2.    Annie Besant
English Theosophist, Social Reformer, Statesperson


Michael D. Robbins © 2003


October 1, 1847, London England. Time given between 5:00-5:45 PM, LMT. As most astrologers conclude (due to her forceful and pioneering life) that Annie Besant had Aries rising, the time would have to have been after 5:21 PM, LMT.  (Source: Sabian Symbols and Notable Nativities). Died, September, 20, 1933, Adyar, India.

(Proposed Ascendant, Aries with Uranus and Pluto also in Aries; MC in Capricorn;  Sun conjunct Venus and loosely conjunct Mercury in Libra; Moon conjunct Jupiter Cancer; Neptune in late Aquarius and Saturn in early Pisces)

Annie Besant was an English social reformer, author of many definitive theosophical books, president of the Theosophical Society from 1907 until her death in 1933, and president of the Indian National Congress in 1917. She was second only to her mentor, H. P. Blavatsky, in her influence upon modern Theosophy and the Theosophical Society.

Annie Besant was avidly involved in a radical and transformative approach (Uranus rising) to the social issues of her day (Libra), such as birth control (Cancerian emphasis) and the place of women in society (Libra emphasis). She usually worked in close partnerships professionally (Sun in Libra conjunct the NN in the seventh house), first secularly in relation to the social issues of her day, and later with C.W. Leadbeater in the field theosophical exposition and psychical research.  She was extraordinarily assertive (even driven) and at the forefront of many social and political controversies—a dynamic approach indicated by her Aries Ascendant and her powerful first ray—presumably the ray of her soul, as she was closely connected with Master Morya (as was H.P.B.)

First ray Uranus rising in the chart not far from first ray Pluto, is a strong indicator of the power of the first ray of Will and Power. Later in life she became an elected political leader, an avid advocate of Indian home rules and president of the Indian National Congress. It is interesting to realize that the soul sign of India is Aries, the foremost constellational distributor of the first ray. One of the major soul-oriented indicators in Annie Besant’s chart is Aries on the Ascendant; further, Annie Besant, like India, is presumed to have a first ray soul. It would seem that there was a deep karmic/dharmic bond between her and that great country.

As an initiate (one would hypothesize) of the third degree, the esoteric ruler of her Sun Sign and that of her Rising Sign should be compared. Interestingly they are Uranus, esoteric ruler of the Libran Sun, and Mercury, esoteric ruler of her Aries Ascendant. Uranus and Mercury are in almost exact opposition, conferring great mental power (she had a scientific mind, reinforced by the conjunction between fifth ray Venus and Mercury, which planet also has much of ray five, though hypothetically on the monadic level), and must have evidenced a dynamic tension between reason and intuition, between the lower mind and the higher mind, and between manas (Mercury) and the will (Uranus). Her nervous system would have been taut—highly strung, ultra-responsive, made still more sensitive by Neptune in H12. Ultimately, Uranus, although the esoteric ruler of the Sun Sign, is the more powerful planet, because it is also the hierarchical ruler of the Rising Sign, Aries. Hierarchical rulers may be read as relevant in the lives of initiates. As the hierarchical ruler of a powerful first ray sign/constellation, Uranus is a potent conduit of electric fire, of Shamballic Energy, and conferred upon Annie Besant the power to embody Divine Purpose—no matter what might have been the counter-pulls from the lower aspects of attached Cancer and partner-bound Libra.

The sixth ray was also, it would seem, an important aspect of her character, as she changed her vocational orientations drastically a number of times in her life, and pursued each new orientation with great one-pointedness. Mars, the sixth ray, orthodox ruler of the Aries Ascendant, is retrograde and hence strong, though found in Taurus, the sign of its detriment. Her devotion to, belief in and promotion of Jeddu Krishnamurti as the “World Teacher” (overshadowed by Maitreya, the Christ) confirms the presence and importance of the sixth ray. It should be noted that her Mars sits within five degrees of Krishnamurti’s Sun in Taurus. In addition, Taurus is a Shamballic sign, and carries much will (in its own right and through its association with Vulcan). Her unusual intensity seems a combination of R1 and R6, with the probability of a R5 mind, reinforced by the Venus/Mercury conjunction.

