The Birth of Singapore, 9 August 1965
Tomorrow, 9 August 2025, is Singapore's National Day. 60 years ago, the proclamation declaring Singapore's independence was announced on Radio Singapore at 10:00 am on 9 August 1965.
You can say that the horoscope chart cast for this particular moment signifies the birth of Singapore. The planetary configurations in the sky at this important moment speaks about her DNA and evolution, which can be delineated and prediction of events timed by specialized timing techniques using the horoscope chart. In the National Horoscope Chart of Singapore, cast with the time of 10:00 am on 9 August 1965, the rising sign or Ascendant is Libra (Tropical Zodiac).
As an introduction to the National Horoscope Chart of Singapore, I will briefly highlight two components of the chart—the 1st House and the Planet Moon—and outline key delineation points for the Planet-Sign combination that are observable, offering insights into the nation's unique identify.
It is 9 August 1965. The Birth of Singapore.
Mars in Libra, in the 1st House, the Ascendant
Take a moment to read and understand the background leading to the Independence of Singapore.
Singapore separates from Malaysia and becomes independent
(https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=dc1efe7a-8159-40b2-9244-cdb078755013)
Moon in Capricorn, in the 4th House
The 4th House signifies Real Estate, Properties, Home, Infrastructure, End of Life. Moon is representative of the Public at Large, the Instinctive Needs and Moods. Capricorn is the sign of Regulation, Restriction, Stability, Practicality, Ambitious, Accumulation of Status and Wealth. Together, observable delineation of Moon-Capricorn in the 4th House includes the prominent—Moon near the Imum Coeli, IC—propensity and drive for housing/properties as a means of wealth and status accumulation for the public, also as a source of retirement asset. The sentiment (Moon) is pragmatic and conservative, with an emphasis on long term stability (Capricorn). Generally, rising property prices are characterized by a slow, deliberate pace, shaped largely by supply and policy constraints.
Now, in this Horoscope Chart of Singapore, both Mars and Moon are in "Detriment"; that is, they are in a sign that is inimical to their nature, which in traditional astrological texts or teachings, is a weakness/ problematic or debilitated condition for the planets (Jupiter and Venus likewise). However, as I have said in another article, a planet in a sign can be understood in a few layers, or rather, their influence can be expressed in a few layers. Above, the delineation for both Mars and Moon in their respective sign are simply a descriptive, literal expression of the planet in the sign. One should not attribute much positive or negative inclinations here.
What has been described above regarding for Mars and Moon in the National Horoscope Chart of Singapore is only a small slice or a simple facet of the interpretation of the chart, even if all the other planets are examined in the same way. This is so, as it is only Planet-Sign delineation. The individual life is complex, and even more so for a Nation.
Beyond just the simple delineation of Planet-Sign combinations above, if we include the full gamut of astrological techniques in the chart interpretation, we can then bring in the nuances, differing perspectives, evolution, relationships into the chart, allowing us to understand the development of Singapore over different time periods, the national mood and major social movements.
Lastly, what do you think are the manifestations or the expressions of the "debilitated" condition of Mars, Moon, Jupiter and Venus—this other layer of influence—for Singapore?
Mikey Madison and Anora Ani Mikheeva
In the birth chart below, Sun is in Exaltation. Moon, Mars and Venus are in Domicile. Jupiter is in Triplicity. Saturn is Peregrine. Most are high in dignity, with one in Peregrine. Sun is ruler of 7th House (Partner, Spouse). Jupiter is ruler of the 2nd House (Money) and 10th House (Status, Recognition, Career). Both of them are in the 2nd House of Money. Right-away, one basic symbolism from such configuration should come to your mind. Spouse or Partner is well-off, social status is pretty good. Can the native benefit from Spouse? In this chart, yes.
Sun is with Mercury. Mercury is ruler of 5th House (Dating, Romance, Performance, Entertainment). In the beginning, I mentioned that most planets in this chart are high in dignity. With one exception; Mercury. Mercury is in Detriment. Some may add that Mercury is also in Fall. Not only that, Mercury is retrograde. Based on dignity condition alone, Mercury is not fantastic. Suffice to say, the dating opportunity, situation or partner may be controversial, unconventional or deviant. Nevertheless, the dating or romance relationship leads to Marriage; Mercury with Sun. But that's not the main point. Despite the less than stellar dignity condition, Mercury is actually important in this chart. It can bring benefits due to its configuration.
This is the birth chart for Mikaela "Mikey" Madison Rosberg, an American actress who won the 2025 Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Anora". The film Anora follows the story of Ani, a sex worker, engaging in a transaction where she is paid by a wealthy client, in this case, Vanya, for her services.
"Anora" began filming in 2023. From a Astrological Timing perspective, 2023 was the Jupiter Major Time Period and Sun Minor Time Period. Now, if you have seen the film, recall what I have just said about Mercury, Sun and Jupiter. Bearing in mind that so far, we have only looked at Mercury, Sun and Jupiter and their basic condition and symbolism. These are basic foundation of natal astrology. Yet, just from these, one cannot help but already have this thought:
did she choose the role, or did the role choose her?
Actors seemingly have this inherent advantage of allowing planetary energies, either by choice or not, an outlet to express themselves; to be played out in one's acting role. In some situations, when favorable planetary configurations manifest through an alternate persona—such as acting in a film or drama—this can bring out the positive benefits into real life. In this case, for Mikey Madison's Jupiter, ruler of her 10th House (Career, Recognition). Jupiter Major Time Period begins 2019. Rather similar for Brandon Fraser, which I have talked about in another post. If you catch on quickly, this "alternate manifestation" implies something significant.
The planetary energies in our birth chart will inevitably manifest—it's only a question of who, what, where, and when. We can choose to respond reactively or take a proactive approach. Consciously, we can create circumstances that resonate with our planetary configurations, guided by deliberate intent and desired outcomes.
