Swanson which is still available through Amazon from third-party sellers.
Then on April 4, 1983, Gloria Swanson passed away, age 84, following heart surgery in New York City yet her magnetic image of beauty and glamour jumps from Neptune's Silver Screen as if from another world for those who care to have a look at a genuine Hollywood legend (see The Take video, linked, below). Age 84 suggests that during the year of her death, she experienced only the first of her three-ferUranus Return/s (to 7Sag56) but didn't make it until the second or third returns which occurred on: 1. January 21, 1983; (her death); 2. May 8, 1983; and 3. November 8, 1983. Curiously, all three Return horoscopes show a YOD planetary pattern which is a health indicator and denotes a crisis or a critical turning point. As you know, Uranus is a planet of separation and detachment and of course, death is the final separation. So if I had to hazard a guess about her health based on this cosmic condition, I'd say that Miss Swanson had been ill for an extended period of time and unfortunately heart surgeries weren't always as successful as they tend to be today.
Monday May 13, 2019: sad news today for early this morning legendary Hollywood actress Doris Day passed away, age 97, at her home in Carmel Valley, California. Follow the link to read her obituary and tribute to this great lady, an animal activist before it was popular to be so.
Born Doris Mary Kappelhoff on April 3, 1922 t 4:30 pm CST in Cincinnati, Ohio, 'Miss Day' enjoyed an active film career of two decades beginning in 1948 with her first feature film Romance on the High Seas. Aptly enough, both 'romance' and 'high seas' are within the realms of astrological Neptune!
If you wish, have a peek at her natal chart rated AA (BC/BR in hand) set for 4:30 pm CST with 25Vir34 (Virgo 'The Virgin'!) rising, Midheaven ('MC') in sparkling Gemini, Sun @13Ari22, and Moon @27Gem04 (Moon conjunct MC = publicity and popularity with the pubic!). The following is a brief consideration of her Fire-Air Sun Aries-Moon Gemini personality blend, plus, here's a word about today's planets affecting her natal chart:
May 13, 2019 transits: with Neptune floating through her 6th house of Health, the undermining of her physical condition at age 97 may have been ongoing. But what stands out to me are two things: first, she had a Venus Return only yesterday (May 12, 2019) and natal Venus sits very near her 8th cusp, the house of death; also the current Mars-Jupiter Rx opposition by transit has been ruffling her Moon (27Gem04) conjunct MC (24Gem57)--Mars to natal Moon (physical body) suggests negative potentials for fever, insomnia, excessive bleeding, colitis, ulcers and/or digestive upsets. Insect bites are possible, too, but surely they were of no consequence. Meanwhile expansive Jupiter during his retrograde phase (until August 11, 2019) has been crossing her natal Mars (19Sag05 3rd house) and natal IC (24Sag57, the Point of Endings). And of course, Jupiter rules her natal 4th house, is in her natal 1st house of Self and Physical Body, and links to conditions of the gall bladder, liver, and to any condition caused by or made worse by overindulgence. For when Jupiter acts negatively the phrase, "too much of a good thing" always comes to mind.
Now as you know, a Fire-Air personality is the "live wire" of the Zodiac, full of enthusiastic ideas, joie de vivre, and a talent for persuasion. Clever and charismatic, Miss Day was a delight to watch on Neptune's Silver Screen with her Virgo Ascendant making her 'virginal roles' believable. A Fire-Air blend tends toward social activism as we've seen with her animal rights interests yet on a personal level this combo may sometimes be out of touch with their true emotions. Naturally, a career in acting may have aided her to get in touch with her emotions and we see the blend's "eternal youthfulness" displayed through her on-screen characterizations. Light and fluffy, yes, but restlessness and superficiality can be hindrances within one's personal relationships--perhaps having four husbands are part of this picture, perhaps not.
Born under the influences of Sun in Mars-ruled Aries, Moon in Mercury-ruled Gemini indicates Day's humor, wit, and creativity especially in the realms of music. In fact, imho no one has ever sung Que Sera Sera better than Doris Day!
And yes, Sun Aries-Moon Gemini is a very romantic combination of energies inspired by knights in shining armor and princesses waiting to be rescued--and perhaps describes one who is a bit on the naive side. Yet a streak of impatience and an unwillingness to learn from experience may have also been noticed in the lady by those who knew her best.