The chart demonstrates a tremendous T-Square between the Aries, Cancer and Libra planets. This pattern defined the dynamics of her notable life, generating the conflict to be overcome through great energy and the spirit of synthesis. The tension generated from an indomitable and impersonal will (indicated by the Aries Ascendant and planets), deep social concern and investment in socio-political issues (indicated by the Libra planets) and the profound sense of motherhood (generated karmically and later applied to greater ‘family spheres’, were expressed within the tenth house sphere indicating powerful work on behalf of the planetary power structure—the Spiritual Hierarchy of our planet. Interestingly, the asteroid Juno (of committed partnerships) is placed in Capricorn and forms with the Aries, Cancer and Libra planets a Grand Cross. Much of her work was carried forward in important, professional (Capricorn) partnerships, which furthered her social and spiritual ideals.

Because it can be reasonably proposed the Annie Besant was an initiate of the third degree, the “fixed stars” would be of particular importance. The stars represent the solar dimension of life, and come into greater prominence with the solar part of man (the soul) has taken a dominating position, as it does at the third initiation.

The Cancerian Moon is exactly (to the minute) conjunct a major star of guidance and education, Canopus, the leading star of the constellation Argo (the mythical ship which served the Argonauts on their great quest). Great “path-finders”, pilots and navigators come under the influence of Canopus (and surely AB was that for many aspiring people—whether that aspiration was social, political or more esoterically spiritual). As the Moon is involved, this capacity was for her built-in, instinctive, the result of previous incarnational work.

Significantly, the “star of initiation”, Sirius, also conjunct her Moon within less than a degree. She was one of the leading exponents of the Spiritual Hierarchy of our planet, working in close, conscious cooperation with one or two of Them. Her many theosophical writings helped prepare the mind of humanity for definite steps along the paths of discipleship and initiation.

The brilliant, magnetic star, Vega, is also connected to the Moon by opposition, contributing to her great charisma and oratorical abilities. Vega, in the constellation Lyra, can be associated with gifts of expression through the throat center and is magically magnetic in its influence.

Bellatrix (a star of assertive and even warlike speech) is exactly contraparallel Mercury (planet of thought and verbal expression and esoteric ruler of the assertive Aries Ascendant. This combination increased AB’s willingness and ability to speak out forcefully on unpopular and even dangerous social and spiritual issues (and ensured that there would be adverse consequences). She was once (1877) arrested on charges of immorality for lecturing on birth control. The placement of Mercury in Libra opposed Uranus in Aries is, of course, potent and relevant to this dynamic of outspokenness. In addition, and although it would apply to many born at a similar period, the planet Pluto is also in contraparallel to Bellatrix, conferring the power to speak what might be called the ‘terminating word’—the word of death (exposing and bringing down social, political and spiritual abuses).

We also see benevolent and wise Jupiter closely conjunct the star Castor, which relates to the ability to write and create in a flowing and relatively painless manner. AB’s great literary output is reinforced by this position.

AB’s role as a healing of social ills can be liked to the contraparallel of Neptune to Rasalhague, which is in the head of the “Serpent Holder”. Also, the healing planet Chiron is potently conjunct the brilliant star, Spica, giving the gift of knew knowledge. Chiron is also the mentor and quest guide—a role which AB fulfilled admirably.

There are other star positions of significance but these few will reveal the importance of that particular dimension in AB’s chart.

The hypothesized rays of Annie Besant, discussed in detail in Tapestry of the Gods, Volume. II, are 16-567—first ray soul, sixth ray personality, fifth ray mind, sixth ray astral nature, and seventh ray etheric physical nature. A fuller description of her amazing life (i.e., her last incarnation) is given there and may be read with the above astrological thoughts in mind.

This is just the briefest of expositions of the chart of a truly remarkable server on behalf of humanity and the Spiritual Hierarchy. Clearly, she came as a major promoter of the Divine Wisdom as expressed through the Theosophical Society. Endowed with a significant amount of seventh ray energy (complementing her potent first ray) she was equipped to organize what H.P.B. and Col. Olcott had begun. Her work was to strengthen and institutionalize Theosophy so that it could become a major conditioning force in human civilization. It may be that her own devotion and zeal (sixth ray) were at times counterproductive (as in the case of bringing Jeddu Krishnamurti forward, perhaps too ardently—causing dismay and divisions within the TS), but her tremendous labors for the Society and for the cause of human freedom (Indian Home Rule) must be remembered and honored.

