Two books published in 2008 in England are the best biographical sources I found so far:
The Letters of Noel Coward – Google Books
Noel Coward In His Own Words – Google Books
This is the 42nd post in two years about astro profiles in the BofL Lessons. This is less than a quarter of the total but includes the ones most relevant to readers today, still famous enough that books and videos about them are readily available online. Nine more are ahead in 2025.
https://www.upress.state.ms.us/Books/A/Alice-Faye is the only biography from a scholarly press.
An informative fan website is here.
Packing and moving chores will take all my time and energy through spring, so I posted the Aries, Taurus and Gemini entries today. Since Cancerian Tesla was already shared, next up will be Leo Amelia Earhart.
The most acclaimed recent biography is Joe Posnanski’s The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini, 2019.
He was featured in a documentary from The American Experience on PBS in 2000.
Here is one more Piscean featured in the Lessons, profiled in history.com.
Encouraging news about interest in this blog: January 2025 was the first month ever to reach over a thousand views. They came from 157 readers in 18 countries.
His accomplishments are memorialized at this historic site
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, Santa Rosa, CA
and explained in this praise for his role as a botanist
The tall young man in the upper right of the class photo is Elbert Benjamine, son of Will Benjamine and grandson of Elbert Benjamine, born Benjamin Parker Williams. Elbert Senior and Will parted abruptly during WW2 following the death of Elizabeth Benjamine, and Will founded a short-lived rival group with his wife Ann. Twins Norman and Zilla, youngest children born after Elbert and Grace were divorced, kept the Williams surname and stayed in southern California, as did Elbert’s first wife Grace, mother of his five children, who died in 1986 at the age of 103. Their oldest son Ben Williams remained in Iowa as best I can discern from records, perhaps because next in line to help his mother run a chicken farm when his parents divorced in 1909. Apologies for the lack of citations, but my subscriptions to ancestry.com and newspapers.org have expired so I cannot retrieve them.
Tallulah’s book was a big success when published in 1952. As the daughter of the Speaker of the House of Representatives she campaigned for FDR in the 1930s and 40s. She campaigned on behalf of Harry Truman in 1948 and she would go on to endorse Adlai Stevenson, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon Baines Johnson in subsequent elections. Here is a photograph taken with Harry and Bess Truman in 1948, from the Truman Library.
Throughout 2024 most of the natal charts from the Brotherhood of Light Lessons shared in this blog have been of US political and literary figures, with a few involving foreign world leaders. Most of the remaining BOL charts of people who are still well-known are those of entertainment celebrities. Here is a Capricornian for the Winter Solstice.
Here is the only scholarly biography of Ayres, published by the University Press of Mississippi in 2012 and still available on their website.
The first natal chart to be published in the Brotherhood of Light books is that of Thomas H. Burgoyne, followed by that of his astrological co-author Sarah Stanley Grimke.
His last appearance in the historical record was in 1891, but in 1892 he married Genevieve Stebbins as Norman Astley. A Saint Louis news story from that year shows her to be famous but controversial as she attains national fame. She is called “Mrs. Stebbins” and no husband is named, but by this point her decades long collaboration with Astley was underway.
By 1897, in addition to managing Genevieve’s New York School of Expression and her lectures and demonstrations across the country, he was managing their investments in timber, farming, and gold mining. This story reports a successful gold strike in North Carolina.
What Jeffers as a known or likely acquaintance of the Astleys, the Sinclairs, the Londons, the Steinbecks, the Benjamines, and the Steffenses reveals to us is the magical atmosphere of the Monterey Bay region attracting people from around the nation after the first world war.
Here is one British Sagittarian who became an honorary US citizen, bestowed by John F. Kennedy in 1963. He was the son of an American mother Jennie Jerome and a close friend of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman.
On 11/27/2021 this was posted in reference to the first decanate of Sagittarius which includes the November 29 birthdays of Bronson Alcott and his daughter Louisa May. Subsequently I noticed that Louisa’s full natal chart had been published in a different volume, so am reposting and adding that below the original post.
From Course 10-1, The Last Eighteen Decanates Analyzed:
SAGITTARIUS—1st Decanate. The Harp of Seven Strings—LYRA—such a harp as David played upon to soothe the spirit of King Saul, pictures the Jupiter decanate of Sagittarius. The constellated instrument portrays the soul which places itself “In Tune with the Infinite,” and becomes responsive to the thoughts radiated by the Cosmic Mind.
Those born under this influence, when true to themselves, are the most religious of all and are capable of attaining Cosmic Consciousness. But their religion need not be tinctured with orthodoxy, and is often most expressed through their kinship with Nature and their love and sympathy for all living creatures. They live at their best, and accomplish most, when they constantly feel the abiding presence of the Cosmic Intelligence and place implicit trust in Its guidance. They then feel impressed to fill a definite mission, and if they follow the dictates of the “Inner Voice” they seldom err in judgment. But either in matters of spiritual progress or in mere worldly affairs, they must rely upon their own judgment, for when they take the advice of others they most signally fail.
Comment by KPJ: Bronson and Louisa share the same birthday, November 29, 1799 and 1832 respectively. They died two days apart in 1888.
William Blake, poet and painter, author of Books of Prophecy and designer of illustrations to The Book of Job, was born with his Individuality here. Dr. Alfred Russel Wallace, whose research led him independently to the theory of evolution so ably expounded by Darwin, and who was famous as a naturalist, and who embraced the cause of spiritualism in spite of the ridicule of his contemporary scientists, was born with his Mentality in this decanate. And Abraham Lincoln, man of destiny, deeply religious and the instrument through whom human slavery was abolished in America, was born with his Personality under this section of the sky. It is the decanate of DEVOTION. (Volume 10-1, Chapter Two)
Louisa’s natal chart was published in Course Twenty The Next Life, following Chapter Six:
Shared well in advance of his birthday, another post about American writers before the focus will shift to international sources in 2025. Although Twain is known mainly for fiction, his nonfiction books are among my favorites, especially the first and last: The Innocents Abroad (1869) and Christian Science (1907.)
This 1916 photograph of a Carmel landmark appears on a timeline of historic photographs on the admirable website of the local visitor center.
The epilogue below appears in the new reprint of The Quest of the Spirit.
The Brotherhood of Light was headquartered in Los Angeles throughout its fourteen years of public work, led by Elbert and Elizabeth Benjamine and Fred Skinner. Writing of the 21 volume Brotherhood of Light lessons and private meetings commenced in 1914, with public work beginning on November 11, 1918, the Armistice Day that ended the first world war.
Its successor organization The Church of Light was formed the week of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s election to the presidency in November 1932. The Brotherhood of Light lessons were complete by 1934, although revisions continued until Elbert’s death in 1951. Its predecessor organization the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor had splintered in America due to divisions among the leaders, but continued in France, Algeria, and Israel as Max Theon’s Cosmic Philosophy for decades. Genevieve Stebbins returned to her native California in 1917 after more than thirty years in the eastern United States and England.
She returned with a second husband, Norman Astley, whom she had married in 1892 in Boston and who became the manager of her New York School of Expression and collaborator in its programs until they retired to England in 1907. Her first husband, Joseph Thompson, was the brother of her business partner Mary Thompson. The marital and business partnerships dissolved by 1892; Norman Astley filled both vacancies admirably, managing her investments and artistic endeavors with equal skill.
Their choice of Carmel-by-the-Sea as a place to retire after a life of international travel raises questions related to Astley’s former life as Thomas H. Burgoyne, who had collaborated there as a co-author with Sarah Stanley Grimké. His later life, in which he spent forty years as husband of Genevieve Stebbins included the lifespan of the Brotherhood of Light, whose lessons reflect his writings as well as hers and those of Grimké.
Elbert Benjamine’s writings reflect not only the influence of his mentors the Astleys, but also literary figures in the Monterey Bay milieu, including permanent residents Lincoln Steffens and Robinson Jeffers as well as Jack London and Upton Sinclair who visited the area and wrote about it.
Thomas Henry d’Alton (Dalton, Alton) was born April 14, 1855 in Douglas, Isle of Man. He was the son of chiropodist Thomas Henry d’Alton and Emma Rice, who had him christened in Grisham, Lancashire on July 1. He married Betsy Bella Prince May 12, 1878 in Lancaster, Lancashire and was the father of a son Thomas and a daughter Veda in Burnley, Lancashire when he adopted the pseudonym T.H. Burgoyne in 1884. Soon after Burgoyne was named Secretary of the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor, it was revealed by Theosophists that he had convicted in 1883 of obtaining money under false pretenses in West Riding, Yorkshire and had served six months in prison. Leaving his wife and children, he arrived in White County, Georgia as Burgoyne with Peter Davidson and family in 1886. Burgoyne’s periodical writings appeared solely in HBofL-related publications between 1885 and 1888: first The Occultist and The Occult Magazine in England and then Thomas Moore Johnson’s The Platonist.
After the first edition of The Light of Egypt was published in Chicago by Religio-Philosophical Publishing House in 1889, Burgoyne was published exclusively by Astro-Philosophical Publications of Denver, which released Celestial Dynamics in 1896 and Language of the Stars in 1892. All three were published as works of Zanoni, identified finally as Burgoyne only in the 1900 expanded edition of The Light of Egypt. The influence of Burgoyne’s writings was greater in continental Europe than the English-speaking world, with translations and paraphrases of The Light of Egypt in French, Russian, German, and Spanish, and the Paris occultist Papus promoting Burgoyne’s astrological teachings in his own works. Burgoyne’s letters to Thomas Moore Johnson published in Letters to the Sage are significant evidence of HBofL practices and teachings, but later he becomes the subject of others’ letters that reveal the confusion unleashed by revelation of Burgoyne’s real name and history. Theosophical leaders saw it as a way to discredit a rival organization, and the ensuing controversy destroyed the HBofL in England, but not in France where it continued to thrive, nor in America where Peter Davidson pursued his studies in Georgia independently of Council President Johnson and Secretary Burgoyne.
Zanoni was a pen name derived from a Rosicrucian themed 1842 novel by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, in which the adept teacher of the title character was named Mejnour. Peter Davidson, Provincial Grand Master of the North of the original HBof L, had written in the Scottish Highlands under the latter pen name. On July 12, 1886 the HBofL Council met in Kansas City without Burgoyne present to deliberate on evidence that d’Alton and Burgoyne were the same person. They agreed unanimously that they were identical and advised all members to avoid contact with Burgoyne and Davidson until further investigation. In St. Louis they met again on September 5, reinstating Burgoyne who was present this time as a member. Peter Davidson, on the other hand, is never mentioned again by Johnson and colleagues in the letters. This evidence implies that Burgoyne escaped the ostracism of his colleagues in the HBofL, but Davidson was blamed for the pseudonymous intrigues. Burgoyne first traveled to California in 1887, after visiting Topeka, Kansas with HBofL board member W.W. Allen, and in Denver with what was becoming the largest local group of members. He became a United States citizen in Shawnee County, Kansas in 1887. Ten years later in 1897 he obtained American citizenship as Norman Astley in New York City.
Meanwhile, in early 1887 Sarah Stanley Grimké had sent her daughter Angelina to live in Massachusetts with her father, after which she appears to have spent at least the next year in California. She left abruptly for New Zealand in 1888 before publication of her collaborative project with Burgoyne. The precise contribution of Grimké to The Light of Egypt was later described by Elbert Benjamine as assisting with The Science of the Stars portion of the 1889 edition.
One of the most salient echoes of Chevalier Louis in The Light of Egypt is Zanoni’s claim to have made “personal investigations, extending over a series of years in England, France, Germany, Austria, and the United States, with various types and phases of mediums.” In The Key to Theosophy, Blavatsky notes the continuity of adepts “used as sledge-hammers to break the theosophical heads with” which “began twelve years ago, with Mrs. Emma Hardinge Britten’s `Louis’ of Art Magic and Ghost-Land, and now ends with the “Adept” and `Author’ of The Light of Egypt.” [H. P. Blavatsky, Key to Theosophy, 239.]
Letters to the Sage includescorrespondence from Burgoyne mailed in Monterey, California in the late 1880s, but none thereafter. He did, however, live briefly in Mendocino County and advertised a forthcoming book with a Cummings mailing address in 1891. When Norman and Genevieve Astley began acquiring property in North Carolina, they were described in a February 1894 Morganton newspaper story that mentions his having lived on a California ranch, which he claims to have owned. Bureau of Land Management records for patents, which are purchases of land directly from the federal government rather than from an individual owner and show that in January 1891 160 acres of ranch land in Mendocino County was patented to a John H. Burgoyne. The land is in the northwestern portion of the county, and just twenty miles as the crow flies from Cummings where he was receiving mail in 1891.
Born in San Francisco in 1857 the only child of a lawyer James Cole Stebbins who had relocated there from upstate New York with his young wife Henrietta, Genevieve lost her mother in infancy and was cared for by her aunt Louisa. She became a successful actress in New York in her twenties and by thirty had become an acting teacher. After further studies in England and France she emerged as a public figure, becoming the most prominent American teacher of the Delsarte method of elocution and acting. She combined Delsarte methods with yogic breathing learned from a swami at Oxford, as well as exercises involving stretches and postures adapted from yoga. With her marriage to Astley in 1892 he became her business manager and in addition to running the Manhattan school they traveled up and down the east coast giving classes and performances. Between 1894 and 1906 the Astleys owned property in the Blue Ridge mountains.
