Charles Kennedy, 25.11.1959, Inverness, Scotland
Although there is no time of birth available for Charles Kennedy, it is still interesting and relevant to look at his chart because the recent tumultuous events in his life come exactly as his Age Point reaches the Low Point of the whole chart and life.
As I write this (January 2006) Kennedy has, within a matter of two days, admitted publicly to his drink problem, and has subsequently resigned as leader of the Liberal Democrats. Such life changing events are interesting when viewed against the movement of the Age Point around the chart. Kennedy's chart displays a closely bunched group of all 10 planets linked by aspects patterns which span a relatively small area. His chart shows a stellium of planets in Scorpio/Sagittarius.
The aspect colours are dominated by large amounts of red and blue, indicating an on/off approach to life and there is a red star configuration which draws on both Mars and Pluto, suggesting he could have a considerable amount of inner tense, explosive energy.
We do not know his time of birth, so it is interesting to speculate on the possible orientation of the closely packed planets and aspects. A noon chart always puts the Sun at the top near the MC. This would be right if Kennedy was born at midday but in reality, and with a correct birth time, the Sun would be positioned differently. The whole structure might then be at the bottom of the chart, or on the DC side, or it might cling to the AC side of the chart. Wherever it is, it will always leave a large open space around it. This will be an on-going source of vulnerability for Kennedy, and could have a bearing on his alcoholism; the pressures of leadership may have proved too great.
Unaspected Venus in Libra goes some way towards explaining his affability and the "Chat show Charlie" soubriquet. Saturn in Capricorn is part of both the Small Talent and Small Learning triangles present in his chart, suggesting Kennedy has the innate ability to be practical and realistic. His dignified resignation speech bears this out, as does his record and reputation of being one of the most successful Lib Dem leaders in recent years. He was 46 in November 2005, and using the Huber Method of Life Clock, this brings his Age Point to the Low Point of the whole chart. Even without an accurate birth time, it is possible, with Age Progression, to know something about the psychological life phase a person is moving through. Age 46 marks a turning point in life and a time when a new orientation in life can begin. It marks the biggest crises and shake-ups of the entire lifetime where transformation and big changes are called for.
The Age Point moves in 6 years cycles, so we all experience a time of introspection and potential inner change once every 6 years. Kennedy became leader of the Lib Dems 6 years ago, when his Age Point was also on a Low Point - he has given it his best shot, moved the party forward, and has maybe paid a high price into the bargain by drifting into drink to offset the stress. Now it is time to go, to move on, and this turbulent period of his life and his resignation may prove to be a blessing in disguise if he is able to work with the opportunities for change and reorientation that the Low Point at age 46 can bring.
Addendum to thoughts on Charles Kennedy's chart, with correct birth time 25.11.1959, Inverness 02.15 (GMT)
Since writing the above on Kennedy's chart, I have been able to find his correct time of birth, which shows the orientation of the planets and aspect structure in his chart to be very firmly on the AC or "I" side of the chart. This, together with his Moon in the 12th House, indicates an essentially private person who will need to be able to withdraw from the pressures of life and take time out to recharge.
An aspect structure which clings to the AC side of the chart leaves the DC, or "You" side of the chart wide open, and this can bring a sense of vulnerablity, especially in the area of life where contact with others is concerned. Kennedy could feel that others invade his personal space faster than he can either cope with or feel comfortable with. There would undoubtedly have been immense pressures associated with his role of Lib Dem Leader, with demands coming at him from all directions. He would have been looking for escape routes, hence the drink.
With the correct birth time, we can see that the stellium of Sagittarian planets sits in the 3rd House. This endows the ability to communicate life philosophies (interesting to note from his biography that he studied philosophy at university). Unaspected Venus sits in the 1st House, suggesting that he may identify quite strongly with the energies and drives of this planet (his friendliness, affability), yet will be at the mercy of the environment, which will seek to shape and influence this part of his persona.
Saturn sits rock solid at the bottom of the chart, is the "grounding" planet in the Small Talent triangle, and indicates that he is someone who is trustworthy and reliable, someone who would not let people down. Now that we have his correct time of birth, more depth is added to the significance of his Age Point being on the Low Point of the whole chart at this time of his life. Making a square aspect to Uranus and a trine to the Moon, the Age Point forms a Small Learning triangle which offers Kennedy a potentially rich learning experience. Only these two planets are aspected. Change and life upheaval are a part of this process, yet this will ultimately be something he will learn from.
Staying with the Age Point, it is now possible to see what was happening 6 years ago when he was 40 and was elected Leader of the Lib Dems in August 1999. Once again, the Age Point was aspecting the same two planets, only this time with a trine to Uranus and a quincunx to the Moon, forming a Search Figure. This would have been a time of following his dreams and ideals and imagining a better world as he assumed the role of Leader.
It is interesting to see how a cyclic pattern with Uranus and Moon has been completed, alongside a very significant cycle in Kennedy's Age Progression.
Joyce Hopewell, Dip. The Astrological Psychology Association.
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