Chapter 1: The Life of a Birth Chart

What if I were to suggest that your birth chart possesses its own vitality? We often closely identify with our birth charts, viewing them solely as reflections of ourselves, neglecting the idea that they exist independently. After all, without our birth, the chart wouldn't come into being, right? This deep connection leads many to believe that when we pass away, our birth charts cease to exist as well—rendered irrelevant since the individual they represent is no longer living.

While this perspective isn't frequently discussed, there are notable instances where birth charts continue to resonate long after the individuals they represent have departed. A prominent illustration of this phenomenon is the chart of Vincent Van Gogh.

Born on March 30, 1853, Van Gogh lived a brief life, passing away on July 29, 1890. Despite his short existence, his birth chart remains influential to this day. Due to his remarkable talent and relentless dedication, the impacts of his life and work are still felt in the present.

On May 15, 1990, a significant milestone in Van Gogh's legacy occurred exactly one hundred years after his death. On this day, his renowned painting, "Portrait of Doctor Gachet," was sold at auction for an astounding 82.5 million US dollars. This sale not only marked a personal achievement for Van Gogh but also established a world record for the highest price ever paid for a painting at auction. This event underscores the notion that his chart certainly did not vanish with his passing in 1890.

Several astrological transits and progressions in his chart provide insight into this remarkable event. On that day, the transiting Sun had recently moved into his 11th house, while the transiting Midheaven was approaching a conjunction with his natal Neptune. These movements indicate that his vision was gaining public attention and appreciation within his community.

Although Van Gogh might have wished for such recognition during his lifetime, it serves as a reminder that we cannot hasten the unfolding of our astrological narratives. Through secondary progressions, we observe that on May 15, his progressed Sun entered the second house of finances—fittingly suggesting that such prominence could lead to financial prosperity, albeit one that he never had the chance to enjoy.

Moreover, on the day of the Sotheby’s auction, his progressed Moon was in a first-quarter phase, symbolizing competition and the assertion of ideals. Although Van Gogh was no longer able to take physical steps, his artistry took center stage, embodying the principles he stood for and triumphing over all rivals to achieve a world record.

While we may not all be destined to reach the heights of Vincent Van Gogh, nor can we expect to sell multi-million-dollar artworks posthumously, we can recognize that our birth charts persist in their influence beyond our earthly lives. This may manifest in various ways: perhaps our loved ones will gather to celebrate our lives and the impact we had on them, or our community might organize a ceremony honoring our contributions to our field.

At first glance, this information might seem trivial since we will no longer be here to witness it. However, it could also be a profound lesson in humility. It challenges the notion that our birth charts are solely ours; instead, we might consider the idea that we are, in fact, part of something larger. We are interconnected with the energy that emerges at the moment of our birth. Everything that comes into existence alongside our birth chart—be it a business, a relationship, or even the birth of a calf—represents manifestations of that energy, which continues to thrive long after its physical forms fade away.

Chapter 2: Celebrating Life Beyond Death

In this chapter, we delve into the various ways our legacy can be celebrated and remembered, emphasizing the ongoing influence of our birth charts.