"When a man gives his opinion he's a man. When a woman gives her opinion she's a *itch." - Bette Davis.
This blend is shared natally by actors Bette Davis, Alec Guinness, Omar Sharif, and Spencer Tracey, by sportscaster Howard Cossell, and by comedian Spike Milligan. It is also the personality blend of multiple composers including the venerable Joseph Haydn. Actually, one of the 'Images for Integration' for Sun Aries-Moon Gemini is Haydn's Farewell Symphony.
And on that note, Neptune's Silver Screen must say Farewell to a sparkling, glamorous Hollywood superstar, Doris Day. May she R.I.P.
For more personality blend details see Sun Sign-Moon Sign, by Charles and Suzi Harvey.
Hollywood legend Judy Garlandnee Frances Ethel Gumm, was born June 10, 1922 at 6:00 am CST in Grand Rapids, Minnesota with Sun in Gemini, Moon in Sagittarius, and 10Can53 rising. Have a peek at her natal chart which is accurately timed (BC in hand; RR = AA) where you'll see intense Pluto @9Can01 rising and electrifying Uranus @13Pis34 conjunct Midheaven, the Goal and Aspiration Point of Public Recognition, with exciting, variety-loving Uranus there.
And with Cancer rising, the Moon is chart-ruler and makes two applying Ptolemaic aspects in her chart: Moon opposes Mercury (00Can08 Rx) which is the indecisive head vs heart aspect, and Moon squares Saturn (00Lib51) suggesting a certain coldness of feeling which stems from childhood and began with her parents, probably both Father (Saturn) and Mother (Moon). This square hints at a lifelong battle with authority figures and it also weakens health unless positively supported elsewhere in the chart (it isn't). But there is a separating (unconscious) square between Mercury (thinking processes; communications) and limiting Saturn which gave Garland a tendency to become mired within certain thinking habits (obsessive) and to not hear others clearly or to misinterpret what others say. A depressive mindset of 'the worrier' is suggested but with no organic hearing issue shown which would have been difficult if not impossible for a singer to sing on-key.
And curiously, the Sabian Symbol for Garland's Ascendant @11Cancer is "A Clown Making Grimaces"! So here she is in the 1948 romantic-swashbuckler film The Pirate with Gene Kelly performing--what else?--Be a Clown!
Now in her films, Garland didn't tend to be cast as a major femme fatale yet fame was almost assured for as you notice, her Mercury @00Cancer, Saturn @00Libra, and Moon @29Sag10--conjunct 00Capricorn--are Cardinal World Points of Fortune, Fame, and Recognition on the global stage. Add lots of talent and you have Judy Garland! Yet her trio of Mercury-Saturn-Moon form a dynamic T-Square indicating potentials for 'pursuit of gloomy thoughts, difficult and slow thinking, and/or possible depression if the tide has turned' (Ebertin; Tyl).
Please note that this brief tribute post is not focused on drug use but you may wish to see Old Hollywood forced its first stars to work long hours and take amphetamines in exchange for fame which is pretty much summed up by Garland's difficult T-Square between her Moon (emotions, reigning needs but also publicity), Saturn (self-control, sense of inner authority, restriction), and her retrograde Mercury, the 'tofu planet' that soaks up the energies of whatever planet or planets it touches. Yes, her five marriages and her children must have been affected by this planetary trio for it would be difficult for her loved ones to deal with.
Tragically, Judy Garland died of an accidental drug overdose in June 1969, age 47, which was way too soon.
And what of her Air-Fire Sun Gem-Moon Sag personality blend? Actually, she shares this blend with Donald Trump and Newt Gingrich! If you wish, you can read about this blend in a previous SO'W post Trump and Gingrich: Peter Pan and the Pied Piper.
So why today post this tribute to Judy Garland? Well, as a fan of Garland's from way back, her natal horoscope floated to the top of the Neptune's Silver Screen's must-publish list due to the current version of A Star Is Born starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Check out an October 8th video of their press conference with the two stars discussing the re-make of the film.
And for 'background' here's a trailer of the 1954 film starring Hollywood legend Judy Garland:
Link to the 1954 trailer in case it disappears from this blog!