After her retirement in 1907 Stebbins traveled with Astley, settling in England for several years before returning to the US in 1917. Norman Astley is far more elusive than his famous wife, and no record prior to their marriage can be solidly linked to him. We find the couple in a boarding house in Asbury Park, New Jersey in the 1900 census. Retiring first to Dittisham, Devon in 1907, they moved to St. Peter Port, Guernsey by 1911 and by 1913 were living in Slindon, Sussex which was listed as their most recent residence in the 1917 ship passenger list that recorded their return to the United States. Documentation of the Astleys’ American travels and citizenship provides dozens of such pieces of evidence of a man living more than fifty years as Norman Astley, leaving traces in five states as well as England. Thomas Henry Burgoyne, on the other hand, leaves far fewer traces, being recorded as name of an author of books and letters but appearing in no public documents other than those described above.
The thesis of Mark Singleton’s Yoga Body is that “the reciprocal influence of `harmonial’ gymnastic systems (like the American Delsartism of Genevieve Stebbins…) and modern hatha yoga is enormous.”ii While Stebbins is remembered now almost entirely as a pioneer in the history of women’s exercise and dance, the “gentler stretching, deep breathing, and `spiritual’ relaxation colloquially known in the West today as `hatha yoga’ are best exemplified by variants of the harmonial gymnastics developed by Stebbins…and others— as well as the stretching regimes of secular women’s physical culture with which they overlap.”[Mark Singleton, Yoga Body, 71.]
Stebbins’s Dynamic Breathing and Harmonic Gymnastics: A Complete System of Psychical, Aesthetic, and Physical Culture (1892) is as described by Singleton “a combination of calisthenic movement, deep respiration exercises, relaxation, and creative mental imagery within a harmonial religious framework. It is, in Stebbins’s words, `a completely rounded system for the development of body, brain and soul,’ a system of training which shall bring this grand trinity of the human microcosm into one continuous, interacting unison and remove the `inharmonious mental states’ that lead to discord.”[Ibid, 160.]
The Quest of the Spirit argues that “a true philosophy of life is the work of the future, in which the great philosophical systems of the past will form but a very subordinate part of the structure. We are convinced that the chief foundation-stones will be discovered in the works of Eucken, Bergson, and James.” Henri Bergson and William James were not just philosophical colleagues but close friends, and James was intending to write the introduction to the English translation of Bergson’s Creative Evolution but died before it was completed. The language about creation and evolution in the Brotherhood of Light lessons is strongly reminiscent of Bergson’s vitalist themes, and Bergson’s younger sister Moina Mathers was one of the founders of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Like James, Bergson was interested in parapsychology; at the time of James’s death, Bergson was president of the British Society for Psychical Research. James was evidently a personal friend and not just an admired philosopher, in light of the Astleys’ residence in Boston in the early 1890s and longstanding interest in psychical research. Researcher Kelly Mullan reports that James became a friend of Stebbins at a Chautauqua conference where he and Genevieve were both speakers.
In the appendix to her magnum opus, written for this 1892 edition, Stebbins summarizes the conclusions reached in her decades as a teacher in a nine-point “my credo” of which the first three are quoted below: First—All faculties lie deep within the soul and are there potential as the oak in the acorn. Second—These faculties cannot be manifested without the cooperation of the brain, each portion of the brain having its own function. Third—Through the nervous system is established communication between brain and body; each function in the brain sympathizing with some part of the body, and corresponding surfaces also having corresponding meanings,—the upper with the upper, the lower with the lower, the anterior with the anterior, the posterior with the posterior, and so on. [Genevieve Stebbins, Dynamic Breathing and Harmonic Gymnastics, 146]
Poetics of Dance by Gabriele Brandstetter, first published in German in 1995, explains that “Stebbins’s main contribution to modern dance– her emphasis on the dynamics of dance movement– is still underestimated even today. She was the first to no longer regard dance from the perspective of dance technique, muscular training, or the systematic development of articulation, emphasizing instead its energetic principles. Stebbins’s elaboration of the Delsarte system heralded a paradigm shift in modern dance in an attempt to redefine dance movement on the basis of a vitalist understanding of dynamics. [Gabriele Brandstetter, Poetics of Dance, 4.]
Genevieve’s death in 1934 coincided with the completion of Benjamine’s Brotherhood of Light lessons and Norman’s immediate remarriage ushered in a period of discord and confusion in his personal life. He married the nurse who had cared for Genevieve within a week of her death, and his new wife Nellie Dougan immediately moved to seize his assets and declare him mentally incompetent. They relocated to Devon where she died five years later, leaving Norman to survive until 1943 living first in Plymouth and finally dying in Gloucestershire.
Carmel Neighbors
Donna Marek’s Crème de Carmel is a charming guide to local history. She reports: “The first Spanish mission in the area was the Presideo Chapel built in 1770 in Monterey, but the following year it was relocated on the Carmel River and renamed the Mission San Carlos de Borremeo.” [Donna Marek, Crème de Carmel, 8.] Monterey became the capital of both Californias in 1770, and continued as capital of only Alta California under Spanish rule in 1804, continuing as capital under Mexican sovereignty from 1822 through 1846. Carmel remained undeveloped except for the Carmel Mission and nearby ranches until 1888 when eighty acres in Carmel Woods was subdivided into lots. The community of Carmel-by-the-Sea was created in 1903 and rapidly developed with home sites and businesses. It was incorporated as a town on October 31, 1916.
By the late 1920s the atmosphere had changed, as it was no longer an artist colony but a popular beach resort, as reported by biographer Justin Kaplan. It continued to attract famous writers but Kaplan reports that by 1927, when Lincoln Steffens arrived, “the real colony had disappeared” but Steffens welcomed visits from Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. “Steffens also knew John and Carol Steinbeck, and suggested that Steinbeck write a series of articles for the San Francisco News about the Oklahoma migrants and how they were treated in Monterey County. Over the next four years, those articles led to Steinbeck’s writing The Grapes of Wrath.” [Justin Kaplan, Lincoln Steffens,]
Robert Louis Stevenson had lived for several months in Monterey in 1879 and wrote articles for the Monterey Californian. Carmel is featured in Treasure Island. The poet Robinson “Jeffers moved to Carmel in 1916 where he and his wife raised their two sons…Jeffers built their home—called Tor house—near the ocean, an undertaking that took five years.” [Donna Marek, Crème de Carmel, 30.]
The Benedict Cottage in Carmel on Scenic Drive was the site of evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson’s 1926 scandal. The stories that surfaced about her affair threw Carmel into the national limelight.”[Ibid, 31.]
The Sea Lion Point Trail at Point Lobos is the most easily accessible short walk to scenic overlooks where the rocky shoreline and sandy beaches can be viewed from above. The name Point Lobos would seem to imply that wolves inhabited the area, but the Spanish term for what we call Sea Lions translates to Sea Wolf, which Jack London used as a title for a book about seafarers based in the central California coast. [Jerry Emory, Monterey Bay Shoreline Guide, 254-55.]
Lincoln Steffens relocated to Carmel-by-the-Sea several years after the Astleys moved there. He is not often associated with “the occult” but his biographer Justin Kaplan commented “Despite his later claim that he had shunned the fraternities as all bunk and pretension, Steffens was glad to belong to Zeta Psi, the oldest of Berkeley’s Greek-letter societies. And it was on his urging that Frederick Willis, his closest friend in college, also joined. Willis was interested in theosophy, the survival of the soul after death, ‘sacred occultism,’ and parapsychology, and considered himself an expert mesmerist. Like many other students he has given himself over to the passion that motivated William James, in 1884, to establish an American Society for Psychical Research with its various committees on Thought Transference, hypnotism, and Apparitions and Haunted Houses. In the Zeta Psi fraternity house near Bancroft Way, Steffens took instruction from Willis and began his own experiments with mesmerism, clairvoyance and thought transference.” [Justin Kaplan, Lincoln Steffens, 30.]
When Steffens was an undergraduate, Berkeley was not the thriving intellecual community it later became. Kaplan reports that “as an intellectual community, as a breeding place for philosophers, William James had said in 1883, ‘it’s a poor place’; and some of his disciples who had been invite to teach there with a sense of going into exile. Yet it was at Berkeley, fifteen years later, that James, reading his paper ‘Philosophical Conceptions and Practical Results,’ first announced pragmatism as a theory of truth and formulated his subsequent creed. (Ibid, 29.]
Sources Cited:
Helena P. Blavatsky, The Key to Theosophy. London: Theosophical Publishing House, 1889,
Brandstetter, Gabriele, Poetics of Dance. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015.
Emory, Jerry, Monterey Bay Shoreline Guide. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1999.
Kaplan, Justin, Lincoln Steffens. New York: Simion and Schuster, 2013.
Marek, Donna, Crème de Carmel. New York: Roberts Reinhardt, 1994.
Singleton, Mark, Yoga Body. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010.
Stebbins, Genevieve, Dynamic Breathing and Harmonic Gymnastics. New York: Edgar S. Werner, 1892.
Although he authored the entire BOL book series, Elbert devotes little attention to himself compared to scores of others whose natal charts are featured, either in full or in part. As always, his entry focuses solely on progressions coinciding with major life events.
Elbert Benjamine generally avoided polemics and propaganda when discussing spiritual and occult movements of his time. But “those who use the brilliancy of their intellects to suppress truth and to foist ignorance and superstition on society that they may profit by its exploitation” does express his feelings about the influence of Theosophy in the occult scene in the early twentieth century. (And fits my experience of four different Theosophical organizations reacting to academic historical publications in the late twentieth century. kpj) However, in the second passage quoted he explains that what is now called the Earlier Theosophical Society of 1875-1878 in New York taught quite different doctrines of the afterlife.
Volume 10-1, Chapter 1:
Volume 2, Chapter 7:
As the fall equinox approaches, a successful Libran president might be in our near future. Like John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon, Eisenhower was president after the death of Elbert Benjamine, but had risen to national prominence during his lifetime, hence their inclusion in the BOL charts.
When Elbert Benjamine mentions that a California celebrity of the 1920s-40s is a personal acquaintance, it helps explain how their natal chart ended up in the Lessons. There are plenty of California politicians, writers and movie stars in the BOL charts, but we cannot assume that Elbert knew them personally unless he tells us so, which he says about several. The most surprising Virgo birthdate I found in the BOL Lessons was Greta Garbo, as the data is from the very outset of her career in the mid-1920s when she is just leaving her teens, and she was already a personal acquaintance of the Benjamines or their advisors on the lessons. Here is a clip from one of her last silent films Love (1927.) Based on the Tolstoy novel Anna Karenina, this silent was soon followed by a 1928 sound version that used the original film and added a soundtrack. The better known and more successful second sound version, Anna Karenina was released in 1935.
Starting in January of this year, the blog has featured all the US presidents of the Brotherhood of Light era 1918-1932 (Wilson, Coolidge, Hoover) except Warren G. Harding about whom there is much less commentary in the Lessons. Subsequent presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, and Nixon have also been examined in light of later Church of Light publications. Upton Sinclair was profiled last year in terms of his natal chart, but he is also discussed by the lessons in other ways.
Mary Craig Sinclair recalls that Upton’s 1927 novel Oil!, set in southern California, has one character loosely based on a real incident in Carmel the previous year. The Teapot Dome scandal is the historic background for the oil industry depicted in the book, and defines the Harding presidency. (The 2007 Academy award-winning film There Will Be Blood was loosely based on Oil!) She quotes a letter from Upton on the California religious subplot composed at the time he started writing it:
“And Paul has an older brother named Eli, who becomes a prophet, a hellfire-and-brimstone evangelist—he’s going to be a male Aimee Semple McPherson. He reaps a fortune and builds a temple in Los Angeles, and then runs away with a woman, and comes back with a wonderful tale of having been kidnapped and sets the whole town arguing about whether he really did or didn’t.”(p303, Southern Belle)
Herbert Hoover was president at the time The Church of Light was formed in Los Angeles on November 2, 1932, but was voted out of office the same week on November 8. Like Elbert Benjamine, he spent his childhood in Iowa but explored the Pacific Northwest in his teens with maternal relatives in Oregon.
His natal chart does not appear in the Lessons, but two adjacent paragraphs describe his activities in Volume 13, Mundane Astrology, among several appearances of his name in the book. His birthday was the occasion of a speech heard by thousands in person and millions on the radio in August 1928, and in February and March 1929 Elbert noted two political successes:
The best information source online about Hoover is the website of his Presidential Library and Museum.
President Herbert Hoover | The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum (archives.gov)
Here is a natal chart from Astrodatabank
The boundaries between fiction and non-fiction are often physical, as in separate sections of public libraries and bookstores. But in the world of occult literature the borders are indistinct between historical novels, authentic memoirs, and fictionalized autobiographies. Most interesting to me are authors who alternate between the genres. Emma Hardinge Britten and Mme. Blavatsky both wrote fiction that was claimed to be non-fiction (Ghost Land, the Mahatma Letters) and non-fiction that discussed some of the same people under their real names (Nineteenth Century Miracles, The Durbar in Lahore.) This has caused endless confusion among Spiritualists and Theosophists, along the same lines as legendary histories of Masonic and Rosicrucian orders.
