Chart and talent of Placido Domingo

Placido Domingo is a Spanish tenor and director with a very typical voice. Performers in the arts need artistic talents just as the creators of art do. In this case, there is a different astrological pattern than usual. Usually Moon, Venus and Neptune are connected with Midheaven and each other, supported by the signs that they rule (Cancer, Libra, Taurus and Pisces). In the chart of Placido Domingo we see:

a. a prominent Neptune (Neptune is 'calling', no mayor aspect in orb 5 degrees or in sign; and square Sun/Moon. It means that he was motivated for the arts, very much, at any kind of level, somehow, anyhow)

b. the moon stands right in the middle of Venus and Neptune. In other words: Venus/Neptune is conjunct the Moon.

c. There are minor aspects between Moon and Venus and Neptune. They are connected by septiles (1/7th of the circle). Moon/Venus is in aspect with Ascendant and Midheaven.
The septile is considered to mirror the energy that inspires us and others.

His chart doesn't immediately show the singer, unless you use this:

Mercury (communications, voice and pen) ruler of the Midheaven is in the 5th house of plays, games and shows, exactly square ruler 5 (plays) = Saturn (business).

Then you see the business of singing for entertainment.

But what must I do with that Mars on the IC? It may be an AA rated chart but I wonder ... Well, the story of his HOB is on Astrodienst: http://www.astro.com/astro-databank/Domingo,_Plácido

Astrology chart Pedro Almodovar

Pedro Almodovar's Venus is 'calling' (not making major aspects in sign or orb 5 degrees). Venus is square the Ascendant, at the lowest spot in the chart. That makes the symbol of beauty and style a prominent symbol.

The Moon is strong in Cancer, the sign that keeps memories alive, like actors do. The Moon is the final dispositor of Midheaven.

Neptune is square the Moon (final dispositor of Midheaven) and semi square Venus. Now the pattern of artistic talent is completed! The astrological pattern of artistic talent is made by the aspects between Moon, Venus and Neptune, related to Midheaven.

PS Almodovar is a director, he wants to be in control. Saturn is the symbol of control. You can read all about Sun-Saturn and management on Astropost.blogspot.com. The sextile of Jupiter with Midheaven refers to traveling, to guidance and to the international...

Astrology chart Sydney Poitier

Yesterday transit Jupiter was square the progressed Sun of Sydney Poitier. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama. Jupiter is the symbol of prosperity!

Sydney Poitier, actor and director, was one of the first successful black men in the world of entertainment (in the USA). His chart is reflecting his artistic talent and his successes. The Moon (dispositor of Midheaven = career), Venus and Neptune rule each other and Neptune is connected to the midpoint AC/MC and semi square Midheaven. Cancer on Midheaven, Moon in Libra, Venus in Pisces and Ascendant Libra...they all contribute to the pattern of artistic talent! The midpoint of Sun and Moon (Sun/Moon; reflecting motivation, heart and soul) is sesqui square the midpoint of great success: Jupiter/Pluto.

Astrology chart Robert Redford

Robert Redford married his long time friend Sibylle Szaggars this week. She is an artist, so is he. Let us have a look at the chart of Robert Redford and find the artist in the chart.

Robert Redford was born 18th August 1938 at 20h02 in Santa Monica, according to my files (source: Astrolab). Here is the pattern of artistic talent in the chart for that time and place:

1. Moon in Taurus, a sign ruled by Venus

2. Venus strong in Libra

3. Venus is 'calling' (not making major aspects in sign or orb 5 degrees)

4. Venus final dispositor of the MC-routing

5. Moon inconjunct Midheaven

6. Jupiter sesquisquare Sun/Moon, Neptune sesquisemisquare Sun/Moon

This chart is reflecting the birth of a person who has style, charm and diplomacy or beauty at any possible level and who is motivated by his fans and the successes in art. The chart has a keen pattern for an artist. when there are more prominent placements and with a double bodied sign like Sagittarius on Midheaven, it is to be expected that there would not be ONE career, however. Wikipedia mentions that he is: an American film director, actor, producer, businessman, model, environmentalist, philanthropist. I see that he was a pitcher once and I notice that Mars is the first outer planet rising before his Sun (for the military, sports, energy or activism first).
Jupiter is sextile Midheaven for the interest in directing (guiding).
Mercury and Pluto are also 'calling' so that communications and politics are important as well.
And I already mentioned the oriental Mars for activism.

