Pemo Theodore – Discovering the Image of “The Other” Within the Natal Chart

“Projections change the world into the replica of one’s own unknown face.’’ Carl Jung

When we first learn astrology, we learn that the angle of the horizon, the Ascendant/Descendant axis, represents Self and Other respectively. As we take our first breath (Ascendant) we are faced with those who receive us: The Other (represented by the Descendant). The Other represents how we perceive those with whom we connect. Obviously those with whom we connect have to embody those qualities in some real capacity so that we can hook our projection. When we relate we unconsciously pull the qualities of that Descendant in the Relating Dance with The Other. This intensifies these qualities in The Other to the level & need that we may require, dependent only on how conscious & responsible we are in our personal development. To determine a person’s experience of The Other i.e. those to whom they are attracted &/or repelled, a detailed interpretation of the Descendant will yield valuable information i.e., sign & aspects & planets on that point.

To access the right side of the brain, it is helpful to use images & symbols to promote a new level of perception of The Other in the psyche. After all relationships with others would usually be governed by the right side of the brain more than the left side. They often may tend not to make sense (in the rational left brain sense) & can inspire a lot of feeling & instinctive reaction. So it would make sense to access other levels of perception, so let us look at the Sabian Symbol degree to evoke the subtle image of The Other. ‘The Sabian Symbols are a set of 360 images, one for each degree of the zodiac, derived by Marc Edmund Jones and Elsie Wheelerin 1925.’ {From ‘Sabian Symbols: A Tale of Discovery’ by Blain Bovee http://sabiansymbol.typepad.com }

“There is thinking in primordial images, in symbols which are older than the historical man, which are inborn in him from the earliest times, eternally living, outlasting all generations, still make up the groundwork of the human psyche. It is only possible to live the fullest life when we are in harmony with these symbols; wisdom is a return to them.” Carl Gustav Jung

I find it helpful to look at all the degrees of the cusps of the houses through the Sabian symbols (exposing my own right brain preference & strength). However the mystery of our experience & connection with others is opened beautifully by investigating the Descendant’s Sabian symbol. The Descendant in a natal chart is the hidden part of ourselves that we see easily in others before we can experience it within. As I have a lifetime fascination with relationships between people and what brings people together & also sunders them apart, this is a simple but revealing insight. We unconsciously draw these qualities from our partners when we relate as too they also must contain the seed of these qualities in themselves. However the dynamic of relating intensifies these qualities whilst the relationship is active.

Please note: all Sabian Symbol interpretations in this article have been taken from Esoteric Technologies Solar Spark v2.2 software (free download) featuring astrologer, Lynda Hill’s interpretation of the Sabian Symbols.

The profundity of these images on the Descendant really came alive when I met a very charming man who found it hard to settle down with just one woman & complained that women always demanded more from him than what he was willing to give including commitment. His Descendant was 6 deg 45 Sagittarius.

CUPID KNOCKING AT THE DOOR: “Cupid is asking to be let in. Barriers and defenses around your heart may be keeping him from getting in, but how long will you be able to resist? Opening your heart and opening the door will lead to new opportunities and realizations about relationships. Respectful invitation of love. If negative – waiting instead of taking the initiative. Rejecting emotion for fear of losing independence.’”Lynda Hill, Solar Spark

I asked him whether he had ever been heartbroken or smitten with Love & at that stage he was 47 years old. He responded that only once when his marriage ended had he felt heartbroken. Then he corrected himself, he had been shocked, not heartbroken, as he didn’t see it coming? He certainly had some challenges, the biggest being that Cupid (Love) only knocked at his partner’s doors never his own???

“When an inner situation is not made conscious it appears outside as fate.” Carl Gustav Jung

It is useful to look at celebrities’ descendants to identify their spiritual challenge with The Other within their psyche & without in their partners. I have used well known celebrities and documented statements that they or their partners have made that could help to identify the sacred identity of The Other, which is waiting to be reclaimed by them, from their charts.