Related: the natal horoscopes of Sun Aries Lady Gaga (unverified, conflicting, two possible timings shown) and Sun Capricorn Bradley Cooper (RR: C for 'original source not known').
Claudette Colbert 1931; studio publicity photo {public domain}
Check out the trailer for Midnight (1939), a Cinderella-esque adventure about being stranded in Paris:
Born in Saint Mande, France (or as some sources say, Paris) on September 13, 1903 at 8:00 am LMT, Emilie Claudette Chaucoin was the daughter of a baker who moved his family to the US when little Claudette was three years old. She grew up longing to appear on Broadway and in 1923, debuted in The Wild Westcotts and adopted the stage name Claudette Colbert. Follow the bio link, below, for more details or check out this 24-minute documentary about her life and career.
Now let's consider the natal horoscope of Claudette Colbert pictured here with notes added:
Right away we notice a Mercurial, gamine quality to Colbert's persona with both Sun and Moon in the two Zodiac signs ruled by Mercury, the planet of youth and communications. However, love goddess archetype Venus is chart-ruler since the rising sign is Venus-ruled Libra, and also rules her Mercury which is precisely rising. Born at 8:00 am on the dot makes an astrologer wonder if her birth time was rounded off rather than 100% accurate. Still, Libra rising does fit her looks and her profession so let's consider Colbert's personality blend of Sun Virgo-Moon Gemini. Then we'll check out her goddess and romance asteroids, eclipses, and her 9th house Neptune in Cancer which is her most elevated planet.
The Earth-Air combo of Sun Virgo-Moon Gemini denotes one who loves words, has refined tastes, and is quick-witted and playful. Here is both a thinker and a doer who takes play as seriously as she did work. Quickly adaptable, Ms. Colbert possessed analytical ability, logic, and a cool, detached approach to most things, and while delighting in spontaneity, she probably appeared at times to be something of a snob.
In relationships, the twice-married actress upheld romantic idealism but it's doubtful that she became as emotionally involved with people as she thought she did. Yet a settled domestic life and a creative career were conducive to her enjoyment of life and helped her put aside the tendency of discriminating Virgo to criticize. With her Gemini Moon, too many details may have overwhelmed her at times and caused worried moods and pessimism.
In the 'Hollywood Goddess of the Silver Screen' department, Claudette Colbert as a Virgo, the sign of The Goddess and Virgin, had an attractive persona on screen and seductive asteroid Lilith in the 4th house, one of the psychological houses. Of course, her goddess planet Venus was also in sexy Virgo, a placement which adds issues of morality and practicality vs romantic considerations to the picture.
Above, we mentioned her cool detachment which is supported by icy-cool Isis, goddess of them all, in Moon-ruled Cancer in her 9th house of Foreign Lands and *parallel Silver Screen planet, Neptune. As most elevated planet (although in 9th house), Neptune is most visible on the world stage (Midheaven/MC) and with powerful Pluto there as well, we see that her Mercury-North Node conjunction rising fulfilled itself in easy access to public contacts (NN), communication skills (Mercury), and powerful backers (Pluto).
Asteroid of intimacy, Amor @6Pis58, is in the 5th house of Romance and Creative Pursuits so romantic partners may have been met on film sets; Sappho, asteroid of sexual encounters and in the 8th house of Sex, is in lusty Taurus, sign of The Bull, plus, with Venus in the secluded 12th house, perhaps a few secret assignations took place! Her planet of desire, Mars, is in its own sign of sexy Scorpio, after all, no matter how prim and proper she may have seemed!
And erotic asteroid Eros conjoins electrifying Uranus (fighting against tradition in Sagittarius) in the 3rd house of Communications which suggests a form of genius and a novel approach (Uranus) in getting romantic messages across the screen to the audience.
In addition, her Venus and Mars sextile (60 degrees) one another which suggests a need to be in charge (see Mars in Scorpio listed on the chart image), a good organizer, and one who can be assertive when she wants to be. This Venus-Mars aspect identifies an inner conflict of warrior vs peacemaker who is peaceful until provoked (Epstein).
