Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was no mere child prodigy. In his short life he produced 41 symphonies, 17 piano sonatas, 20 operas… in fact around 600 works in total. He is, perhaps, the greatest known musical genius of all time.
He was born with Virgo rising, very useful for artists of all kinds, especially where attention to detail is paramount.
Astonishing talent, inherited genius
Astonishingly, the north node of the Moon – which along with the opposing south node, is often regarded as a karmic point in a birth chart – is virtually exactly conjunct his rising degree in Virgo and almost exactly opposite Uranus on the descendant in Pisces.
Uranus is often equated with genius, amongst other things, and being exactly conjunct the south node, it symbolises a born genius, someone who has inherited some astonishing, unusual gift. However, it is one thing to have the potential, quite another to realise it. Thankfully for all of us, his talent was spotted early.
In astrological terms, one is supposed to head more towards the north nodal position in the ‘present’ life, in Mozart’s case, right on the ascending degree, meaning that he had to push himself forward, realise his unique ability in music and composition.
The Virgo Pisces axis is particularly symbolic here, with Uranus and descendant (DC) in vast, inspirational Pisces and the ascendant (AC) in exacting, attention to detail Virgo, the perfect axis for bringing spiritual dreams into earthly reality, in his case in the form of music.
A wellspring of inspiration from the subconscious
His ruling planet, Mercury, which is also house 10 and MC ruler (career/life direction), was found in Aquarius conjunct his Sun in house 6 – opposite Neptune in house 12.
In many ways this substantiates the nodal position above on a different level. Here is the unconventional person (Aquarius), a natural workaholic too (Sun conjunct Mercury with Saturn nearby in house 6), but in contact with the spiritual numinous (Neptune) from the subconscious (house 12) in the form of music.
I find this remarkable and may attest, in astrological terms at least, to his genius and what the nature of it might be. His Venus trine Mars will also give him much creative energy and potential.
Another interesting feature of his chart, is the exact conjunction between the Moon and Pluto in Sagittarius in house 4, in good aspect to Jupiter in Libra in house 2. I think this basically represents an open, friendly manner, but probably with caustic edge at times. He would appear to have had a good sense of humour and keen on the odd bawdy joke. This aspect might also represent an interesting family and home life, plus ancestry.
Albrecht Dürer is an astonishing, yet somewhat enigmatic artistic character from late 15th and early 16th century Renaissance Germany.
He was a prolific painter, engraver, designer, writer and theorist. He has had an enormous influence on other artists, not merely in his own time, but right up to the present day, through the sheer quality of his work and the magnetic power of his often haunting imagery.
Personal magnetism – Pluto in first house
Astrologically, he was born with Virgo rising, with Pluto just beyond his ascending degree in challenging aspect to his native Sun in Gemini in house 10.
Virgo rising denotes a versatile, analytical and critical outlook on life, very useful for an artisan where detail and patience are absolutely key. His ruler, Mercury, was found in earthy, artistic Taurus in house 9, underlining his practicality and enduring qualities in producing vast amounts of woodcuts and engravings that have stood the test of time.
Pluto in house 1 would intensify his painstaking attitude, almost bordering on obsession at times, it would seem, especially so as Pluto is challenging his Sun in Gemini in house 10; he would likely drive himself hard so as to potentially endanger his health. This intensity of Pluto, so personalised within him, may indicate the fascination of self portraiture – he produced several good examples of this. In these magnetic self portraits, note the intensity (Pluto house 1 square Sun) of the stare.
Another outstanding feature of his chart is the relatively full house 10 in Gemini, including the Sun, Saturn, and Venus conjunct Moon. The latter conjunction is in beneficial aspect to Uranus in house 2, a very clear indication of his distinctive, unusual manner and his originality, not only in character but artistically.
Ambitious, distinctive, but very likeable
He was also clearly a very versatile, communicative, physically attractive, rather pleasant and probably quick witted person – once you got beyond the initial intensity (Pluto) of his personality.
Many people at the time testified to his charm and wit. Mercury is also high up in the chart, so with all these luminaries here is a strong indication of ambition, the desire to ‘become’ someone in the world. This Mercury is in Taurus in house 9, so he had a practical mentality and a strong interest in philosophy and travel. He made two important trips to Italy and one to the Netherlands.
He was indeed also something of a humanist, contributing much in literature, especially in the realms of natural sciences and mathematics. He wrote treatises on measurement, practical theories (Mercury Taurus house 9) on such things as fortifications, proportion, and also on artistic theory. “Human Proportions” is probably his most important literary work, which took virtually a lifetime to produce.
Example of birth chart drawing, individually created.
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The name and birth data of ‘Ellen’ are protected.
