The John Edwards Affair: A Study In Sexual Aspects
October 8, 2008 by Jeffrey Kishner
The following guest post is by Mu’Min M. Bey
Last month’s revelations that former US Senator and 2008 Presidential contender John Edwards had an affair, and quite possibly sired a child, with former actress and staffer Rielle Hunter comes as no big surprise to astrologers, who deal with these kinds of things all the time. Astrology can zero in on the whys and wherefores of creepin’ to a precise degree.
When I had heard about Mr. Edwards’ tryst with Hunter, the first thing that came to mind was that she had to have strong Sexual Aspects in her birthchart, at least as strong as — if not stronger than — Mrs. Edwards’. As it turned out, I was right.
Sexual Aspects are those that involve the Sexual Planets of our astrology, which, thanks to the excellent work of the Magi Society — a team of astrologers based in New York City — are Venus, Mars and Pluto. All of these planets have a more direct bearing on sexuality than any other planet. When any two of the three combine, a Sexual Aspect is formed.
All of this is explained in much of the Magi Society’s published works, as well as their website online, and is a central point of focus in their book on Love, Sex and Money. The Magi Society repays close study for any astrologer who wishes to go beyond Planet in Sign/House delineations, which most modern-day Western astrologers seem to focus on. The meat of a horoscope includes the aspects — both on the ecliptic and declinationally — and the midpoint combinations that the planets are involved in. These three tools — midpoints, declinations, and longitudinal planetary aspects — are indispensible to the astrologer in his or her work.
As mentioned previously, any two of the Sexual Planets coming together in some way is a Sexual Aspect — Venus/Mars, Venus/Pluto or Mars/Pluto. But there’s a bit more to this. First, we have to consider the fact that women are different from men. And despite all of the efforts to “reverse engineer” our Society over the past four decades or so, this Truth remains. In the main, women approach sex differently than do men — and if astrology is to have any worth, any meaning at all, it must reflect this fact. Indeed it does — of the three Sexual Planets mentioned, only Venus has been shown to be “Female” in its orientation and function. So, when Venus is involved with one of the other Sexual Planets in the chart of a female, she has a higher than average sexual drive, impulse and interest than the average female of her society. Taking things a step further, if Venus aligns with Pluto, it goes under what the Magis call a Female Sexual Aspect, one which oozes female sexuality and is very apparent to spot in the woman having such an aspect in her chart. Monica Lewinsky and Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and yes, Rielle Hunter have such aspects in their charts. The average female does not.
Moreover, one must be careful not to assume that a Mars-Pluto pairing in the chart of a female suggests that she has a higher than average sex drive; my personal observation and experience does not bear this out at all. Both of these planets are Male in their function and orientation, and have been shown to be Male Sexual Aspects; for them to “work” in a woman’s chart, Venus in some way must be involved. Men having them exude the kind of raw sex appeal (like say, a Brad Pitt) that lesser men don’t have. In the most basic terms, it’s the difference between the “Alpha” males and the “Betas” (a topic that I’ll be addressing soon! Stay tuned.). Would it surprise you to know that John Edwards has such an aspect? Or Bill Clinton?
And when all three Sexual Planets come together in some way in the chart, it is then classified by the Magi Society as a Super Sexual Aspect, with all that name entails. Just to give you a sense of what this means, most of your porn stars have combinations like these. Ron Jeremy, for example, a literal fixture in the porn industry for some three decades, has all three Sexual Planets in aspect in his chart. So does Vanessa Del Rio and the late Johnny Holmes. A porn star needs that high octane level of sexuality, especially in the case of Jeremy, who’s bedded down no less than 1300 women in his lifetime — confirmed on camera — and has made more porn films than any other porn actor, living or dead.
So, what does all of this have to do with the Edwards affair? Simple. John Edwards has powerful Sexual Aspects in his chart, and his wife, Elizabeth, simply does not. And since John is a good-looking and wealthy man, married to a slightly older and sickly woman who has no such aspects in her chart to begin with, it was only a matter of time before things would take their course. In fact, it would not surprise me if the Rielle Hunter episode wasn’t the first time John stepped out on Elizabeth.
