Henry VIII? Oh Yeah, That English King With The 6 Wives
I have been watching the Tudors lately, which features one of my favorite historical figures, Henry VIII of England, father of Elizabeth I and infamous slayer of wives. The stories surrounding Henry and his six wives and his formation of the Church of England so that he could remarry have fascinated me since high school history class.
This morning, for the fun of it, I looked up Henry’s chart to see if I could perceive his outstanding traits in it. It took a little digging, due to the change from Gregorian to Julian calendar but here’s the chart I came up with:
This is the chart Henry’s astrologer would have cast for him. In those days, only the visible planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter & Saturn) were known and used. In looking at this chart I discovered a few interesting things and found myself imagining that I’m at Henry’s court and I’ve just sat down to do a ten-minute sample reading for him. Here’s what I’d say to Henry (being aware that my time machine is ready to sweep me away instantly if I become in danger of being imprisoned or beheaded and that therefore I can speak freely). For the benefit of students of astrology, I’m including notes on what pieces of Henry’s chart I’m referring to.
Henry VIII’s Ten-Minute Sample Reading
You’re quite a charmer, aren’t you? (Venus in Gemini sextile Mercury in Leo). You’ve got quite the silver tongue and can persuade people of what you want and you give the impression of being collected, intelligent and fastidious when people first meet you (Virgo rising). You care a lot about your appearance (Mercury in Leo rules rising sign Virgo) and like to dress in the kingliest manner but with only the finest taste, never overdone (interesting Virgo vs. Leo dilemma). I see you are a man who loves women and relates with them easily (Sun in Cancer, male chart) but you secretly doubt your own virility (Cancer Sun squares Moon in Aries) and may at times become fierce in defense of it.
You’re a vital man (Mars square Jupiter) and your masculine identity is important to you (Mars in First House), especially when it comes to your ability to make money and defend your property (Mars sitting on Second House cusp). You are talkative (Jupiter in Gemini) and gregarious (Sun and Mercury in Eleventh House) and must marry someone intelligent whom you can really communicate with and who stimulates your mind (Venus in Gemini).
Some of your greatest challenges in life will be in the area of children (Saturn in the Fifth House and also ruling it) and in the frustration of your creativity. You have so much luck and charisma (Fire Grand Trine and almost a Grand Trine in Air too, forming almost-but-not-quite a Grand Star) that you may become lazy and arrogant in your expectation that life should be easy and everything should flow towards you because it so often does. When things do not go your way your tendency is to push your expectations onto others instead of rolling up your sleeves and applying the effort needed. Don’t rely on talent and charm, because it weakens you and leaves you ill-equipped for the challenges life presents to everyone sooner or later.
My Escape Back To The Future
Whew—do you think Henry liked that stuff? Somehow I doubt it. I think I’d better get back to my time machine before I’m thrown in the Tower.
My next post will be about the deeper dimensions of Henry’s chart that become apparent when we add in the planets that astrologers use today (Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, etc) and just for good measure, I’ll throw in the asteroids (Ceres, Pallas-Athene, Juno, Vesta) to learn more about what was behind Henry’s relationships with women. Do stay tuned.
This article is part 1 in a 4-part series about the astrology chart of Henry VIII of England.
Part 1: The Astrology Of Henry VIII—A Portrait Of Charisma, Charm & Arrogance
Part 2: A Deeper Look At Henry VIII’s Chart
Part 3: What Henry VIII’s Astrology Chart Shows About His Relationships With Women
Part 4: How Henry VIII’s Chart Shows His Glorious Potential