In the last analysis, it would seem that the ray of the monad was active in her case, and that, as a leader/educator, she was responding to it. This ray may be hypothesized as the second ray of love-wisdom. Since the Sun is in Libra (at seven degrees) the “Monadic Point” would be found at seven degrees of Aries and rising in the proposed chart. Not all disciples can refer to the Monadic Point as significant, but AB could probably do so. The placement (in the eighth degree of Aries) again emphasizes the first ray—a generically first ray point in a first ray chart position (rising) and in the strongest first ray sign. This does not mean that she necessarily had/has a first ray monad, but that the way through to monadic expression was through an indomitable, pioneering assertion of the fact of the Ageless Wisdom as promoted through Theosophy. That AB will probably be remembered even more as a theosophical educator than as an organizer and executive (though she was formidable in these respects) may well point to the growing influence of a second ray monad expressing potently in a position in the astrological chart which emphasizes the first ray. It is impossible for anyone less than a Master to speak of the monadic ray with certainty, but we can recognize that it was probably influential in the case of AB—clearly an initiate. Certainly, the whole question of the spirit/monad was very much on her mind, and she was qualified to speak of it, which she did with illuminating accuracy.

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3.     Otto Von Bismarck
Statesman, “Avatar” of Materialism, Founder of “Real Politik”


Michael D. Robbins © 2003

(1815-1898) April 1, 1815, Schoenhausen, Germany, approximately 1:30 PM, LMT (Sources; Sabian Symbols, and Notable Nativities. Birth was recorded between 1:00-2:00 PM. Also McEvers Quotes Lyndoe in American Astrology, November 1967, “drawn for a family member”.) Note: It is conceivable that the birth occurred before 1:15 PM, LMT, which would have placed military and militant Aries on the MC, with its ruler, Mars, rather than more peaceful Venus, ruler of a Taurus MC and more or less conjunct the same.) Died, July 30, 1898, Friedrichsruh, Germany.

(Ascendant, Leo; MC, Taurus or Aries, with Venus in Taurus conjunct MC if in early Taurus, or near the MC if the MC is to be found in later Aries; Sun in Aries; Moon in Capricorn; Mercury in Pisces conjunct Pluto in Pisces, Chiron also in Pisces; Mars and Saturn in Sagittarius; Jupiter in Libra; Uranus and Neptune in Sagittarius; NN in Cancer, H11).  

Bismarck, the “Iron Chancellor” as he was called for his Martian/Vulcanian policy of “blood and iron” was, according to the Tibetan, a lesser avatar upon the first ray and associated with the Forces of Materialism (i.e., with the “Black Lodge”). Lincoln, also upon the first ray, was a racial avatar affiliated with the Great White Lodge and counterbalanced him. The Tibetan has this to say about such appearances:

"Racial Avatars. These Appearances are evoked by the genius and destiny of a race. The typical man (in quality and consciousness, not necessarily physically) foreshadows the nature of some race. Such a man was Abraham Lincoln, coming forth from the very soul of a people, and introducing and transmitting racial quality—a quality to be worked out later as the race unfolds. Coming forth correspondingly from the realm of cosmic evil, and responsible for the focus of materialism upon the planet today was Bismarck. Both men came forth within the same one hundred years, thus demonstrating the balance in nature and the constant interplay of the pairs of opposites. They are both types of the most powerful Avatars which humanity itself has as yet produced. They emerge along the lines of government, of the first ray and in the department of the Manu, and are very sensitive to Shamballa force. Such Avatars frequently emerge at the founding of a nation. This is true of both Bismarck and Lincoln." (EXH 297-298)

These are strong words. It is clear that the Tibetan, with the insight of a Master, sees deeply into the psyche of individuals and their relationship to the psyche of humanity. To state that an individual has come forth “from the realm of cosmic evil”, and to name him “responsible for the focus of materialism upon the planet today” is an extraordinary declaration.