John Edwards was born on Jun 10, 1953 7.02AM EST, Seneca SC [according to Astrotheme.fr. -- view chart]. Venus is dignified in Taurus (making Venus strong by Sign), while Mars in Gemini makes a wide sextile to Pluto in Leo. This rather weak aspect is made stronger by noting that in the declinations, Mars and Pluto are in aspect/parallel. When we scan John’s midpoints, paying particular attention to the Sexual Midpoint combos of Venus/Mars, Venus/Pluto and Mars/Pluto, we see that Mars is at the Venus/Pluto midpoint, or put another way, Mars=Venus/Pluto. There’s more we can add from his midpoint scan, but we can really stop right here — Venus is strong classically in the natal chart; Mars and Pluto come together and are strengthened due to multiple alignments; and all three Sexual Planets combine in the Midpoints. Its really that simple.
Elizabeth Edwards was born on Jul 3, 1949, Jacksonville FL, no time known [source: Wikipedia -- view chart]. The great thing about analyzing a chart for Sexual Aspects is that a birthtime is not necessary. Consider her birthdate against her husband John’s — there is only a Mars-Pluto sextile, interestingly enough, in the same Signs as John’s — but because they occur this time in the chart of a female, and do not have the involvement of Venus, they simply will not act in the same manner. Therefore, all this aspect suggests is that Elizabeth may attract such men, but not act on those impulses herself. This, plus the fact that she neither has Sexual Aspects present in the declinations nor the midpoints tells the rest of the tale.
Rielle Hunter was born on Mar 20, 1964, Fort Lauderdale FL, no time known [source: Wikipedia -- view chart]. Right off the bat we see that, like John, Rielle has Venus in Taurus, and trine Pluto — bingo! That both Venus and Pluto are in Earth Signs enhances the sensual dimension of this aspect significantly.
Some readers will see this and scoff at the simplicity of my essay; they do so at their own risk. Sexual Aspects are real, and when triggered by transit/arc/progression, will almost invariably respond. Consider John Edwards’ chart for the past two years, the time period when the affair was said to have taken place. Transiting Neptune was creeping up to oppose his Pluto, and transiting Pluto was moving back and forth in opposition to his Mars. Remember now, these planets are linked to begin with natally.
So, the very first thing I do when assessing a couple’s charts for long-term relationship and/or marriage is to take a long hard look at the Sexual Aspects in their charts. (Or the lack thereof.) Often, there will be a mismatch, and when that occurs, I point this out as clearly as I can to them
, to explain that, over time, this can be a source of tension and breakup, unless both parties sit down and have a heart-to-heart talk about it. There are several options, and unless specifically asked, I defer opining on them. But the important thing to do is to determine to what extent a couple are sexually matched over the long haul. Otherwise, it’s only a matter of time before one of them cheats on the other.
About the Author
Mu’Min M. Bey is a Western and Vedic astrologer with 15 years training and experience, including 5 years teaching Western astrology at Temple University’s PASCEP program. Mr. Bey lives in Philadelphia and is founder of the University of Astrology discussion forum found on MySpace. Contact him at: mumin_bey@yahoo.com, or at his MySpace page.
Photo used under permission by GNU Free Documentation License.
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Interesting article. I am interested in learning more about declinations. I was once very interested in midpoints, but have forgotten a lot of it. I have Ebertin’s book, so I’ll have to crack it open tonight.
I have Venus and Pluto in opposition with Mars squaring both.
Great post!! I am a huge fan of John Edwards and see him as only human.
I often look to Pluto-Mars aspects for compulsive sexual behavior and agree that with women it isn’t always strong as much as it can be attracting…although I never really thought about it as a rule. You make a lot of sense.
I have Pluto conjunct my MC and trine my Mars…I could wear a potato sack outside the house and have men looking at me sensually.
I used to wonder why because even with a first house Venus I am not the most attractive woman in the world then I realized I just project a sexuality that I almost feel isn’t mine. It’s strange because I make some men uncomfortable as well.
Hmpf.
correction: they look sexually not sensually, and that sexuality isn’t mine..not “almost”.
I am not the most attractive woman in the world then I realized I just project a sexuality that I almost feel isn’t mine. It’s strange because I make some men uncomfortable as well.
You said it, AE! I have that happy little Mars/Venus/Pluto Grand Trine, and that’s exactly how I feel. I’m not saying I’d give it up entirely, but…I want to be liked as a regular human being, too, not just some kind of accidental, uncomfortable sex object.
Great article, Mu’Min. I’ve studied Magi astrology just a bit, and was wondering where Chiron fits into the sexual aspects. I know it’s important in synastry, but how about natally?