1. Brad Pitt 11Ge54’ A BLACK SLAVE-GIRL DEMANDS HER RIGHTS OF HER MISTRESS: “You want to be taken seriously. You are tired of being treated like the slave or dutiful underling. You have rights and you need to spread your wings and improve your situation as much as you can. Rising above conditioning and limitations. Standing up for one’s self. If negative – feeling hard done by and deserving better, but blaming others for the situation.’’Lynda Hill, Solar Spark

“Having a home, a place we belong, a place we feel safe, is something most of us take for granted. Yet, those who flee from conflict and persecution, no longer have their homes and it will be years before they can even return. In fact, many may never go home again,” the 35-year-old actress said in the video posted on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees website.” (Source link)

“I don’t believe in guilt, I believe in living on impulse as long as you never intentionally hurt another person. And don’t judge people in your life. I think you should live completely free.” Angelina Jolie Source

2. Angelina Jolie 28°Cp54’ A WOMAN READING TEA LEAVES:

‘You may find that you are open to seeing meaning through the catalyst of the simplest of everyday events. You will receive messages about your situation, if you are open to `seeing’ the signs. It is symbolism that acts to open the pathways to the spiritual center. If negative – reliance on superstition or esoteric advice.” Lynda Hill, Solar Spark

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – There’s a secret to Brad Pitt’s successful ventures and happy family life, and it’s not Angelina Jolie. The A-list star reportedly relies on a psychic’s vision to help him get through important moments and tough decision making in his life.

3. Jennifer Aston 24Ar40’ A DOUBLE PROMISE REVEALS ITS INNER AND OUTER MEANINGS:

“Look back to promises that were made. Simple promises can be more complicated than first thought. The rational and emotive responses can conflict; however, they need not be mutually exclusive, but the way in which we should view things. Also indicates the choice that arises – of the heart and of social obligation. Realization of the implications. There may be a reward involved. If negative – indicates fickleness, insincerity and two-facedness in human relationships.’’ Lynda Hill, Solar Spark

Aniston said her relationship with Pitt, which she does not regret, was “seven very intense years together” and that “it was a beautiful, complicated relationship.” Rumors continue to be printed in the press regularly that Aston & Pitt are getting back together or meeting secretly to the chagrin of Angelina Jolie.

4. Elizabeth Taylor 10Ge22’ NEWLY OPENED LANDS OFFER VIRGIN REALMS OF EXPERIENCE:

“You are ready to break away from the old familiar ground and move out into unknown territory. Your fear is the greatest barrier to moving forward, but the familiar must be left behind for the new possibilities. Pioneering attitudes bring their own rewards. Going off the beaten track. Coming up with new ideas. New spiritual realizations opening up vistas of experience. If negative – clinging onto the old and familiar resulting in restriction of growth and change.’’ Lynda Hill, Solar Spark

“I love Richard Burton with every fiber of my soul but we can’t be together.”

Source: Larissa Branin. LIZ: The Pictorial Biography of Elizabeth Taylor. 2000. pg. 70. Liz has to date married 7 husbands & had 8 marriages (twice to Richard Burton)

5. Richard Burton 16Cp05’ A GIRL SURREPTITIOUSLY BATHING IN THE NUDE:

“You may feel a need to get rid of the restraints that have been imposed upon you by social conditioning and inhibitions. Although there may be some feelings of being `exposed’, really letting go and not worrying about being `seen’ can lead to feelings of freedom. Confrontations with one’s self. Reconnecting with nature.’ If negative – suppression of natural attitudes.” Lynda Hill, Solar Spark

[On Elizabeth Taylor] ‘I might run from her for a thousand years and she is still my baby child. Our love is so furious that we burn each other out.’ Richard describing his first sight of a 19-year-old Elizabeth Taylor: “She was so extraordinarily beautiful that I nearly laughed out loud. She … [was] famine, fire, destruction and plague … the only true begetter. Her breasts were apocalyptic, they would topple empires before they withered … her body was a miracle of construction … She was unquestionably gorgeous. She was lavish. She was a dark, unyielding largesse. She was, in short, too bloody much … Those huge violet blue eyes… had an odd glint… Aeons passed, civilizations came and went while these cosmicheadlights examined my flawed personality. Every pockmark on my face became a crater of the moon.”