Bismarck was Prussian statesman, a towering political figure who put his stamp upon his age by uniting the German people under the government of one empire. He led the initially weak kingdom of Prussia towards increasing strength, through three victorious wars and astutely opportunistic political maneuvering. In forging the German Nation (Vulcan in Aries) he demonstrated himself responsive to the Shamballa Force with its emphasis upon synthesis, however it was the same negative, materialistic synthesis which united “Hitler and his evil gang” (to use the Tibetan’s words, R&I, 430). In this case the Moon in Capricorn (bearing the legacy of past incarnations) brings out all its materialistic potentials, and since it conjunct the South Node (and the fated Vertex—depending upon the exact time of birth), it indicates a materialistic past. The Tibetan referenced the lives of selfishness and materialism which were characteristic of the members of Hitler’s group. Venus in Taurus on the MC also brings forth material (Taurus) values (Venus). Let us remember that Hitler, also, had Venus in Taurus (in his case, conjunct Mars). Every energy can be misappropriated; the five-pointed star of Venus can express as the inverted pentagram—the symbol of those inner materialistic forces which both Bismarck and Hitler, perhaps unwittingly, service. In true Venusian manner, Bismarck could be charming (Venus) for his own selfish purposes, and it is clear that an elevated Venus in its own sign (exoterically considered) gave him what he and many considered to be a good marriage. Hope-inspiring Jupiter in polite Libra in the third house of communication gives more evidence in the same direction, as did conjunctive Juno, conjunct Jupiter, in the sign of marriage and partnership, Libra. Regardless of his true motives, he was generally successful in matters of diplomacy. His Aretian energy served him as well in the overcoming of his enemies, for he was said to “disarm with frankness”.

Bismarck’s early years were undistinguished. He was an indifferent student. Enrolling in the civil service he was easily bored and unable to acquiesce to a bureaucratic hierarchy (Aries has a strong streak of rebellion and Leo cannot brook orders from others). Summoned to assist his father to assist in the management of the family estate, he settled down to the rather ordinary life of a country squire—a life style which reinforced his basically conservative and even reactionary attitudes. It could be said that Libra on the IC ruled by Venus in Taurus seems a suitable position for one who later romanticized the idyllic life. The Libran IC would naturally given an Aries MC, somehow fitting for Bismarck aggressive expansionism (Mars in Aquarius).

From 1835 Bismarck had been a lawyer, and during the 1840’s his political thinking was very conservative. He abhorred the thought of social disorder (Capricorn Moon exactly conjunct the South Node, Saturn in Aquarius—regimenting the group, placed conjunct the proposed Aquarius Descendent). While courting his wife he had experienced a religious conversion (Neptune in religious Sagittarius, square the planet of Mind, Mercury in faith-prone Pisces), and he cultivated the ideal of an orderly, Christian State ruled by an authoritarian God. Many have remarked about the extent to which Bismarck could rely upon ‘God’ to agree with him.

He earned his reputation as a political reactionary out of touch with his times. He spoke forcefully in 1847 against Jewish emancipation and the fashionable liberalism of the period. We can see here a harbinger of the anti-Semitic policies which had begun subtly to infect the German and Austrian psyche. His method of speaking was, on occasion, crude and even vicious (though for his own purposes he could be urbane and apparently conciliatory). As his power grew he abandoned restraint (selectively). He sometimes spoke of his political enemies as “rats” which needed to be “exterminated”. He thus introduced into German politics a tone of discourse which built up gradually into the lying, hateful propaganda typical of the Nazis. One of the signs characteristic of those under the influence of the Black Lodge is the resort to barbarism in language (however strategically employed). This later led, by a path not too indirect, to the atrocities for which the Nazis were responsible. We find Pluto in conjunction with Mercury, and hurtful Chiron (its lower meaning) also conjunct Mercury with the distributive inoffensively unitive planet Cupido conjunct Mercury as well. Vulcan may be quite close to the Sun conveying an emphatic personal forcefulness and crudity.

Bismarck was elected to Parliament. His rise in life can be seen by an elevated Sun in first ray Aries, trine willful Uranus and loosely trine the first ray/separative fifth-ray Leo Ascendant, forming a grand trine in fire. His expansionistic ambitions can easily be seen from the opposition of expansive Jupiter to the Sun in Jupiter’s house, the ninth. He eventually became a court representative and secretary of foreign affairs. In 1862, he became prime minister of Prussia, reaching a peak of power, second only to his chancellorship of the German Empire ten or eleven years later. He was now in control. Europe after Bismarck was never the same. Its center, once weak and diversified, had evolved into the foremost industrial and military power on the Continent.