Attracting? o_o Sexually, what!? No, don’t look at meee. XDD
I wondered about that. Actually I didn’t think of Pluto-Mars sexually that much at all (heh, my description is iffy I ’spose). A small bit, but that’s imagination. x3
I think I get what you’re saying about how it’s not yours… Hm. I dunno. I can project that for fun when I’m alone, but when I’m out there somewhere, it’s Cappie! I thought people come to me ‘cuz they’re curious. XD Although not just talking, like I’ve mentioned. Oo, physical. xP Ya know…that does tend to happen to me alot. o_o
is this also important according to vedic astrology (maybe with a more karmic interpretation)? or is this just west alltheway? i always wonder about vedic but it is much harder to get a grip on!!
~
"Rielle has Venus in Taurus, and trine Pluto — bingo! That both Venus and Pluto are in Earth Signs enhances the sensual dimension of this aspect significantly."
i think that is a key point – what signs and elements are involved. i have venus-pluto trine but it is in water (cancer and scorpio, not nicey piscey, in the bad houses 12 & 4) and i am the most aloof person in the world. i repulse people with cold in the streets ness and diffidence because nothing can meet my demands for both sexual/emotional charge and security at once. i could be marilyn monroe incarnate and still be the anti sexual aspect. i send chills even down my own spine lol.
nothing can meet my demands for both sexual/emotional charge and security at once.
Aha! Bis, I totally relate to that, too, though mine is colored a tad differently, all in Air (Gem, Aqua, Libra.) My modified quote: “Nothing can meet my demands for both sexual/imaginative charge and security at once.” I come across as distant, a bit mentally aloof, but somehow magentically so, evidently….
Hi Folks! Thanks so much for the kind comments. When time permits, most likely later this evening, I’ll be more than happy to answer all your questions. Also, biggups and nuff respect due to Jeff for puttin’ me on! Thanks, man.
Salaam
Mu
my pleasure, Mu
This sucks. I have no Venus-Mars-Pluto aspect to each other, but I seem to date people who do. Last dude: Mars/Venus/Pluto T-Square.
So what happens? I mean, I don’t have a strong sexual aspect. How do I not get screwed over? Do I just find out their birth chart and say “no” once I see the sexual aspect?
I never cared much about having a strong sexual projection. I have more neptune, which is dreamy and you just want me to snuggle up with you for some comfort. But I can sense someone’s sexuality just loading up in the atmosphere, and this sexual aspect really makes sense.
So, what now? I do not want to deal with cheating. I should just terminate any possible romantic connection to potential partners once I discover they have a strong sexual aspect?
may, I do not believe that cheating is a given if one partner has a Sexual Aspect and the other does not. Not only is there the whole chart to consider, but we can make choices about how to work with the energy.
Hi May,
To followup on JK’s points, it is often the case that the woman does not have Sexual aspects in her chart, or if she does it is not as strong as the man’s. This need not be a problem, since only one third of all women anywhere will have such aspects to begin with, versus some two thirds of men; when you sitdown to think about this, it really makes sense.
What I would look at in your case is to see first, how your chart looks wrt Sexual concerns so yor other half can cater to your needs; all guys know that once you get the gal’s juices flowing she’ll be down for whatever, LOL. Not having Sexual aspects as a woman only means that your man will have to be a bit more attentive to you to get you ready and in the mood. The chart will be helpful to him in this regard (BTW Jeff, I gotta another piece on this, the 5th house. Let’s talk!) in giving him strong clues as exactly what to do.
Next, I’d consider the actual planet to planet synastry between you and your man, focusing on the Sexual planets to see just how in sync you are to each other. Obviously, the more aspects, the more action.
Salaam
Mu
Angelineelise,
Whew, what a $10 handle you got there, LOL! OK, your comment above hits the nail right on the head, looks don’t count for a heck of a lot when you get really strong Sexual aspects happening in your chart, which you have. Recall Ron Jeremy, who was born w/Venus and Mars conjunt in Aries, trine Pluto in Leo! And he’s bedded down more women per capita than most of the “pretty boys” of porn combined, and for a longer time as well, given his longevity in the porn world.
Then, consider say, Camilla Parker Bowles. She also had strong Sexual aspects in her chart. See for yourself, and then you’ll understand why a much older and NOT HOT looking woman like Camilla could took Charles from a very pretty BUT NO-SEXUAL ASPECT HAVING Diana.
As for what you can do to minimize the Sexual aspects in your chart? Well, try not to wear “feminine” things when you don’t want your inherent sexuality to shine. Wear bland, earthtone pantsuits and the like, no heels, no cleavage, etc. Dowdy yourself a bit. Borderline frump. You get the idea.
