Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold “I’ll be back” Schwarzenegger, is not only the greatest body builder of all time, a film star, governor of California, but an illustrious US immigrant and modern day myth. He could have only have been born in the sign of Leo, with all that fiery ambition, all that yearning to hit the big time! He was brought up in the hinterlands of Austria, not the best place for a young Lion, by disciplinarian parents. His childhood heroes were cinematic, going to the movies was an escape from the pain of childhood. Pure Hollywood my stars like John Wayne, Steve Reeves and Johnny Weissmuller, “inspired” Arnie, made him realise “what was possible!” An original Mercury in Cancer helped him connect to the heroes lurking in his own unconscious. His rich imagination, plus a capacity to vision dreams as if they were happening helped him forge ahead. He still is known to be a goal setter, writing down what he wants on cards that he reads each day. But back then, he would have kept his aspirations hidden from view, taking a detached and scathing look at his home life, realising he would have to move on from it if he wanted something better.

With that hard working moon in Capricorn, Arnold not only dreamt of success, he pushed to make it happen. He had grown up a tough young man, well built, tall 6ft 2”, with a charismatic presence. Dedicated body building would become his raison d’être and when he won the Junior Mr. Europe title in 1965 he knew he was on the right track. But he was still dreaming “USA”, determined to win Mr. Universe, which he saw as a ticket to America. His lucky break was a meeting with the Londoner Charles Bennett, a competition judge impressed with Arnie during a British body building competition. Bennett began to train our hero, helping him increase his “muscle definition”. The training paid off; in 1967 Arnold became the youngest Mr. Universe ever, at only 20 year’s old, going on to win the competition seven times!  It has to be said Mr. Mars in Gemini would have helped Arnie push himself on so determinedly, and strive to fulfil the American dream, making his mind quick, his energy high. With his Mr. Universe successes well under his belt, Arnie confidently moved to the USA winning the Mr. Olympia title in New York City. Part of his dream had already come true!  The best was to come!

He had a couple of romantic liaisons in the US initially, but his magical meeting with Maria Shriver, his future wife, and niece of John Kennedy, sealed his fate. Maria must have been taken aback when she first got to know Arnie. Our big, heroic, muscle bound hero was in essence a softy when it came to love, so sensitive, the slightest cruel comment would have him turning away, hurt. In fact Venus in Cancer will make him a guy that yearns for emotional security and a happy home life, the one he did not have as a child. Above and beyond his fame, Maria knows her Arnie is a man who needs a good woman standing by him! Nobody can deny Arnold has huge talent, he literally overflows with it. Something about his funny Austrian accent, his cave man looks have attracted audiences from all over the world; however his first forays into screen acting were pretty disastrous. He was told he was not up to scratch that his name was all wrong. Nonetheless he had his breakthrough with Conan the Barbarian in 1982, which was a huge box office hit. He eventually made the big time with his role in The Terminator and now has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

One can truly say Arnold has come a long way from that little Austrian village! In fact honors have literally rained down upon our hero and Arnie knows how to make good use of them. His Jupiter in Scorpio will have turned his gifts into money, a lot of money. A business sense a nose for a deal, a capacity to transform lead to gold all form part of Arnie’s character. His capacity for hard work is supersonic, but his Saturn in Leo would give him the ability to affect his environment with inbuilt foresight, and that stubborn belief that dreams can come true. His north node in Gemini has been a challenge. He has had to learn to communicate clearly, to express his dreams succinctly. But somehow, it is his awesome presence rather than his words that have hit the bull’s eye.

Not to say that he has never made mistakes, he was accused of sexual misconduct when he became the Governor of California. But still, there is something about the man that convinces, that makes us feel he is a good chap, a fighter who will prove that anyone, from anywhere can create miracles, if they have enough grit and determination. This year, Arnie will look on his life with great satisfaction. He will make tweaks here and there, as his prerogative will be peace of mind. In fact, he will use his awesome determination to build inner equanimity. Soon he will be sixty two, he deserves it; he is after all, somewhat of a modern day hero. God bless you Arnie!