Above is the birth chart drawing, based on older styles from the medieval and Renaissance periods. I do not include the ‘outer planets’, not because I think they are unimportant, but in the interests of simplicity. If the ‘outer planets’ are prominent by position or aspect, then they are included in the analysis:
‘Ellen’
Personal Astrological Analysis
At the time you were born the
Rising sign or ascendant was in Gemini
Sun was in Virgo
Moon was in Libra
Mercury was in Virgo
Venus was in Libra
Mars was in Virgo
Jupiter was in Scorpio
Saturn was in Taurus
Uranus was in Libra
Neptune was in Scorpio
Pluto was in Virgo
Introduction
Astrology is based on the idea of what is seen above in the sky is reflected in our world below: as above, so below. In astrology, the path of the Sun, called the ecliptic, is divided into twelve zones of 30 degrees, called signs. Twelve is a natural division.
The Signs – what are they?
The signs of the zodiac and their qualities in order are:
Aries, the Ram. Cardinal Fire. Ruler Mars
Taurus, the Bull. Fixed Earth. Ruler Venus
Gemini, the Twins. Mutable Air. Ruler Mercury
Cancer, the Crab. Cardinal Water. Ruler the Moon
Leo, the Lion. Fixed Fire. Ruler the Sun
Virgo, the Virgin. Mutable Earth. Ruler Mercury
Libra, the Balance. Cardinal Air. Ruler Venus
Scorpio, the Scorpion. Fixed Water. Ruler Mars
Sagittarius, the Archer. Mutable Fire. Ruler Jupiter
Capricorn, the Goat. Cardinal Earth. Ruler Saturn
Aquarius, the Water Bearer. Fixed Air. Ruler Saturn
Pisces, the Fishes. Mutable Water. Ruler Jupiter
What are the Houses for?
In astrology there are also the houses. These are based on the signs, the same qualities projected out into the environment of the individual. For instance, Aries, the first sign is fiery, enterprising. The corresponding house is the first house, which reveals how the individual projects him or herself out into the world, depending on the sign and planets (if any) contained in it.
First house: Appearance, personality
Second house: Finance, security
Third house: Communication, neighbours, siblings
Fourth house: Home, family
Fifth house: Creativity, children
Sixth house: Work, efficiency, health
Seventh house: Relationships
Eight house: Partner’s finance, inheritance
Ninth house: Long distance communication, philosophy
Tenth house: Career, status
Eleventh house: Friendship, association, groups
Twelfth house: Inner life, psychology
According to the data given me, the mutable air sign of Gemini was rising on the eastern horizon when you were born. The ascendant marks the beginning of the houses, the everyday equivalents of the zodiacal signs. The ascendant or rising sign is a pointer to our approach to life, what we project more obviously in to the world. It may have something to do with our physical appearance too. We must always bear in mind, however, the positions of the Sun and Moon as well. It is this blend of Sun, Moon, Ascendant, plus any other strong features in the chart which will represent your character.
Versatile
Ellen, when you were born the mutable air sign of Gemini was rising, your ascendant. This indicates that you have a versatile, sociable, communicative approach to life. You probably like to keep busy, to have a variety of tasks to perform, as well as plenty of places and people to visit and chat with in and around your community. Your ruling planet is Mercury, ruler of Gemini. When you were born it was found in Virgo, strongly in connection to (conjunct) Pluto in your fourth house of home and family matters.
Efficiency
I think this augments your Geminian character somewhat, giving you a greater need for efficiency and practicality, essentially bringing down to earth your innate need to do things. You like to busy in functional ways. You probably don’t like to waste time, not only fill your day with activity, but you like to apportion your time to get the most out of it. You might make lots of lists, or be an avid collector of certain items, like stamps, for instance.
Grasp of Detail
You are likely to have a very good grasp of detail, too, perhaps especially relating to home or family concerns. You should also have very good concentration, taking away any tendency for you to dissipate your energy. If you were to partake in any activity, like research, for instance, you would be able to give it 100%. You are, despite outward appearances perhaps, a very concentrated person mentally, able to break down ideas and things into their minutest parts and put them back together. And you are likely to insist on a very tidy, well organised home to match the qualities of your mind.
Efficient, Practical
If we now move to your sun sign, Virgo, this of course is the one factor you are already aware of. The combination of your Gemini ascendant and Sun in Virgo (both ruled by Mercury) only increases your potential for communication at practical levels. You probably have a strong interest in being efficient and so therefore health is absolutely key for you. You probably watch your diet closely and have a fitness regime you stick to. Work too is paramount to your well being – you appear to have a strong need to be busy.
Nervous Energy
Your Mars is also in Virgo and this will only increase the energy you put into practical detail, perhaps most particularly in the home. However, just bear in mind that you do need to rest periodically. Your nerves, perhaps more than most people’s, could have a tendency to get fraught because of the demands you may put on yourself. It might be tendency of yours at times to feel overwhelmed with the amount of work and tasks you set out to do.