There is more to say, of course, for hers is quite a complex horoscope with several planetary patterns which include an Earth Grand Cross (marked in red), several T-Squares (formed by the Grand Cross), and twoGrand Trines (protection; talents; marked in blue) if we count the North Node (public contact) and her MC (Career Point) between: 1. Moon, Saturn, NN, and 2. Mars, Jupiter, MC, a guarantee of career success). Yes, Grand Trine patterns can suggest laziness (things are too easy, so why bother!) but there are massive amounts of energy and dynamism within such a major Grand Cross.
Well, that's my astro-homage to the lovely Claudette Colbert. Hopefully you've gotten something out of it and now feel you know Claudette a little better than you did before!
But if you're still curious about the lady, here is a brief bio of Colbert's life and career along with a bit of trivia (ex: why she preferred that her left side be photographed).
And if you look closely at her photo, above, you may wonder as I do: did the actress suffer from a case of strabismus?
*A parallel in Astrology is similar to a close conjunction and may be used for timing purposes. Here, Colbert's Isis and filmy Neptune are in a sense conjoined and their energies working together as with a planetary conjunction.
By Photography: Frank Bez (Ms. Novak's private collection) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
If you take a peek at the natal horoscope and brief bio of film star Kim Novak, nee Marilyn Pauline Novak on February 13, 1933 at 6:13 am CST Chicago, Illinois, you'll find a shy child who grew into a popular Aquarian beauty. Unsurprisingly, Kim won a beauty contest at age 20 and proceeded to work in the film industry until she left Hollywood in 1966 for some 'me time' at the beach.
During her career, Kim became known for such films as Alfred Hitchcock's
Vertigo (1958) and The Man with the Golden Arm starring Frank Sinatra as detailed in her Wikipedia bio. If you wish, have a peek at Frank's bio and natal chart with his creative Neptune in show business Leo conjunct Midheaven, the Career Point. Frank Sinatra was born with Sun Sagittarius-Moon Pisces on December 12, 1915 at 3:00 am (Rated A, from memory) with 28 Libra rising, in Hoboken, New Jersey.
But back to our cool beauty! When she returned to show business in the 1980s, Kim Novak appeared on the TV soap opera Falcon Crest and in the 1980 film, The Mirror Crack'd with Elizabeth Taylor (whose natal Sun @7Pisces conjoins Kim's natal North Node!), Rock Hudson (whose natal Ascendant @1Lib28 conjoins Kim's natal Moon!), and Angela Lansbury (whose natal Moon @1Lib28 precisely conjoins Hudson's natal Ascendant (1:28) and is in the same sign and degree as Kim Novak's natal Moon.
Sounds as if they had a sociable time (Libra) filming The Mirror Crack'd while making friends or reuniting with very familiar old ones! Here's a trailer for the film:
Check out this TV Guide interview Kim did in 2013 where she opens up on several topics including the scandal of her reputed affair with Sammy Davis Jr!
And Now for a Little More Astrology:
Kim Novak's personality blend of Sun (conscious mind; adulthood) and Moon (the unconscious; childhood) is a sociable double-Air affair of intelligence, grace, and thoughtfulness yet it does not provide a sense of self-importance. Self-reflection is more like! Romance and idealism may be notable along with a "gentle dignity," charm, and a preference for being only an associate of the 'in crowd' (such as Joey Bishop's and Sinatra's Rat Pack). However, there is a certain attraction to glamour and style for one born under the AQ-Libra combination of energies of detached, idealistic, friendly Aquarius blended with beauty-and-art-loving Libra, sign of cultural events such as art openings! And we can see how her 1st house Sun, Mercury, and North Node of public contact brought her notice and aided her career of shining (Sun) before the public (NN).
As for Miss Novak's glamorous and romantic asteroids, they are:
Intimate Amor @10Pisces (where transiting Neptune is this very day--10Pis31!), erotic Eros @14Sag, sexy Sappho Rx @11Libra, and seductress Lilith @21Sag (adventurous Sagittarius, and Lilith engaged in a wide conjunction with Eros). Vestal Virgin Vesta is in earthy Taurus (26:07) conjoining the enraged stars of the Pleiades constellation--lots of drama lurks there.
