The Safe House - Madame Vartan Ho #5

Michael Vartan was born on November 27, 1968 in Fleury, France. This was a turbulent time in history – a time of wars, famines, protests over civil rights and political issues, and rioting. Scientific progress was advancing at a phenomenal pace, paralleling cultural movements in music, fashion, architecture and the arts. Since Michael’s time of birth is not available, the horoscope used for this analysis was calculated for sunrise.

Sun and Moon Signs

Vartan’s tremendous range of abilities is a reflection of his Sagittarian Sun-Mercury conjunction. Natives of the dualistic Archer (half man and half horse) are often known for their combination of intellectual and physical prowess. For Michael, this has resulted in excellent physical coordination, athletic strength and speed, and hand-eye coordination. The Archer hits his targets accurately, shown by Michael’s keen skill at billiards. His participation in the sport of hockey reflects his enjoyment of high velocity/high-risk activity. His intellectual and aesthetic skills include music and art, as well as his fluency in both English and French. Since the typical scope of Sagittarian interests is broad, they are rarely happy if restricted or caged in any way. Sagittarius also rules travel and long distances, and Michael has dual citizenship and has traveled extensively. The Sun and Mercury are near stars in the Scorpio constellation that suggest estrangement and difficulty in accepting legacies – a pattern that has been fulfilled by his emigration to America and conditions that prevent his return to France.

Michael was born under a 2d quarter (waxing) Pisces Moon, so his second major planet is placed in another double sign, symbolized by two fishes. His Pisces Moon is an indicator of his aesthetic sensitivities as well as his ability to be a chameleon – in this case, an actor. Since his fiery sun-sign, Sagittarius, is predominantly creative and ambitious, Michael may find it easier to express the emotions of the characters he portrays rather than his own. He will tend to be very private about his feelings, although when he is emotionally attached, he will be tender and sentimental. Nevertheless, this Pisces Moon may make it difficult to pin down his romantic interest. Pisces Moon actors (and there are many) keep their private life private. His Moon makes a favorable contact with mystic Neptune, increasing his visionary abilities. If he chooses to perform theatrically or musically, he will easily connect with his audience. His artistic efforts will evoke a core emotional response in viewers. The man positively reeks with talent.

Michael’s moon shares light with the lucky fixed star, Achernar. This star is the alpha light of Eridanus, the River - a famous constellation of the southern hemisphere. This shows his love for water sports (albeit frozen water). It is also indicative of a constant flow of fresh and imaginative ideas, and his openness to current cultural and artistic influences.

The Principles of Love

Venus and Mars, the love planets, are in each other’s signs. This creates a special energy exchange that is magnified by the dynamic cardinal signs in which they are placed. Michael’s Venus is in Capricorn – a serious, sometimes pessimistic sign. But this planet is aligned with Wega, the alpha star of the Lyre constellation. This brings great blessings to Michael’s Venus, infusing it with additional artistic and romantic energies. Mars is in Libra, the sign of balance. This placement suggests that if Michael is interested in a romantic relationship, he pursues it with diligence.

This Venus-Mars combination indicates that Michael has extremely high standards and may tend to idealize the object of his affection. Should any imperfections leak into his awareness, he would tend to be quite disillusioned. At least in romance, Michael’s personal paradox is that he wants an incredibly strong, smart, beautiful and competent woman (Venus), but needs a partner who can compromise, who can accept his strong opinions, who will work in harmony with his highly developed aesthetic sensibilities, and who can accept his powerful need for independence as he pursues his many interests.

Talking ‘Bout My Generation

The year of Vartan’s birth, 1968, featured an alignment of two powerful planets -Jupiter and Uranus in Libra. This birth group was in the first generation to be educated in computer sciences as a matter of course. At the time this alignment occurred, astrologers connected it with the grass-roots movement to correct social inequities, the boom in rock music and electrically amplified instruments, as well as the free love movement that was taking place on the west coast. Michael’s Sag Sun and Mercury relate well to this conjunction, and resonate with its enlightening influence. This tie shows a ferocious desire to experiment with a multitude of new and unusual ideas. Not only is he multilingual, he is multi-cultural. He brings European style to his American projects, and American enthusiasm to his Euro projects. Michael’s broad-based cultural viewpoint gives him a unique perspective in both his career and personal life.

