There is far more information to be gleaned from a birth chart than most people are aware of, mainly due to the advocates Sun Sign astrology. In these articles I will attempt to show what can be accomplished using only basic techniques. I should at the onset say that this is not meant to be a complete analysis of a chart, rather it is an example of how an astrologer uses certain techniques to examine a chart and arrive at conclusions. 

Chart for Prince William. 21 June 1982 @ 21.03 BST, London. 

Hemisphere emphasis.

Much can be learned about a person’s general traits from the positioning of planets in the four hemispheres. In this chart, there are no less than 8 planets above the horizon in the Southern hemisphere, giving rise to the fact that here we have a person who will spend a great deal of time in the public eye, dealing with the public. He has marked ambitions, likes to get on in the world, and has definite aims in life. Nothing strange in this, you may say, yet you will be surprised to learn how many public figures do not have planets positioned like this. William’s father - Prince Charles - is a prime example having only two planets above the horizon, which is perhaps one of the reasons he is not particularly comfortable being in the spotlight all the time.

Any House containing two or more planets or a planet considered to be ‘strong’ is likely to stand out and be a major focus in someone’s life. In William’s chart we can see that the 7th House is emphasised by having two planets positioned there, but extra emphasis is created because they are the Sun and the Moon. Consequently, relationships and close associations will form a major part of William's life, the success or failure depending on the aspects applying to these two planets. In my opinion they will not always run smoothly.

The 10th House has three planets which adds greatly to what has already been said concerning Williams public life and ambitions.

The 12th House indicates hidden matters, secrets and ‘fated’ events. Planets in this House, even if well aspected, can be troublesome. In this case, Neptune has only one good aspect while Uranus is completely afflicted. William will feel at the mercy of conditions beyond his control and may try to escape or hide away from them. Some confinement seems inevitable through health problems. I would be particularly concerned about Neptune with its ability to manifest treacherous enemies or even scandal.

Next we examine chart shaping, in other words the distribution of the planets around the zodiac. Notice how the planets are divided into two groups roughly opposite to each other. This is a classic See-saw shaping and indicates that William will find himself pulled in opposite directions and there will be times when it will be hard to reconcile the two. The main rift is likely to be between wanting to go his own way and attend to his public duties as opposed to trying to please those close to him. Tension is inevitable.

What we look for here are any group of three [or four] planets connected by aspects to form a triangular [or square] configuration. Not all triangular groups are used, but those that are used have distinct meanings and potentially powerful effects. We do have such a configuration in this chart which is easily missed. It is known as a Yod shape and is formed by aspects connecting Pluto, Neptune and the ‘focus’ planet Venus. Yod shapes can have dramatic effects and give rise to complete changes in direction when triggered by transits or progressions. Often the subject seems to have little or no say in what happens during this phase and feels at the mercy of forces beyond his control. The focus here lies in the 5th House indicating that his childhood would be thrown into turmoil [the death of his mother] leaving him with a fait accompli, so to speak. In later life this is likely to cause strong emphasis and changes in his romantic life and may also affect his children. The next critical period will occur in 2006. 

Critical changes, major events and life pattern. 

Pluto will inevitably show where major changes are likely to occur in a subject's life. In William's case Pluto lies in the 10th House indicating that there will be major changes in his direction in life, some good, some not so good. A good aspect from the Sun indicates he can be successful and to a large extent guide his own destiny. My concern would be the awkward aspect from Venus, leading to indecision and impulsiveness through emotional strain. A clash seems inevitable between career and those close to him - there may be partings. 

Neptune is close to the Ascendant, and by direction [1 degree] it would enter his 1st House just before his 5th birthday, there to remain for 30 years. Neptune in this position can make him very sensitive and prone to hide away from publicity. Shyness and lack of confidence would also be in evidence, but the main problem is that of being easily swayed by people with their own agenda. His health could suffer from strange complaints with an emotional basis. 

Uranus in the 12th House and badly aspected will be hard to live with and I would expect he will feel a great deal of nervous tension in his life with subsequent affects on health. He will be prone to make sudden, inexplicable changes in direction as the need to be 'himself', to go his own way and think for himself, and to defy authority or convention becomes an irresistible force from time to time. 

As you can now see, there is a great deal more to a birth chart than mere Sun Signs. I hope you found this brief discussion useful and look forward to continuing this discussion at a later date in Part 2.

This is only a small part of of the science of astrology. Why not learn more? It isn't as difficult as you may think. See Tuition brochure  Here. 

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