Alexey Agathonov 5. The Royal Degree on the Ascendant: Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury was born on September 5, 1946, in Zanzibar (6S 1 O; 39E 11). No birth time is known. Let us construct a cosmogram for noon (GT throughout the text).
The Moon—the primary need—falls in the socially oriented and emotionally complex sign Capricorn. This sign raises doubts, as it is not associated with the need for a bright public display. Rather, it reflects social ambitions. Still, it could explain Mercury’s emotional struggles and his drive for career success. Yet it hardly accounts for his phenomenal popularity. In my view, far more indicative would be the Moon’s sextile to Jupiter in the last degrees of Sagittarius (where it is conjunct the fierce star Etamin). Mercury exhibited many Leo qualities—desire to shine, dominate, love of grand, lavish shows, and vanity. Since only Pluto, not a personal planet, is in Leo, it is logical to place the Ascendant in this sign. This leads to a time between 0:48 and 2:40, after which the Ascendant moves into Virgo.
The next step is to strengthen the 1st house, since Mercury undoubtedly possessed charisma and powerful personal magnetism directed at the masses. In this case, Pluto in the 1st house fits perfectly. This narrows the time to between 0:48 and 1:36 (when Pluto reaches the Ascendant). Since Saturn is unlikely to be in the 1st house—something that would severely limit Mercury’s charm—we must place it in the 12th house. This gives us a time between 1:11 and 1:36.
Chart 21. F. Mercury. Cosmogram for 12:00 ST
We should aim for a strong aspect to the Midheaven, ideally a trine from the Sun. Thus, the Midheaven should be near 12–15 degrees Taurus. Incidentally, the Midheaven’s ruler, Venus, conjunct Jupiter, describes professional success in the arts. It is possible that Uranus forms a semisquare to the Ascendant, which would explain the Aquarian qualities of the singer’s character and image. In that case, the Ascendant falls at the 7th royal degree of Leo (Firmicus: “He whose horoscope is in the seventh degree of Leo will compose hymns”), and the Midheaven is aspected by a trine from the Sun, a square from Pluto, and a sesquiquadrate. The Ascendant reaches the 7th degree between 1:11:05 and 1:14:55. Within this span, the Midheaven degree changes. If the Midheaven is at 14 degrees, it is conjunct four small stars in the constellation Andromeda (including Almaak, which grants artistic talent and fame) and the star Menkar—Alpha Ceti. This star is inauspicious.
I will return later to the meaning of these stars and the mythological narrative that shaped Mercury’s fate. For now, we settle on the 14th degree of Leo for the Midheaven, narrowing the uncertainty interval to between 1:11:20 and 1:14:55. Of these, 1:11:25 is preferable, as at this time Jupiter forms an almost exact binonagon to the Ascendant (see Chart 21-1).
Now let us test this chart—derived purely by theory—against events. We will examine progressions (with the Midheaven shifted by solar arc), solar arcs, and transits (in the Koch house system).
At age five, Farrokh Bulsara (Mercury’s real name) moved with his parents to India. The progressed Ascendant conjunct Pluto, the 3rd cusp conjunct Mars.
In 1954, likely in the autumn, he began boarding school. The Midheaven was in semisextile to Uranus; the progressed Moon entered the 9th house.
1958: his first rock band. The progressed Part of Fortune conjunct Uranus in the 11th house.
1964: move to England. The solar-arc Jupiter reached the IC.
Summer 1969: graduation from college, leaving his parents’ home, living in a communal household of friends. The transiting Saturn was square to the personal axis; the solar-arc Uranus trine the IC.
Chart 21-1. Freddie Mercury. 1:11:25 ST
August 23, 1969: first concert. Transiting Jupiter sextile the Ascendant.
1970: birth of the band “Queen.” Transiting Saturn on the Midheaven; the Midheaven trine Neptune.
The following year, the progressed Sun sextile the Ascendant, and in February 1971 the band was fully formed, soon followed by their first real concert.
October 31, 1975: the album “A Night at the Opera,” breakthrough to year-end chart-toppers. The Midheaven square the Sun and sextile Pluto.
1983: the musicians briefly parted ways, each pursuing solo projects. The progressed Ascendant square the Lunar Node; transiting Saturn square the Ascendant.
September 1, 1984: release of Mercury’s first solo single, “Love Kills,” co-written with Giorgio Moroder. Transiting Saturn on the IC—a highly characteristic combination.
July 13, 1985: the grand charity concert at Wembley Stadium, attended by 72,000 people, broadcast to a global television audience of over a billion. The solar-arc Midheaven conjunct Uranus in the 11th house (orbis 1.5′).
October 8, 1988: triumphant performance with Montserrat Caballé in Barcelona. Mercury’s last major concert; afterward he worked only in the studio. Transiting Saturn and Uranus conjunct the Moon.
In professions, 30 degrees = 1 year: Saturn on the Descendant.
November 24, 1991: Mercury left this world, refusing medical help, surrounded by glory. This could have been the year of his greatest triumph: the progressed Sun conjunct Jupiter, and transiting Jupiter conjunct natal Sun. Yet by the Jupiter septenary, Jupiter rules the 8th house…
The progressed Ascendant square the Moon, ruler of the North Node’s domicile. Progressed Mercury and Mars conjunct (“Mercury’s activity”) in noviles to the Moon (12th) and Neptune (8th), and at their midpoint. Notable in solar arcs: the Midheaven opposition to the Moon (ruler of the North Node’s domicile), the personal axis square Uranus, and Uranus itself on the Ascendant. This was a parting—and a reckoning.
