CELINE DION - medical astrology
Can you see diseases in the chart?
I recently watched “I Am: Celine Dion“ and was deeply moved by this remarkable woman’s struggle against Stiff Person Syndrome, an autoimmune neurological disorder that is extremely rare (only about 1 in 1 million people suffer from it). It causes stiffness of muscles and painful spasms. There is no cure, only treatment that can slow the progression and somewhat help alleviate the symptoms.
I took a glance at Celine’s natal chart from a medical astrology perspective and was amazed at the clear prominence of potential neurological issues. I’m not gong into every detail, just offering an overview of the most relevant factors. Her chart is that of a VERY strong-willed, determined, energetic and also warm and loving person (this is not a birth chart analysis, though).
The Leo ascendant is in a supportive trine to her Sun in Aries (the Sun is exalted in this sign). This placement emphasizes a sensitivity towards seizures, among other things. The “life battery“, the Sun, is very strong here, but conjunct the malefic Saturn, we see difficulties. Her Part of Nemesis is ruled by Saturn and shares Saturn’s themes of limitation, isolation, constricting circumstances, death/ grief, (chronic) illness. Nemesis is exactly trine her Sun in Aries, emphasizing Saturn’s influence as a direct limitation to her life force (the Sun) and even career (MC). In Sagittarius, Nemesis also hints at Saturnian themes, aka illness and limitations, related to the nervous system, which is governed by the Sagittarius-Gemini-axis.
The MC is exactly conjunct Saturn, which in turn is almost exactly square her Part of Spirit (only aspects within one degree orb are considered for the Arabic Parts, but I’d say it’s still noteworthy here since the Part of Spirit, denoting one’s inner drive, motivation, soul, mind and dharmic inclination, is ruled by the Sun, which is conjunct Saturn). What this tells me is that there is a clear road block for her, and it’s likely something that has been slumbering and waiting to be triggered, in her case the insidious disease. Saturn in Aries’ pathologies include motor nerve anomalies.
The Moon is at the most intense 29th degree of Aries, where it has accumulated the most “energy“ of this sign. The Moon is the distributor of the life force and is extremely energetic here. It can express itself as a feisty personality with a passionate, emotional nature and a very high-octane physical constitution (depending on other aspects, of course). This placement would massively contribute to Celine’s charisma as a performer, but also as a person in general, as it adds more fuel to the Aries fire. However, there is too much dominance of the fire element, which can mean that she tends to “burn the candle at both ends” and overwhelm her body and nervous system.
Mars in Taurus (in detriment in this sign) can manifest as various acute throat/ vocal issues, which she has had for many years due to a not-so optimal singing technique that she had to work hard to unlearn and replace with a healthy approach (as per her autobiography), but these issues may have been an early sign of her developing illness. Mars in Taurus makes a quincunx, a highly relevant aspect in medical astrology, to Sagittarius (where Nemesis is located), which indicates overly excitable motor nerves and a predisposition for hyperactivity and overstimulated nerves in general. It’s no wonder that she can never seem to get enough of the thrill of being on stage and performing. The North Node (denoting excessive energy in medical astrology) is also in fiery Aries. Its nature can be hardening and poisoning when it is too strong, which it certainly is due to the Aries stellium. It’s only emphasized by the trine with her already “fiery“ Leo ascendant. Jupiter retrograde in Leo additionally emphasizes the fire element. Her Part of Fortune (physical body) is also in Leo and ruled by the Moon, which is in Aries. She is literally “on fire“.
Mars is squaring her ascendant by exact degree. Mars is a malefic, and squares to this planet are especially dangerous in medical astrology (so is the aforementioned quincunx). From this, we can conclude that Mars, not well placed in Taurus, executes a stressful influence on her ascendant aka her very physical body. On the other hand, it shows someone who is extremely tough and willing to push herself beyond her limits, who will not rest on her laurels or take it easy.
That her 6th house cusp is in Capricorn (ruled by Saturn) hints at a strong possibility for chronic ailments, and Saturn, being in a position where neurological problems are emphasized, makes it almost predictable that her overall health (symbolized by the 6th house) is going to be affected by them.
Uranus retrograde in Virgo: Uranus is the “weirdo“ planet that is notorious for disrupting electrical currents, upending natural balances and is, in short, the planet of extremes. Uranus reflexes to Gemini (neurological disease, spasmodic asthma, tremors) and Sagittarius (very serious neurological illnesses, misfiring of motor nerves, hyperactivity, muscle spasms).
I have nothing but the utmost respect for Celine Dion, having always admired her talent and now having seen in the documentary how absolutely horrible this disease is that she is so bravely trying to combat. Her chart reflects both her personal as well as the medical reality to a striking degree. Sure, the documentary was intended to tug at the heart strings, but it is not just promotion and business, as cynics might suggest. It’s about a human being’s life being portrayed in almost merciless honesty, and the scene towards the end is NOT for the faint of heart (be warned): it shows Celine having an episode where she is completely cramped up, unable to speak or move. After her doctors were able to help her and she regained control over herself, what did she do? Go home and cry?
No.
She started singing, with her whole heart and passion, like the consummate performer and absolute champion that she is.
© Olivia Solner
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Fascinating article!