Pleasantness
We now come to the Moon, the third most important factor in your make up. Your Moon was in Libra when you were born, in the 5th house of creativity and children. I think this will blend very well with above mentioned factors of your chart. Moon in Libra will add an instinctive charm to your personality, some very personable qualities. You should be quite pleasant to meet, because you like balance emotionally and in the home. In other words, despite your busy, efficient, work oriented character, you will nevertheless be pleasant to meet socially, in creative activities and with your children.
Beautiful Pursuits
Venus in Libra also in your fifth house further indicates your love of creative pursuits and possessions, such as art, clothes, music, just beautiful things, which you probably love to share with others and your children. So when it comes to your career, we have to bear in mind all the above said potential. We spoke your liking to communicate, both mentally and physically, to be busy, versatile, practical, to have variety in your life and work but not waste your time doing it.
Career Flexibility
The emphasis on communication could have led you in to many types of career.
You might have good linguistic skills too; maybe you can speak one or more foreign languages well – you seem to have the potential for that. This would obviously have opened the door to several careers, from teaching, local government, to diplomatic arenas. Then there’s the everyday variety and flexibility of something like being a shopkeeper, to delivering goods (where every day will be different), and to being a journalist, out and about covering a wide variety of local, perhaps national stories.
As you have a grasp of detail, plus good concentration, research and investigative work might be particularly suitable for you. This brings to mind investigative journalism and police or legal work.
Behind the Scenes
To add to this, you may also prefer to work busily behind the scenes, in a practical role, that might in some senses resemble a home.
This brings to mind larger institutions, where you will have scope for practical, detailed, concentrative work, which you would excel at – hospitals, or charities for instance. Your pleasant manner of response (Moon in Libra) will help you in these areas too. The latter is important for you, I think. You may realise you need to develop a career to take you ‘out of yourself’ so to speak, even if it is largely behind the scenes work, away from too much involvement in home and family life, where it is so ‘natural’ for you to function. In many ways the latter would tend to bring together all the different strands of your character, potentially leading the way to greater self fulfilment.
This brings to an end the general analysis of your birth chart. If you would like more details, or perhaps an in depth discussion about your chart, please don’t hesitate contact me.
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni – known simply to us as Michelangelo – is often considered the greatest creative genius of all time.
It is hard to argue against this considering his achievements. He was a notable artist, poet, sculptor and architect who created, among other things, the painting of the Last Judgement on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Pieta and the statue of David in Florence.
If his birth data is correct, then he certainly seems to have a birth chart that implies a significant creative force.
Multifaceted
Let’s start with the basics. Firstly, there is only Pluto in earth signs, which is very surprising considering many of achievements are practical creations, like sculpture – more of this later. His elements are primarily air and water, showing that he was inspired and put much rational thought into the creative process too.
He has Sagittarius rising, meaning he had a very free and multifaceted approach to life, an indication of his ability to span many types of creativity. His ruler, Jupiter, is in Aquarius in house 3, meaning there is more than a touch of originality, objectivity and freshness in his ideas and mentality.
Highly sensitive and creative
He has the Sun and Moon in Pisces in house 4, with the Sun in good aspect to Neptune in house 12, showing how he was essentially sensitive, impressionable and also deeply inspired from the subconscious. Mars is also quite close to the Sun, giving him great bursts of creative flair, especially so as Mars in ruler of house 5.
Venus in Aries is also an indicator of primal artistic flair, especially his Venus in house 5 of creativity. Venus is also ruler of house 6 of work and the MC, which also has associations with life direction and career.
However, I want to concentrate mainly on what I consider to be the primary pattern of his chart, namely the fairly loose, yet important ‘kite’ formation involving Mars, Saturn, Pluto and Neptune, and also the Sun and Uranus to some degree. This is a fairly unusual configuration and I am sure one that is significant when one comes down to discussing creative genius. I think the fact that all three ‘outer planets’ are involved is highly significant, an indication that he could tap creatively the transpersonal energies of transformation (Pluto), inspiration (Neptune) and originality (Uranus).
Through studying many birth charts of creative types, like artists and composers, I have found that Neptune in particular almost invariably forms strong aspects to personal planets, or is strongly placed, or both.
The ‘Kite’ – the sign of a great, dynamic genius?
Apart from Pluto, at the top apex of the shape, it all takes place in water signs and houses using the ‘whole signs’ house system, showing its emotive and inspirational wellspring.
In this regard, Pluto’s presence in an earth sign (Virgo) and house (10), becomes all the more significant, I feel, symbolising the long term, transformative physical effect Michelangelo produced and experienced in his career, and the incredible, powerful legacy he left with us.