Barack Obama

When Barack Obama walks into any room its occupants will sit up straight, adjust their ties, smooth down their lapels, and sigh with relief, because this is not only a man who talks business,  he is the first Black American President to sit in the Whitehouse. Yes, this awesome gentleman is far more than a myth in his own time; he is a standard bearer for change, carrying the legacy of “I had a dream” Martin Luther King, to the top of the proverbial mountain. His qualifications are stellar. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School. He worked as a community organiser in the city of Chicago, and a civil rights attorney in that same city. He did three terms in the Illinois Senate and ran for the United States Senate in 2004 being elected in November of that same year and running for presidency against Hilary Clinton. His Mars in Virgo would have gifted him with an almost inhuman capacity to reach for the highest goal, his eye consistently on the big picture. Something deep within his psyche pushes him on; perhaps his need to help humanity, to give of himself is always in the forefront of his mind. 

 

He was a community organiser in Chicago before earning his law degree, and taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School. But above all, his presentation and persona were consistently charismatic, and he has now become an historic leader during one of the most transformational eras this planet has ever seen. Few of us will forget his victory over the Republican candidate John McCain, and the night he stood in front of the jubilant citizens of Chicago to tell them that “Change” had come to America. There was something magical in the air that night.  Obama’s grandmother, Madelyn Dunham^, had died on November 2, 2008 just days before his election as the President of the United States, and that news had caused great grief to him. Yet, as he stood in front of the people of Chicago that night, Destiny had touched his life forever. Indeed, there was something so inspirational about his persona, his speech, and the occasion, that street celebrations “happened” from Brighton to Botswana; we were all aware the world was about to shift to a new level. Barack Obama was born on the 4^th of August 1961 in Honolulu Hawaii.  

 

A Leo child of mixed race parentage, few would have realised he would become the magnanimous leader of the most powerful country in the world. Yet throughout his life he has retained the better qualities of the Leo sun sign, the open hearted attitudes, the inspirational perceptions and the generous demeanor. As an adult he stands erect, his strength honed in, his Taurus moon obstinacy encouraging him to push until he reaches all his goals, gifting him with inborn emotional strength and resiliance, plus a capacity to make the right decisions. Mercury in Leo would have kept him upbeat and positive when confronted with challenges. He would never have looked to others to fight his battles for him. In fact, as a kid, he would have kept a well stocked piggy bank and a strong sense of the harsher realities of life. Obama had an unusual upbringmg. He said “That my father looked nothing like the people around me and that he was black as pitch, my mother white as milk barely registered in my mind.” And “I’ve got relatives who look like Bernie Mac and I’ve got relatives who look like Margaret Thatcher” His mother was Stanley Ann Dunham, her origins not only American-Kansas, but English. His father Barack Obama, Sr. was a Leo, from Nyanza Province, Kenya. His parents met in a Russian language class at the University of Hawaii and tied the knot in 1961; Barack was born later that same year. It would be a challenge for any mixed raced child to integrate, and the situation was no different for Obama,  but he was lucky, as he said, “The opportunity that Hawaii offered to experience a variety of cultures in a climate of mutual respect became an integral part of my world view and a basis for the values that I hold most dear”.

 

Like most college kids Obama experimented with drugs, but he judges himself harshly for this, all the same, positive lessons were learnt, and resulted in his humane perception of the challenges youth faces today. In June 1989, Obama met his soul mate Michelle Robinson at a Chicago law firm. His attraction was immediate, she was organised, well turned out, obviously a woman who dotted her I’s and dotted her T’s, and Obama’s Mars in Virgo likes things to be lined up perfectly. She turned him down when he asked her out on the first date. But she noted  there was something about the man, his fervent ideas, his obvious decency, his inspirational perceptions, not only was she fascinated but she soon fell deeply in love. They married in October 1992, and their first daughter Malian Ann was born in 1998, and little Natasha later in 2001. With that Venus in Cancer Obama would be a sensitive husband and doting father.  He needs a hard headed woman to be the power behind his throne, and Michelle is all of that and more. In any event domestic stability is his inspiration, and Venus in Cancer would gift him with the loving strength of a united family to light his way.