Mercury’s final years were tormented. Saturn reached the fatal midpoint Admetus/Vulcan at 23 degrees Aries.
The chart seems to respond well to the major events I know.
A few words about the horoscope itself. In everyday life, Mercury was reserved and quiet. In many photographs, he appears gloomy, even sullen, with the Ascendant prominent. The Parts are the chart’s strongest feature. For example, the Part of Fortune sextile Uranus (the band’s luck). The Part of Victory (Sun + Moon + Jupiter) conjunct Mercury (0). The Part of Life (Asc + Saturn – Jupiter) conjunct Venus (“life in art”). The Part of the Mind (Asc + Mars – Mercury) conjunct Uranus. The Part of Wealth (Asc + Jupiter – Mercury) sextile Pluto and square the Sun. The Part of Profession (MC + Moon – Sun) square Venus. The Part of Death (Asc + 8th – Moon) conjunct Mars. The Part of Danger (Asc + Mercury – Saturn, “what Mercury stops”) conjunct the 12th house and square Neptune, ruler of the 8th house (secret illness). The Part of Completion (also the Part of Success: Asc + Sun – Jupiter) conjunct Uranus. The Part of Fate (Asc + Saturn – Sun) opposition the Moon. The Part of Individuality (Asc + Sun – Uranus) conjunct Jupiter. The Part of Happiness or Marriage (Asc + Jupiter – Venus) conjunct Saturn. The Part of Fortune (Asc + Moon – Jupiter) conjunct Neptune. The Part of Passion (also the Part of Retribution: Asc + Mars – Sun) conjunct the Sun. The Part of Popularity (Asc + Venus – Pluto) trine Uranus and opposition the fatal midpoint Admetus/Vulcan. The Part of Sex and Love (Asc + Venus – Sun) square Uranus. The medieval Part of Death (Mars + Saturn – MC) square Neptune.
Such activity of the Parts reveals hidden geometric relationships between planets, the Ascendant, and house cusps. The horoscope is internally very rigidly organized, reflected in the structure of midpoints.For example, in the 8th harmonic chart (in the 45-degree circle): MC = Part of Fortune = Cupid/Zeus = Saturn/Neptune Sun = Venus/Jupiter = Mars/Uranus Mars = Lunar Node = Uranus/Pluto = Ascendant/MC = Sun/Neptune Aries Point, and so on. And finally, about the fate myth of Mercury, reflected in his chart. From the perspective of 20th-century astrology, this is a Pluto person. Pluto in the 1st house, the ruler of the underworld, gave him power over the masses, and that same Pluto forbade him from appearing on stage after its transit square in 1988. Mercury is the personification of Pluto-214 RECTIFICATION ~ on. Pluto governs the 4th house of the foundation of worldview and the end of life. Of course, this is also a Venus person, since she is strong in her sign, strong as a dispositor (controls three other planets, the Part of Fortune and the Midheaven, and is in conjunction with Jupiter). Venus is the planet of love, harmony, and art; its conjunction with Jupiter signifies joy, happiness, prosperity, luck, charm, and success. The 1st house says “who,” the 7th house says “with whom,” the 10th house says “what he does,” and the 4th house says “what he relies on, what resources he has.” Who: the Sun (ruler of the Ascendant), that is, Freddie himself. But “who” is also Pluto, and perhaps primarily Pluto. “With whom” is Uranus (ruler of the 7th house) in the 10th house of groups and friends. “What he does” is what Venus together with Jupiter symbolize: beauty, happiness, success. But we must not forget that the Midheaven—the goal point—is in square to Pluto. So he also does what Pluto dictates. “What he relies on, what resources he has” is again Pluto, since it governs the 4th house. The result, the outcome, is again Pluto. This can be interpreted in two ways: Pluto symbolizes power, authority, and influence. But it also symbolizes the underworld, Hades. However, in the tradition of traditional astrology, he would be called a Mercury person, since he was born on a day and hour of Mercury, and this planet is the Almuten of the chart (calculated by complex rules and, from the point of view of tradition, is the most important planet of the chart, the planet of destiny and fate). Mercury is the genderless messenger, the trickster who connects worlds, the eternal youth in winged sandals who flies around the Earth in a moment, the herald of the gods.