Let’s take a closer look at it. Mars in Pisces in house 4, reveals his emotive, disparate energy in opposition to Pluto in Virgo in house 10, a tense, compulsive battle between personal and transpersonal power, which creates great waves of energy to transform the life direction but which needs to be harnessed to make useful.
Applications in the world
Enter Saturn in Cancer in house 8 and Neptune in Scorpio in house 12, both in good positive aspect (sextile and trine) to the Mars Pluto opposition, both of which can feed off this energy. Saturn will tend, despite being in a water sign and house, to earth this energy, look for practical, structural applications of it.
Neptune, and to some degree Uranus, will add sheer inspiration and some originality to the mix from a subconscious and transpersonal ‘muse’, perhaps encapsulating the very nature of genius. And with the Sun also fairly closely linked to this inspirational dynamo too, we can perhaps appreciate the great depths of creative potential that this man had, his ability to produce it for all the world to enjoy – even to this day and hopefully for centuries still to come. He was that rare individual, a genius for all time.
*If you are interested in getting your own astrological report, or would like one created for a loved one or a friend, please contact me at leoftanner@gmail.com.
If the Christian Reformation could be said to have a starting date, it must surely be the day of October 31 1517, when Martin Luther, Augustinian Doctor of Theology at the University of Wittenberg, is said to have nailed his Ninety-five Theses to the door of All Saints Church in that German city.
What is not generally acknowledged is the hard work and mental torture that this man must have gone through to get to that crucial point, basically becoming exasperated with such practices as the selling of indulgences, which supposedly reduced a person’s time in purgatory.
A passionately intense man
According to the birth data given, Luther was born with Leo rising, making the Sun his ruler, which is found in Scorpio in house 4. Essentially, here is a lover of life, a deeply passionate and intense person who is interested not only in his family and background but also the fundamentals of life – what he saw as the truth, stripped back to brass tacks.
His Sun is in good aspect to Chiron in house 8, indicating that he suffered much through his deeply penetrating attitude, his wish to get to the fundamentals, but which also put him in to a positive position to help others later.
This can be seen through his encouragement to look to scripture, rather than the other teachings of the then Catholic church. This would necessitate the translation of the Bible into the native tongues of Europe, something which Luther also encouraged.
Black and white
His character is also moulded strongly by the elements; he has no planetary activity in earth and lots in fire and water.
He clearly saw things in black and white, he was emotional, intense, and with the Moon in Aries in house 9, he could be a bit of a firebrand, reacting quickly, strongly, angrily at times, especially in mental pursuits, perhaps most particularly in higher mind/philosophical areas. This was only exacerbated by the Moon’s opposition of Pluto in house 3. He clearly often felt blocked by the intransigence of the Catholic authorities, who were not supportive of his wish to reform and sweep away.
Strongly defining conjunctions
His character is also strongly defined by two important conjunctions. Mercury is almost exactly conjunct Neptune in Sagittarius in house 5.
He had a free thinking, creative mind, able to quickly grasp ideas and philosophy, but behind all this was a strong sense of spirituality, a connection to the numinous (Neptune); it’s almost like having a direct line to God, or believing that you have. I think this was a most important trait.
The other highly symbolic conjunction was between Venus and Saturn in Scorpio in house 4. Though deeply and powerfully emotional, he was also mightily controlled, willing to endure suffering, loss, privation even torture for what he believed.
He certainly did not ‘get his kicks’ from any run of the mill enjoyment and would probably view most earthly pleasures as pointless and tedious. The strength of these two conjunctions alone, are a prime indication of his motivation to become a priest/friar in the first place.
Cutting zeal
Add to this the cutting zeal of Mars in Scorpio (aided by loose conjunction with Jupiter) in house 4, being the ruler of house 9 of philosophy and religion, plus the above said conditioning of Venus, being the ruler of house 3 of the everyday mentality, and a picture of him fully emerges as someone of complete determination and belief that his deeply felt spiritual cause is correct.
Most interestingly, the north node in house 9 is exactly opposite Jupiter in house 3. The north node shows where are meant to go in life and in his case it is towards a more outer, philosophical direction, a direction which he certainly led.
The harder – but only choice
It would have been much easier for him to have continued as a Doctor of Theology, which, although clearly religious, is very much more house 3 activity than 9, especially in the way the Catholic church was structured then, where he stood to glean much, even materially, from his position in Wittenberg University. Such was the strength of his belief and conviction, he decided to take the harder route and thus became the historical figure he is now.
Few other people, especially common people, have had such an impact on history, a fact which I believe is fully shown in the quality of the chart of his nativity.
copyright Leofwine Tanner 2019
*If you are interested in getting your own astrological report, or would like one created for a loved one or a friend, please contact me at leoftanner@gmail.com.
Ciscography 