Salaam
Mu
Dowdy yourself a bit. Borderline frump. You get the idea.
Exactly. That’s what I do when I don’t want attention.
I used to feel paranoid (and still do sometimes) because people just stare. They don’t say hi, they don’t smile, they just stare. It’s freaky.
I’m very sorry I came off as labeling people with SSA (Super Sexual Aspect) as cheaters. I just thought that they are more in tune to sexual energy, and can connect that energy with anybody, so there are more chances of sex.
I guess I assumed that the person would automatically do whatever he or she wishes, because in my “universe” people can do whoever they want. But of course, you are right, people do have choices to work with that energy. I’m very sorry.
Mu, Thank you for your comment.
This need not be a problem, since only one third of all women anywhere will have such aspects to begin with, versus some two thirds of men;
Are you serious? I thought equality exists. WHY DIDN’T I WRITE MY BIRTHCHART WITH SSA (Super Sexual Aspect) WHEN I WAS BORN?
how your chart looks wrt Sexual concerns so yor other half can cater to your needs;
I have Gemini Mars with Aries Venus (I’m a Taurus with Aquarius moon) What would be my sexual needs? They say my Mars in Gemini needs a lot of talking. Honestly, I don’t care if the other person talks, I’LL TALK. Aries Venus?
See for yourself, and then you’ll understand why a much older and NOT HOT looking woman like Camilla could took Charles from a very pretty BUT NO-SEXUAL ASPECT HAVING Diana.
Burn….
@m- Thanks for the response..once again very insightful..and in the future you can call me “ae” lots of people around here do!
@ Michelle:
I used to feel paranoid (and still do sometimes) because people just stare. They don’t say hi, they don’t smile, they just stare. It’s freaky.
OMG exactly!! They stare, they follow you on the streets and in supermarkets…freaky.
Sub-Question To Females With SSA’s: Were you sexualized as a child or teen? Have you been a victim of sexual crime?”
I have heard this is common with people (esp. girls) with these SSA’s. I was sexually abused as a child and was propositioned for prostitution multiple times as a teen.
I have had strange/inappropriate interactions with adults as a teen from teachers, to social workers ect.
Because I have the trine I think I’ve actually had it easy, because a lot of women with squares/opps/conj’s have been the victim of more violent sexual crime.
What about you?
@May-
Having an SSA for me has caused a lot of issues and is not exactly as fun as it sounds…men see something with me that isn’t there, it attracts Plutonian men and scares off men as well (nice ones who don’t know how to deal with the energy), it interferes with friendships..there is good and there is bad.
Just getting in here and thought to reply to a few of the comments made.
Stand alone, I’d say that Venus in Aries and Mars in Gemini in a female chart speaks to a good deal of “shock and awe” displays somehow; Venus in Aries is the classic “tease” placement, often women w/this placement are the ones who seem to get off on flirting w/guys, or in some other way enticing them, etc. On a deeper psychological level its a way to affirm one’s self worth and value in the sexual marketplace, WHICH IS REAL. More on this, soon.
Mars in Gemini would, I think, incline a woman toward the Mind sexually. “Dirty talking” or in some other way communication is important, as well as versatility and variety, possibly might like to use toys and definitly fingers/hands. The two planets together form a kind of lighter, flightier vibe, unless Pluto is involved some kind of way, then things take a much deeper “hardcore” feel.
As for whether women and girls w/such aspects in their charts sets them up in th ways mentioned, in a word, absolutely. Checkout Jon Benet Ramsey’s chart. The end.
Parents of girls w/these kinds of aspects should really be watchful of their daughters, especially as they enter their “monthly” years. It kinda sends out a signal to all males in the area that she’s good to go. Again, “dowdying it down” is called for.
Let me speak a bit on that because it is my firm view that the vast majority of women simply do not, or cannot, or will not, understand essential elements of Male Sexuality. Some 90% of which is Visual. Men are evolutionarily hardwired to be ready for sex ALL THE TIME, think about it, the average man generates about FOURTEEN GALLONS OF SPERM in his lifetime. That’s a lot of jizz, ladies. And that’s just for the average guy. How much do you think someone like Ron Jeremy done made?
Now-why are men “always thinking about one thing”? Hmm? Why is that? Its because, from an evolutionary stanpoint, you never knew when a woman would be available, and if she was, whether she’d be in the mood; you had to take advantage of the opportunity if it presented itself, because you never knew if you were gonna get another crack at the apple. If you blew your chance, you were on a one way ticket to evolutionary oblivion.