And finally, Mercury is also a Saturn person, so close to the Ascendant. Saturn (Cronus) is the planet of terms and boundaries, the planet of karmic debts, the king of time, the devourer of his own children. In mythology, Jupiter overthrew his father Cronus and seized power over the world. Jupiter in Freddie Mercury’s chart is subordinate to Venus, the goddess of beauty and art. It seemed he triumphed: Mercury’s career was brilliant. But Saturn took revenge, measuring out a strict term: Mercury departed at the transit opposition of Saturn. Now about the stars and the fate myth. On the Midheaven, there is a whole cluster of small stars. The myth of Andromeda and Cassiopeia, her mother, and of Cetus, the terrible sea monster sent by Poseidon, is presented. Cassiopeia, the queen of Ethiopia, was beautiful but vain. Cassiopeia claimed that she and her daughter Andromeda were more beautiful than all the daughters of Poseidon combined. She dared to compete with the gods in beauty, challenging them. The offended Poseidon sent Cetus, and it ravaged the shores of Ethiopia, bringing endless suffering to its inhabitants. Poseidon declared that he demanded a sacrifice—Andromeda, a young and beautiful maiden, a princess. Andromeda was chained to a rock, and Cetus devoured her, but Perseus appeared and turned it to stone with the head of Medusa the Gorgon. There are stars from the constellations of Cassiopeia and Andromeda on the Midheaven, a malefic star from the constellation of Cetus, but there are no stars from the constellation of Perseus either on the Midheaven or in the chart at all. Andromeda cannot be saved. Menkar—the Alpha star of Cetus—swallows her. Poseidon, who sent Cetus, is Neptune, the ruler of the 8th house (fatal and secret illness; the immediate cause of Mercury’s death was pneumonia). But Cetus also appears in the Bible, in the parable of Jonah. Jonah was called to preach but tried to avoid his duty and was swallowed by Cetus. Inside the belly of Cetus, he spent three days, after which he begged for release and went to Nineveh to preach, exposing its vices. While in the belly of Cetus, he was completely transformed. As A. Imshirgich writes in the book The Pillars of Fate*: “In the constellation of Cetus lives the story of some duty—family, ancestral, karmic, or some other—that must be paid, otherwise the one who will collect it will come. Cetus symbolizes not only the threat and payment of a debt but, in a much deeper sense, the severe trials that lead to inner transformation. Only after spending three days and three nights in its belly did Jonah submit to God’s will and begin to preach. Thus, Cetus carries within itself a spiritual transforming force that wonderfully transforms horrifying reality.” Whether Mercury became the herald of higher powers, whether he fulfilled Mercury’s destiny, is not for us to judge. Judging by some of his songs and his last words, he tried to do so. And judging by the fact that he refused medical help, he entered the maw of Cetus of his own free will. Another star on the Midheaven is Tau Eridani, associated with the myth of Phaethon. To prove to everyone that he was the son of a god, Phaethon tried to ride his father Helios’ chariot across the sky, but he failed, and to prevent the fire from the fiery chariot from engulfing the sky and earth, he was struck by Zeus’ lightning bolt. Phaethon fell into the river Eridanus and died. His sisters, the Heliades, mourned him for a long time on the riverbank, and the gods turned them into poplars, and their tears of amber hardened into amber. Amber is a solar stone, warm and bright. May the memory of Freddie Mercury be the same.
*A. Imshirgich. The Pillars of Fate. A Study Guide to Fixed Stars. Moscow: World of Uranus, 2008.
6. Arnold Schwarzenegger
A bright person with striking turns of fate and clearly expressed character traits. Let us imagine that we do not know his birth time and conduct rectification. Here is his Cosmogram (Chart 22). Three signs stand out: Gemini (Mars-Uranus: the way of expressing will and energy), Cancer (Mercury—the way of thinking and Venus—the feelings and ideas of beauty), Leo (the Sun—the Self, and in a broad conjunction with it Saturn-Pluto—the entire stellium indicates unshakable solitude). These are three important themes in his fate: activity and independence; origin, roots, family; self-affirmation.
Mars in Gemini and Mercury in conjunction with the fixed star Castor from the constellation of Gemini (which symbolizes the mortal twin) resonate. The myth of the twins plays an important role in Arnold’s life. Let us try to determine the emphasis of the houses and the relationship of the planets to the houses, based on what we know about Schwarzenegger. A planet can be associated with a house if it rules it, is located in it, aspects the ruler of the house, or a planet in the house, or the cusp of the house if it is angular. The rulers of the second and even the third sign in the house are also taken into account if the sign occupies more than 13 degrees in the house.
Mars and Pluto rule both Aries and Scorpio. One of the most important qualities of Schwarzenegger is the desire to be first, to assert his Self. “He entered the world with nothing but flaws—an outcast, unloved, a gloomy failure with destructive inclinations and grandiose fantasies. Arnold is a representative of an original breed of heroes, the idol of the 20th century, who created a new religion of self-affirmation. Ruthlessness, ambition, and financial success—these are the traits that made Arnold famous.”*
*See: Lee, Wendy. The Unofficial Biography of Arnold Schwarzenegger. http://fatalenergy.com.ru/Book/arnold_neof/index.php. Further quotes are taken from this book.It is highly likely that the Sun has a connection to the 1st or 10th house. After analyzing the charts of 26 prominent leaders (mostly entrepreneurs or heads of state*), I found that in all cases, except for J.P. Morgan’s horoscope (who may have been appointed), this connection exists. Leadership is an innate character trait, so such a connection must be present in the radix. In his pursuit of supremacy and self-affirmation, Schwarzenegger demonstrated remarkable willpower, perseverance, and determination. “Strength is not the result of victory. Strength is the result of struggle. When you overcome difficulties and decide not to give up—that is when you have strength… You must constantly strive to rise above others.” The Sun, Saturn, and Pluto in Leo in a wide conjunction reflect this in the cosmogram. The horoscope must feature a strong 1st house. We must also find indications of willpower, initiative, charm, and a drive for personal success.