Source link: Joann Ellison Rodgers. “Flirting Fascination.”  1/01/1999

6. John Lennon 19Li54’ A JEWISH RABBI:

“There is age old wisdom and established tradition which has survived to this day. You may need to access this knowledge though instruction or an inner search in order to deal with your situation. Connection with ancient sources of truth and understanding. Faith in abiding laws. Inherited wisdom. If negative – religious dogmatism, following the rules of `the book’. Over-inflated sense of self.” Lynda Hill, Solar Spark

According to author Albert Goldman, Ono was regarded by Lennon as a “magical being” who could solve all his problems, but this was a “grand illusion”, and she openly cheated on him with gigolos. (Source link)

7. Yoko Ono 8Ar30’ A CRYSTAL GAZER:

“The whole picture is there in front of you, but you need to interpret its meaning. With a little concentrated effort, you will be able to see things very clearly. There is the ability to observe things that others may miss. Looking ahead to see the signs. Flashes of inspiration. Try really tuning in and looking within for answers. If negative – being confused by the literal meaning instead of understanding the symbolic message. Getting lost in the big picture.” Lynda Hill, Solar Spark

“When I met John I was at the point of disappearance, in the eyes of other people and myself. Where could I go after I’d done the silent music and they still didn’t catch up on it? You see the things that I did then I feel were in a field that no one has really touched on yet. I think I had something to offer but people did all sorts of things to misunderstand me and I was very lonely. I just can’t stand that loneliness and always being at the point of disappearing. So I’m quite happy screaming and all that, making my presence clear and it’s a healthier thing to do.” (Source link)

8. Tom Cruise 27Pi8’ A FERTILE GARDEN UNDER THE FULL MOON:

“There’s a sense that one has all that’s needed, and emotions are running high. Enjoy the moment and try to keep a sense of equilibrium, though, soon the energy will be on the wane and you’ll have to get back to more practical, everyday tasks. Fullness and fertility. If negative – jealous protection of possessions.” Lynda Hill, Solar Spark

Nicole Kidman [on her split with Tom Cruise] “My life collapsed. People ran from me because suddenly it was, ‘Oh my God! It’s over for her now!”’ Katie Holmes “My family always keeps me in check. I have three older sisters, and they work their butts off. They’re all very supportive of my career, but I know what’s really important is kids and family.” (Source link)

9. Katie Holmes 0Li17’ A BUTTERFLY MADE PERFECT BY A DART THROUGH IT:

“Beauty in shape or form has been frozen in one moment, denying the natural process of decay. An archetypal death is symbolized, perfection through sacrifice. As inspiring as this process can be, this can bring difficulties in moving on or changing the situation. Perfection and beauty made immortal. If negative – stopping others from growth and change for personal satisfaction or needs. Surrender and immobilization.” Lynda Hill, Solar Spark

Katie about Tom: “From the moment I met him it just felt like I’d known him forever. I was blown away. He’s the most incredible man. He’s so generous and kind, and he helps so many people, and, um, he makes me laugh like I’ve never laughed, and he’s a great friend.… Tom and I will always be in our honeymoon phase.… Tom is the most incredible man in the world.” Source: W Magazine

10. Nicole Kidman 6Ta20’ A WOMAN OF SAMARIA COMES TO DRAW WATER FROM THE WELL:

“If your emotions are clogged up with old, spent feelings, then it is time to clear these by making admissions to that stranger within yourself – your shadow. Plumb your depths to find renewed self-respect. Someone may be in need of help, draw on your inner resources, and take time out to assist others. Dipping into family ancestry. Past lives. If negative – allowing prejudice to rule your decision and behavior.’’ Lynda Hill, Solar Spark

Nicole on supporting Keith Urban, her current husband, through his treatment: “But it was very painful, deeply painful. We were in a very, very, very bad, painful place, and have managed to step through it, and I hope that gives some people some hope who may be in the same place … Anything else is overindulgent and unnecessary right now. And I think it jinxes it, in a way, and that’s why I don’t go on about my enormous feelings for this man.” (Source link 9/2007)

In summary we can easily garner images & symbols of the ‘inner partner’ through the Sabian symbol reflected by the Descendant. So just as the film is projected onto a screen to better appreciate its beauty, so too our ‘inner partner’ can be projected onto our ‘outer partner’. Our story always remains ours, but we dance with the actors in the script to fulfill thescript & the action. I have found the Sabian symbols helpful to highlight subtle & hidden areas of the psyche and our perception of others.

Biography

Ms Pemo Theodore, ACC, ISAR.CAP, Certified Astro*Carto*Grapher is an Australian origin entrepreneur, a coach & a Jungian based astrologer. She has written many articles on relationship astrology which have been published internationally. She writes a regular blog which is a light & funny look at Love, Life, matchmaking, online dating, relationships & social networks AstraMatch Blog. She teaches new techniques for relationship charts at the International Academy of Astrology. She also wrote the ‘Star*Mate astrological composite report’ available for Kepler software.  Email: [email protected]