27 footnotes were added to the new edition of Tom Clark and His Wife, because Paschal Beverly Randolph’s Rosicrucian novel is full of literary quotes, geographical information about places the author had visited, and historical detail about then-current events during the Civil War and famous people involved in them. All these require explanation to be understood by contemporary readers. Several editions are already in print but none offers any editorial content giving historical context for the 161 year old book.
Sarah Stanley Grimke and Alexander Wilder are finally getting some notice from readers and have good prospects for increasing recognition, thanks to the editorial labors of Patrick Bowen and Ronnie Pontiac respectively as well as my own. Genevieve Stebbins has had considerably more recent scholarly attention, and the new edition of Quest of the Spirit has more new information about her life and partnership with Norman Astley than has ever appeared in print. Thomas H. Burgoyne and Hurrychund Chintamon were targeted in recent books with outright defamation based on 19th century libels, whereas Grimke and Wilder have been unjustly ignored and forgotten. The only way to counteract misinformation and disinformation about forgotten authors is to let them speak for themselves to modern readers, which has been the motive for publishing them in new editions.
Discussion of esoteric groups’ history is frequently distorted by two opposing forces. Propaganda is defined by Oxford Language as “Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.” Polemics are defined by the same source as “a speech or piece of writing expressing a strongly critical attack on or controversial opinion about someone or something.” Neither correlates with historical reliability which requires a more neutral and objective tone to be credible.
Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, which he broadened into his Unified Field Theory, in which there is a single mathematical equation of eight characters for light, gravitation and electromagnetism has not worked out due to the Principle of Indeterminacy where the Quantum of Action of particles is involved. This, in turn, is due to the energies of these particles being too close to the borderline where they partake of astral properties. But Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity has now become almost universally accepted by physicists the world over and has become the foundation of the physics as taught at present in our universities. (The Next Life)
Upton Sinclair reported friendship with Einstein in southern California in his autobiography:
I had been corresponding with Einstein for some years. He had read some of my books and had written me: “To the most beautiful joys of my life belongs your wicked tongue.” He had promised to come to see me, and soon after his arrival in Pasadena, Craig’s sister Dolly came in and reported, “There’s an old man walking up and down on the street, and he keeps looking at the house.” Craig said “Go out and ask what he wants.” Dolly went and came back to report, “He says he’s Dr. Einstein.” Craig said “Go bring him in,” and called to me. Such was the beginning of as lovely a friendship as anyone could have in this world. I report him as the kindest, gentlest, sweetest of men. He had a keen wit, a delightful sense of humor, and his tongue could be sharp, but only for the evils of this world. I don’t like the word “radical,” but that is the word that the world chose to employ about me, and Einstein was as radical as I was.
PREFACE (to Mental Radio)
I have read the book of Upton Sinclair with great interest and am convinced that the same deserves the most earnest consideration, not only of the laity, but also of the psychologists by profession. The results of the telepathic experiments carefully and plainly set forth in this book stand surely far beyond those which a nature investigator holds to be thinkable. On the other hand, it is out of the question in the case of so conscientious an observer and writer as Upton Sinclair that he is carrying on a conscious deception of the reading world; his good faith and dependability are not to be doubted. So if somehow the facts here set forth rest not upon telepathy, but upon some unconscious hypnotic influence from person to person, this also would be of high psychological interest. In no case should the psychologically interested circles pass over this book heedlessly.
[signed] A. Einstein
May 23, 1930
Some of the nearly 200 names of people whose entire natal charts appear in the BOL Lessons are hard to identify historically, while others are hard to categorize. So there is some work ahead, but a first run through the identifiable individuals yielded a clear pattern. California residents are highly prominent, as they are included in most categories. I have italicized those who lived, worked, or wrote in California according to online biographical data.
23 Writers:
Faith Baldwin, Nicholas Butler, Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Thomas H. Burgoyne, James Branch Cabell, W. H. Chaney, Irvin S. Cobb, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Charles Fillmore, Sarah Stanley Grimke, Elbert Hubbard, Robinson Jeffers, Jack London, O. O. McIntyre, Sylvan Muldoon, John Henry Nash, William Dudley Pelley, Ernie Pyle, Robert E. Sherwood, Upton Sinclair, Robert B. Stacy-Judd, Ralph Waldo Trine, Mark Twain.
33 Actors, Directors, Musicians:
Mary Astor, Lew Ayres, Tallulah Bankhead, Elaine Barrymore, Ethel Barrymore, John Barrymore, David Belasco, Ben Bernie, Edgar Bergen, Montgomery Clift, Jackie Coogan, Noel Coward, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Marie Dressler, Eleanora Duse, Douglas Fairbanks, Alice Faye, Daniel Frohman, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Janet Gaynor, Hedda Hopper, Eva le Gallienne, Yehudi Menuhin, Ethelbert Nevin, Norma Shearer, Ernestine Shumann-Heink, Leopold Stokowski, Shirley Temple, Arturo Toscanini, King Vidor, Esther Williams.
34 US Politicians and Military
Hugo Black, Harry Bridges, Calvin Coolidge, Edith Mary Corns, Thomas Dewey, James Doolittle, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John Nance Garner, Warren G. Harding, Herbert Hoover, Eugene Iscaluz, Hiram Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Goodwin K. Knight, John L. Lewis, Huey Long, John S. McGroarty, Douglas MacArthur, Dale H. Maple, George Marshall, Tom Mooney, George Murphy, Richard Nixon, Gerald P. Nye, Culbert Olson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, Margaret Chase Smith, Harold Stassen, Eugene Talmadge, Harry S. Truman, Henry A. Wallace, Earl Warren, Wendell Willkie.
29 Scientists, Explorers, Athletes, Aviators:
Mars Baumgart, Luther Burbank, Richard E. Byrd, Edith Cavell, Charles Coryell, Emile Coue, Dr. Allan Dafoe, Joseph DeLee, Donald W. Douglass, Vicki Draves, Amelia Earhardt, Hugo Eckener, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Nicholas Fokker, Marjorie Gestring, Clarence A. Gilbert, Smith E. Jelliffe, Gugliermo Marconi, Charles H. Mayo, Louis Pasteur, Wiley Post, Eddie Rickenbacker, Beardsley Ruml, M. Stanley, Nicholas Tesla, Gene Tunney, George Westinghouse, Count Zeppelin.
11 World Leaders:
Bismarck, Chiang Kai-Shek, Winston Churchill, Anthony Eden, Hirohito, Adolf Hitler, Pierre Laval, Nikolai Lenin, Benito Mussolini, Philippe Petain, Josef Stalin.
12 Church of Light Leaders:
Elbert Benjamine, Elizabeth Benjamine, Maria Benjamine, Lenora Conwell, Doris Doane, Edward Doane, W.M.A. Drake, Adelaide Himadi, Vena Naughton, Enid Schultz, Margarita Silby, H.S.D. Starnaman.
Starting with October, the blog will feature one individual per month whose natal chart is included with biographical information in the Brotherhood of Light Lessons. We know that Elbert and his collaborators studied some charts of famous people who were perceived as political heroes or villains, some were Church of Light leaders, while others were in the headlines in news events like the Lindberghs.
Aimee Semple McPherson was surely studied because she was in the news, but our October born example illustrates the wild proliferation of personality cults and religious profiteers described by our September born example in his The Profits of Religion first published in 1917. It opens with a fictional encounter with someone trying to attain human levitation through meditation techniques, which reminds me of such claims from Transcendental Meditation leaders in the 1980s.
In his chapter The Face of Caesar, Upton Sinclair wrote “The thesis of this book is the effect of fixed dogma in producing mental paralysis by Economic Exploitation.” In the introduction he creates a fictional dialogue with a cultist:
“I approach one and say to him, friend, what is this you are doing?
He answers, without pausing to glance at me, ‘I am performing spiritual exercises. See how I rise?’
“But, I say, ‘you are not rising at all!’
Whereat he becomes instantly angry. ‘You are one of the scoffers!’
But, friend, I protest, ‘don’t you feel the earth under your feet?’
‘You are a materialist!’
‘But, friend, I can see…’
‘You are without spiritual vision!’
I have heard variations of this script from many different directions, directed at me and many others in recent years, so it was refreshing to see their actual dialogue was written long ago. Upton Sinclair writes about dozens of obscure cults but also at great length about mainstream churches as evidence for his thesis about the economics of religion. His comment about the two I’ve studied at length seems prescient of how I feel about them a hundred years later as historical research subjects: “Also there are the Christian Scientists and the Theosophists, so exasperating that one would like to throw them onto the rubbish-heap, who yet compel us to sift over their mountains of chaff for the grains of truth that will bear fruit in the future.” (from the chapter Black Magic.)
Here is a recent article about Sister Aimee’s disappearace:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-incredible-disappearing-evangelist-572829/
In the realm of collective biographers, Elbert Benjamine was extremely prolific in giving short life chronologies along with natal charts for famous people living and dead. I will be discussing several such lives, and new research about them. But two stand out as astrological twins, yet Elbert publishes their natal charts side by side without commenting on the identical birth dates.
Approaching the Brotherhood of Light lessons as documents of early twentieth century esotericism, we often find Elbert Benjamine referring to contemporary events in ways that require us to read between the lines. I have personally witnessed this phenomenon in the latter half of the twentieth century among reincarnationist followers of many different spiritual teachers:
The student upon his first approach to occult science is impressed generally with the notion that he must accept unquestioningly the dogma of human reincarnation as the foundation of truth if he is to accept any part of occult teachings. So fully has this subtle doctrine permeated western esoterics that few have the hardihood to express their opinions if these are contrary to the popular current. It is so firmly entrenched that anyone daring to present the opposite side of the question is, if possible, immediately squelched, discredited, and made an object of discountenance and suspicion. [Astrological Signatures, pp. 117-118]
For more than twelve years this blog has featured discussion of dozens of “adepts” in various lineages that can be seen as “ancestral” without any negative repercussions. But “the Masters” or “the Mahatmas” runs up against biases that are insurmountable because “the Masters” means only two authors of the Mahatma Letters, the most sacred of scriptures. No one can ever learn anything historical about the alleged authors, cannot seek their birth dates and places and parents’ names: no evidence and reasoning allowed. Anyone who tries to be reasonable and evidence based thereby proves his spiritual and intellectual inferiority; this was written in all seriousness in two official publications as “refutations” of historical research, so I understand Elbert when he writes:
Now, I am convinced it is a most dangerous omen when people permit themselves to be so dominated by any new idea, religious or political, that they fear to hear it criticized. It is an augur of approaching mental slavery. Prohibiting critical investigation has been the method employed through countless ages by religious and political autocracies, and where successful has never failed effectually to block the path of mental and spiritual progress. Error must ever be hedged and protected by a wall of prejudice and intolerance, but truth is strong enough to withstand in the open the assault of mental conflict. [Astrological Signatures, p. 118]
That final line is reassuring and sent me to Google Books looking to see recent citations of my historical research and found eight titles from 2020, eleven from 2021, and six from 2022, almost all citing my first two SUNY Press books. Not all of these would be relevant enough to feature in future blog posts, but many will be. Here are the most recent ones, from last year —
Accelerating Human Evolution by Theosophical Initiation: … – Page 399
Yves Mühlematter · 2022 de Gruyter
Performance and Modernity – Page 278
Julia A. Walker · 2022 Cambridge University Press
The Sacred Life of Modernist Literature
Allan Kilner-Johnson · 2022 Bloomsbury Press
A Woman’s Empire: Russian Women and Imperial Expansion in Asia
Katya Hokanson · 2022 University of Toronto Press
The Religious Revolution: The Birth of Modern Spirituality.
Dominic Green · 2022 Farrar, Straus, Giroux
Celebrating the Male Mysteries: Revised and Extended Edition
R. J. Stewart · 2022 Aeon Books
This news story from the Oakland Tribune is dated July 29, 1938:
“Nature’s Gifts,” this newspaper article from the Los Angeles Times from December 16, 1929, shows Elbert Benjamine as a trusted authority on wildlife and conservation issues in the region.
The authors recently published in the History of the Adepts series associated with this blog have several features in common. In addition to being in various ways predecessors to the Brotherhood of Light lessons, they all have been lost to literary history after being defamed, marginalized, and forgotten. But neither of these common features would justify years of editorial labor bringing them back to life in print. Rather, it is historical reliability and relevance that made me rescue these literary orphans (with a huge amount of help from my friends.) Historical reliability is hardly a feature of 19th century Spiritualist and Theosophical literature in general. Emma Hardinge Britten fictionalizing her acquaintances was a Spiritualist corruption of history; Helena Blavatsky did more such damage with her Mahatma letters and various miracles on behalf of Theosophy. Theosophists and Spiritualists might attribute spiritual authority to books like Art Magic or The Mahatma Letters, but spiritual authority has perpetually clashed with historical expertise and accuracy.
Wilder and Johnson were present at the beginnings of Theosophy and Spiritualism, and their letters provide voluminous accurate historical information about many key players. Their communications are devoid of miracles, mystery-mongering, spirit messages, or talk of past lives. Chintamon was also present at the beginnings and became a whistleblower on Theosophical frauds. This more philosophical than religious approach was also found in Stebbins and Grimke who were grounded in yoga and New Thought. If Theosophical and Spiritualist literature are rife with misleading distortions of history, misinformation compounded by disinformation—with Blavatsky and Britten giving highly biased versions of their sectarian warfare—how does Elbert Benjamine clean up such a toxic waste site, producing a large body of work free of such corruption? With some advice from friends of a previous generation.