To understand who served as Schwarzenegger’s role model, let us examine the natal chart of Christopher Reeve, the actor who played Superman, whose career as a film star ended abruptly on May 27, 1995, due to a horseback riding accident that resulted in a spinal fracture. Reeve was also a highly strong-willed individual. He was extremely popular and embodied key aspects of the “American Dream,” the American myth. The Sun rules the chart. Mars, Venus, and Jupiter are connected to the 1st house by aspect. Jupiter is located in the 10th house, and Neptune is in conjunction with its dispositor, Venus. Venus aspects Pluto in the 1st house (popularity, charm). Pluto aspects the ruler of the 5th house of roles.
In the synastry of Schwarzenegger’s cosmogram and Reeve’s horoscope, we see that Reeve strongly influences Arnold’s mindset and his “Gemini-like” motivation: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune in Reeve’s chart aspect Mercury in Arnold’s chart (in conjunction with the star Castor in the constellation of Gemini). At the same time, Reeve is perceived by Arnold as a rival, as their Mars planets are in opposition. Reeve stirs Arnold’s dreams, since the Moon-Neptune square in Schwarzenegger’s chart relates to Reeve’s Sun, and Mercury in Arnold’s chart is in a square to Neptune in Reeve’s. Reeve’s charisma (his Pluto in the 1st house…) supports Arnold’s energy (…in a sextile to Schwarzenegger’s Mars). The trine of Neptune in Reeve’s chart to Mars in Arnold’s can be seen as an awakening of motivation to express oneself (Mars) in cinema, in the creation of illusion (Neptune).
It is evident that strong contacts must exist in Reeve’s horoscope, both with Schwarzenegger’s cosmogram and his natal chart. It is quite possible that Reeve’s planets aspect the angles of Arnold’s chart. There is a good chance that Schwarzenegger’s horoscope will contain indications of popularity and success similar to those found in Reeve’s.
Hereafter, we will use both traditional rules and the observations of S.V. Shestopalov, as outlined in his course “Astrology of Professions.”
Schwarzenegger is highly proactive. He adapts to circumstances but shapes events. The cardinal houses must be highlighted, primarily the 1st and 10th, with connections between them. It is possible that the distribution of planets across the hemispheres will reflect the complexity of social realization, with constraints imposed by birth conditions (for example, the lower hemisphere may be significantly stronger than the upper one, or the 10th house may be prominent).
Schwarzenegger’s charm easily subjugates those around him. It is likely that Venus is connected to the 1st house (or is located in the 7th, as in the case of the highly attractive M. Ali). He is physically very active, an excellent and versatile athlete: Mars must be connected to the 1st house. However, his physical attributes in childhood and youth were not extraordinary. As his first coach, Chernych, wrote, “he was very poorly built: with slightly sunken chest, sloping shoulders, and underdeveloped legs.” Therefore, Mars’ influence on the 1st house may not be very strong.
In the cosmogram, Mars and Uranus do not form major aspects, creating a “peregrine island” (a term by N. Till), meaning they lead the entire chart inward. Arnold has always been a nonconformist—more or less pronounced. This can be explained by the Mars-Uranus conjunction itself, but it is also possible that Uranus may be connected to the 1st house (the independent Self), or Mars with Uranus may relate to the 12th house (a common phenomenon in the charts of people with an eccentric, rebellious nature). Additionally, Mars’ connection to the 12th house may describe the grueling training sessions in the confined space of a gym.
For example, in the horoscope of the boxer and rebel Muhammad Ali, Mars in the 9th house aspects Pluto in the 10th house in a square (this also indicates imprisonment; such indications should not be present in Schwarzenegger’s chart). Minor aspects of Mars include a semi-square to the Sun and a septile to Saturn (willpower and perseverance as a mystical imperative).
Thus, the possible connections of Mars to the 1st house are as follows:
– Rulership (Ascendant in Aries or Scorpio, or Aries or Scorpio as the second signs in the 1st house);
– Conjunction with the ruler of the 1st house (Uranus), if the Ascendant is in Aquarius or at the end of Capricorn;
– Aspect to the element of the 1st house (the Sun), if the Sun rules the chart or is located in the 1st house;
– Aspect to the element of the 1st house (Saturn), if the Ascendant is in Capricorn or at the end of Sagittarius.
Since sports was Schwarzenegger’s first profession, Mars must also relate to the 10th house.
Arnold’s life has seen several dramatic turns. He changed professions three times (bodybuilder – actor – businessman – administrator, politician). Uranus may relate to the 10th house. Arnold emigrated overseas, striving for world supremacy and social success. There may be an interaction of the 4th, 9th, and 10th houses (a distant move) and the 10th house. In the horoscope of a public, elected leader, the lights, Jupiter, and Uranus often relate to the 10th house. Based on my observations, this can manifest not only through the rulership of the 10th house, aspects to a planet in this house or its ruler, but also through aspects to the Midheaven. These indications can be present in the radix (innate abilities) but may also appear in the relocation chart for Los Angeles (the influence of the environment).
He is a truly great man. Jupiter may relate to the 1st house. This is a radix indicator. The natal chart may contain indications of a difficult childhood, such as an afflicted house. However, poverty is relative—while his father earned little, meat was on the table at least once a week, and the Schwarzeneggers lived in a house that had previously belonged to a local aristocrat, Baron Gerbershtein. Admittedly, the house was cold, with bare wooden floors, no central heating, and no running water. It is possible that Jupiter relates to the 4th house (the house of an aristocrat), but Saturn may also be involved (literal and emotional coldness). Additionally, the lack of special advantages in this house may be reflected—for example, the ruler of the 4th house may lack essential dignity.Since Schwarzenegger’s fortune is estimated in hundreds of millions of dollars, the formula of a multimillionaire derived by S. Shestopalov is very likely (Mars, Neptune, Pluto relate to the 2nd house, Neptune and Pluto to the 9th, Saturn to the 11th, the Black Moon relates to several houses). In this case, the formula of a mid-level businessman may be absent. Since, one way or another, his entire life is connected with the stage, the 5th house must be highlighted. The actor should have connections between the 1st and 5th houses (“I am on stage”), as well as between the 5th and 9th houses (“tour”).