 

Michelle and Obama respect each other, and notice the little things that mean a lot. In fact, Michelle not only supports, but has become part of Obama’s vision. She might not be aware his Jupiter is in Aquarius and that it will make him one of the most inspiring leaders many generations have seen, but she senses it. In fact that bountiful planet will encourage him to stretch across barricades with motivational oratory, sustaining humanity’s higher purpose and encouraging those who have lost hope, even in their dreams. Obama’s mother died of ovarian cancer, and could not be there to see her son touch the stars. She taught him compassion when she died without the money to pay for health care. Perhaps it was then Obama decided to do everything he could to help the disadvantaged. From a spiritual perspective, his Sun Sign is guiding him to fulfill his mission on planet earth. This means great personal sacrifice; he cannot but listen to his calling though. Throughout 2009 we will see him opening out channels of communication with international leaders. His intention is to find ways of guiding this planet into a new era. Whether he fails or succeeds will depend not only on him, but the citizens of the world. If we agree to his “Yes We Can!” we will, indeed, and discover a new and better way of living our lives in the process!

Claire Richards

Our theory is that Claire Richards was born with that proverbial spoon in her mouth. Why, is she so lucky? Well suffice it to say she is a stunning young celebrity, first known for her membership of the pop group Steps, secondly for her communicative talent, and thirdly for her capacity to morph into the “incredible shrinking woman” after losing the four stone she put on as a result of pregnancy. Initially, she was picked for Steps due to obvious talent. She has a delightful vibe. Mercury in Virgo gifts her with a versatile approach to her craft, communicative skills, and a certain artistic sensitivity. She is a Leo too, and most Leos have something “larger than life” about them. Claire is no different; she possesses a charismatic persona, with the capacity to touch the heart of an audience.

Showbiz executives cottoned on to those gifts of hers fast, but she was told to lose weight if she wanted a long-term career in Steps. She always had the will power to slim down but it was not easy for her to control that feeding frenzy when pregnancy encouraged her to  “eat”, “eat”, “eat”, but as she inferred on a television interview later on, she wanted to relax, and just enjoy the experience. She later won her battle of the bulge, and has morphed from a plump neo mum into a svelte performer with an exercise DVD, various spots in Woman’s magazines, and a future that beckons new frontiers. As we said, Claire is a magnificent Leo, but she has does have some issues with self-confidence, and the needs of an ever expanding personality. Getting “ahead” and “getting noticed” will be part and parcel of her personality. That Leonine tendency to say, “look at me, look at what I can do!” might clash with her Virgo moon’s rather self critical and pedantic attitudes. She will look at herself and say, “I should change that, do better here, be more positive there, etc.” until she drives herself bonkers. Nobody is more critical of herself and her look than Claire.
Of course, it was very exciting to be a star so young, and fast, but certainly not always easy to be “in Vista”, and deal with that grinding publicity machine.  She wanted fame, and to move ahead at break neck speed nonetheless, and this could have created tension within Steps. She has low tolerance for what she perceives as small mindedness and being such an individualist, groups crowd her. She did resign from Steps eventually, and she and Ian Watkins began a singing duo doing well with a number three in the charts. Her North Node in Libra would make her very “stand alone with my talent”.  She can push to get what she wants, and will get fed up and short tempered in the process, not wanting to wait long for anything.  After a while, she dropped the singing completely, and decided to marry Steps dancer Mark Webb; they split but later she got romantic with Reece Hill, and gave birth to their boy, Charlie, in 2007.
Her approach to romance is “Gone with the Wind” thunder, passion and intensity; she likes a man to woo her, to make her feel a thousand dollars. She wants things intense in most areas of her life, and her “all or nothing” Leo sees to it that patience is not number one on her list. Yet her big heart and loving attitude will bring her all the internal balance and harmony she needs to succeed. More maturity will certainly build on fame and further her already star studded career. Certainly she needs to get over those Virgo moon self-critical perceptions, and reach the top with a dynamism that is so natural to her. The fact is, this lass was picked on by the fates to carry a special message to the world, a message of joy and warmth, but in the process she will learn a little more about her own soul. As the years unfold understanding that success is not the “be all and end all” will relax her, refine her thoughts. Add on self-acceptance and learned patience and she will grow in stature as a human being and performer. 