The tightest aspect in his chart is Mars square Uranus. This is reflecting a hot temper and a drive to make a change (at once please). This aspect is one of the indications for divorce in the chart of a male. For more about Mars-Uranus, see Astromarkt (link...)

Watch Robert Redford in the trailer of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXCC53ndwac

Astrology chart Charles (Charlie) Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin made us smile. Where in his chart is the clown, the director and the composer of the music of Smile? And where is the artistic pattern? Why was he the 'little man'?

The artistic pattern is constructed by Moon, Venus, Neptune, (the signs that they rule) and Midheaven for the professional output. In the chart of Chaplin the pattern is like this:

1. Crucial position of the Moon on the Ascendant (popular, being able to 'act')
2. Venus strong in Taurus (possible sense of beauty and arts)
3. Venus final dispositor of Midheaven (field of entertainment)
4. Venus square Midheaven (profession requiring style, looking good or making fun)
5. (Venus inconjunct Uranus for the sense of rhythm).

And that is it (or perhaps I should add Neptune trine AC/MC to the list). It is not much compared to the patterns in other artists' charts that you see on this blog. I think that that is because we known him most of all because of the character (Moon) of Charlie. The Moon is also a symbol of the family (imitation, upbringing, education). The important position of the Moon might reflect the importance of his familiy background. His parents were (poor) artists. His environment (ascendant) contributed to his talent and to the choice of his career.

Also: Charles Chaplin was a timeless and international icon. He is different from the artists on this blog. His performance is more fun than beautiful. To find the key to that perhaps we need to find another pattern. We need to combine the family background, the feeling for style and the strong character. It is that unique combination that made the little man famous. Ambition and drive were very important to get to the top.

ASTRO IDENTITY
First let's see how his Astro I.D. looks like. The Astro I.D. is the combination of the key positions in the chart. In his chart the calling Sun, oriental Jupiter, angular Moon and elevated Saturn are the keys. They tell us about the ups and downs of a man who was in the center of attention and who knew what the people wanted. They wanted a smile:)... See the specification of the Astro I.D. below.

CHARACTER
His chart has Sun in Aries, Moon and Ascendant in Scorpio...That is the character of someone who is using force and influence with intense energy. It is a strong character. And he needed to be strong. He also had Mars in Taurus square Saturn in Leo. He was confronted with the disadvantages of his efforts and had to fight a lot of barriers (even the real ones). He was the little (Saturn) man (Mars)...

MARS SQUARE SATURN (the little man fighting against restrictions)
Mars square Saturn is the tightest aspect in the chart of Charles Chaplin. It is the aspect of 'hitting hard', 'working too hard', finding obstacles on your way and being limited in your drive (by law for example). Mars-Saturn aspects are frequent in the charts of those who fight (for or against) the law. There were many obstacles to conquer for Chaplin. He had no formal education and was a very poor boy. But as Capricorn is ruling the 3rd house of 'learning' he thought himself later and he managed to write his own scripts, books and soundtracks. He thought himself how to play musical instruments. He was a self made man and he HAD to fight the law. He had to pay for a child that was not his and he was a victim of the crusade against communists in the USA in the 50's. He could not return to the USA freely and chose to stay in Europe for the rest of his life, but not in England. He went to Switzerland (Jupiter oriental, first of all an international!).

SPECIFICATION OF Astro I.D.
1. Jupiter is the first outer planet rising before the Sun (oriental)
That makes him a traveler, an international, someone who wants to have success in the first place and wants to guide others (he was a director).

2. The important Moon in Scorpio, conjunct Ascendant
The Moon is important when memorizing (and acting) is involved. The Moon is also an important symbol of 'the people' and popularity. The Ascendant is the symbol of presentation and the Moon has many faces. That is why the Moon on the Ascendant shows a capability of acting.