In the USA, where Arnold achieved worldwide fame, there may be a particularly strong 10th house (public), and it should be connected to the 10th house of career. Since Schwarzenegger’s conscious role has always been that of a superhero, Pluto may already relate to the 5th house in the radix. But he often plays the role of a savior in films, so Jupiter is also possible. Since Jupiter is in Scorpio and in square to Pluto, the following options are possible:
– 5th house in Scorpio and contains Jupiter;
– 5th house in Cancer or early Leo and contains Pluto, aspected by Jupiter;
– 5th house in Sagittarius, its ruler Jupiter is aspected by Pluto.
Neptune (cinema) may relate to the 10th house (either in the radix or in the relocation chart).
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life was greatly influenced by friends and even random patrons. For example, he was only able to emigrate to the USA thanks to the support of a person he had known for a short time, and to secure Arnold a visa, that person risked their reputation and professional standing. In America, Arnold received friendly support from many influential people. A connection between the 10th and 11th houses (especially in America), or between the 1st and 11th houses, is possible. Again, an indication of charm.
Since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s father, Gustav, was a very extraordinary personality, the 4th house in his chart may also be highlighted. Here are some interesting details about his father:
“Tall, attractive, and broad-shouldered, he held the position of police chief and carried himself proudly, more resembling a prince from a Franz Lehár operetta. Even as a child, he attracted the attention of Emperor Franz Joseph with his noble appearance. The elderly emperor’s palace stood near Gustav’s house. Gustav long remembered the feeling of closeness to the all-powerful emperor, after which power, in all its manifestations, fascinated him throughout his life. He was a man of contrasts—a disciplined military man and an elegant dandy who dressed with refinement. Burdened by earthly family concerns, Gustav was at the same time an intelligent and courteous man. He played six musical instruments and was an excellent flugelhorn player. Music was his greatest joy, the center of his entire existence.”
The talents and charm of the father are described by a sextile between the Sun and Neptune. Perhaps one of these planets relates to the 4th house of the father and early childhood. But the father was also authoritative, pedantic, and rough (the Sun in conjunction with Saturn and Pluto). He drank and, when drunk, was cruel and unpredictable (the Sun afflicted by Mars and Uranus). In childhood, little Arnold was terrified of his father.
“Gustav Schwarzenegger was a Nazi officer during World War II [though he did not fight on the front lines but served in the German military police in occupied Belgium]. He raised his son as if still at war, with Arnold as the opponent. He tore the boy’s hair out, beat him severely with a belt. Gustav Schwarzenegger was greatly irritated by his son’s frailty.”
The thirst for universal admiration, the unbreakable armor of an athlete and superhero—this is the result of a painful childhood psychological trauma (though it may also have deeper karmic roots).
“Arnold has everything: the whole world and everything in it. And yet something is missing from him. Because the unloved child who wept inconsolably through long nights continues to remain inconsolable, and its love remains unclaimed. He may now indeed be one of humanity’s favorite sons, but he will never be his father’s favorite son. And no matter how much love, how many fervent greetings, how much admiration and adoration he receives, it will never be enough to compensate for those distant days of childhood, for what he so passionately desired but never received in abundance.”
If this is the case, there may be some “vulnerability” in the 1st house and indications of emotional vulnerability. For example, the ruler of the 1st house may be weak, afflicted by Neptune (the Moon in detriment in square to Neptune), and the “protective cluster of planets around the Ascendant” is not excluded, often observed in people who experienced difficulties in childhood (observation by N. Til). If the Ascendant is in Cancer, these conditions are met, and Venus in one house will describe charm. Let us keep this in mind.
Arnold had an older brother. The father encouraged fierce rivalry between the sons. The two boys pushed themselves to the limit in their efforts to outdo each other in running, boxing, skiing, and studies, desperately seeking his approval. Every competition began with Gustav’s ironic exclamation: “Well, let’s see who’s the best among us!”
Both boys exhausted themselves, striving to prove their superiority to their father. Of course, Arnold had to fight harder to stand out, knowing that Maynard occupied a much larger place in their father’s heart. His fights were more persistent, his efforts to defeat his brother more desperate, and his need to win his father’s love far greater.
The older brother, attractive and artistic, with better looks than Arnold but by no means as strong-willed or purposeful, became a failure, a drunkard prone to financial schemes. The relationship with his older brother left a mark on Arnold’s entire life and his motivation for success: in his rival, he saw the “brother” he had to defeat. He chose the most successful person in any field, imitated them, compared himself to them, and eventually surpassed them. This was the case with bodybuilders, and it was the same with actors (though he failed to surpass Stallone, Arnold equaled him in popularity and earnings).