In 1864 Bismarck’s offensive for the aggrandizement of Prussia began. He attacked and decisively defeated first Danish and then Austrian armies, increasing German territory. He next courted northern Germans with a new liberal constitution (conciliatory Venus near the MC, generous Jupiter in polite Libra) Then in 1870 Bismarck goaded Napoleon III of France into war. German forces soon routed the French, captured Napoleon, and gained land in eastern France. In 1871, Bismarck proclaimed William German Kaiser, or emperor. While he, himself, was not king or emperor, he might as well have been. Kaiser Wilhelm was a puppet in his hands. Bismarck’s support for a German monarchy can be seen in his first ray Leo energies. He served for twenty-eight years as prime minister of Prussia and for nineteen years as chancellor of the German Empire—a position far more powerful than that of the Kaiser to whom his loyalty (externally at least) was unquestionable. In 1890 he was defeated politically by a confederation of his enemies. Embittered he went into retirement filled with a sense of failure and full of criticism for the governmental policies which were pursued after his departure. However, from the perspective of those malign forces of which he was the tool, he had been far more successful than he suspected.

These are three signs or constellations/signs through which the first ray is transmitted—Aries, Leo and Capricorn. Note that these three signs occur in Bismarck’s chart in the same positions as in the chart of Charlemagne—as Sun, Ascendant and Moon, respectively. Aries, in the case of Bismarck, indicates aggressiveness and the misuse of the assertive will. This corresponds to the soul-sign of Germany (Aries) and is a conduit for the first ray personality of that nation (which he forged). Germany has a first ray personality because there are so many first ray souls expressing through it. Leo stands for domination and egotism, and the centralization of power which he sought to promote in Prussia (as the leading state of Germany). Capricorn, in this case, represents hardness, rigidity, organization and materialism. Curiously, the Mercury position (Pisces) is also the same as Charlemagne’s as well as the Chiron conjunction to Mercury! Here, in Pisces, Mercury indicates stealth and subtlety (without which he could not have accomplished his objectives). Force alone, “blood and iron” were only part of his tactics. Chiron here demonstrates as the power to wound and mislead (for Chiron, negatively expressing, can be the one who leads authoritatively in the wrong direction). Note that Pluto, the planet of death, often, as well, involved in undermining and intrigue, is also in subtle, conjuncted to Mercury. The Mercury/Pluto/Chiron conjunction makes an effective instrument for accomplishing destructive purposes (Pisces and the eighth house) with subtlety. Bismarck was a man of stratagem and craft. His influence grew not only through strength and a willingness to be aggressive, but through the power to deceive. Mercury/Pluto/Chiron square to deceptive Neptune, masked by pleasant Venus and the largesse of Jupiter in apparently peaceful Libra, tell the story.

Bismarck, regardless of the potential for outward charm (Venus conjunct the MC and parallel ‘healing’ Rasalhague) was in essence a war-like person. If the MC is found in Aries, then Mars is the exoteric ruler, square the MC (indicating an attitude which promotes conflict), and also square Venus, the planet of peace (esoterically, a war between the soul and personality). Interestingly, in the chart of Hitler (Bismarck’s psychological and, in a way, political successor), Mars and Venus are found conjuncted. Venus represents peace and Mars, war. Bismarck was convinced that a united Germany, dominated by Prussia, could, in the last analysis, only be brought about by the assertion of force, by war.. To further his ends, he sought to create a heavily industrialized Germany, which he accomplished in the 1870’s. Mars and Saturn in the sixth house of work and labor, and the Moon in Capricorn supported this objective. If Taurus were the sign upon the MC, this would emphasize the power of Vulcan, related to industry and industrialization. It must be remembered that Taurus also can be very aggressive.

Given his personal and private behavior, it is conceivable that the fourth ray may also have played an important role in Bismarck’s makeup. Presuming that he was expressing through a first ray soul, we would see then, a reversal of the rays of Germany, which has a fourth ray soul and a first ray personality. Bismarck through his soul quality emphasized the personality ray of Germany, as did Hitler and a number of the prominent Nazis (all of whom were said to be on the first ray in some manner, if only the first subray of the soul ray). We must remember that the Black Lodge works primarily through the first ray at this time, reinforced by the separative tendencies of the fifth ray.

The Tibetan called the first, third and fifth rays “Prussian” (DINA II 646). Certainly he was a powerful example of the first ray. It is also possible that the third ray—in many respects, the ray of treachery and intrigue, was also significant in his make-up. Jupiter in Libra and Moon in Capricorn (Libra and Capricorn being third ray signs), would reinforce this tendency. Both Mercury and Pluto, as well, have third ray components.  As for the fifth ray, he promoted its rise in Germany—especially as this ray applied to what has been called the “Industrial-Military Complex”.