3. Saturn is on top of this chart.
Saturn in Leo tells us that he had ambition and management talent. The position and aspects of Saturn tell us that there might be a lot of restrictions, limitations, barriers and goodbyes in the life of Chaplin. But his job was to make us smile (like a clown has to do).

4. The Sun does not make aspects in sign or orb 5 degrees (Sun is 'calling')
When the Sun is 'calling' you want to be in the center of attention as a leader or performer. Charles was a performer and he was a director.

From this Astro ID you clearly get the picture of an ambitious man who wanted to draw attention, presenting himself in different ways, but always in a positive (guiding way) teaching us how to keep on smiling and to make an advantage of a disadvantage. The little man that he used to be became the symbol of his success.

See Charlie on You Tube and Smile with the voice of Michael Jackson...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu-rLA4POkI

Charts of Michael Jackson and Lenny Henry (born on the same day)

Lenny Henry was born on August 29, 1958, the same day as Michael Jackson. He is a British actor, writer and comedian.

Quote:
"Henry has said he saw parallels between himself and Othello.

"I’m used to being the only black person wherever I go...There was never a black or Asian director when I went to the BBC. Eventually I thought ‘where are they all?’ I spent a lot of time on my own. Things have changed a bit, but rarely at the BBC do I meet anyone of colour in a position of power."

That special position is one of the parallels with the life of Michael Jackson, who was the first black world famous super idol (perhaps only beaten by Barack Obama:). Both men are/were used to being 'special' (Sun half semi square Uranus; being different or ...controversial) and making a change, changing their world (Sun half semi square Uranus AND square Pluto*). Another similarity is that Lenny Henry has six siblings. Lenny Henry 'did' Michael Jackson's Thriller in 1984, on stage. That was the year of the Pepsi Cola incident (Michael Jackson's hair was set on fire) but MJ also had his Victory Tour in 1984 and received eight awards.

Another similarity is their talent and generalism. Henry is an actor, writer, stand-up comedian, entertainer, and director and lately graduated in English literature and ...he is studying to be a screenwriter. Michael Jackson was a songwriter, dancer, singer, actor, screenwriter and choreographer. Was he also a director? Perhaps! They are 'multiple talents'!

Also, Lenny Henry cares about children (Children in Need) and so did Michael Jackson.

PATTERN
The artistic pattern in the chart of Lenny Henry is the artistic pattern in the chart of Michael Jackson, partly. Partly, because the hours of birth are not known. Both men have the Moon in Pisces for sensitivity and empathy. They both have Venus 75 degrees from Neptune (artistic talents), Venus conjunct Uranus (artistic aspirations, sense of rhythm) AND Venus 15 degrees from Pluto. Venus semi square Jupiter/Pluto promisses success in arts or entertainment.

Many positions in their charts are similar (though not the most important onces!). There are differences between them. They will not have the same Ascendant, Midheaven, position of the Moon and angularities and there will be other tight aspects and midpoint combinations (like Sun/Moon and ASC/MC). And of course: there is also a big difference in the way that they were educated and brought up. They have different genes, other backgrounds (and culture), other experiences in life...It is the fine combination of all that that makes a person an individual.

BTW As far as I can see the most important difference is that Lenny Henry looks so much happier than Michael Jackson ever did.

*) The combination of Sun, Uranus and Pluto is frequent in cases of arrests (cariac arrest AND imprisonment) as it refers to a sudden and unexpected dramatic change.
(No, Lenny Henry was never arrested).

Astrology chart Jim Sheridan

After seeing 'In America' (a beautiful tear jerker) I got interested in the chart of the director, Jim Sheridan. He was born February 6, 1949 in Dublin. I couldn't find an hour of birth, so I had to see the pattern of artistic talent in the positions of the day of birth.

Here it is:
1. The Moon is in the artistic sign of Taurus
2. Venus doesn't make Ptolemaic aspects in sign or orb 5 degrees'(Venus is 'calling' and that means that there is a vocation for style and arts or entertainment at any level)
3. Mercury is also 'calling': communications are important
4. Venus is 105 degrees from Neptune: focus on arts
5. Venus square Jupiter/Pluto (success in art)

He is a director, because:
1. Jupiter is the first outer planet rising before the Sun. Jupiter is the planet of the international (and he emigrated to New York, like the main character in the movie:). But Jupiter is also the planet of guidance.
2. Another reason for directing: Saturn! Saturn is 'calling' (making no major aspects). That is an indication for ambition, administration, business and management.