The Brotherhood of Light lessons were published with complete editorial independence and control by the author, in order to protect himself and the members from unethical behavior by publishers that had severely damaged the literary careers of late 19thc authors, especially T.H. Burgoyne/Norman Astley, who was caught in the crossfire between Theosophy and Spiritualism. Others of the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor in America had witnessed the confusion caused by pseudonymous writings and literary quarrels. From the very first small booklet, Elbert’s writings were under his own control and not subject to interference and distortions by others with dubious motives. This gives The Church of Light a much more solid foundation than groups descending from the same era, freeing us from the endless distractions and confusion typical of most 20thc American “occultist” literature with competing claims to spiritual authority, to which historical accuracy is entirely sacrificed. (Written as the 2022 convention in Albuquerque is concluding and I count my blessings to have been associated with this group for almost 17 years.)
At the 2019 Church of Light conference I gave a presentation related to the recently published second volume of the Thomas Moore Johnson Correspondence. In 2021 it became possible to organize a series of publications and to produce affordable hardcovers. By the end of the year the History of the Adepts Series consisted of five titles by four authors, some paperback, some hardcover. I have donated copies of each title to the 2022 convention and to prepare conferees would like to explain the relationships among them and my own role in each. In order of relevance to Church of Light members, in my estimation:
In future blog posts I will comment on individual cases, but my general comment is that “Religious Studies” or any variation like “Theosophical History” is never a perfect fit for the likes of Wilder, Johnson, Grimke, Chintamon, or the Astleys, all of whom are more interested in philosophy than religion. Interaction among American and South Asian writers and their mutual acquaintances in Europe 1875-1895 about encapsulates all my scholarly expertise. After forty years of immersion in writings of this period it is more clear than ever that the mutual interest and respect was based on philosophy at least as much as religion.
For the rest of 2022 the author of the Brotherhood of Light Lessons will be the focus of most new blog posts, after 12 years of attention to his nineteenth century predecessors. For a start, here are his parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, wives and children. Attached below is an aerial view of their hometown, Adel, Iowa.
With many new publications in the last four years about the nineteenth century, I want to encourage readers to cite the new books rather than blog posts when discussing Grimke, Wilder, or Chintamon about whom I have been sharing information, hence posted their prefaces on academia. Here in this blog, I will turn my attention to the twentieth century and Elbert Benjamine and his associates, not doing original research but simply sharing newspaper articles, of which there are plenty involving him.
In the 1930s and 40s, most of them are about The Church of Light but in the 1920s his outdoor activities and interests often appear. Here an article mentions him as involved with the Nature Club in 1925 which continued throughout his life.
SAGITTARIUS—3rd Decanate. The third decanate of Sagittarius, the Leo decanate, is pictured among the constellations by SAGITTA—the Arrow. This is the arrow that Mithra shot against a rock and a stream of water immediately gushed forth. It symbolized the soul piercing the illusions of matter and through this comprehension of the meaning of incarnate existence being able to quench its thirst at the fountain of Divine Consciousness.
Those born under this decanate may either tread the path of pleasure, or climb the royal road to spiritual supremacy. Being the kingly section of the sign of the higher mind, when the sporting proclivities relating to the fifth sign’s influence are transmuted, they have not only the ability to perceive things in their proper relation, but also to synthesize their observations and impart this knowledge to others. They, therefore, reach their greatest usefulness as teachers and leaders of philosophical and religious thought. And when faithful to their ideals and persistent in adhering to their own conceptions they reach the highest states of consciousness possible to embodied man.
C. C. Zain—pen name of Elbert Benjamine—author of all 210 Brotherhood of Light lessons, author of over a thousand magazine articles on astrology or occultism, and one of the three founders of the Church of Light, was born when the Sun was here. Krishnamurti, head of the Order of the Star in the East, who refused to pose as an avatar, and author of At the Feet of the Master, was born when the Moon was in this section of the sky. And Maria M. Benjamine, whose wifely sympathy and constant assistance contributed markedly to all the later work of C. C. Zain, and who worked vigorously and unselfishly to disseminate The Religion of the Stars, was born with this division of Sagittarius on the Ascendant. It is the decanate of ILLUMINATION.
Thanks to Vicki Brewer for scanning and sharing this most important of all biographical and historical articles for students of the Brotherhood of Light lessons. Future blog posts will refer back to this but for now my main “take” is that Elbert was recruited by Sarah B. Anderson and Belle Wagner to fill the vacancy created by the death of Minnie Higgin. An apparent falling out between the Wagners on one hand and the Andersons and Elbert on the other came later.
The 1920 legal name change from Benjamin P. Williams to Elbert Benjamine was caused, he said, by ostracism from his relatives in Iowa motivated by religious antagonism. His Williams relatives in Iowa consisted at that point of his five children and ex-wife living on a poultry farm outside of Adel and his mother living in town, none of whom could be fairly accused of ostracizing their father, ex-husband, and son. And yet it is clear that SOME relatives wanted him change his name legally if he was determined to pursue a career as a writer and teacher of astrology, Tarot, and other things not discussed in Adel polite society.
The census records of the Williams and Benjamine families from 1910 through 1940 provide an interesting clue to events of 1920 as well as a reminder of a major mystery of 1910.
In the first entry we see that as of the 1910 census Benjamin Williams is not just divorced (as we see from his ex-wife’s status in the censuses of 1910, 1920, and 1930) but remarried to Rita or Reta, an Iowa native born around 1876, living in Steilacoom, Washington, doing odd jobs. Here is a 1910 photograph from Steilacoom looking across Puget Sound towards the Olympic Mountains.
Grace Williams was apparently opposed to her husband’s literary ambitions and interests from the start, and Elizabeth Benjamine was fully supportive of him throughout their marriage. But crucial years of his contact with the Brotherhood and beginning of public work (Denver in 1909 through Carmel in 1918) took place between the divorce from Grace and the marriage to Elizabeth, about which the best eyewitness account would be from Rita about whom we know nothing at this point other than what is in the 1910 census.
While the 1910 census raises many unanswered questions, the 1920 census points to an answer to a question– what was behind Benjamin/Elbert’s claims of being ostracized and harmed in business prospects by his family in 1920? Grace is at home on a chicken farm with five children in 1920, but Emma Green Williams is not at home in Iowa but rather staying at a boarding house on North Broadway, the main thoroughfare nearest the home of Elizabeth and Elbert in Los Angeles. We can surmise from this that she was not entirely antagonistic to her son and new daughter in law if she was willing to go to California to see what they were up to. That in the aftermath of this visit the legal name change occurred is likely related to Emma’s advice, but a new piece of evidence about her own sister’s family the Clarkes suggests where the real pressure was coming from.
Emma’s next younger sister Arletta Green Clarke was the wife of the governor of Iowa from 1913 through 1917, the period in which Benjamin fathered three more children with his ex-wife after marrying another woman. Since Rita was a native Iowan whose parents were also Iowa-born, it is likely that Iowa acquaintances of the Williamses and Clarkes and Greens knew her identity, although that story is now lost. Elbert had four first cousins in Iowa all of whom were also sons and daughters of the governor. George Washington Clarke had been Lieutenant Governor of Iowa from 1909 through 1913, so his combined tenure in the capital of eight years occurred precisely during the years when his Williams in-laws were probably setting tongues wagging in Adel and possibly Des Moines as well.
Emma Green Williams left Elbert Benjamine a substantial inheritance upon her death in 1932 which he used to build up the church of which his son Will was now an employee. Will likewise changed his surname to Benjamine, the only one of her grandchildren to do so and the only one to be publicly associated with The Church of Light. Her presence in Los Angeles in 1920 suggests that perhaps a legal name change was imposed as a condition of future inheritance, assuring that the Williams name would not be associated with astrology and occultism.
Here is a summary of Clarke’s gubernatorial career from a national database of state governors:
A birthday tribute to Elbert Benjamine’s hometown in the form of an aerial tour, two and a half minutes in which the scenic views of the town itself appear in the latter half.
On May 3, 1900, this story appeared in the Perry, Iowa Chief-Reporter:
This first known newspaper reference to the 17 year old future author of the Brotherhood of Light lessons illustrates some character traits that were still vividly evident four and five decades later. They also suggest why his first marriage, in 1903, reportedly occurred in Oregon. He was the only son of an only son, which rules out Williams siblings or cousins, but his mother’s brother Judge Sturgis Green had relocated to Oregon by 1900 with a primary residence in Portland. The judge had a stepson named Allen Hickey who had been born in Adel but was living in Oregon where he married in 1899. Hence Benny’s Oregon travels likely involved his uncle and cousin.
The focus of this blog will remain the 19th century precursors of the Brotherhood of Light lessons, but events of the first two decades of the 20th, including the birth of five children, defined the context in which Benny’s public life as Elbert was lived after 1920. Dennis Sutton’s two studies of Elbert (available for sale on light.org) are exhaustive on his public life after 1920 but evidence on his early life as Benny has become much more interesting in the years since they were published, thanks to online ancestry websites. Thanks to Marc Demarest for finding this gem.
The planets in your chart are balanced on the two (East and West) sides of your chart. Your life’s course tends to be a mix of both molding and being molded by circumstances.
The line formed by the Ascendant and Descendant (opposite the Ascendant) divide the astrological chart in half, where planets and houses above the line are above the horizon and vice versa. The higher, or more elevated, a planet in the chart, the more publicity it gets. Planets below the horizon are more private and relate to activities in the life that are generally hidden from public view.
The planets in your chart are primarily below the horizon, and are related generally to private and personal matters that get little public attention.
The following analysis shows the distribution of the planets among the various elements and qualities of the zodiacal signs, which provides excellent indicators of general temperament and disposition.
(In the analysis below, note that the Sun, Moon, Ascendant, Mercury and the Dominant Planet carry more weight in a sign, triplicity or quadruplicity than the other planets and may override a ranking by astrodynes.)
| Element | Sign | Planets in Sign | Element Power* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire signs: | Sagittarius | Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars | 433.70 |
| Earth signs: | Taurus | Saturn, Neptune, Pluto | 334.98 |
| Virgo | Uranus, MC | ||
| Capricorn | Moon | ||
| Air signs: | Gemini | Jupiter | 150.57 |
| Water signs: | Scorpio | Asc | 119.81 |
The distribution of planets in your chart among the four elements shows a preponderance of Fire (Sun, Dominant Planet, Mercury, 2 other Planets) and Earth (Moon, 4 other Planets, MC) but with little Water (Asc) or Air (1 Planet). With lots of Fire and Earth, both following descriptions apply to a certain extent. The power you have in Fire signs indicates INSPIRATION and shows you to be enthusiastic, optimistic and self-reliant. The power you have in Earth signs indicates PRACTICALITY and shows you to be down to earth, sensible, industrious and practical. With very little Water or Air, try to cultivate sympathy and kindly emotions and try to cultivate an increased interest in mental activities and intellectual ideas.
The zodiacal signs fall into three types: Movable (Cardinal), Mutable and Fixed. The three types are known as the Quadruplicities (there are four signs in each type) or the Qualities. (See appendix.) The distribution of the planets in your chart among the three types determines your level of adaptability, and is a key determinant of temperament.
| Quality | Sign | Planets in Sign | Quality Power* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movable signs: | Capricorn | Moon | 183.78 |
| Fixed signs: | Taurus | Saturn, Neptune, Pluto | 275.68 |
| Scorpio | Asc | ||
| Mutable signs: | Gemini | Jupiter | 579.60 |
| Virgo | Uranus, MC | ||
| Sagittarius | Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars |
The distribution of planets in your chart among the three Qualities shows lots of power in Mutable signs (Sun, Dominant Planet, Mercury, 4 other Planets, MC) but with some activity in Fixed signs (Asc, 3 other Planets). There is little power in the Movable (Moon) signs. Many planets in Mutable signs indicates power to adapt to whatever environment is present. The Mutable signs are a happy medium between the excessive activity of the Movable (cardinal) signs and the stubborn resistance of the Fixed signs. You’re not a trail-blazer, but rather a trail-builder. Mutable people are the most adaptable of all. They are the DEVELOPERS. You also have some of the qualities of the Fixed signs such as determination. With very little power in Movable signs, look for ways to exercise initiative.
The Houses, or departments of life, are naturally grouped into three categories or domains: Personal, Companionship and Public. This is a good indicator of where your interests, desires and energy naturally incline. This can be especially helpful in analyzing close personal relationships like marriage, where partners interests are largely focused in different domains, e. g., public or personal vs companionship. Cultural gender differences can also ameliorate or exacerbate diverging interests and desires.
| Category | Pow | Harm | Points | Assessment | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal | 495.16 | -55.83 | 20 | Lots | Sun, Dominant Planet, Moon, Mercury, Asc, 2 other Planets, 5 astrodyne points |
| Companionship | 262.42 | -48.99 | 6 | LittleOrNone | 3 Planets, 3 astrodyne points |
| Public | 281.47 | -15.16 | 6 | LittleOrNone | 2 Planets, MC, 3 astrodyne points |
The distribution of planets in your chart among the three Societies shows that most of your energy, thought and activity involve the Personal houses (departments of life). The Personal houses (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 12th) map feelings and desires that relate to the private life including personal and health matters, personal wealth and possessions, personal interests, siblings and personal restrictions and disappointments. Little planetary power in the Public or Companionship departments of life indicates less interest in activities that are widely known or the strength of the desires to associate with others through home, children, work and partnership.