Plus, a significant pile-up of planets and asteroids rises with Kim Novak's natal Ascendant (Physical Body; the Self):
Goddess Venus (7AQ34) has just arisen followed closely by Saturn denoting that hers was perhaps a difficult birth especially since health asteroid Aesculapia rises, too. Others rising are Pallas (wisdom; the daughter) and goddess Isis--all within the 7-to-10-degree range of Aquarius and contributing to the actress's cool looks and dignified demeanor. Why, with Isis rising on her Ascendant, we might even say that Kim Novak is the goddess Isis!
And we might wonder, in the case of a cool beauty such as Aquarian Kim Novak, is it a coincidence that archetypal 'Isis' sounds very much like frozen ice?
Image: By Bain News Service (http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ggbain.32453) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Many fans of silent film star Louise Brooks are acquainted with The Louise Brooks Society, an 'homage to silent films' and dedicated to "one of the most seductive...images of woman" to ever appear on film. Naturally astrologers recognize the seductive Lilith archetype here and we will be noting the position of asteroid Lilith and other glamorous archetypes in her natal horoscope, below. We'll check on her asteroid Pandora as well because Louise's most famous role was Lulu in the film Pandora's Box. In her natal chart (below) you'll find asteroid PANDORA @18Libra near her natal Mars and seductress Lilith near her Scorpio Sun along with Persephone, Pluto's unwilling love interest in Greek Mythology!
But first...
News Flash: On the weekend of January 16, 2016 there will be an EPIC Event: Pandora's Box screens at LACMA in Los Angeles, California with pianist Michael Motilla performing improvised scores from five silent films including Pandora's Box on Sunday January 17th. LACMA is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Pandora's Box (1929) "depicts the social realities of the Weimar Republic..."
Astrologers may wish to note that there is a natal horoscope for Germany's Weimar Republic: November 9, 1918 13:30 CET Berlin, Germany; 12AQ54 rising; MC 10Sag24; Sun 16Sco18; Moon 19Cap48. (N. Campion chart #125, The Book of World Horoscopes.)
Now when most people recall early Hollywood film star Louise Brooks it's her stylishly bobbed hair ('Prince Valiant') that seems to be best remembered. But here's an informative video on the life of Louise Brooks which begins with a difficult childhood episode that may help account for her seductive adult behavior (Lilith!) though of course she also was a freedom-loving young woman of her era, the Roaring Twenties! For you see, a neighbor molested her when she was nine years old--and her mother blamed Louise:
Also Recommended: a full documentary from BBC Arena (55 minutes) with Louise speaking about her life and films along with narration, film clips, and the story of how James Card of the Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York, rescued a run-down Louise from a New York tenement and made a new life for her possible. Her last years successfully writing articles for various magazines here and abroad may be found via her Mercury-Venus conjunction in Sagittarius, sign of foreign lands, as you'll see.
Update Jan 8, 2016: just found an excellent article about the career of director G. W. Pabst, Opening Pandora's Box. Perhaps you know that G. W. Pabst developed not only the acting talent of Louise Brooks--but also of Greta Garbo!
An Astro-Portrait of Louise Brooks by Jude Cowell
Image: Louise Brooks' natal horoscope set for 'noon' November 14, 1906 Cherryvale, Kansas; Hour of the Sun (21Sco27) with the Moon ranging from 21Libra27 to 6Scorpio49; Luna crossed asteroid Juno (the wife) during the 24-hour period and the Sun approached asteroids Persephone (of kidnapper Pluto and Hades fame), glamorous Lilith, and erotic Eros.
My guess for her would be a Scorpio Moon because of the betrayal vibes it suggests coming from mother (Moon) who, as noted, refused to believe Louise when she told her she'd been molested by a neighbor. The incident was perpetrated via his putting candy on his porch to entice her to his house, if the legend is correct. And looking at a Solar Return chart for her birthday, age 9, (November 14, 1915 using the 'Noon' natal to calculate), we find a crisis-ridden YOD pattern which points toward lusty Mars @18Leo, sign of romance. A YOD times a turning point in her life. There's a dynamic T-Square pointing toward deceptive Neptune Rx in early Leo which indicates that she didn't know what to think of someone or something and that she was 'open to deception' (Tyl) and the planet of shocks and disruption, Uranus, conjoins one of the victim stars, Facies.
To check out her two possible Sun-Moon blends, read on...