Admittedly, Arnold’s methods were not always flawless, but he believed that “all’s fair in love and war” and, laughing and mocking his defeated opponents, recounted his victories. For example, against the well-built dark-skinned bodybuilder Sergio Oliva, he won twice. The first time, he pretended to leave the stage with him but stayed behind. The second time, Schwarzenegger chose a hall with dark walls, making Oliva appear less impressive and securing second place. Another bodybuilder, who had prepared seriously for the competition and was emotionally tense, Arnold simply made laugh on stage, and the judges considered his behavior inappropriate. A third competitor Arnold angered before the performance, preventing him from concentrating properly. Arnold skillfully and inventively used “psychological warfare” methods. He did not forgive any threat to his unique status as the best bodybuilder on the planet. However, later, many of those he defeated remained (or even became) his friends.
The story of the struggle for first place in Hollywood with Stallone is also interesting. When Schwarzenegger first started acting, Stallone was already famous. He was already Hollywood’s “favorite son.” Their roles were similar—loners as heroes. Schwarzenegger immediately saw Stallone as a rival and repeatedly spoke about him in interviews in less than flattering terms (by the way, it’s interesting that Arnold accused Stallone of falsity and “lack of love”).
But he failed to shake Stallone’s position. Then Arnold used the “Trojan horse” tactic. During the filming of “Red Sonja” in Europe, he had a passionate but short-lived romance with the stunningly beautiful, sexy, and egocentric model and actress Brigitte Nielsen. This was likely a strong temptation in Schwarzenegger’s life, one that threatened his impending marriage to Maria Shriver of the Kennedy clan.Bridget was as striking, ambitious, and decisive as Arnold, perfectly matched him in appearance, but lagged behind in perseverance, intelligence, and strategic vision of life. In fact, she was a gifted dilettante, unlike Arnold, who approached any matter with great seriousness. She abandoned her child for a life of luxury and adventure, which outraged Schwarzenegger (“I loved her, but I couldn’t respect her… besides, she was too reckless for me”). As a result, he ended the relationship, but Nielsen continued to pursue him even in America. Then Schwarzenegger facilitated a meeting between Nielsen and Stallone, which led to a marriage that ended in divorce and left Stallone with psychological trauma. A Cancer Sun, a romantic, vulnerable, emotional person, he struggled hard to recover from the second collapse of hope for personal happiness. Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger celebrated his own marriage.
Bridget was Schwarzenegger’s “sister” in appearance (“Aryan looks”), disdain for conventions, and sexual temperament. But he won and rejected her. Stallone was Schwarzenegger’s “brother” in Hollywood, the favorite of the audience at the time of their acquaintance. He could not “defeat” Stallone in Hollywood, but he certainly found his “Achilles’ heel.” However, the unsuccessful marriage to Nielsen was likely necessary for Stallone’s psychological development, as he ultimately resolved his marital issues successfully.
In his rivalry with opponents, Schwarzenegger demonstrates skills in psychological manipulation, covert, ethically questionable actions. Perhaps there is tension between the 9th and 11th houses, already in the radix (innate abilities; this quality manifested itself even in Europe). But it should not be strong, with many tense aspects, since Schwarzenegger never had serious legal troubles. Probably, this tense interaction may involve the 1st house as well, as when defeating an opponent, Schwarzenegger defeats a “brother.”
Rivalry is one of the aspects of the Ares archetype, the most important for Schwarzenegger (emphasized by the conjunction of Mars with the warlike and active star Bellatrix). Here are the key qualities of this archetype:
– Early loss of father, significant role of mother, rivalry with brother, and a desire to prove one’s masculinity;
Arnold’s father died when he was 25, but there was no emotional closeness with him from childhood; in his early years, Arnold felt his older brother was more loved by their parents;
– Physical activity;
– A desire to tell the world his version—just read a few of Arnold’s interviews; besides, acting in films is one way to show himself to others;
– A thirst for fame;
– Playing with death—Schwarzenegger is practical and has a strong survival instinct, yet he performed dangerous stunts without a stunt double in *Conan the Barbarian*; later he said, “Sometimes you had to do something truly terrifying… In the first episode, four real wolves were supposed to attack me. The wolves were released from their cages too early. I ran back, fell off a cliff, and tore my back. They quickly dragged me to the medical trailer, and the doctor stitched the wounds. The next day I had to fight twenty horses. The third horse hit me with its entire hindquarters, and I fell! I managed to get up, but I had to abandon the sword. You can’t imagine the joy of knowing you’ve overcome fear. I no longer care if I get hurt or not. I’m inspired by the fact that no trials frighten me”;
– Love for the fastest modes of transport (airplanes, motorcycles, and powerful cars); he crashed a motorcycle twice and was involved in a car accident; he owned a private jet;
– Rivalry;
– Corporate spirit—the flip side of rivalry; Schwarzenegger always remained a member of the bodybuilding brotherhood, though he sought the leading role within it; loyal to friends;
– Life by the rules—he never missed a workout, trained in any conditions; highly disciplined and responsible in all professional matters;
– Protection of the weak—Schwarzenegger is known as a philanthropist, particularly sponsoring sports for the disabled; in his films, he often protects children;
– Control over emotions as an evolutionary task—not immediately, but he managed to achieve this;
– Self-sacrifice as the highest manifestation of the archetype*—I don’t know about real life, but in cinema this theme resonated (*Terminator II*, *Kindergarten Cop*, and especially *End of Days*).