Through Astrodyne analysis one can analyze the power and harmony of the planets, signs and houses in your chart. The objective of this analysis is to indicate which areas will bring the most benefit into the life and which areas need work. Subsequent sections will explore in more detail the various departments of life (The Houses) and associated key aspects between planets. Below you will find the Astrodyne Table for your chart followed by an analysis of the best, worst and most powerful planets, houses and signs.
The astrodyne table, immediately below, analyzes the power and harmony of each planet, house and sign in your chart. The columns show (1) object name, the absolute astrodyne (2) power and (3) harmony, the Zscores indicating (4) relative power and (5) harmony, and the corresponding qualitative assessment of the relative (6) power and (7) harmony of each element in the chart based on the Zscores. Assessing a relative qualitative score is important because absolute values can be somewhat misleading and there are no “population” statistics from which to judge absolute power and harmony. An asterisk “*” in the power or harmony Zscore columns indicates that the value is an “outlier” which skews the distribution, in which case it is removed and the Zscores recomputed to provide a more accurate picture.
The tables below are a reference summary. The planets, houses and signs, and their influence on you character and fortune, are described throughout the report.
| (1) Object | (2) Power | (3) Harmony | (4) Power Zscore | (5) Harmony Zscore | (6) Relative Power | (7) Relative Harmony |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | 95.76 | -7.20 | 1.80 | -0.01 | powerful | mildly discordant |
| Moon | 24.12 | 8.23 | -1.34 | 1.51 | weak | very harmonious |
| Mercury | 82.74 | -8.27 | 1.23 | -0.12 | powerful | mildly discordant |
| Venus | 34.06 | 9.01 | -0.90 | 1.58 | weak | very harmonious |
| Mars | 83.60 | -22.38 | 1.27 | -1.51 | powerful | discordant |
| Jupiter | 59.95 | 3.00 | 0.23 | 0.99 | average | harmonious |
| Saturn | 59.86 | -20.70 | 0.23 | -1.34 | average | discordant |
| Uranus | 61.60 | -11.44 | 0.31 | -0.43 | average | mildly discordant |
| Neptune | 40.07 | 0.05 | -0.64 | 0.70 | weak | harmonious |
| Pluto | 36.84 | -11.23 | -0.78 | -0.41 | weak | mildly discordant |
| MC | 24.14 | -5.28 | -1.34 | 0.18 | weak | mildly discordant |
| Asc | 52.63 | -18.46 | -0.09 | -1.12 | average | discordant |
| (1) House | (2) Power | (3) Harmony | (4) Power Zscore | (5) Harmony Zscore | (6) Relative Power | (7) Relative Harmony |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 378.91 | -55.70 | * | * | very powerful | discordant |
| 2nd | 54.10 | 9.73 | -0.16 | 1.38 | average | very harmonious |
| 3rd | 45.12 | -14.37 | -0.39 | -0.75 | average | mildly discordant |
| 4th | 25.01 | 0.76 | -0.93 | 0.58 | weak | harmonious |
| 5th | 41.80 | -11.19 | -0.48 | -0.47 | average | mildly discordant |
| 6th | 81.88 | -11.14 | 0.58 | -0.47 | moderately powerful | mildly discordant |
| 7th | 113.74 | -27.42 | 1.42 | -1.91 | powerful | discordant |
| 8th | 101.33 | -1.13 | 1.09 | 0.42 | powerful | neutral |
| 9th | 36.00 | 2.31 | -0.64 | 0.72 | weak | harmonious |
| 10th | 127.11 | -20.85 | 1.78 | -1.33 | powerful | discordant |
| 11th | 17.03 | 4.51 | -1.14 | 0.91 | weak | harmonious |
| 12th | 17.03 | 4.51 | -1.14 | 0.91 | weak | harmonious |
| (1) Sign | (2) Power | (3) Harmony | (4) Power Zscore | (5) Harmony Zscore | (6) Relative Power | (7) Relative Harmony |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aries | 83.60 | -22.38 | 0.41 | -0.94 | average | mildly discordant |
| Taurus | 153.81 | -27.37 | 1.93 | -1.32 | powerful | discordant |
| Gemini | 101.33 | -1.13 | 0.79 | 0.67 | moderately powerful | neutral |
| Cancer | 12.06 | 4.11 | -1.14 | 1.07 | weak | very harmonious |
| Leo | 23.94 | -1.80 | -0.89 | 0.62 | weak | neutral |
| Virgo | 127.11 | -20.85 | 1.35 | -0.82 | powerful | mildly discordant |
| Libra | 34.06 | 9.01 | -0.67 | 1.44 | weak | very harmonious |
| Scorpio | 82.74 | -26.86 | 0.39 | -1.28 | average | discordant |
| Sagittarius | 326.15 | -27.34 | * | -1.32 | very powerful | discordant |
| Capricorn | 54.05 | -2.12 | -0.23 | 0.60 | average | mildly discordant |
| Aquarius | 15.18 | -4.02 | -1.08 | 0.45 | weak | neutral |
| Pisces | 25.01 | 0.76 | -0.86 | 0.82 | weak | harmonious |
The most harmonious planet in your chart is Venus, which maps your Social Urges, and is in your 1st House. Venus is weak and less active relative to the other planets in your chart. Your Venus is in the sign Sagittarius, which gives it a(n) bright, enthusiastic and generous nature. Being in the 1st House, it expresses through activities related to personality, physical body, physical appearance and demeanor, quality of the personal magnetism, personal prowess, personal matters and general health.
Venus is prominent in your chart due to being in an angular house and its close aspect to the Sun, even though weak by astrodyne power relative to the rest of your chart. To take advantage of the harmony, build up the power of Venus in your chart through activities relating to social activities, decor, art of all kinds, dancing, wearing apparel, confectionary, pastry, toiletries, jewelry, people of a social turn, and music and harmonious thoughts relating to affection, friendship, beauty, art, mirth, conjugality, or cohabitation.
The most harmonious House (Department of Life) in your chart is the 2nd House, which maps life activities relating to money, possessions and personal resources. The 2nd House has 9.73 harmodynes, is very harmonious and contains one planet: the Moon. See the section below on Analysis of Each Department of Life (The Houses) for an explanation of the effect of this planet on the affairs of the 2nd House.
The 2nd house has 54.10 astrodynes of power and is of average power relative to the other houses in your chart and thus has enough power to benefit your life.
The most harmonious zodiacal sign in your chart is Libra, which is on the cusp of your 11th and 12th Houses, due to this sign’s ruler Venus, which is in the 1st House. Venus is your best planet. The following table displays correspondences for the sign Libra from which you may benefit by association.
| Category | Correspondence |
|---|---|
| Nature | congenial, artistic and refined |
| Association | balance, marriage, partnership |
| Letter | Egyptian, Gomer; Hebrew, Gimel; Latin, G |
| Number | III, 3 |
| Color | lighter shades of yellow |
| Tone | high E |
| Human Function | sense of feeling |
| Remedy | such herbs as white rose, strawberry, violet, water-cress, primrose, heartsease, balm, pansy and lemon-thyme |
| Mineral | the talismanic gem, diamond; and such stones as white quartz, white spar and white marble |
The most discordant planet in you chart is Mars, which maps your Aggressive Urges, and is in your 1st House relating to personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics. Mars is powerful relative to the other planets in your chart. With your Mars in Sagittarius, your assertiveness and creativity are bright, enthusiastic and generous, especially relating to personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics.
The natural antidote for a discordant Mars is the application of Moon (Domestic Urges) thoughts and emotions such as care and nurturing of the young, providing for the helpless, weak and needy, making the domestic life more enjoyable for those in the home, and taking care of their needs, especially in relation to 1st House activities including personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics.
The most discordant House in your chart is the 1st House, which governs the department of life relating to personality, physical body, physical appearance and demeanor, quality of the personal magnetism, personal prowess, personal matters and general health. The 1st house has 378.91 astrodynes of power and is the most powerful house in the chart. The 1st House has -55.70 discordynes and contains four planets: Venus, Mercury, Mars and the Sun. The Sun is your Dominant Planet, which is described in more detail in the Dominant Planet section above. Mars is also your Worst Planet, which is described in the “Worst Planet” section. Venus is also your Best Planet, which is described in the “Best Planet” section. See the section below on Analysis of Each Department of Life (The Houses) for an explanation of the effect of these planets on the affairs of the 1st House.
The most discordant zodiacal Sign in you chart is Taurus, which is on the cusp of your 7th House. The sign Taurus has 153.81 astrodynes of power and is powerful relative to the other signs in your chart. It has -27.37 discordynes and contains Saturn, Neptune and Pluto.
The most powerful planet in your chart is the Sun, which is generally referred to as your Dominant Planet. The Sun is in your 1st House relating to personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics, and is mildly discordant relative to the other planets in your chart. See the discussion of you Dominant Planet above.
The most powerful house (Department of Life) in your chart is the 1st House relating to personality, physical body, physical appearance and demeanor, quality of the personal magnetism, personal prowess, personal matters and general health. The 1st House is also the most discordant house in your chart, and contains Venus, Mercury, Mars and the Sun. See the section below on Analysis of Each Department of Life (The Houses) for a detailed discussion of this house.
The most powerful zodiacal sign in your chart is Sagittarius. Sagittarius is on the cusp of your 2nd House, is discordant relative to the other signs in your chart, and contains the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars. See discussion of Sagittarius in the Sun Sign section of “Your Key Chart Points and General Characteristics” above.
The following sections describe the most significant aspects between the planets in the chart. (See the Glossary in the Appendix for more on Aspects and how they express.)
The most powerful aspect in the chart is Sun Conjunction Mars. At -3.65 discordynes, this aspect is mildly discordant. The Sun is in the 1st House relating to personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics. Mars is also in the 1st. This conjunction aspect shows that this area of life experiences a powerful association. The aspect shows the vitality, authority and the relations with men influence, and are influenced by assertiveness, combativeness, amativeness and expenditure of energy. This conjunction aspect indicates a powerful association between these factors showing good vitality, strife with or over authority, and, to the extent that the aspect is powerful, a tendency to rashness and accident are shown.
The most harmonious zodiacal aspect in the chart is Moon Trine Neptune. At 14.60 astrodynes, this aspect is very powerful. The Moon is in the 2nd House relating to money and possessions. Neptune is in the 6th House relating to work, coworkers and subordinates and/or illness and the infirm. This very harmonious trine aspect shows that these two areas of life experience cooperation to bring good luck. The aspect shows the mental attitude, domestic life and everyday affairs influence, and are influenced by, idealism, the imagination, sensitivity and schemes. This very harmonious trine aspect indicates these factors work harmoniously together showing benefit from schemes, psychic impressions and women.
The most harmonious parallel aspect in the chart is Sun Parallel Jupiter. Since this aspect is also the most powerful parallel aspect in the chart, it is of great benefit. See discussion of Most Powerful aspect above.
The most discordant aspect in the chart is Saturn Opposition Ascendant. At 11.95 astrodynes, this aspect is powerful. Saturn is in the 7th House relating to marriage and partnership. The Ascendant is on the cusp of the 1st House that relates to the effect on the personality, health and personal affairs from the aspects made to it, which, in this case, is the Opposition aspect from Saturn. This discordant opposition aspect shows that these two areas of life experience a painful separation, are mutually exclusive, and force a choice between one or the other. The aspect shows work, responsibility, and economy or loss influence, and are influenced by, the personality, physical body and health. This discordant opposition aspect indicates these factors negatively affect each other showing a cool, cautious personality but overwork, increased responsibility, and the need for economy have negative impact on the personality and health. Pleasant thoughts of significance and self-esteem along with pleasant thoughts of affection and a harmonious social life need to be substituted for worry and anxiety.
The following paragraphs identify planetary configurations in your chart that are of special interest.
Configuration 1 is a T-Square where:
There is an OPPOSITION aspect between Jupiter in the 8th House and Sun (À), Mercury and Mars in the 1st House with Uranus in the 10th House SQUARE both opposition planets forming a “T”.
The total power of this configuration is 86.85 astrodynes, consists of 10 aspects in total and maps a powerful influence in the life.
This is a discordant configuration referred to as a T-Square, where two planets oppose each other (OPPOSITION aspect) and a third planet forms a SQUARE aspect to both planets in the opposition.
This configuration in your chart involves the planets Jupiter, Uranus, Sun, Mercury and Mars, which govern:
The departments of life involved in this discordant configuration, indicated by the house positions of the planets involved, are:
(See the more detailed discussion of each house in the “Analysis for Each Department of Life” section below.)
The planets in OPPOSITION are Jupiter opposing Sun, Mercury and Mars affecting the 8th House and 1st House. Though not as violent as the Square aspect, because of its persistence and power, the Opposition aspect is usually considered the worst aspect. The energies of the planets oppose one another, forcing you to make a choice between the two areas of life (houses) involved in the opposition. This constant struggle between the opposing planets develops slowly and unrelentingly.
