People worldwide are eagerly anticipating Oprah Winfrey’s two part interview with Lance Armstrong today and tomorrow. In it, Armstrong reportedly comes clean about the use of drugs to win his Tour de France titles. This confession comes as a shock to the adoring public for this American hero. What caused this legendary athlete to behave in such a manner? Lance Armstrong is in the race for his career with this upcoming interview.
Let’s examine Lance Armstrong’s astrological birth chart for some clues to find the driving force behind this sensational figure. Lance Armstrong was born on September 18, 1971 in Plano, TX. His birth time is not publicly available. However, I am proposing that he is a Capricorn ascendant in Vedic astrology or Jyotish.
The strongest planet in Lance Armstrong’s Vedic astrology chart is Mars. Mars is considered to be exalted, or at its strongest point, in Capricorn. Mars is the warrior planet, active, adventuresome, and ready for battle. It is determined to prevail. Armstrong’s Mars is with the North node Rahu. Rahu is connoted with immense desires and wanting greater and greater fulfillment. With Mars in the ascendant in Capricorn, this forms a Ruchaka yoga. According to an ancient Jyotish text, “The person born with a Ruchaka yoga will have a strong physique, be famous, well-versed in ancient lore, equivalent to a king, confirming to customs and traditions. He will have a ruddy complexion, an attractive body, charitable disposition, be wealthy, long-lived, and be the leader of an army.”
As nodes, Rahu and South node Ketu are associated what that which is unseen and unconventional. Rahu/ Ketu configured with the ascendant can give what is often classified as an addictive personality; whether this is an addiction to power, intoxicants, food, or success. Ketu is in the constellation of Ashlesha, which is counted with “poisons”, such as drugs and illegal substances.
In terms of Ayurveda, Mars is associated with rakta dhatu or the blood. When an exalted Mars is in the ascendant, the person has an innate drive to keep the blood moving at all costs. Add Rahu to it, then we get a person who needs to keep moving, but with great drive and intensity.
Since Vedic astrology is a lunar based science, we make strong use of nakshatras or constellations. These further define an individual’s character. Thus, I am proposing that Armstrong was born with his ascendant in Capricorn in the nakshatra of Uttara Ashadha, which would place his birth time between 4:19 and 4:54 pm. Reviewing some of Armstrong’s divisional or harmonic charts pertinent to his personal life and career, it seems likely that he was born between 4:19 and 4:26 pm. Uttara Ashadha translates as the “latter unconquered” or one who cannot be subdued. Uttara Ashadha is known for constantly wanting to improve its circumstances. It wants to be better, faster, and stronger at whatever it is doing.
While people born with a prominent placement in Uttara Ashadha normally follow the rules, we have three natural malefics influencing the ascendant, so achievement takes precedence over morals.
Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, which is situated in Taurus in Lance Armstrong’s chart. Saturn is in the nakshatra of Rohini. As one of the brightest stars in the sky, Rohini likes to be the center of attention.
Lance Armstrong was born into a Venus dasha or planetary cycle. Venus is debilitated in Virgo in his chart, and is placed with the Sun. In Ayurvedic terms, Venus rules the reproductive organs, and Armstrong had testicular cancer in 1996. He would have been in a Venus bhukti or sub-period at that time.
With a Capricorn ascendant, these planets would occupy the 9th house in his chart. Amongst other things, the 9th house indicates the father. Armstrong’s parents divorced when they were two and he was raised by his mother. When Sun occupies the 9th house, it is usually problematic for the father or the person’s relationship with the father. Uttara Ashadha also indicates someone who has had to face adversity early in life.
Armstrong is currently in his Rahu dasha. Rahu recently moved into Libra, which would be his house of career in a Capricorn ascendant. Saturn is currently transiting Libra as well. Rahu is currently in Vishakha nakshatra, which implies a person who is fixated on defeating their rivals and being victorious in their endeavors. It can show a single-minded focus. With the emphasis on his house of career, Armstrong is focused on his status and recognition, and finding his place in society. He can take a self-serving attitude but want wants to control the direction that his career takes. Rahu can cause the use of questionable strategies, and Saturn does not enjoy relinquishing control, no matter what the circumstances.
With Armstrong in a Venus bhukti (sub-cycle) at this time, and Venus as the lord of his 10th house of career and placed in the 9th, this indicates a loss of career. Armstrong will lose multiple endorsements as a result of his confession. He may step down from his position with his foundation, Live Strong.
In the interview, expect Lance Armstrong to utilize unconventional behavior and rather blunt language to explain his behavior. He will resort to unconventional strategies to defend his image to the public. Armstrong may have been stripped of his titles, the greater loss for him would be losing his place as an iconic hero.