When 'In America' was realesed, progressed Uranus was conjunct the natal Uranus. That is because Uranus was retrograding in his natal chart and started going direct. In 2002 Uranus had returned to the natal position. Perhaps from that moment on 'new life' in New York started for Jim Sheridan, too.

Another observation: he lacks placements in water signs. That is an indication for 'sentiments' at any level (for a person who usually will be rather cool). His movie has that effect...Emotions at any level, moving you, even if you resist:)

Astrology chart Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland is an actor and a director. The astrological pattern of artistic talent is visible in his chart (December 21, 1966, 9 a.m. in Marylebone UK).

1. Neptune is the first outer planet rising before his Sun
2. Venus is conjunct the Ascendant
3. The Moon is on a crucial spot (down under in the chart)
4. Neptune is square Sun/Moon
5. Moon is inconjunct Midheaven, Venus is sextile Midheaven
6. Mercury is 67.5 degrees from Sun/Moon (for being communicative)
7. The Sun is square Aries Point (for directing and being a star)
8. He has a cool Venus in Capricorn, like other male movie stars have. See the post about male beauties...

So that the prominent Moon and Venus ('sense of art') are related to the career (Midheaven) and he is in heart and soul (Sun/Moon) an artist. For more about Kiefer and Rachel Sutherland, see my blog Astropost... or go directly to the post about Kiefer and his twin sister...HERE.

Astrology chart Woody Allen

This is the natal chart of director Woody Allen, who's astrological pattern of artistic talent has:

1. Neptune calling! (no major aspects in sign or orb 5 degrees)for the importance (at any level) of imagination, fantasy and empathy
2. Taurus Midheaven and Venus final dispositor in Libra (for entertainment linked to the career)
3. Moon trine Venus (for sense of art)
4. Moon square Midheaven
5. Venus semi quintile Neptune (for artistic skills)
6. Jupiter calling! just like Neptune. Jupiter and Neptune's prominence reflect the fans and followers (the devoted audience).

Saturn is crucial in this chart. Responsibility, ambition and parents or parenthood are of crucial importance in his life. Saturn rules the 5th house of (pro-)creativity and shows us that he manages (Saturn) a creation (5th house).

Astrology chart Luis Buñuel

Luis Buñuel was a director. Neptune is on his ascendant, reflecting arts and movies. The Sun was conjunct his Midheaven for directing (and being in the center of it all, performing). The pattern of artistic talents is constructed by Neptune (ruler Midheaven) related to Moon and Venus by minor aspects. The importance of interaction between communications and arts/sensitivity is being reflected by the mutual reception of Mercury and Neptune (they are in each other's sign). Luis Buñuel was born on 22 February 1900 in Calanda at 12:15 GMT with Neptune 157.5 degrees from Sun/Moon for the reigning need to be an artist.

ATHEISM

Central theme in the movies was atheism. Jupiter's tight semi square with the important Neptune is telling us that 'the devoted audience' was an important issue in his life. Jupiter-Neptune is related to stages and religion...His Sun is in Pisces and Moon in Sagittarius, reflecting the combination of the rules of their signs (Neptune and Jupiter) for another indication of the influence of religious convictions.Also, in the equal house system the Sun is placed in the ninth house of convictions. That explains the importance of religion but not the aversion against it.

SUN SQUARE MOON

The Sun is square the Moon and that is (part of) the explanation. The Moon is in the 6th house in Sagittarius. There is a strong need to be critical as well as a spiritual conviction of importance (Sun in Pisces in 9th equal house). And the two of them colide (square). As he became a marxist while he was born in a rich family, this conflict included a conflict with the family.

Astrology chart Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock, the famous director of mysterious thrillers, the 'master of suspense' has the same astrological pattern in his chart as most of the artists on this blog have. Neptune is related to Midheaven, Moon and Venus. Moon is square Venus. This means that he has a crucial artistic talent and sense of style and arts.