In any case, a planet in poor dignity does bring problems, but it can also bring benefits if configured appropriately; Mercury. Likewise, a planet in good dignity does bring benefits, but it can also bring problems if configured inappropriately. For example, Mars in Scorpio. Year 2031 marks the transition to Mars period from a Major Time Period perspective in this chart.
On a different note, if you are interested, look at the indicators pertaining to her parents in her chart. Her parents are both psychologists.
Basic Symbolism in Astrology: The Planet Saturn in Salvador Dali
When delineating Astrological Birth Charts, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. 大道至简单. There really isn't a need for complex calculations of different Lots, the Various Chart Rulers, the use of Nautical Metaphors etc. Nothing comes closer to the truth than symbolism in Astrology. There are several layers of symbolism in Horoscopic Astrology, and the most fundamental ones one must first be familiar with when learning Astrology are the Planetary symbolism, Connection symbolism and House symbolism.
Let's take a quick look at this birth chart, that of Salvador Dali the Spanish Surrealist Artist, by peeling off the top few layers of the onion. I mean, the chart.
1. Planetary and House Symbolism
The planet Saturn, naturally symbolizes Delay, Mature, Old, Rigid, Stubborn, Persistence. Saturn is Cold and Dry. The 7th House symbolizes the status, condition or affairs pertaining to Spouse (Wife, in this chart) and Marriage. Saturn rules the 7th House in this chart.
The wife of Salvador Dali, Elena Ivanovna Diakonova or known simply as Gala, was 10 years older than Salvador Dali and known for her strong will and determination, traits that some might perceive as stubborn. The marriage is enduring, but marked with tension and numerous challenges. Saturn by its natural symbolism alone, does not goes well with warmth and love. But it can persevere.
2. House and Connection Symbolism
The 9th House symbolizes Foreign and Travels. Sextile symbolizes a connection between planets that brings forth positive opportunities and luck. Jupiter, ruler of the 9th House, sextile Saturn, the Spouse.
Salvador Dali's wife was from Russia. Salvador Dali traveled to Paris in 1929, during the premiere of the film 'Un Chien Andalou' which he had collaborated with, and during this period was introduced to Éluard, then husband of Gala.
Dali invited back Éluard, Gala, and their daughter Cécile to spend the summer of 1929 with him in Cadaqués, a coastal town in Spain. This visit was a turning point for Dali and Gala's relationship.
3. Planetary, House and Connection Symbolism
Sun naturally symbolizes the Father, especially in the Day Birth Chart. The 3rd House symbolizes Siblings. Mercury is the ruler of the 3rd House. 10th House symbolizes Public Image, Recognition. Mars is the ruler of the 10th House. Square symbolizes a connection between planets that brings forth difficulties, challenges and conflict. Sun, Mercury and Mars square Saturn, the Marriage.
Dali's marriage to Gala not only faced public criticism and resistance but also strained the ties with his Father and Sister.
Just from these top few basic layers, one already can have a quick surface understanding of certain events or circumstances surrounding the native. Certainly, from the marriage perspective, there are other circumstances one can also see merely from these basic layers, such as the affairs of Gala, amongst others.
And if one continues to peel off more layers, either through the expansion of the fundamental layers or through further understanding of other layers of deeper symbolism present in Astrology besides the fundamentals such as Movement symbolism, Configuration symbolism, Placement symbolism. etc., you can see why Gala is very significant for Salvador Dali personally and professionally; the growing fame and success of Dali's; the controversial and unconventional style of Dali's; the turbulent yet enduring and unconventional marriage, etc.
In the Learning Process, Be Like One-Punch Man
With the aid of the numerous media available and active promotion nowadays, public awareness and interest in Fengshui have increased significantly over the years. This will even be more pronounced in Li Fire Period 9 (离火九运), a 20 years period beginning 2024.
But such situation creates a predicament, not only for those who wish to learn Fengshui, but also for those who wish to apply Fengshui techniques on his or her house based on self learning or from Fengshui books.
That book guides us on using Eight Mansions Fengshui, but I have heard one should use Xuan Kong Fengshui instead, as it is supposedly more comprehensive?
Some said techniques or systems that dates further back in history are more 'authentic'?
Should I study Heavenly Stars or Xuan Kong Fengshui? But it seems San Yuan Fengshui is more popular? Which should I use if different techniques contradict each other? Which is correct?
Such dilemma is not much different from another metaphysics field such as Astrology. The usual familiar Whole Sign House system versus Quadrant House System. Modern, Medieval or Hellenistic system.
I have always said this, do not waver and wander around the outskirts of the knowledge because of this seemingly dilemma. For example, both Whole Sign House and Quadrant House definitely works. I have seen students repeatedly going back and forth from one system to another in their learning journey, due to either the lack of confidence or because of the trends and influence of other practitioners. Hence, lacking proficient in that particular field.
Before you ask about the differences of the various techniques or systems in practice, first dive deeper and engage with one system rather than right-away doubting at the first sign of unfamiliarity. If you do that, you will most often find yourself merely scratching the surface and neither proficient in either.
Whatever Fengshui techniques you wish to explore, be thorough with it and use it consistently. Eight Mansions Fengshui, whether in its simple or complex derivations, works. Xuan Kong, San Yuan etc. works. They may, and most often, will contradict when assessing auspiciousness, but remember we are looking from different perspectives, but 'Dao' 道 is the same, they are correct.
Be like One-Punch Man.
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Image Credit:
AI-generated artwork of Saitama (One Punch Man), created using ChatGPT with DALL·E by OpenAI. Character © ONE, Yusuke Murata, and Shueisha.
MICHAEL GOH