As noted, the natal horoscope of Louise Brooks is untimed and is best calculated as either a solar chart (sunrise: career or hero's journey issues) or as a Noon chart with Sun on or near Midheaven (MC), the Why? Point of any chart and the most visible spot (angle) of a horoscope. The MC reveals information about a native's Career, Public Status, and Aspirations in life so it works quite well for famous persons. And the MC is part of the Parental axis, the 4th/10th, so it touches on security and family matters as well.
However, with Brooks' birth time unknown, the following astro-portrait of the lovely Lilith-Venus-Isis-Selena-Pandora-Persephone Hollywood icon Louise Brooks is based on her planets, their signs, degrees, aspects, her Sun-Moon personality blend, feminine asteroids, and her Pre-Natal Eclipse series since house angles cannot be determined with certainty.
Our 'Noon' Astro-Portait of Louise Brooks reveals her Sun @21Scorpio and Moon @28Libra49. However, if born after 1:53 pm, her Moon would have entered brooding, intense Scorpio so let's compare both Sun-Moon personality blends to see if one or the other fits her personality better:
Sun Scorpio-Moon Libra is a misty, ethereal Water-Air combination of conscious (Sun; adult) and unconscious (Moon; child) energies and denotes procrastination, impracticality and a lack of strategy in creative fields. Note that in the BBC arena video, above, she states that she was never an actress and had no idea what she was doing--that she was playing herself in her film roles! But when writing she knew what she was doing.
Sun Scorpio-Moon Libra keys the sign rulership of Mars-Pluto and Venus. There is an intense magnetic quality and charisma with this combo, a pragmatic idealism, and a tendency toward expensive taste. Quietly ambitious, this blend describes one who can be charmingly cooperative and/or emotionally difficult and demanding. This is the "tough cookie" combo yet with a deep need to be liked--one who may say No when she means Yes, and Yes when she means No--and is not loved by everyone! (She wasn't--ex: fellow actor Richard Arlen.)
Perhaps some people objected to a tendency to use manipulative tactics when she was feeling insecure, or an assumption that she was being fair and impartial (Libra words) when emotional needs were dictating her behavior. Whatever reason some contemporaries formed a dislike of her, I belatedly remind them that much of her acting career occurred she was in her teens and then her 20s--and they were the adults in the room, and jealous of her looks and talent, I suspect! Anyway, Louise was perceptive, romantic, and had the happy ability to think on her feet; passion and charm combine engagingly with Sun Scorpio-Moon Libra the Moon sign of Libra describes her reigning need (Tyl) which is all things Libra (Venus) including love, fairness, relationships, harmony, beautiful possessions, pleasure, and fun.
Or Was Her Moon in Scorpio, Ruled by Mars w/ Pluto undertones and drives?
Sun Scorpio-Moon Scorpio is quite a more intense, even brooding, blend of double Water energies. This denotes one who 'drinks in life's experiences' and 'goes with the flow' most of the time. A fertile imagination and a tendency to tear up over sentiments and anything nostalgic is typical with Water-Water blends.
The wary, private Sun Scorpio-Moon Scorpio blend is self-possessed and indicates many passionate feelings, stubbornness, strong convictions, stamina, and drive. The Arts and in particular, Music, attract. This is the 'desire vs self-control' mix that can turn possessive, jealous, sarcastic, and vengeful. Imaginative, willful, and introspective, Sun Scorpio-Moon Scorpio is not a good loser and is unconsciously drawn to powerful, hidden, mysterious things; a fascination with horror stories, sex, and death may be evident. (Her characters in at least two of her movies I've seen were killed at the end including 'Lulu' in Pandora's Box--imagine my surprise to find Lulu with London's Jack the Ripper!
Actually, double Scorpio is the 'addicted to love' combo with strong desires and deep creative potential which can be limited by a cynical and suspicious nature. The reigning need of a Scorpio Moon reveals more sexy desires and perhaps a death wish on a deep level. However, control is part of the Scorpio picture along with investment, money, and perhaps occult pursuits.
So what do you think? Do you see Louise Brooks as an airier Libra on the emotional level, rather aloof, or, an intense, dark, brooding, passionate Scorpio with black eyes and black hair?Her smoldering screen image suggests a Scorpio Moon yet artistic, cool Libra works, too!
