One of the working principles of astrology is that the beginnings of life - the birth of something or the seed of something - is of paramount importance. It signals the way things will develop and unfold in time. An astrological birth chart, therefore, can not only be used to examine the start of a person's life (the birth chart or nativity) but can also be applied to, say, the start of a journey; the laying of a foundation stone; the signing of a contract. Anything.

When it came to choosing a propitious moment for the coronation of Elizabeth Tudor in 1559, therefore, the leading astrologer of his age, John Dee, was asked to draw up a chart and choose the timing. He determined 15th January, sometime around noon at Westminster as the best possible moment. And if the success of any enterprise is to be judged by its longevity and achievements, then astrology certainly seems to have served the Elizabethan age well in this respect. The coronation chart is shown here below and is discussed briefly. For those who are not familiar with the way an astrological chart is put together click on this link where all will be revealed: The Astrologer's Chart


The Window of Opportunity


When considering the best date for the coronation, Dee would have had a narrow window of opportunity to work with. The coronation could not be delayed excessively, nor could it be hastened earlier than what was physically possible. It should come as no surprise to anyone with even a passing knowledge of astrology, therefore, that the chart itself is less than perfect, and in particular the opposition aspect between the two great 'malefic' planets Mars and Saturn would seem to be a concern. The location of Mars in its own sign of Scorpio, however, lends it great dignity and strength, able to overcome Saturn in the hidden 12th house of secret enemies. With Mars in the 6th House of service and servants, moreover, it indicates that others would be likely to come to Elizabeth and the nation's aid in overcoming these very enemies.

coronation chart of Elizabeth


Elsewhere, there are other mitigating factors that make this a compelling piece of astrology  - namely the favourable aspects of the Luminaries, Sun and Moon in the coronation chart to bodies in Elizabeth's own natal chart. The two 'fortunes' as they are called - the planets Venus and Jupiter in Elizabeth's natal chart are favourably aspected by the Sun and Moon of the coronation chart. To be more precise, the coronation Sun makes a trine (120 degree separation) aspect to Elizabeth's natal Venus, while the coronation Moon makes a trine aspect to natal Jupiter. This kind of cross-referencing is particularly important when choosing what are termed 'electional charts' where the welfare of a certain individual is also of concern. It also suggests that Dee was possibly as interested in, if not more interested in making sure that the coronation was as beneficial for Elizabeth personally as for the nation as a whole.

Fixed Stars and the Part of Fortune


Use is also made here of the fixed stars, notably in this case Regulus (not marked in the chart here) and the Arabic part called Fortuna - with the Moon in favourable trine (120 degree) aspect to both Fortuna and Regulus - the 'Royal Star'  associated in charts of this kind with glory, honour and fame. Having the Sun on the mid heaven of the chart, as it must be at noon, of course, is also favourable for royalty. The timing of noon also manages to put Saturn and Mars in areas of the chart that are considered weak - namely the 12th and 6th houses. Their baleful associations are smothered rather by these placements - as would be England's enemies, neutralised by the square (90 degree) aspect from the prominent Jupiter, the planet of preservation and good joy and, in this case, signifying partners and allies. Having Fortuna on the cusp of the 4th house is a brilliant judgement for affairs of the nation and State, indicating a patriotic and fortunate populace and a strong domestic power base to the realm. It indicates a nation fortunate in its resources and its people. Elizabeth's own ruling planet Mercury (Mercury is the ruling planet of the Virgin - Virgo) is strongly paced in the coronation chart, being also ruler of the all-important Ascending degree in Gemini and in trine aspect to it from the 10th House, a special place of power.

Dee made the best of an imperfect situation and turned the negative features of the chart to England's best advantage, while emphasising those other features which were naturally favourable on the day. A fair beginning for Albion's 'Golden Age.' and a a masterful piece of astrology, as history has testified.

An Exciting New Novel about Elizabeth and her Astrologer