Family, friends, and admirers gathered at the Wake Forest University in North Carolina on Saturday 6th June, 2014 for a private ceremony to mark the passing of iconic American figure, Maya Angelo. Among the dignitaries who paid tribute were, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and President Clinton.
Described as a “word Queen,” Maya Angelo died at her home in Winston-Salem, on the morning of May 28th 2014 after a short illness. In her 86 years she played many roles, including poet, activist, historian, actress, dancer, playwright, film maker, and author.
Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson on 4th April, 1928 in St Louis Missouri, at 2.10 pm. She later changed her name to Maya Angelou. On the day she was born the Sun was in the sign of Aries and the Moon, which rules our emotions, in the sign of in Libra, and together with Mars, the planet of action and drive in the sign of Aquarius there was potential for a powerful personality with great ability to emerge.
However, the planets and personal points in our birth chart are only a guide to our potential and we have to work hard throughout our life time, to achieve greatness. Angelou had a turbulent childhood, being raped by her mother’s boyfriend at the age of eight. She was so traumatised by the experience that she became mute for almost five years.
According to Maria Gillespie and her colleagues who wrote a biography about her, it was during this period of silence that she developed her extraordinary memory, her love of books, and literature and her ability to listen and observe the world around her.
There is no greater educator than adversity as it teaches us many lessons in life and that tough times are part and parcel of everyday living. However, to overcome adversity at an early age we need to look at the chart and see where the strengths lie, because it is so easy to become a victim and not a victor.
Angelou was both bold and magnanimous, which are strong qualities for those born under the sign of Aries and the daring nature of the individual gives them the ability to rise above earthly limitations, if prepared to take a risk. Sun sign Aries also have a strong conviction and coupled with great physical courage adds to their strength and determination.
There is also a strong Leo thread running through Angelou’s chart. At the time of birth, Leo was rising on the Ascendant which helped push her into the leadership role that endeared her to millions. The natural sign of leadership comes under the sign of Leo, and is often prominently placed in the charts of royalty and others who rise to a position of prominence. No surprise she was nick named, “word Queen.”
Not only did she inspire generations of ordinary individuals through her writings, she also gained the respect and love of many prominent people. Considered amongst her long list of impressive admirers were several US presidents, Malcolm X, Reverend Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela.
Patterns also play a role in Cosmobiology and this helps to see the strength and weaknesses in a chart. Looking at her 90 degree chart, it is very imposing, just as she was in real life.
Angelou has several strong patterns like the Sun conjunct Jupiter square Pluto. This can be a very lucky pattern and certainly helped with her advancement in life and success in the material and spiritual sphere.
Difficulties in life show up with the Sun square Pluto but it can also helps to establish and consolidate one’s own position as a leader. Maya Angelou was never one to give in and was quoted as saying, “you may encounter many defeats but must not be defeated.”
There were two other strong patterns which helped shape her life and one was Mercury mid-point Venus and Saturn in the mutable section. Despite the turbulent early beginnings she was always the voice of reason. Angelou was a thinker and a philosopher, both attributes of this pattern.
The third pattern is Mars in Aquarius square Neptune in Leo, which Ebertin describes in his book, The Combination of Stellar Influences, as the control of feelings and passions through one’s mental attitude and inner spiritual aspirations.
There are only two outlets for Mars and Neptune when they come together in the chart, and that is the positive or inspirational side or the negative, misdirected and abused energy. Thankfully this amazing lady was able to rise above the mundane and channel her energy into her creativity. And although Angelou enjoyed success as a mainstream writer, as quoted in one newspaper tribute, she virtually thrived in every artistic medium.
Angelou had been ill for some time with heart problems. She was found dead in her house where she lived alone. There are very little clues in the transits of the day as to her impending death other than Jupiter, across the dial to the Solar Arc Node and transiting Moon.
Doris Greaves once explained to me that there are some more evolved souls that pass on a spiritual day and one would certainly consider Jupiter, Node and Moon a spiritual aspect.
James Van Praach has this to say about the evolved soul in his book called, “Reaching For Heaven,” the astral world is like an intermediary step in a spirits or soul’s progression. When the soul is ready to lift higher, there will be a complete sloughing off of the old earthly memories and patterns of thinking. Evolved souls accept that all are created from the same element of light and love, and still continue their work on the other side on behalf of the whole human race.”
Maya Angelou was an African-American who was not afraid to tread the unknown path for all black Americans, women as well as men. She was a prolific writer. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry.
She was also credited with a list of movies, plays, television shows spanning 50 years. She received dozens of awards and over fifty honorary degrees.
President George W. Bush was quoted as saying, “her words inspired peace and equality and enriched the culture of America.” All these and her many, more credentials earn her the right to be considered an evolved soul.
These words written on a card in my handbag were given to me many years ago in times of darkness, by a very dear friend and have been of great comfort to me ever since.
“Sometimes someone passes by and stops – then you are not alone.” – Anon
Words, music, people, memories, special places, can all be of help in times of need. Maya Angelou’s words, her faith, her courage and personal strength have been of great comfort to millions all over the world. These people stopped to listen, in times of need and then they were not alone. Her voice maybe still but her legacy lives on. “May She Rest In Peace.”
Maya Angelou 360 and 90 Degree Dial
Maya Angelou Death Chart
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