The fixed stars tell their story. Through the parallel Venus with Rasalhague and the conjunction of Neptune with the same star, we see his ability to lull the opposition, and his ability to heal cleavages for his own purposes. This may also have contributed to his sentimentality about the idyllic life. With the Sun conjunct Alpheratz, he wished to move swiftly (as his Aries Sun sign would incline him). It promotes independence and the quest for more freedom and greater personal space. Clearly it is expansionistic and evokes memories of Hitler’s call for “lebens raum” (space or room, for Germans, in which to live). First ray seventh ray Uranus was conjunct war-like Antares, and thus he was able to change or reorganize the mapnof Europe with his aggressive policies. As well the strategic asteroid Pallas Athene is conjunct a warrior star, Mirfak, in the constellation Perseus. More fuel for the fire.

An interesting “undiscovered” planet, “Vulcanus” (not Vulcan) sometimes also called “Samson”, is closely conjunct his Sun in Aries. This is a planet of great strength and overwhelming force. Behind the diplomacy, the purpose was to rule and control by force and imposition.

Curiously, Bismarck was able to promote a twenty year ‘peace’ in Europe—albeit won through war and aggression and reinforced by threat. This is perhaps attributable to and elevated Venus in its own sign, Taurus, on the MC, Jupiter in the peaceful Libra and Juno also in Libra. All of these are peace indications. But the peace created was intended to enshrine a rigid and authoritarian government which believed entirely in the centralization of authority (Leo, Rising) supported by military might. No true Germany unity was created. It was enforced by the Prussian mentality upon the general citizenry. All this proved a fertile breeding ground for elitist ideas about German supremacy, politically and racially, and led to the horrors which emerged later in the twentieth century.

We could say that Bismarck could not see beyond his own mistrust—abetted by his fearful Capricorn Moon. This fear was wedded to his natural egotism (the negative qualities of Aries and Leo in which the Sun rules or is exalted) and militant authoritarianism. The aggrandizement of Prussian Germany became equivalent to the aggrandizement of his own ego. Though his policies were ostensibly defeated before the end of his life, they had rooted deep in the German imagination. The sting of defeat in the First World War and the sense of betrayal by despised Jews and Communists brought about an atmosphere at last conducive to Bismarck’s strongest ideas—a dominant Germany. The idea was extended to mean an all dominant Germany, and world domination became an acceptable goal to the glamoured fanatics who founded the Third Reich.

It is well to remember that the Black Lodge works through fanning the flames of fanaticism and through obsession. The obsessed ones are glamoured by the apparent beauty and righteousness of their idealism, and do not see their militant idealism as an entry point for evil—in this case “cosmic” evil, according to the Tibetan. When we look at the conjunction of Pluto, Mercury and Chiron in sensitive Pisces in the eighth house related to Scorpio (both Pisces and Scorpio being signs of related to obsession) we see the open door. Bismarck, blind to the larger issues, was certainly used. Subtle Neptune, square to these planets, kept the door open still wider (being with Mercury a promoter of glamorous thought), and led to conditions in which the “negative” German people (rules in their personality by vulnerable Pisces) could be entirely overcome by obsessing forces.                                                                                                          

Humanity cannot judge these matters with accuracy. We are dealing a hidden world—the world of occult phenomena. What we do come to realize is that Bismarck represented (through Aries and Leo) the exaltation of egoism, whereas his avataric counterpart, Abraham Lincoln, so strongly Aquarian, represented Hierarchy, group love and an entirely new form of relationship which is to develop in the New Age. An amazing drama was enacted by two men who did not know each other personally, but who represented forces which have been at war for millions of years. Can we see in the astrological chart and proposed ray structure of Otto von Bismarck why he was chosen to be a focal point and, really, spear-head for the forces of materialism who, in the twentieth century, rose to attempt the defeat of humanity?

The chart proposed seems reasonably accurate, though may need some fine tuning. Bolivar’s father died when he was three years old, and in that year, the progressed Ascendant had moved into the same degree as rising Mars. As well there were three solar eclipses: one on his Pluto in Aquarius, one on his Sun and one, later on his MC. This is a formidable array of eclipses touching very sensitive points in the chart and more powerful because they are solar eclipses. Such indications are most suitable for the death of a parent.