On Astropost you find more about the combination of mystery and silent force, Neptune and Pluto. This combination is important in the chart of Hitchcock. He has Neptune and Pluto on either side of the meridian. There are also important combinations of Neptune and Pluto in the charts of Agatha Christie, Helena Blavatsky, Chris Angel and Hans Kok. Click the link to find out more about the Neptune-Pluto combination.

http://astropost.blogspot.com/2008/06/neptune-and-pluto-combination-of-silent.html

Astrology chart Steven Spielberg

Neptune is exactly square the Ascendant and ruling the Midheaven in the chart of director Steven A. Spielberg and Neptune is the symbol of the movies (things you see that are not really there). Venus is trine Midheaven and ruling Neptune. The Sun does not make any aspect in sign or orb 5 degrees. Jupiter is rising before the Sun. How to read that? Like this, for example:

...he has a profession in the immaterial (amorphous) field of religion, fantasy, art or helping people. Fantasy is of crucial importance. There is also internationalism (travelling involved). And the possibility of heaving a believing and devoted audience (fans, followers: Jupiter and Neptune are both important).
The profession is related to style and estetics (Venus). And he wants to be the one drawing attention, leading and directing. Sagittarius (his Sun sign) symbolizes 'knowing better' and guiding.

Steven Spielberg is not acting or shaping material creativity. But you can see that sense of art is needed in his career by the minor and major aspects that the Moon, Venus and Neptune are making with the Midheaven (sesquisquare, trine and binovile). The position that he has (Midheaven) is related to the artistic pattern. The Moon in the 5th house, ruling the ASC indicates that he has a desire to be 'playing' or to be working in the field of entertainment and show, performing.

This is the chart. Notice that Moon, Venus, Jupiter and Neptune are prominent. Combinations of those four are Moon/Venus with Jupiter/Neptune (sense of art + fans) or the successful artistic pattern...Like in all the chart of famous persons with artistic talents on this blog.

Astrology chart Harold Pinter

Harold Pinter died yesterday. He was a famous writer, actor, poet and director. Directors need an important Sun in their charts to lead the play in their direction. Harold Pinter had the Sun on top of the chart, square Ascendant and in Libra, ruled by Venus (planet of esthetics and style). The chart of Harold Pinter shows various talents, and he used all of them.

MERCURY FOR THE MESSENGER, VENUS FOR THE TALENT
In his chart Mercury (symbol of the messenger and the author) is important. Mercury is opposition Aries Point and rising before the Sun. Mercury rules the 5th house of plays and entertainment. And Mercury is tightly sextile Venus, the symbol of style and refinement. This aspect tells us that he had a talent (Venus) for communications (Mercury).

ARTIST
The pattern of the artist in the chart: Moon in Taurus (ruled by Venus and opposition Midheaven) 105 degrees from Neptune. It also can be found in the positions of Sun and Moon in signs ruled by Venus and in the position of Neptune.

The artist in the chart is in the elevated Sun in Libra, conjunct the midpoint Venus/Neptune and half semi square Venus/Jupiter and Venus/Pluto.

Also see the semi square of Jupiter and Neptune (for the devoted audience). Jupiter and Neptune are both in aspect with the Midheaven.

ACTING
Sense of art is demonstrated by the Moon in Taurus, on a crucial angular spot in the chart. The Moon is the symbol of acting (of keeping memories alive and of 'pretending').

SUCCESSES IN THE FIELD
The successes as an artist are reflected by:
Jupiter trine Midheaven
Jupiter sesquisemisquare Venus/Pluto
Venus sesquisemisquare Jupiter/Midheaven
ASC 112.5 degrees from Venus/Jupiter and Venus/Pluto
Mercury sesquisemisquare Mars/Jupiter and Jupiter/Pluto
Jupiter is related to Sun/Neptune and Sun/Pluto
and more...

The chart of Harold Pinter does not point at one strong direction only. The various ways that he showed his talents to the world go together with various indications in the chart. All together they indicate that on his day and hour of birth it was time for the birth of a man who had talents for communications, who could draw attention, who could 'pretend' or 'act' and who could make a success of it, either way helped by the prominence of Jupiter (symbol of progress), close to the Descendant and trine the Midheaven.