In your chart, this means the thoughts and feelings of abundance, optimism, goodwill, benevolence, veneration, hope or devotion (Jupiter) expressing through partner’s money, fiduciary responsibilities and inheritance (8th House) are in direct conflict with the vitality, significance, self-esteem and authority (Sun) and your mental interests, the facility and accuracy of expression and the type and intensity of thoughts (Mercury) and your behavior relating to construction, destruction, initiative, aggression, combat and amativeness (Mars) expressing through personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics (1st House), forcing you to choose one or the other. The result is that the qualities of these planets, in this case the Jupiter opposing Sun, Mercury and Mars, are brought into great prominence. Your greatest potential abilities are mapped by oppositions. Many highly successful people have oppositions in their birth charts that they must overcome.
The two Square aspects in this configuration are:
Uranus mapping the independence, originality, inventiveness, unorthodox ideas and sudden events in your 10th House relating to career, credit, reputation and mother SQUARES BOTH
Jupiter mapping the thoughts and feelings of abundance, optimism, goodwill, benevolence, veneration, hope or devotion in the 8th House ruling partner’s money, fiduciary responsibilities and inheritance AND
Sun, Mercury and Mars mapping the vitality, significance, self-esteem and authority and your mental interests, the facility and accuracy of expression and the type and intensity of thoughts and your behavior relating to construction, destruction, initiative, aggression, combat and amativeness in the 1st House ruling personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics
The Square aspect acts abruptly, brings acute crises, and temporary periods of struggle between the things signified by the two planets and the houses they occupy. It signifies positive lack of adaptation to environment, and consequent conflict.
Discordant aspects force you to overcome OBSTACLES (Square aspects) and SEPARATION (opposition aspects), and thereby build powerful mental and emotional muscle that provide the strength and energy required for outstanding achievement.
Configuration 2 is an Opposition Drain where:
Uranus in the 10th House act as a harmonious conciliating “drain” to the OPPOSITION between Saturn, Neptune and Pluto in the 7th and 6th Houses and Ascendant in the 1st House with Uranus TRINE Saturn, Neptune and Pluto and SEXTILE Ascendant.
The total power of this configuration is 54.68 astrodynes, consists of 9 aspects in total and maps a powerful influence in the life.
This is a planetary configuration referred to as an Opposition Drain because there is a planet which act as a harmonious conciliatory factor between two planets making a discordant Opposition aspect. This configuration indicates an especially potent and harmonious source of Rallying Forces (see Glossary in Appendix) because the conciliating planet breaks up the Opposition aspect between the other two planets by making a harmonious Sextile aspect to one and a very harmonious Trine aspect to the other. The Opposition maps an aerial which picks up planetary energy loaded with separative static. But such an Opposition also maps at each terminal, thought cells into which have been built a tremendous amount of energy. This energy, from both groups of thought cells at the ends of the opposition, is tapped harmoniously by the group of thought cells mapped by the planet making the Sextile and the Trine.
The planets in opposition are Saturn, Neptune and Pluto opposing Ascendant affecting the 7th and 6th Houses and 1st House.
In your chart, this means the behavior relating to system, organization, hard work, responsibility, the need for economy, or loss (Saturn) and your imagination, increased sensitivity, psychic impressions, fantasy thinking, romance, apprehension, idealistic visions or schemes (Neptune) and your spirituality, groups, coercion, cooperation, subtle forces, drastic events or thoughts of universal welfare (Pluto) expressing through marriage and partnership (7th House) and work, coworkers and subordinates and/or illness and the infirm (6th House) are in direct conflict with the health, the personality, and personal affairs (Ascendant) expressing through personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics (1st House) forcing you to choose one or the other.
The result is that the qualities of the planets involved, in this case Saturn, Neptune and Pluto opposing Ascendant, are brought into great prominence.
The beneficial Trine and Sextile aspects in this configuration are:
The conciliating Uranus mapping the independence, originality, inventiveness, unorthodox ideas and sudden events in your 10th House relating to career, credit, reputation and mother is…
TRINE Saturn, Neptune and Pluto mapping the behavior relating to system, organization, hard work, responsibility, the need for economy, or loss and your imagination, increased sensitivity, psychic impressions, fantasy thinking, romance, apprehension, idealistic visions or schemes and your spirituality, groups, coercion, cooperation, subtle forces, drastic events or thoughts of universal welfare in the 7th and 6th Houses ruling marriage and partnership and work, coworkers and subordinates and/or illness and the infirm. The Trine aspect is the most harmonious aspect and the matters ruled by these two planets and the houses (departments of life) they occupy greatly benefit one another, bringing LUCK to the two areas of life.
AND
SEXTILE Ascendant mapping the health, the personality, and personal affairs in the 1st House ruling personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics. The Sextile aspect brings OPPORTUNITIES between the two planets and the houses the occupy, which must be cultivated to realize the full benefit.
To benefit from this configuration, spend as much time and effort in the 10th House as possible to maximize the LUCK (Trine aspect) and OPPORTUNITIES (Sextile aspect) to overcome SEPARATION (Opposition aspect).
The following paragraphs describe the various departments of life mapped by the Houses in your chart. See the appendix for a more detailed description of houses in general. The most astrologically active departments of life in your chart, in order of importance, are mapped by the 1st House, the 10th House, the 7th House, the 8th House and the 6th House.
The 1st House has dominion over activities of life relating to personality, physical body, physical appearance and demeanor, quality of the personal magnetism, personal prowess, personal matters and general health.
The 1st house is the Most Powerful House in your chart and is the subject of intense feeling, activity and events. This house is also the Worst House in your chart, is discordant and contains four planets: Venus, Mercury, Mars and the Sun. The Sun is your Dominant Planet. Mars is also your Worst Planet, which is described in the “Worst Planet” section under Astrodyne Analysis above. Venus is also your Best Planet.
Venus is prominent (being in an angular house and its close aspect to the Sun) although weak and less active relative to the power distribution in your chart, but is very harmonious.
Whatever house is occupied by Venus has a strong influence upon the affections, and through it an appeal to the affections can readily be made. Mating, companionship, affection and love are expressions of the thought cells mapped by this planet. The things denoted by this house tend to prosper not through effort and initiative, but through kindnesses and favors received because of grace of manners, and following the line of least resistance. Because the chief expression of the thought-cells in the unconscious mind mapped by Venus in the chart relate to the social life they are referred to as the Social Urges.
Venus in Sagittarius: With the Social Urges, embracing the emotions, the affections, social relationships and artistic appreciation expressing from the “I See” attitude of Sagittarius, seek a worthy subject for your loyal affections rather than allowing impulsiveness to settle for less.
Venus in the 1st House maps the Social Urges expressing through the personality, and indicates a pleasant, attractive demeanor. It also suggests one who may be fastidious and loves grace, music and artistic expression. Companionship is essential. When Venus is afflicted (discordant), there may be a tendency toward pliancy. Counteract this and avoid being too eager to please others and following the line of least resistance. Instead, be firm and assert your strength of character. In the long run, this will please others, allowing you to find satisfactory expression for your affection. The natural antidote for an afflicted Venus is to cultivate caution, system, fairness and foresight (Saturn Safety thoughts), along with thoughts and feelings of pride, dignity, firmness and self-esteem (Sun Power thoughts).
The most powerful aspect to Venus is Mercury Conjunction Venus. With 8.41 astrodynes of power, this aspect is moderately powerful and with 2.10 harmodynes is harmonious, relative to the other aspects in the chart. Mercury is also in the 1st. This conjunction aspect shows that this area of life experiences a powerful association. The aspect shows the mental interests, facility or accuracy of expression and cerebral activity influence, and are influenced by, the emotions, social relations and artistic appreciation. This conjunction aspect indicates a powerful association between these factors showing benefit through intellectual activity and social relations, and some artistic talent.
Mercury is prominent (being in an angular house and its close aspect to the Sun) and powerful and is mildly discordant.
Whatever house is occupied by Mercury becomes the subject of mental effort. The mind expresses itself readily where the things so denoted are concerned. The department of life ruled by the house occupied by Mercury is subject to thought and the subject of conversation. Because the chief expression of the thought-cells in the unconscious mind mapped by Mercury in the chart relate to the intellectual life, they are referred to as the Intellectual Urges.
Mercury in Sagittarius: With the Intellectual thought cells, governing cerebral processes, perception, comparison and communication, expressing from the “I See” attitude of Sagittarius, strive to have your speech, and your expression in general, be generous and loyal rather than impulsive and blunt. The best quality of Sagittarius is loyalty, and its worst quality is mischievousness.
Mercury in the 1st House indicates that the Intellectual Urges express through the personality. This give a loquacious, mentally alert personality that shows ability for speaking, writing and study. Your actions and expression tend to be based on logic and reasoning. You may be an inveterate traveler or inclined to write. Mercury is always mentally alert but can be restless and this will show in your personality. Mercury people often worry about the details and may feel responsible for more than their share. The natural antidote for this is reliance on a higher power and having faith that things will turn out well.
Mercury is also involved in one special planetary configurations in your chart:
The special configuration that Mercury is involved in is a T-Square (See Special Configuration #1 in the Special Chart Configurations section above) involving Jupiter and Uranus in the 8th and 10th Houses.
Mars is prominent (being in an angular house and its close aspect to the Sun) and powerful and is discordant.
Mars here indicates that forcefulness and energy are expressed through this department of life. Advantage is usually gained through initiative and combat. If loss is indicated by an afflicted (discordant) Mars, there is much struggle associated with it. There will be strenuous activity regarding the things ruled by this house. To the extent the thought cells mapped by Mars are prominent, is the life influenced by thoughts of construction, destruction, initiative, aggression, combat, sex, eating or drinking. Because the chief expression of the thought-elements in the unconscious mind mapped by Mars in the chart relate to attacking obstacles, they are referred to as the Aggressive Urges.
Mars in Sagittarius: Mars maps the Aggressive Urges, embracing thoughts and actions relating to construction, destruction, initiative, aggression, combat, sex, amativeness, eating and drinking. With the Aggressive thought-cells expressing from the “I See” attitude of Sagittarius, channel your initiative into developing a sound philosophy based on knowledge and avoid questionable sporting activity.
Mars in the 1st House maps the Aggressive Urges expressing through the personality, indicating an aggressive, outgoing personality with abundant energy. It also indicates mechanical ability and a willingness to face danger. There is a tendency, however, to be compulsive and rash, so cultivate the habit of thinking things through carefully before acting. Replace destructive thoughts with constructive activities. When prominent and afflicted (discordant), there is a tendency toward quarrelsomeness and harshness. Undue severity and antagonism hinder constructive endeavors. You’ll find greater joy focusing your initiative in fighting disease, ignorance and poverty than in combating human foes. With self-discipline, you can focus your abundant energy into successful and rewarding outlets. The natural antidote for an afflicted Mars is to take aggressive measures to protect the weak and helpless.
Mars is also involved in one special planetary configurations in your chart:
The special configuration that Mars is involved in is a T-Square (See Special Configuration #1 in the Special Chart Configurations section above) involving Jupiter and Uranus in the 8th and 10th Houses.
Sun is prominent (being in an angular house) and powerful and is mildly discordant.
When a house (department of life) is occupied by the Sun, those matters are vitalized, pursued with vigor and become a dominant motive in the life that affects your significance, authority and self-esteem. Because the chief expression of the thought-elements in the unconscious mind mapped by the Sun in the chart are directed toward gaining and maintaining significance, and their activity strongly influences the relation of the individual to those in authority, as well as influencing his authority over others, they are called Power Urges.
Sun in the 1st House shows the Power Urges expressing through the personality indicating a personal presence and demeanor that is vital and vigorous and projects dignity and authority. It also brings strong recuperative powers. A discordant Sun in the 1st House can be overbearing and prideful.
Sun is also involved in one special planetary configurations in your chart:
The special configuration that Sun is involved in is a T-Square (See Special Configuration #1 in the Special Chart Configurations section above) involving Jupiter and Uranus in the 8th and 10th Houses.
The 2nd House has dominion over activities of life relating to money, possessions and personal resources.
The 2nd house is of average power relative to the other houses in the chart. This house is the Best House in your chart, is very harmonious and contains one planet: the Moon.
Moon is weak and less active but is very harmonious.
Whatever house is occupied by the Moon is subject to ebb and flow, has a significant impact on the mental attitude and the emotions and may be the subject of psychic impressions. The matters ruled by this department of life tend to fluctuate and are the subject of small, insignificant events and everyday affairs. Because the chief expression of the thought-cells in the unconscious mind relate to primarily family life, they are referred to as the Domestic Urges.
Moon in Capricorn: seek honors through serving society rather than through attaining self-centered ambitions.
Moon in the 2nd House indicates that the Domestic Urges express through money and possessions. There may be fluctuation with the finances. Money to provide a stable family and home situation is of primary importance. Matters relating to money and personal possession will have a strong influence over moods and the emotions. If the Moon is afflicted (discordant), aggressive effort to gain and use money to aid the unfortunate, if cultivated, can bring harmony.
Of particular note here is that Moon is in Mutual Reception with Saturn (Á Ý Æ). Saturn is in the 7th House relating to marriage and partnership. These two planets are in Mutual Reception because each occupies the sign which is the exaltation or the home of the other. The resonance thus created tends to be the most harmonious of any due to the sign positions of the two planets. They tend to benefit each other through mutual aims, and the departments of life ruled by houses occupied by the two planets tend markedly to assist each other.
The 3rd House has dominion over activities of life relating to mental activity, education and personal studies, siblings, neighbors, writing, hobbies, local travel and communications.