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Jan 30 1786 NS             11:45    10°Aq28' D      
Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Jul 25 1786 NS              17:46    02°Le26' D      
Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Dec 21 1786 NS            02:06    29°Sg05' D      

Further when Bolivar’s mother died six years later there was a solar eclipse very close to his Ascendant.

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Mar 23 1792 NS            02:57    02°Ar49' D

The second solar eclipse of this nature occurred in the year 1819—the year in which Bolivar conducted one of the most daring and brilliant campaigns in military history, marching his small army through flood-swept planes and through treacherous, icy mountain passes considered by the Spanish as impassible. The audacity of this exploit was extraordinary. The Spanish were taken completely by surprise. The royalist army surrendered to Bolivar. It was a turning point in the history of northern South America. It is no surprise, then, to find another solar eclipse within a degree of so of the proposed Ascendant and transiting Jupiter hovering in the vicinity of the progressed MC.

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Mar 26 1819 NS            08:44    04°Ar30' D      

This same kind of fateful solar eclipse appearing at Bolivar’s Ascendant was repeated in the year of his death in 1830. The Ascendant indicates the direction which the Solar Angel would have the personality follow if the incarnation is to be considered successful. The Solar Angel is a solar Angel, and solar eclipses appear especially related to the will of that guiding Angel as it influences the incarnated life of its personality.

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Mar 24 1830 NS            23:38    03°Ar28' D

We know from these three indications, therefore, that we are very close to an accurate astrology chart and may trust the this chart (whether or not it is a degree or two off) for the kinds of indications for which the esoteric astrologer searches—namely those which have to do with soul destiny and its fulfillment.

Simon Bolivar was born in Venezuela. He traveled around Europe when the effects of the French Revolution were spreading. The power to learn quickly is conferred by the Moon in intelligent Gemini in the third house of mind.  He became inspired (Mars oppose Neptune, Mercury conjunct Uranus) to fight for independence for all South America.

Bolivar became leader of the Venezuelan republicans in 1812. He led a revolt in 1816 and established Venezuela’s independence, although it was not recognized by Spain. In 1819 Bolivar carried the struggle into Columbia, defeated the Spanish and became its first president. He returned to Venezuela, defeated the Spanish at Carabobo in 1821, and captured Caracas. This confirmed Venezuela’s independence. He then went south to help other colonies in revolt. When San Martin resigned as Protector of Peru in 1822, the republicans asked Bolivar to help expel the remaining Spanish forces from the country. This he did, and in 1824 was made “dictator”. (Aries, Leo and Capricorn clearly confer dictatorial powers. We see this in Charlemagne and Bismarck. In the case of Bolivar and Charlemagne a higher law and idealism are involved.) He moved to Upper Peru the following year and founded a republic, later named Bolivia after him. Having reached the high point of his power as the Liberator of northern South America, he sought to create a League of Hispanic American States, a project which came to a fruition of sorts in 1826. But ambitions between the newly independent countries of South America ran high, and before long (as Bolivar had prophesied) civil war broke out. It soon became clear that Bolivar’s greater dreams for hemispheric solidarity were not to be fulfilled. Amidst continuing revolts and challenges to his authority (at one point he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt), he finally realized in 1830 that his continuing political presence presented a danger to the internal and external peace of the nations that owed their independence to him. He planned to seek refuse in Europe, but cancelled his plans when he discovered that his close friend and chosen successor had been assassinated. He retired to the home of a benefactor and died there of tuberculosis. (Transiting Uranus was conjuncting his natal Pluto; there was an eclipse on his SA directed Uranus; transiting Pluto was conjuncting natal Mars; and all this was in the period of a solar eclipse on his Ascendant.)

Bolivar’s chart is extremely powerful for the first ray. The three signs/constellations transmitting the first ray are all powerfully tenanted. The Sun is found in first ray Leo in the house and Leo and first ray Aries rises, with Mars (exoteric ruler of Aries and expressive of the first ray as well as sixth) rising in Aries, and first ray Saturn (probably its personality ray) culminating in first ray Capricorn (its own sign and in a house in which it is “dignified”). Mars and Aries conjoined at the Ascendant confer the inspiration to revolt, and the willingness to attempt that which seems impossible. Leo confers abundant authority and magnetism and the ability to centralize control within oneself. It gave as well great a sense of one’s own indispensability, for the idea of “president for life” (historically rather common in South American politics) took root with Bolivar and the constitution he created to ensure his continuing power and control. Capricorn, another first ray sign/constellation (the presence of which is greatly strengthened because Saturn, the exoteric and esoteric ruler of Capricorn is found in its own sign and its own house) conferred an inescapable sense of responsibility and respect for the law—at its best, a higher law—the Law of Freedom. At its worst, this Saturn in Capricorn position contributed to the authoritarianism for which Bolivar became well known.