2009 shows her doing well. She will reach a wider audience and expand her field of action. The good she receives will be worth all the hard work. She loves being a mum, but she will also enjoy getting out there, with the rest of ‘em, working on standing up to obstacles along her path. There should be some interesting projects to get involved in over the next couple of years for our Claire, and a new approach to her act will stun her fans. A change in routine, a tweak to her repertoire, a capacity to move forwards, experimenting and enhancing her performance, confirms our theory that this delightful young celebrity was indeed “born with silver spoon in her mouth”.

Robert De Niro

Well, Mr. Robert De Niro, we raise our glasses to your spectacular “to the bone” performances. Yes, you are an Italo-American Par Excellence, at the peak of your profession and life. Your screen roles are mythical, shall we list them? The boxing legend on the make in Raging Bull, the Mafioso on the kill in The Godfather II. The true villain; nobody wants to meet on a dark night in Cape Fear. The tragic hero every woman wants to make her beau, in the Deer Hunter.

All this interpretative mastership makes us shiver to our toes, with your Mars in Taurus such roles vibrate within our psyches forever. Your craft is full of deep sensuality and slow determination but that is part of your fascination. One would think you would remain devastated by  the experience of such intense characterisations. Yet De Niro, you are a true actor, when you go home you hang up your hat and have a bubble bath. No, you are not “ever” who you seem on screen, even though  your presence sets a film alight and leaves us all agog.

Enough hero worship, we need to see what makes Mr. De Niro tick, Mr. De Niro was born on the 17 August 1943; nothing less than a baby boomer, growing into a cute young dude all the girls wanted to date. Perhaps he was insecure, as most young Leos are, that subtle sex appeal, that “Leo the Lion” sunny smile was a mask. He was scared of the immensity of existence especially with Pluto in Leo. But by acting someone he actually was not, he felt freed up from life’s challenges. He could disassociate from his primal fears.

Saturn in Gemini shows that Mr. De Niro’s craft is not as spontaneously “fire sign” as we would like to think. It demanded exacting training as an actor, basic sweat and tears to muster knowledge of a character’s temperament and disposition, to understand that a technique must not seem like what it is – a technique.

De Niro detaches from his roles, lets exquisite skills interpret free flow and with dexterity. He will keep at it, he will rehearse until he drops, he is stubborn, someone who stays the course till the bitter end, until he makes word perfect, clear in definition, and utterly compelling any role. His technique touches sublime characterisation. Like the conductor of his own orchestra, he is in control, always in synchrony, he becomes harmonic. He does not identify with his craft, he IS his craft. Again Pluto in Leo makes him reach all races, all nations and all cultures with his brilliant communication skills. Mr. De Nero was a sixties child, Neptune in Libra made him so and life was not just borderline revolutionary then, people actually thought they could change the world. De Niro wanted to change perceptions with his acting, with his portrayals of humanity’s crises and challenges. His vision was high, his intent pure.

Venus in Virgo makes him supportive yet hyper critical of most people now though, especially his love partners. He would notice a lipstick smear on a chin or a hair on a collar at 30 paces. Mercury in Virgo makes De Niro an intellectual who can burn the midnight oil when making conversation, who can analyse a situation, point by point, circumstance by circumstance. His rather dark horse qualities make him a enigma, even to his closest friends, Piscean moon probably. Yet his capacity to flow with self parody and not let his ego rule his life is commendable.

Over this and next year, Mr. De Niro will have to take care of his eating, his exercise and his health habits. He needs to detox, relax, let go, take a break and not work so intensely. He might let his spiritual faith emerge, in unusual ways. He will sense pure psychic energy has been his ally all along anyway and it could become sacred to him. His whole life will turn round in two years. He will make some radical new choices regarding career and could even take a step back from the silver screen to pay attention to new projects, and family concerns.

