Michael Erlewine is a leading astrologer but this is just one of his many achievements. I have struggled for words to describe him, the best I can come up with is “over achiever”. His wiki page lists musician, astrologer and entrepreneur as his occupations. Founder of Matrix Software, The Heart Center Astrological Library, ACT: Astrological Conferences on Techniques, and the All Music Guide. The list goes on. Michael has brought together some of the leading astrologers around to share their knowledge at the forum he moderates, ACT Astrology. For a greater insight into the man and his very spiritual philosophy, you can check out his writings at Astro Talk “Astrology, Music, Poetry, Dharma, Shamanism, Photography, Initiation, Mind Practice.”

Ascendant trine Mars is strong because of the tight orb, 65′. It is a strong aspect anyway giving initiative and energy to succeed, able to lead and gain support from others for his ventures. These qualities are strengthened further because the rising star is Mars natured, the fixed star Antares, the Rival of Mars because of it similarity in colour. It gives “mental alertness, strategic ability and courage and to make daredevils, especially if tied up with…Ascendant…Riches and honor.” This star has given Michael the ability to achieve so much in this life, so much more than most people could ever dream of. The trine to Mars has enabled these achievement to “flow”, especially as Mars on the fixed star Algenib gives a “Penetrating mind and a strong will, as well as determination”. Algenib is also a Mars natured star, with a touch of Mercury to give a sharp mind which fits well with the mental alertness of Antares. All so very Mars, activity, action, getting the job done. Antares, as one of the four Royal Stars of ancient Persia may also give talent in astrology.

A couple of other stars which have a strong influence on Michael’s life are Mercury on Alhena for the popularity, music and art (photography), and Uranus on Alcyone for more honor, intelligence and interest in occult subjects. The final part of the chart to look at is the Minor Grand Trine, with a total orb of just 45′. The Sun is at the midpoint of the trine from Saturn to Neptune-Midheaven. Before I look at what this aspect pattern means, I’ll look at each point on its own:

Sun on on Procyon “foretold wealth and renown, and in all astrology has been much regarded, giving ‘Everlasting of the Right, and Good Effect’…it also confers will-power and ability to put thoughts and plans into action….drive and a good sharp mind. Linked with positive stellar bodies, success is made greater….With the Sun, a valiant demeanor is indicated….Great help from friends, gifts and legacies.”

Saturn is on Algol and this is a fine example of the positive manifestation of this dreaded star. Many extremely talented musicians have this star prominent, nearly all the Beatles, some of the Rolling Stones guys, and Eric Burdon of The Animals has a stellium of Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Uranus all on Algol.

Neptune and the Midheaven on the fixed star Labrum which gives “ideality, psychic power, intelligence, honor and riches in disgrace and purifies to salvation.” This conjunction is pretty special giving the strong spiritual calling. During his decades devotion to Buddhism, he has made pilgrimages to Tibet, China, India, and Nepal. This is yet another star giving intelligence, and this aspect of Neptune conjunct Midheaven may explain the spiritual approach to his career in astrology. Neptune also rules music along with mysticism and religion. North Node in there just tops it all off – Dharma.

Now to tie these aspects together in the Minor Grand Trine. The trine from Saturn to the culminating Neptune gives structure and concrete results to the spirituality of Neptune. Dreams have become realities, there have been major material manifestation. Probably the largest astrological library in the world, a massive collection of music and the websites, oh, and the books he has written.

Feeding all this has been Michael s life force, his ego the Sun. Creative expression from the sextiles, all boosted to astronomical proportions by the extremely strong fixed stars, all giving intelligence, creativity and pure Mars energy. As mentioned in the interpretation of the Robert P. Blaschke Minor Grand Trine, this aspect pattern denotes “Practical Mysticism”, which certainly rings true here. It is an aspect pattern giving creative and intuitive intelligence, I’d say now it is a marker of genius.