We must notice a grand cross (the cross of synthesis) in Bolvar’s chart. Mars in Aries opposes Neptune in Libra, conferring idealism (idealism for a better social order). Saturn in Capricorn opposes Uranus and Mercury in Cancer, giving the balance between innovation and realism. Further, the cross is representative of the Cardinal Cross—the Cross of will and of spirit. Upon this Cross the three rulers of Aries (Mars, Mercury and Uranus) are to be found.

Mars rising in Aries is obvious in its implications—courage, initiative, the willingness to confront the opposition. This position gave to Bolivar a readiness to rise in combat and fight relentlessly, as well as great bravery and a willingness to take extraordinary risks.

The real revolutionary impulse, however, comes from the conjunction of Mercury (the esoteric or spiritual ruler of Aries) and Uranus (the hierarchical ruler of Aries) in the sign Cancer, the sign of the “Mother” Revolutionary ideas come through this combination, especially in relation to the “Mother Land”—all of South America—indicated by the fourth house of home. Further, Uranus is exactly counter-parallel to the MC, thus parallel to the IC, adding to Uranus’ revolutionary potential. Pluto, the planet of death and deep transformation, is found in Aquarius, further emphasizing the radical, revolutionary tendencies.

A few fixed star contacts are of real interest: the Moon parallel fast-moving Alpheratz and Mercury (already conjunct revolutionary Uranus), conjuncting the star of the “Path Finder”, Canopus. As well there is a very close connection of revolutionary Uranus with the “Central Spiritual Sun”, Alcyone (the planet parallels the star within three minutes of arc). As well, the IC parallels Alcyone within two minutes of arc. Alcyone is the “Star of the Individual” and deeply connected with the purpose of our entire local cosmo system. It conveys the energies of intelligence in form and shows that Bolivar was preparing a ‘vessel’ for the future.

Simon Bolivar can be seen as the archetype of so many Latin American revolutionaries and dictators who followed him.  He, however, displayed, for the most part, great wisdom and purity, which is hardly the case for many of his successors. There can be no question of the powerful presence of the first ray of Will and Power—presumably upon the level of the soul. The chart indicates the importance of the sixth, for sixth ray Mars rises in its own sign, conjunct the Ascendant and opposes, almost exactly, sixth ray Neptune. Clearly he was a man with tremendous powers to inspire, arouse and uplift, as only the sixth ray can. Venus in Virgo, a sign also conferring the sixth ray, adds purity to his motive.

Bolivar’s weaknesses were the obverse of his strengths. As the archetype of the South American dictator, he was often high handed and presumptuous. He was undeniably the liberator, but his sense of his own indispensability was excessive. He oversaw the  drafting a constitution which made him a life-time president of his new creation, deprived the legislative body of any real power and limited voting rights severely. It was not a prescription for continuing success, and inevitably the fractures in his union began to appear.

It is fascinating to think of Bolivar as a representative of the Shamballa Force. There is a potent astrological triangle which consists of Aries/Pluto/Shamballa. At the height of Bolivar’s power, when his authority extended from the Caribbean to the Argentine-Bolivian border, transiting Pluto can come to a conjunction of his Aries Ascendant. The Shamballic Will which had driven him had reached its consummation. We remember that Pluto is natally placed in Aquarius, the sign of both revolution and union.

Bolivar was a man of great talent (Sun in Leo, trine the Ascendant, and found in the house of expressed talents—H5), who dreamed of uniting all Spain’s American colonies in a political federation (Jupiter in Capricorn), but his large-minded ambitions were doomed to failure. Bolivar thought in terms of the entire South American continent whereas the leaders he sought to unite could not see beyond the interests of their own country. It is difficult for more ordinary selfish human beings to hold the breadth of vision of those who see under the influence of the synthesizing light of Shamballa.

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