Planetary configurations occur when three or more planets are connected by specific distance relationships. Michael has such a configuration, and it is one of the most unusual and rare figures to be found in astrology. Venus is tied to Neptune and Jupiter-Uranus in a septile configuration. This critical planetary triangle suggests that Michael is a channel through which fate flows; he is destined to fulfill a particular role in his own time. Some left-over elements from his genetic predecessors or previous lives need to be resolved. It is his geis, or fated task, to resolve certain issues – whether they are presented by situations arising from family or relationship encounters, or on the larger scale of generational or collective issues. He is also a conduit of expression for his generation, enacting various roles that identify concerns for his specific birth group. Michael is still fairly young – some of this potential will be seen more fully in the next 20 years.

Upcoming Twists and Turns

Vartan’s chart has received generally beneficial aspects from transiting planets in past years. In the early 90’s, both Uranus and Neptune conjoined his Venus. Following a period of confusion and displacement, he embraced the career of acting. This profession is a source of social ties and a fun outlet for his creative and physical talents. Acting is satisfying to him on many levels…but probably not on all levels. He needs variety, and opportunities to absorb new learning experiences.

Changes connected with this restlessness are in the works in 2003 - 2005. Jupiter will kick into action in late August ’03, activating challenges to Michael’s sun-sign. He may find that he desires more freedom than a demanding filming schedule offers, or a larger forum for his talents. This is an “ants in the pants” transit for Sagittarians, who will find that they are itchy to escape constrictive situations and explore new possibilities for their life path. He should take care to avoid situations that could lead to injuries, as the autumn of 2003 includes other planetary activity that seriously challenges his health and vitality.

The slow planet Saturn will move into Cancer in June, and will create a similar challenge for Michael’s natal Libra planets. The need to restructure areas of life that feel confining is emphasized. A positive use of this aspect would be a project that requires him to put ideas into solid form; a project that challenges him to develop his leadership skills and presents problems that require critical thinking. This could include directing or producing roles. Still, in all fairness, this kind of aspect is notorious for people rebelling against authority and excessive strictures. Michael may experience both extremes of these aspects in the fall of 2003, as the influences of transiting Jupiter and Saturn are pervasive and far-reaching in effect.

These influences will extend until early 2004. In the spring of 2004, Saturn will make an opposition to his critical Venus. This connection suggests either the solidification of a relationship (possibly a formal step, like engagement or marriage), or it could time the ending of a relationship that is hampered by the demands of his work. Saturn can either solidify or strangle, and other indicators of this issue are mixed.

Unfolding

Michael Vartan’s horoscope gives the picture of a young man blessed with extraordinary talents, physical vitality, and lethal charm. While performing as a television actor is an important step toward recognition, it is by no means the extent of what this man may accomplish in his lifetime. We can look forward to exciting new projects and efforts in the next several years, and keep watch for the inevitable stretching of his intellectual wings as he fulfills his role as one of the speakers for his generation.

About the Author

Elizabeth Hazel has been involved in the occult and divinatory arts for over 30 years. She uses an original combination of astrology and tarot when consulting with her international clientele. Her new book, The Tarot Toolbox, will be released in Spring 2004 by Weiser Books. Liz is also an awarded artist, musician and composer; and has developed a line of fabulous incenses, potions and perfumes for her company, Faerie Garden Gifts. Liz’s articles have appeared in a diverse spectrum of occult trade journals, books and websites, including Llewellyn’s Magical Almanac 2003 and 2004 editions, Tarot Reflections and Mac Addict Magazine. Liz may be contacted at vala@accesstoledo.com.

Back To Madame Vartan Ho #5