The 3rd house is of average power relative to the other houses in the chart, is mildly discordant and contains no planets, but is ruled by Saturn, which is discordant and in the 7th House relating to marriage and partnership, indicating that those matters have special influence over 3rd House matters. So, for example, events relating to marriage and partnership, resulting from your self-interest, affect your personal interests, writing, neighbors and siblings.
The 4th House has dominion over activities of life relating to primarily the home and home life, but also the father, real estate, farmland and its production, restaurants and conditions at the end of life.
The 4th house is weak and less active relative to the other houses in the chart, but is harmonious and contains no planets, but is ruled by Jupiter, which is harmonious and in the 8th House relating to partner’s money, fiduciary responsibilities and inheritance, and Neptune, which is harmonious and in the 6th House relating to work, coworkers and subordinates and/or illness and the infirm, indicating that the matters of these two houses have special influence over 4th House matters. So, for example, events relating to partner’s money, fiduciary responsibilities and inheritance, resulting from your goodwill or religiosity, affect your home life.
The 5th House has dominion over activities of life relating to offspring and pleasures, love affairs, speculation, stocks, bonds and derivatives, children and entertainment.
The 5th house is of average power relative to the other houses in the chart, is mildly discordant and contains no planets, but is ruled by Mars, which is discordant and in the 1st House relating to personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics, indicating that those matters have special influence over 5th House matters. So, for example, events relating to personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics, resulting from your rashness, affect your pleasure, love affairs, children and speculation.
The 6th House has dominion over activities of life relating to work environment, coworkers, subordinates and employees, food in general, especially those consumed or prepared, small animals and the conditions surrounding illness or places where illness is treated.
The 6th house is moderately powerful relative to the other houses in the chart, is mildly discordant and contains one planet: Neptune.
Neptune is prominent (its close aspect to the Moon) although weak and less active relative to the power distribution in your chart, but is harmonious.
Whatever house is occupied by Neptune is influenced by subtle and visionary factors. There is something elusive and mystical about the section of life denoted by this house. About the things so denoted, the imagination weaves pictures, and these mental pictures influence the attitude toward reality. Neptune expresses through the imagination, romance, increased sensitivity, psychic impressions, wishful thinking, fantasy thinking, daydreaming, apprehension, idealistic visions or by schemes and thoughts of easy wealth or promotion. Because the chief expression of the thought-cells mapped by Neptune relate to images of conditions more perfect, they are generally referred to as the Utopian Urges. The department of life ruled by the house occupied by Neptune is subject to Illusion in that things are not always as they appear.
Neptune in Taurus: Neptune maps the Utopian Urges embracing wishful or fantasy thinking and daydreaming, apprehension, idealistic visions and lofty spiritual ideas, the imagination, romanticism, platonic relationships and thoughts of easy wealth or promotion of schemes. With the Utopian thought-cells expressing from the “I Have” attitude of Taurus, seek idealism through securing freedom from want for all rather than in acquiring a vast fortune.
Neptune in the 6th House shows that the Idealistic Urges express primarily through work. You may find that your employees, subordinates or co-workers may be impractical. Become aware of, and avoid being too idealistic or impractical at work. Learn to recognize when schemes at work will likely not pan out. Apply critical thinking and promote system and organization at work when possible. With this position of Neptune, you may be inclined to provide services of a spiritual nature. You may have interests in spiritual healing, homeopathic medicine and health foods. If so, practicality and critical thinking are appropriate here, too. About illness, there may be disorders due to hypersensitivity or psychosomatic ailments. Unclear diagnosis of ailments is common. Since Neptune maps those thought-cells that tend to hypersensitivity, especially when powerful and afflicted (discordant), learn to visualize yourself surrounded by and radiating vital energy. This can result in an energizing, positive attitude.
Neptune is also involved in one special planetary configurations in your chart:
The special configuration that Neptune is involved in is an Opposition Drain (See Special Configuration #2 in the Special Chart Configurations section above) involving Uranus and Ascendant in the 10th and 1st Houses.
The 7th House has dominion over activities of life relating to marriage, partnership, the attitude of those met in public, open enemies, competitors and lawsuits.
The 7th house is powerful relative to the other houses in the chart, is discordant and contains two planets: Saturn and Pluto.
Having two planets in this house indicates that it is an important department of life.
Saturn is prominent (being in an angular house) although of average power relative to the power distribution in your chart, and is discordant.
Whatever house is occupied by Saturn experiences hard work, responsibility, and frugality or loss. Saturn maps that area of the unconscious mind referred to as the Safety Urges because these thought-cells relate to hard work, acquisition, persistence, planning, organization and all things which serve to provide stability, safety and security for the individual.
When especially prominent (powerful) in the chart and afflicted (discordant), these Saturn thought-elements can stimulate discordant thoughts of fear, greed, envy, or self-centeredness, and are responsible for loss, hardship and privation and the necessity of working diligently for every advantage. There can be restrictions of various kinds and heavy burdens leading to emotions which can be morose, melancholy or despondent, leading in some cases to clinical depression, depending also on environmental and hereditary factors. You can benefit from an afflicted Saturn by directing your Safety Urges to express in a constructive manner as when harmonious. (See next paragraph.)
When Saturn is powerful in the chart and harmonious or neutral (that is, not too discordant), then you can benefit from efficiency, economy, organization, hard work, shrewdness and your ability to buy to advantage.
Saturn in Taurus: Saturn maps the Safety Urges embracing thoughts and actions relating to safety, secrecy, acquisitiveness, buying, trading, worry, fear, system, order and persistence. With the Safety thought-cells expressing from the “I Have” attitude of Taurus, seek security through wisely putting money to use rather than hoarding it.
Saturn in the 7th House shows that the Safety Urges express primarily through marriage and partnership, indicating heavy responsibility or loss through marriage, and difficulty with the public. If Saturn is well aspected, there is a strong sense of justice and responsibility. Although partnerships may be steadfast and marriage stable and enduring, whatever benefit comes to partnership and interface with the public only comes through hard work, persistence, planning and organization.
When Saturn is afflicted (discordant), as is often the case, there can be a coldness in marriage or no marriage at all. As an antidote for an afflicted Saturn, nurture warm, friendly Venus thinking relating to marriage, partnership and interface with the public through gifts and favors, and cultivate pleasure in social activities, the arts and entertainment. To attract better fortune in this area of life, also stimulate Sun thoughts of your importance and self-esteem related to 7th house activities.
Saturn is also involved in one special planetary configurations in your chart:
The special configuration that Saturn is involved in is an Opposition Drain (See Special Configuration #2 in the Special Chart Configurations section above) involving Uranus and Ascendant in the 10th and 1st Houses.
Pluto is prominent (being in an angular house) although weak and less active relative to the power distribution in your chart, and is mildly discordant.
Whatever house is occupied by Pluto is subject to inner-plane influence, either for good or ill. The activities stimulated include facilities for cooperation with others and for contacting groups of people. Because the chief expression of the thought-cells mapped by Pluto relate to cooperation for the welfare of the group, and spiritual efforts for the benefit of all, they are generally referred to as the Universal Welfare Urges. To the extent the thought cells mapped by Pluto are active, is the life influenced by thoughts of groups, statistics, division of labor, mass production, inner-plane conditions, drastic events, the inside of things, gang methods, cooperation, coercion, or universal welfare. If Pluto is powerful in the chart and afflicted (discordant), there will be undue pressure brought to bear by others to compel such action as they desire relative to the things the house rules.
Pluto in Taurus: Pluto maps the Universal Welfare Urges embracing thoughts and actions related to groups, statistics, inner-plane conditions, drastic events, the inside of things, gang methods, cooperation, coercion, and universal welfare. With the Universal Welfare Urges expressing from the “I Have” attitude of Taurus, seek cooperation through attaining freedom from want for all rather than in monopolizing wealth.
Pluto in the 7th House shows that the Universal Welfare Urges express primarily through partnership, indicating that association with groups can, if Pluto is well-aspected, benefit the marriage and partnerships; otherwise unwanted pressure from groups may have a destructive effect on marriage and partnership or the partner may be domineering. Dealings with others and interface with the public, for work or otherwise, will be strongly influenced by groups. You benefit by cultivating the ability to cooperate with others for the good of all.
Pluto is also involved in one special planetary configurations in your chart:
The special configuration that Pluto is involved in is an Opposition Drain (See Special Configuration #2 in the Special Chart Configurations section above) involving Uranus and Ascendant in the 10th and 1st Houses.
The 8th House has dominion over activities of life relating to legacies and inheritance, gifts, partner’s money and other people’s money in general, fiduciary responsibilities, debts owed to you and the ability of those owing to pay, death, life insurance, taxes and the influence of the dead.
The 8th house is powerful relative to the other houses in the chart, is neutral regarding harmony or discord and contains one planet: Jupiter.
Jupiter is prominent (its close aspect to the Sun) although of average power relative to the power distribution in your chart, and is harmonious.
Whatever house is occupied by Jupiter experiences abundance, goodwill and optimism. Jupiter maps the Religious Urges in the unconscious mind, so called because these thought-cells tend to express through veneration, philosophical or religious thinking and faith in providence. Jupiter is also considered a business planet because it manifests abundance, goodwill and optimism and rules the professions in general.
Jupiter in Gemini: Jupiter maps the Religious Urges embracing thoughts and actions relating to benevolence, veneration, hope, devotion, generosity and goodwill toward others. With the religious thought-cells expressing from the “I Think” attitude of Gemini, put your faith in carefully ascertained facts from reliable sources rather than believing everything you read.
Jupiter in the 8th House indicates that the Religious thought cells express primarily through inheritance, events relating to death, and association with partner’s money or other people’s money. This position shows abundance through gifts and inheritance or the partner’s money. General good fortune results from handling other people’s money or providing financial advice or tax accounting. There can be significant benefit through both borrowing and lending. A business can safely be run on a credit basis. Activities related to death, such as insurance, reverse mortgages or even funeral homes can bring financial gain. In religious matters, there may be a strong interest in life after death. If Jupiter is afflicted (discordant), avoid being overly-optimistic, analyze the situation carefully and cultivate critical thinking to make good decisions.
Jupiter is also involved in one special planetary configurations in your chart:
The special configuration that Jupiter is involved in is a T-Square (See Special Configuration #1 in the Special Chart Configurations section above) involving Uranus, Sun, Mercury and Mars in the 10th and 1st Houses.
The 9th House has dominion over activities of life relating to teaching, religion, philosophy, social media, teaching, publishing, long journeys and the courts.
The 9th house is weak and less active relative to the other houses in the chart, but is harmonious and contains no planets, but is ruled by the Moon, which is very harmonious and in the 2nd House relating to money and possessions, indicating that those matters have special influence over 9th House matters. So, for example, events relating to money and possessions, resulting from your domesticity, affect your religion, philosophy, social media, and long journeys.
The 10th House has dominion over activities of life relating to honors, business, credit, reputation, career, superiors and mother.
The 10th house is powerful relative to the other houses in the chart, is discordant and contains one planet: Uranus.
Uranus is prominent (being in an angular house and its close aspect to the Sun) although of average power relative to the power distribution in your chart, and is mildly discordant.
The thought cells mapped by Uranus powerfully influence originality of thought, and the ability to make marked departures from precedence and custom. Because their chief expression relates to originality, they are generally referred to as the Individualistic Urges. Whatever house is occupied by Uranus denotes things about which radical tendencies are likely to manifest. In the section of life indicated by such a house there are sudden changes and developments of an extreme nature, either constructive or destructive. Whatever good is signified in one direction is accompanied by some lesser disadvantage in another and vice versa. To the extent the thought cells mapped by Uranus are active (powerful in the chart), is the life influenced by thoughts of independence, originality, invention, the unconventional, unusual or new methods.
Uranus in Virgo: Uranus maps the Individualistic Urges embracing thoughts and actions relating to independence, originality, invention, the unconventional and unusual, new or radical methods. With the Individualistic thought-cells expressing from the “I Analyze” attitude of Virgo, seek originality in new methods and changes in the workplace rather than in fads relating to foods.
Uranus in the 10th House shows that the Individualistic Urges express primarily through honor and career, indicating original methods in business and sudden changes in fortune. Uranus brings the unconventional, innovative and inventive to business and career and the radical, or even revolutionary, to politics. You tend to be interested in applying the latest science in your career or business pursuits. Concentrate on original or unusual methods that are valuable, rather than merely different. Cultivate Jupiter thinking that relies on providence, optimism, goodwill and tolerance.
Uranus is also involved in two special planetary configurations in your chart:
The first special configuration that Uranus is involved in is a T-Square (See Special Configuration #1 in the Special Chart Configurations section above) involving Jupiter, Sun, Mercury and Mars in the 8th and 1st Houses.
The second special configuration that Uranus is involved in is an Opposition Drain (See Special Configuration #2 in the Special Chart Configurations section above) involving Saturn, Neptune, Pluto and Ascendant in the 7th, 6th and 1st Houses, for which Uranus is the conciliating planet making it a potent Rallying Force. (See Glossary in the Appendix.)
The 11th House has dominion over activities of life relating to friends, affiliations, hopes and wishes.
The 11th house is weak and less active relative to the other houses in the chart, but is harmonious and contains no planets, but is ruled by Venus, which is very harmonious and in the 1st House relating to personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics, indicating that those matters have special influence over 11th House matters. So, for example, events relating to personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics, resulting from your affections, affect your friends and affiliations.