As for her solar Scorpio personality and essence, there is not one major applying aspect to her Sun to tell us something more about her. There is, however, a close applying (1A51) inconjunct (aka, a quincunx; 150 degrees; adjustment) between natal Sun and her Gemini Pluto Rx (sub-ruler of Scorpio) identifying Louise as one who carried deep feelings of guilt and shame (from age 9?) and who overreacted to the expectations of others, then felt bitterly resentful about it.
A deep need for the approval of others is suggested by a Sun-Pluto inconjunct as she fought with other people's wills in a head-strong way. Perhaps maturity brought relief from conflicts which were more easily avoided or resolved by walking away from the film industry and learning how to relax. Unfortunately, negative escapism (alcohol) numbed her feelings until later in her life when she was rescued from a New York tenement (see documentary, above) and given new purpose via a writing career (her natal Jupiter arose with Castor, one of the writer's stars; happy Jupiter rules finances).
You know, there's a collection of her writings, Lulu in Hollywood (expanded edition), if you're curious.
Eclipses: the 'Wild Cards of the Universe'
Manifesting every 18.6 years of her life, her Pre-Natal Solar Eclipse Saros Series (PE) @26Leo04 in the 17 New North series sextiles Pluto, planet of sex, wealth, and transformation. Themes and influences of 17 New North include passion, excitement, impulsive energy, and hectic socializing. Motivations include both financial projects and social relationships with a motto of'have fun!'. (paraphrasing B. Brady's Predictive Astrology). Such themes blended perfectly with her Roaring Twenties lifestyle of champaign and dance. (The 'wild card' reputation of eclipses comes from the Uranian quality of bringing disruption, excitement, and sometimes shock to one's life). 17NN last manifested in November 2014 @00Scorpio which is possibly the degree of her natal Moon!
Conjoining her eclipse degree of 26 Leo at birth is her natal Mars-Neptune midpoint where the energies of the planet of males and desire (Mars) blends with Neptune, planet of illusion, dreams, and the Silver Screen. And there we see her Jupiter-Neptune conjunction in Moon-ruled Cancer adding magnetic appeal with the public (Moon/Cancer) and the ability to play many roles by taking on the characteristics of others. Plus, Neptune @12Cancer conjoins bright SIRIUS, the goddess star of Egypt, aka, 'the scorcher' (which I neglected to mark upon the chart).
Of interest is a Huffington Post article from November 2013, Louise Brooks' Star Shines Brighter Than Ever, an obvious and very appropriate reference to SIRIUS, the brightest star in the heavens, conjunct her natal Neptune, glamorous planet of actors and the Silver Screen which also happens to conjoin her expansive planet Jupiter the Thespian!
Well, that's my Astro-Portrait of Louise Brooks for now. Once my order of the Barry Paris biography using her letters and diaries arrives on my doorstep, this post may require updating but for now, you may wish to enjoy another article concerning the natal chart of Louise Brooks with a listing of her natal planets and their aspects.
~:~
Recommended: Sun Sign-Moon Sign by Charles and Suzi Harvey; Louise Brooks horoscope calculated using SolarFire Gold v9 software. jc
image: Greta Garbo 1930 Photoplay Magazine {Public domain} Wikimedia Commons
A most magical alabaster-skinned star of the silver screen, Greta Garbo is famous for her early retirement from Hollywood films as her reclusive tendency became almost pathological as she matured until 'elusive' became a descriptive word for 'Garbo'. And with Capricorn on her natal Midheaven, the Goal Point of any chart, sign ruler Saturn of isolation, separation, restriction fame, well describes her famous, "I vant to be alone" expression of what she wanted--her goal in life!
Born September 18, 1905 at 7:30 pm MET in Stockholm, Sweden as Greta Lovisa Gustafssen, Garbo's Sun @25Virgo and Moon @19Taurus identifies her as an Earth-Earth blend of practicality, modesty, and humility. Yet a Gemini Ascendant (5:20) gave sparkle to her onscreen image and the Mercury-ruled sign provides a way with words--but not necessarily a desire to utter them. View a brief bio and her natal chart at astro.com where you'll find thespian planet Jupiter in Gemini rising, glamorous, seductive Lilith in Mars-ruled Aries (but in the hidden 12th house!), iconic Venus in dramatic Leo (the lion, as in MGM), desirous Mars in Sagittarius, elusive Neptune in Moon-ruled Cancer (sign of the home), and powerful, wealthy Pluto in Gemini, also in the 1st house of Self. Plus, planet of quirkiness, originality, and genius, Uranus, conjoins one of the World Points of Fame, Prominence, and Fortune, 00Capricorn.