Rivalry with someone similar to a brother resembles the theme of twins. The most famous twins—manifestations of the Ares archetype according to M. Bednenko *Gods, Heroes, Men*—are Castor and Pollux, fighters, brawlers, horse tamers, and abductors of brides. They have their own constellation and stars named after them. In Schwarzenegger’s chart, Mercury is located just over one degree from bright Castor (a Mercury-type star), in a tight conjunction with Lambda Geminorum. Recall that Castor is the mortal twin, while Pollux is immortal. When Castor was mortally wounded, Pollux shared his immortality with him.
In a strange, mystical way, this theme manifested in Schwarzenegger’s life: his brother died in a car accident just as he was beginning his rise in America. Judging by this star, Arnold is the “mortal” twin who received a gift from his brother. We can take this speculation further—Pollux’s father was Zeus, while Castor’s was a mortal. Schwarzenegger’s 3rd house should be affected. Since rivalry with a “brother” is such an important theme in Schwarzenegger’s life, Mercury’s conjunction with Castor in his chart may occupy a prominent place. The rivalry may be connected to tension between the 1st and 7th houses. It is possible that one of these houses shares an element with the 11th house, which would describe rivalry with a brother. For example, the ruler of the 3rd house is in the 1st house and is afflicted by the 7th, or vice versa. Or the rulers of the 1st and 7th houses are the same, and they are afflicted by the ruler of the 1st house. In principle, such an approach to rectifying charts of people prone to rivalry can help determine the signs on the personal axis.
It is quite possible that the chart contains an interaction between the 1st and 7th houses. There may be several variations:
– A tense aspect between the rulers of the signs on the Ascendant and Descendant, or between the rulers of the 2nd signs in these houses;
– Tension between planets in these houses;
– Tension between the ruler of one of these houses and a planet (or Black Moon) in the other house.
But there may be other indications of a tendency toward conflict:
– Mars in the 7th house;
– Mars afflicting a planet in this house or its ruler;
– Mars or Pluto in square to the personal axis (for example, Pluto afflicts the personal axis in the chart of A. Slutskin in my rectification variant).
Let’s consider these interaction variants in relation to Schwarzenegger’s cosmogram.
Saturn and Pluto conflict with Jupiter. However, the signs they rule (Capricorn and Sagittarius, Aries/Scorpio and Sagittarius) do not form tense aspects with each other, meaning they cannot be on opposite sides of the personal axis. It is also impossible for one of the conflicting planets to rule the 1st or 7th house, and the other to rule the 2nd sign in the 7th or 1st house (which would also create a 1st–7th interaction).
Another tense aspect is formed by the Moon and Neptune. However, Cancer and Pisces are in trine, and the Moon and Neptune do not create conflict.
A minor tense aspect is formed by the Sun and Mars. However, the signs they rule are in trine (Aries and Leo) or square (Leo and Scorpio), so there will be no 1st–7th interaction here.
The Sun and Uranus are in a novile, which may create tension between the elements of the 1st and 7th houses if the personal axis is in Leo–Aquarius or Cancer–Capricorn (in which case the Sun and Uranus are the secondary rulers of the houses on the personal axis). However, this aspect describes not conflict but a desire for independence and nonconformity.
There are two oppositions in the cosmogram: from Mercury and Venus to Lilith (Black Moon). If these oppositions are located on the personal axis, they will create a 1st–7th combination.In this case, the Ascendant must be in Cancer — so if we place it in Gemini, Mercury and Venus will move into the 4th house. Again, Cancer! Mars or Pluto may aspect the personal axis — it may be located in Virgo-Pisces or Taurus-Scorpio. But if the Ascendant is in Virgo or Taurus, the Sun does not relate to one house. However, if the Ascendant is in Pisces in square to Mars, then the rulers of the 10th and 11th houses, Jupiter and Saturn, are in square — and there are no high-ranking friends. If the Ascendant is in Scorpio, many supposed indications are fulfilled, except for the protective grouping of planets around the Ascendant. In this case, the birth is diurnal, and whether this is true we trust the aspects of the progressed Moon to major events. Mars may be in the 11th house (e.g., Ascendant in Sagittarius). In this case, Neptune in the 10th house would fit. However, then Saturn and Pluto aspect Jupiter in the 12th house, which could bring serious legal troubles. This option does not fit. Therefore, if we want indications of rivalry, the Ascendant in Cancer or Scorpio is suitable, with Cancer being preferable (early birth, other qualities of Cancer, and the protective grouping of planets around the Ascendant). In honor of Arnold, it must be said that in many ways he overcame his “Gemini” complex. A significant role in this was played by the film “Twins” (1988). It is also interesting to compare the first and second “Terminators.” Externally, they are twins, but their goals are opposite: the first pursues and seeks to destroy, the second is pursued and protects. Protection and rescue of a child are themes in several of Arnold’s films. And in one of his films, he even plays a pregnant woman! Here, the influence of Cancer is noticeable. Perhaps it also explains some physical traits: sunken (in childhood) chest, sloping shoulders. Also notable is Arnold’s constant return to his roots, his homeland. Every vacation he spends in Austria. He proposed to Maria Shriver in Graz. He held his mother in high esteem. He is a caring (though strict) father of four children. He took his brother’s son into his home. Again, Cancer! It should also be noted that other important character traits of Schwarzenegger include strong intuition, seeing what needs to be achieved, knowing what will happen. “I can accurately aim at a prospect. I see myself in the future so clearly, as if I am dreaming awake, and it almost becomes reality. Then it becomes easy, and I don’t need to coil like a spring to reach the future, because I feel I am already there, and the rest is just a matter of time.” These qualities may be given by harmonious aspects of the Sun to Neptune, Mercury to Jupiter. Perhaps these planets are connected to the 3rd (mind), 9th (foresight), and 12th (intuition) houses. Despite his nonconformism and independence of judgment, he thinks very realistically, has a strong survival instinct, and practical acumen. He is a tough rival but a loyal friend.