The 12th House has dominion over activities of life relating to secrets, sorrows, disappointments, restrictions, hidden enemies, crime, detective work, large animals, unseen forces and astral entities.
The 12th house is weak and less active relative to the other houses in the chart, but is harmonious and contains no planets, but is ruled by Venus, which is very harmonious and in the 1st House relating to personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics, indicating that those matters have special influence over 12th House matters. So, for example, events relating to personal matters, the personality and physical characteristics, resulting from your affections, affect your secrets, disappointments and limitations.
Elbert Benjamine (born Benjamin Parker Williams)
12/12/1882
04:55:00 AM GMT UTC+0h – LMT
Adel, Dallas, Iowa
094W01’02 41N36’52
An astrological chart of birth (horoscope), drawn for the exact date, time and longitude and latitude (place) of birth, is essentially a map of the total character of the individual at the time of birth. Your chart, shown above, is a complex ensemble of planets, signs and houses. (See Appendix.) The chart is a two-dimensional map of a five-dimensional, thought-built body, often referred to as the astral body. The planets map complex thought structures that form the major psychological urges or drives, e.g., the Power Urges mapped by the Sun in the chart, and the Domestic Urges mapped by the Moon in the chart. These essential drives or urges express with slightly different overtones depending on the astrological sign (position on the ecliptic or zodiac) in which the planet falls at birth. For example, a Sun in Capricorn indicates the Power Urges express from the I Use attitude, while a Moon in Virgo indicates the Domestic Urges express from the I Analyze perspective. (See appendices for more information.) A good chart reading necessarily proceeds from the general to the more detailed. The general characteristics of character, personality, temperament and general fortune (see Appendix) are important when considering the details of each department of life.
The Appendix contains a definition of the symbols used and a Glossary that defines terms used in the report.
References to astrodyne power and harmony in this report can be found summarized in in the tables in the section on Astrodyne Analysis. Qualitative values for power and harmony are based on a relative assessment of the statistical distribution in this chart and not on general “population” statistics.
The following diagrams show where planet, house and sign energy is most prominent in your chart along with areas that are weak in power and of less importance in your life. The size of each balloon shows the power of each chart element relative to the other elements in the chart. See also the sections on Astrodyne and Department of Life analysis further on in the report.
As you can see in the diagram below, the most prominent planets are the Sun mapping the Power Urges, Mercury mapping the Intellectual Urges and Mars mapping the Aggressive Urges.
The Houses map the various departments of life. The amount of power (strong, weak or average) indicates the amount of activity in, and importance of, each Department of Life. As you can see in the diagram below, the most important areas of activity in the life are the 1st House (Personality, Personal Matters, Physical Body), the 7th House (Marriage, Partnership, Challengers), the 8th House (Partner’s Money, Fiduciary Responsibilities, Inheritance) and the 10th House (Vocation, Reputation, Credit, Mother).
The quality of energy expressed by each planet is modulated by the Sign in which it falls. The Signs with the most planetary energy have the greatest impact on temperament, disposition and natural proclivities. As you can see in the diagram below, the most powerful Signs in your chart are Taurus indicating a nature that is stable, patient, and practical, Virgo indicating a nature that is discerning, analytical and witty and Sagittarius indicating a nature that is bright, enthusiastic and generous. See the sections on “Your Key Significators” and “Astrodyne Analysis” for more information.
Your character and temperament are a composite of the following key chart points:
You also have 3 other planets in Sagittarius: Mercury, Venus and Mars – indicating that your character and temperament strongly reflect the characteristics of this sign.
Your Sun is in Sagittarius, pictured among the constellations as a Centaur. The mythological Centaur, half animal and half human, is a hunter with the legs of a horse and the head of a human and is armed with a bow. Sagittarius people have a strong animal nature and at the same time are well supplied with higher, nobler, more generous impulses. You are migratory, love to travel, and enjoy outdoor sports. You also have a strong leaning toward philosophy and religion. When you speak, what you say generally goes straight to the mark like an arrow to the bullseye. The dominant idea of Sagittarius is I SEE.
Belonging to the element fire, at your core, you are energetic, hasty, enthusiastic and ambitious of worldly position. As a mutable sign, you are aggressive and impulsive, but not dominating. Belonging to the third degree of emanation, your actions arise from deep-seated motives that are largely shaped by what other people think proper and in good taste. Sagittarius people are a happy medium between Aries people, who are ruled by their heads, and Leo people, who are ruled by their hearts.
You tend to be loyal, patriotic, generous, free, self-reliant, conservative, ambitious, jovial and tolerant of the shortcomings of others. You tend to be frank and candid in expressing your opinion, and you are quick to fight for the rights of others. You tend to make prompt decisions and can command others. You take orders without resentment.
The Sagittarius person typically displays executive ability. In both thinking and deed you tend to go straight to the mark, caring more for effectiveness than for elegance. You benefit by following an occupation where there is plenty of opportunity for mental activity. At the same time, you prefer fresh air and exercise. Recreation is very important to you. Your best quality is LOYALTY. Your worst quality is SPORTIVENESS (being a little to playful or mischievous). You are philosophically inclined, and unless given opportunity for open-air recreation you are apt to develop morbid self-examination. Since you tend to go right to the point, be careful not to hurt the feelings of others.
The Sun is the most powerful planet in your chart, but slightly discordant, indicating that thoughts and events relating to significance and self-esteem are important and need harmonious reinforcement. Avoid being overbearing and dominating by reinforcing pleasant thoughts relating to pride, firmness, conscientiousness and self-esteem, and strive to express the best qualities of Sagittarius.
The Moon in Capricorn indicates a reserved and cautious mentality. This is particularly applicable to your domestic environment. When in a nurturing situation and you slip into being cold or austere, actively seek thoughts that encourage you to feel warm and open. Inclined to be conventional, methodical and highly ambitious, you find value in achieving worldly success, money and station. You have an aptitude for bringing together dissenting factions for synthesis and economy. This ability can be a big benefit in managing harmonious domestic affairs. Remember that when it comes to the home, family, children and domestic matters, cultivate empathy and a nurturing attitude.
At your best when given responsibility, you shoulder it successfully. Your best quality is DIPLOMACY. When expressing your best qualities, your Capricorn Moon predisposes you to be exceptionally honorable, but be alert to the worst quality of Capricorn, which is a tendency to DECEITFULNESS. In domestic affairs honesty and openness contribute to a more harmonious environment. Instead of angling to get the advantage, for which you have talent, be mindful of the needs of others. The greatest spiritual exercise any person can perform is to have integrity of character and devotion to the welfare of others. Thoughts ruled by this sign belong to the, UTILITY series. With the Domestic thought cells expressing from the I Use attitude; the mind benefits by seeking honors through serving society rather than through attaining self-centered ambitions.
Relative to the other planets, the Moon is weak and less active in your chart. This suggests you will benefit by cultivating and nurturing thoughts and events related to timing, tune, sublimity, love of one’s children and general domestic affairs.
Scorpio is a water sign so your personality likely expresses through an emotional experience of life. You tend to take personal affairs very seriously which sometimes leads to possessiveness or extreme jealousy in some cases. Carried to extremes, you may hold grudges and, or plan to take revenge at an opportune time. You tend not to easily forget personal affronts. Avoid trying to control others through subtle means. With a Scorpio Ascendant, you are intense in your likes and dislikes, and whatever you do, you do with your whole might. You possess a natural healing magnetism and are never at a loss for plans to overcome difficulties. Your best quality is RESOURCEFULNESS. Your worst quality is TROUBLESOMENESS. You believe in duty and feel that everyone needs to do their part. You’ve been known to take pains to see that others fulfill their obligations. Instead, try showing others by demonstration. You can be trusted to grapple with the most difficult and disagreeable tasks. Thoughts ruled by Scorpio belong to the DESIRE series. With the personal thought cells expressing from the I DESIRE attitude, your personality benefits by engaging in tasks which are helpful to others rather than trying to get even. Exercise resourcefulness through being constructive rather than in tearing down.
The Ascendant is of average power in your chart but discordant indicating that thoughts and events relating to your personality, personal prowess, physical appearance, and, to some extent health, are important factors in the life. Reinforce constructive thinking, and/or make constructive changes, relating to these areas of the life, and strive to express the best qualities of Scorpio.
The force of your personality, physical prowess, demeanor and appearance are not only a reflection of the power, harmony and zodiacal sign of your Ascendant, but will also reflect any planets in the 1st house or planets in the 12th house that are conjunct the Ascendant.
Planets in the 1st House include the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars. These planets have significant influence over your personality, physical appearance and general demeanor. Additionally, having 3 planets in the 1st House gives the personality, personal presence and matters relating to the physical appearance considerable energy and importance in the life. This force of personality can be used to advantage by demonstrating the best qualities of these positions as described below.
The chief ruler of your Personality is Mars in the 1st House and ruling the sign on the Ascendant.
Mars gives the personality energy and quickness with a nature both amative and combative but can be harsh.
With the Sun as your dominant planet, you rarely work for others to advantage, unless you are given full charge of your department. You are in your natural sphere of endeavor when you have received a position of importance. You are always at your best when at the head of something. Your best quality is RULERSHIP. Your worst quality is DICTATIVENESS. It is often important for you to realize that undue assumption of superiority really weakens your authority and that consideration of the opinions of others and sympathy with their views will tend toward getting better service. The thoughts ruled by this Sun are called the POWER thoughts.
Your Dominant Sun resides in the zodiacal sign Sagittarius, which is described above.
The zodiacal sign in which Mercury resides indicates the habitual mode of speech and communication via letters, email, and social media.
Your Mercury resides in the zodiacal sign Sagittarius. With the Intellectual thought cells, governing cerebral processes, perception, comparison and communication, expressing from the “I See” attitude of Sagittarius, strive to have your speech, and your expression in general, be generous and loyal rather than impulsive and blunt. The best quality of Sagittarius is loyalty, and its worst quality is mischievousness.
Mercury is powerful in your chart but slightly discordant indicating that thoughts and events relating to conscious mental activity, manner of speech, writing, general social communication and mobility are important factors in the life. Reinforce constructive thinking and strive to express the best qualities of Sagittarius.
Each sign of the zodiac is divided into three sections called Decanates. Each decanate is pictured in the sky by one of the original 36 ultra-zodiacal constellations. The pictograph associated by the ancients with each of these constellations illustrates a spiritual parable or allegory that has special significance to those born with their Sun, Moon or Ascendant in that decanate.
Your Sun is in the 3rd decanate of Sagittarius, the Sagittarius-Leo decanate under the sub-rulership of the Sun. The third decanate of Sagittarius, the Leo-decanate, is pictured among the constellations by SAGITTA, the Arrow. This is the arrow that Mithra shot against a rock and a stream of water immediately gushed forth. It symbolized the soul piercing the illusions of matter and through this comprehension of the meaning of incarnate existence being able to quench its thirst at the fountain of Divine Consciousness.
Those born under this decanate may either tread the path of pleasure, or climb the royal road to spiritual supremacy. Being the kingly section of the sign of the higher mind, when the sporting proclivities relating to Leo’s influence are transmuted, they have not only the ability to perceive things in their proper relation, but also to synthesize their observations and impart this knowledge to others. They, therefore, reach their greatest usefulness as teachers and leaders of philosophical and religious thought. When faithful to their ideals and persistent in adhering to their own conceptions they reach the highest states of consciousness possible to embodied humans. It is the decanate of ILLUMINATION.
Your Moon is in the 2nd decanate of Capricorn, the Capricorn-Taurus decanate under the sub-rulership of Venus. DELPHINUS, the Dolphin, pictures among the constellations the second decanate of Capricorn. This is the Taurus-decanate of Saturn’s sign, the strong emotional element conferred by the sub-influence of the Moon’s exaltation, Taurus, being indicated by the water in which the mammal lives.
While the Sun passes through this decanate we have Epiphany, and the common civil year begins, bringing a new dispensation. And about the dolphin that represents this section of the zodiac, there are so many traditions implying it to be a Savior of Men. So, we find that those born here possess extraordinary ability to make the most of whatever environment they find themselves in, even as the dolphin has adapted itself to water. They utilize every condition to their purpose, and while encountering many setbacks they have the persistence to again come to the surface and “carry on”. They are indefatigable workers and when they set their minds upon some worthy aim they scale the heights to success. If they get a higher than material viewpoint they are capable of great self-sacrifice in the interest of universal progression. It is the decanate of MARTYRDOM.
Your Ascendant is in the 3rd decanate of Scorpio, the Scorpio-Cancer decanate under the sub-rulership of the Moon. Unlike the crown of spikes that pictures the last decanate of Virgo, CORONA AUSTRALIS, the Southern Crown, is the laurel crown of victory. Picturing among the constellations the Cancer-decanate of Scorpio, it reveals the potency of sex when sublimated to carry the soul to the loftiest summit of physical and mental achievement.
Adjacent to the religious sign Sagittarius, and under the sub-influence of the sign of domestic life, Cancer, those born here have intense emotions and vivid ideas. When the spirit of chivalry is developed and they sense their value to country and home they are capable of lofty effort. But for the greatest success it seems essential that they have some person of the opposite sex to stimulate their ambitions and ideals, and with whom they strive to make a success of life. Social life, therefore, is always an important factor contributing to or detracting from their usefulness to society. It is the decanate of ATTAINMENT.