Whatever he does, Mr. De Niro will always remain in our hearts as that stunning war hero in the Deer hunter, the guy who played with death to save his friend’s life. An interpretation so majestic that few of those who saw it will ever forget it! Get it out on video if you have not seen it. Gruelling, challenging, demanding, tough, solid, inventive, this man is a genius, De Niro is a legend of his own time!  It’s easy! Try it!

Dustin Hoffman

“Little Big Man” could be a way to describe the genius of Dustin Hoffman. A pint size acting phenomena who succumbed to consistent teasing, adolescent pimples, an inferiority complex and lousy high school grades. Mr Hoffman turned to the thespian arts because “nobody flunks acting”. He subsequently morphed into a giant screen phenomenon, a myth, a legend! His screen roles have left an indelible mark on humankind. Who could remain indifferent watching his compassionate interpretations of the gifted autistic in Rain Man? The dying freak in Midnight Cowboy? The desperate Ivy League lover in The Graduate? How come The Lord has gifted him with such supreme talent?

He is a Leo and that is a fact that needs to be recognised. Leos are big-hearted and when gifted, excessive! Obama is a Leo, the Queen Mum was a Leo! A Leo can be as different from any another Leo as chalk is from cheese yet they are usually “up there”, when it comes to big auras, big charisma, big emotions, no matter their age and no matter their social background. The unalterable fact is that Leos win! And that is our first explanation. Our second is more complex. Mercury in Virgo for example, which would make Mr Hoffman a catalyst of magnetic and intense communicative gifts. He will dissect a character, almost as if he was a brain surgeon, every detail perused over and every nuance examined under the microscopic of Virgo’s scrutiny. No matter the exhaustion that would ensue in this process, Mr Hoffman would go “profound” until he got it right. Why? Well because with Pluto in Cancer, he is obsessed by insecurity, in other words, the effect of his interpretation on the public. This tendency could be difficult for other actors to deal with on set, and many a director working with Mr. Hoffman just might not agree with Mr. Hoffman’s same perfectionist “vision” of a character. Few realise that the reason he is so thorough is because of his fear of criticism.

Who could imagine this genius would become virtually inconsolable when a negative critic bashes his performance? Well, Mr. Hoffman is not immune to what other people say, in fact his acting skills are born of a deep seated need to be recognised, not unusual for Leos, an almost adolescent yearning to say “Hey, look at me, look at how good I am!” to those past teasers, those unkind tormenters.  He is too generous a person to want to “get even” though; he is an openhearted type of guy, a caring, loving husband!  His two Oscars mean a lot less to Dustin than the safety and warmth of his family, to whom he is dedicated. In fact, he has managed to curtail some of his past super sensitive emotional reactions within a relationship and has matured in the way he approaches his loved ones. After a painful first marriage and divorce he has learnt his lessons. But he is still creative, an artist, a visionary and the fact that he might look like a stockbroker does not detract from the super sensitivity of his gigantean creative talents.

What gives really? because frankly there is nothing exceptional in his horoscope to reveal the secret of such wizardry? Except of course, Uranus in Taurus, in other words the channelling of the higher into the lower, the bringing onto the earth plane of the spiritual essence of his characters, rather like a shaman channels mystery Mr Hoffman’s characterisations take on a life of their own, he talks, eats and breathes them! And this is his divine gift. The capacity to go into the “Beyond” and pull down a soul from the ethers.

Finally we understand why he is indeed a complex personality, he could not be otherwise!  He can sell a role, because he is that role. His interpretation of Arthur Miller’s “Death of Salesman”, a man standing up against all odds, a sensitive suffering guy dealing with the cruelty of the Fates is perhaps, his most “to the bone” performance, because in a way, he could have been that guy, if Destiny and the Sun in Leo had not stepped in and taken over! But no, it is more than that, it has to be faced, like most of the super gifted, Mr Dustin is a true Mystery!