Women on the other hand, almost never want for chances to get some of the good wood. All of you know exactly what I mean, too-all you need do is send out strong signals, on purpose, that you’re available, and watch the line form to the left full of men who will only too happy to accomodate you. So the issue isn’t quantity for women, its QUALITY. Or, as I like to put it, Woman’s only real goal in life is to choose the RIGHT phallus. Yes, its true. They come a dime a dozen.
I was dead serious when I made the remark about “reverse engineering” society; we live in a time where the idea of “equality” is king, but in truth, it is not. And its causing real trauma to both men and women.
Why do you think some guys act downright crazy? You would too if you’re constantly in a state of sexual arousal. Remember ladies, wars have been fought over the poon.
Now, from a metaphysical and ideological standpoint, many women will recoil at much of what I just said; they’ll say that they should be able to wear whatever they want, and that men should just control themselves. This is foolish, because such a person knows nothing about life nor men or even themselves. They are looking at it through female eyes, and simply speaking, even the most sexual woman is no match for a sexual man. I just explained the reasons why. From the get go, men and women have different aims and goals, different strategies and objectives, and yes, different wiring and plumbing. Women for real, only get horny about a week every month, please correct me if I’m wrong; men get horny ALL THE TIME. Women don’t need to have an orgasm everytime they have sex, or even to get pregnant; if men don’t, they get blue balls, and let me tell ya ladies, its real and it hurts.
So now maybe you can see why I said that only one third of all women have Sexual aspects versus some two thirds of men.
I’ve been working on a larger piece that brings many of the things I’ve been talking about together and hopefully, that’ll be soon. Me and Jeff have been talking about it behind the scenes, so stay tuned.
Salaam
Mu
Very interesting. I have Venus conjoined Pluto in Virgo, and square Mars but out of sign (Taurus) and a bit wide (5 degrees). I’ve been involved with a number of men who weren’t interested in sex. One guy I lived with avoided sex with me, another I dated for several months wouldn’t sleep with me, although I have had other relationships that were physical. I wonder if it’s Uranus and Moon on my Ascendant that throws some off, or my Saturn on 5th house cusp square Sun that needs more security. Hard to integrate it all. Haven’t been involved with anyone at all for a couple of years.
Opps!
Mu – thank you very much for your comment! The Aries Venus – Gemini Mars describe me to a T.
BUT!!!
When you mentioned the sex drive:
Women for real, only get horny about a week every month,
I knew that for me, it’s MORE than one week a month (because lets face it: 2 or 3 times a week is more stabilizing for me). Then I found out I actually have sexual aspects afterall!!!
I have Venus Quintile Mars
and Mars Inconjunct Pluto!!!!!!
So how do I deal with inconjunct? I head these two do not share the same element, so they avoid each other at all cost. Help?
@angelineelise
I am glad you can relate! And, it’s men and women.
I have sexual molestation issues from when I was a kid, but honestly, I can’t completely explain what happened because I don’t know. Maybe that’s Neptune in the 4th, my core is foggy.
I am very self-protective and I have a full arsenal in my defense system (Moon conjunct Saturn, with Saturn in Cancer, and Mars in Cancer-I have Aries Sun, Merc, Venus and a bunch of asteroids all in the 8th house).
I can say that I was extremely sensitive to lewd staring and inappropriate closeness, and I can extract the sexual undertones of any seemingly innocent conversation. I put up such a tough exterior though that few people venture any closer.
Parents of girls w/these kinds of aspects should really be watchful of their daughters, especially as they enter their “monthly” years. It kinda sends out a signal to all males in the area that she’s good to go. Again, “dowdying it down” is called for.
Bingo! People began making overtly sexual comments about my appearance starting when I was about 7. I had an uncle (my marriage) who always wanted me to give him a massage- and I always made an excuse knowing it was f#$@ed up. No one seemed to be on top of this screwed up behavior. Who asks for a massage from a 7 year old? He was arrested about 1o years later for statutory rape of a 15 year old (he was 50-something).
@mu’min
Let me speak a bit on that because it is my firm view that the vast majority of women simply do not, or cannot, or will not, understand essential elements of Male Sexuality. Some 90% of which is Visual. Men are evolutionarily hardwired to be ready for sex ALL THE TIME
I have to agree with you on this. My boyfriend could have written this statement.