Let’s summarize the hypothetically possible indicators of the horoscope we have found.
1. A strong 1st house. The Sun relates to a cardinal house, most likely the 1st or 10th, or both.
2. Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus relate to the 1st house. Strong cardinal houses, primarily the 1st and 10th, are linked among them.
3. The 2nd and 3rd houses in the radix may be affected. Saturn likely relates to the 2nd house (poor childhood).
4. However, Jupiter, as well as the Sun and/or Neptune, may relate to the 4th house.
5. Mars with Uranus may relate to the 12th house.
6. The luminaries, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune relate to the 10th house.
7. The 5th house stands out. It is connected to the 1st and 9th houses. Pluto and Jupiter may relate to the 5th house.
8. A possible connection between the 10th and 11th houses, 1st and 11th houses.
9. Possible tension between the 9th and 12th houses and between the 1st and 7th houses, with the 3rd house involved in the latter case.
Based on rivalry indications, the Ascendant is likely in Cancer or Scorpio, with Cancer being preferable.
10. The chart for Los Angeles should show increased potential for Schwarzenegger and his new prospects. It should form a formula of middle-class business and/or a multimillionaire formula. The 5th (stage), 11th (public), and 10th (career) houses may be particularly strong. Abstractly distinguishing innate abilities from acquired opportunities in America is hardly possible, especially since we do not yet see the chart. It is not excluded that Schwarzenegger would have become a fairly prominent actor, businessman, and leader in Europe as well. But he left it quite early. In principle, the listed indications should be sufficient to determine Schwarzenegger’s approximate birth time. For this, it is only necessary to check 12 Ascendant options (one for each sign) and find the chart in which all 10 indications or at least most of them are fulfilled. And such an option exists.
Let’s consider the positions of transiting slow planets, primarily Jupiter and Saturn, during the major turning points in Schwarzenegger’s life. We will not limit ourselves to the planets’ positions in the month of the event but will note the entire range of degrees if the planet has already passed through the subsequent degrees before the event. If it first passes through these degrees, we will note only its position at the time of the event.
July 1961 — first appearance in the gym, the beginning of grueling training and a rapid rise. Jupiter: 28 Capricorn — 8 Aquarius (a prolonged opposition to the Sun). Saturn: 24–30 Capricorn.
October 30, 1965 — “Mr. Europe” among juniors, 1st place. Jupiter: 22 Gemini — 1 Cancer. Saturn: 11–18 Pisces.
March 1966 — “Mr. Germany,” 1st place. Saturn: 23 Pisces. Jupiter: the same degrees. In March — 22–23 degrees Gemini.
August 1, 1966 — move to Munich, the beginning of independent life. Jupiter: 20 Cancer, Saturn: 23–30 Pisces.
Late September 1967 — “Mr. Universe” in London, 1st place. Jupiter: 27 Leo. Saturn: 6–13 Aries. This year, Jupiter passed the Sun, and Saturn formed a trine to the Sun, so they may not have formed aspects to the axes.
Late September 1968 — move to America. Jupiter, having passed 22 degrees Virgo by the end of September, seeks to conjoin Pluto at 24 degrees Virgo. Slightly further is Uranus, often associated with moves. Saturn: 19–26 Libra.
October 3, 1970 — after a series of defeats — 1st place in the “Mr. Olympia” and “Mr. Universe” competitions. Schwarzenegger is the best bodybuilder in the world. Jupiter: 9 Scorpio (square to the Sun). Saturn: 16–23 Pisces.
The second half of 1974 — decision to become an actor. The beginning of a gradual change in profession and life course. Saturn: 13–19 Cancer. Jupiter: 8–17 Pisces.
November 1977 — “Mr. Olympia” (1st place). Announced the end of participation in bodybuilding competitions. But much more important, though stretched over time, was the agreement in 1979 or 1980 that Arnold would play Conan. This was a turning point in his film career, the beginning of his rise to worldwide fame. The film was released on May 14, 1982. In 1979–1982, Saturn was in Virgo and Libra — in opposition to its position during his first major success and move to Munich.
April 26, 1986 — marriage after an eight-year relationship with Maria Shriver. Jupiter: 15 Pisces. Saturn: 4–8 Sagittarius (in trine to the Sun). Pluto is square to the Sun. Uranus at 19–23 Sagittarius. This was another decisive turning point in Schwarzenegger’s life. After this marriage, he began to take an interest in politics, supporting George H.W. Bush during the elections.
Early 1990 — head of the Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under the U.S. president. Saturn: 18–23 Capricorn.
Then Schwarzenegger combined work in film with a political career until 2003, when he was elected governor of California, which finally brought him into the ranks of politicians. Since the election campaign takes about a year, we are interested in the degrees of Saturn’s transit in 2003: 23 Gemini — 14 Cancer.