Furthermore, Garbo's Sun Virgo-Moon Taurus denotes one who enjoys the daily rounds of life to the point of addiction to the mundane world but also has a deep appreciation for beauty, luxury, and The Arts. Actually, a love of pottering around might describe this elusive Lilith who turned her back on the Silver Screen for the joys and security of ordinary life. And yes, there is shrewd financial skill here which is supported by the fact that Garbo was a millionaire by age 26 and owned properties in three countries.
Drawn to enigmatic people, in relationships her double Earth personality was thoughtful, helpful, reliable, and sensual and a passionate affair with actor John Gilbert (1899--1936) is well known, after which the company of women was preferred. Yet 1938 was spent in Italy and Sweden with Leopold Stokowski, the world famous conductor.
Sun Virgo-Moon Taurus also indicates stubbornness, an over concern with materialism, and a too-rational approach to life added to a lack of romantic idealism. Was one reason Garbo retired early from films because it grew boring and tiresome to portray romances full of dramatic passion? The answer eludes me...
So with her brief astrological portrait aside, why not relax and enjoy the following 2-minute official trailer for the spectacularly promoted 'Return of Garbo' in...Queen Christina!
UPDATE 12.30.15: I've returned with more time to add Garbo's Pre-Natal Eclipse Series and other goddess-icon-glamorous asteroid positions (besides Lilith, above but note that seductive Lilith in my Solar Fire software is listed @16Virgo indicating this as one of three Liliths so her natal Sun-Mercury midpoint = Lilith; Virgo is a goddess sign on its own: The Virgin as in Mary, a Venus figure).
Most of her goddess archetypes are posited in the Cadent 6th house of Service, Work, Health, and Daily Rounds in quite a concentration of feminine Hollywood-esqe archetypes in one area of the Zodiac in Venus-ruled Libra, sign of Love and Romance. They are: Sappho @17Libra, Isis @26Libra, Cupido @17Libra, Amor @5Scorpio, and Selena (The White Goddess) @12AQ36 rising after thespian Jupiter in 1st house. Eros @00Aquarious conjoins natal Chiron Rx (the wound, or, the blindspot) in 10th house of Career along with asteroid Pallas (the daughter but also wisdom and strategy). Ceres (the mother; security)
Garbo's Pre-Natal Solar Eclipse @6Virgo is in the 16 North Saros Series with contains Uranus-Neptune vibes from its initial manifestation. This gives themes of the illumination of ideas from the unconscious, good insights, and a sense of inspiration (Brady). The 16N is one I tend to relate to the Illuminati cabal that controls the entertainment industry and 'rains' fortune down upon the creative artist who sign up to promote their degradation-of-society agenda--the old sell your soul to the devil Robert Johnson legend. Is this the agenda Greta Garbo rejected by retiring from the film industry in 1941? It wouldn't surprise me though of course their satanic agenda is more developed nowadays and societal standards are fading fast.
But you know what aspect may have aided Garbo in her retirement? A Sun-Uranus square which is the closest applying aspect to her natal Sun and thus an integral part of her personality. This denotes one who is eccentric, erratic, self-willed, self-dramatizing, and experiences overwhelming nervous tension at critical junctures (critical degree 20Cap at MC of Career and Public Status). Her modest Virgoan nature may have felt inferior in some way and yet she was pride was provided by Sun-Uranus; imagining slights or injustices caused irrational behavior of a Capricorn (authoritative; bossy) kind which antagonized others and a deep desire for freedom at all costs may have led to her ignoring good advice.
These Sun-Uranus tendencies were developed in childhood and issue from dear old Dad whom she resented for he was something of an eccentric reformer himself and with her natal Saturn in aloof Aquarius conjunct South Node of the Moon, themes of emotional distance, separation, and isolation were her lifelong obsessions.
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Birth data rated AA for BC/BR in hand; collector: Rodden. Personality blend info primarily from Sun Sign-Moon Sign, Charles and Suzi Harvey.
