The Outlandish Companion

by Diana Gabaldon

  Now, Jamie’s birth date isn’t given specifically in any of the novels, and while Claire’s birthday is given, she doesn’t know her own time of birth.3 Kathy Pigou, the reader who did the horoscopes, originally E-mailed me a year or so ago, saying that she was simply curious, and if I would supply her with the necessary data regarding birth dates, times, and places, she would very much like to cast a horoscope for Jamie Fraser, simply for her own interest— though she would be happy to send me a copy.

  Finding this fascinating, I did send the data—and was intrigued (more than slightly) by the resulting reading. At my request, Kathy very kindly cast a horoscope and did a reading for Claire as well.

  While I unfortunately can’t show you all of the generous gifts sent to me by readers, I did think that the horoscopes were both suitable for printing in book form and particularly likely to be very interesting to other readers. So, with the kind permission of Kathy Pigou, who constructed the charts and readings, I’m reproducing them here.

  —D.G.

  KATHY PIGOU LIVES IN Adelaide, South Australia, with her husband (a forensic chemist) and two sons. She has a degree in biology and biochemistry, and while she regards astrology as a hobby, rather than a profession, she does do occasional paid readings. Among her other hobbies, she includes reading, and … cross-stitch.

  by Kathy Pigou

  The horoscope is a geocentric map of the heavens at a particular time and in a particular place. All planets on the lower part of the chart are below the horizon; those on the upper part are above the horizon. Thus, someone born at night will have the sun in the lower half. The signs of the zodiac form a background for the planets, and so each planet is “in” a certain sign. In addition, due to the rotation of the earth, the signs appear to rotate, so that each one rises over the horizon during each twenty-four hours.

  The sign that is rising at birth is called the Ascendant, and is an important part of the reading of a chart.

  The calculation of the chart is mainly math (unless you use a computer program; I have one, but often like to do the calculations myself, to get a “feel” for the chart). The explanation may make more sense if I describe what I have done on the chart with the calculations on it.

  First, the local birth time is expressed in GMT4 (not necessary for Jamie’s chart). This is then adjusted, including factors of longitude of the birthplace, to give a final sidereal or star time, which is expressed on a twenty-four-hour clock.

  To get the correct placement of the zodiac signs around the chart, this sidereal time is looked up in a book of Tables of Houses. This gives the right degree of each sign to put on the cusp of each of the twelve segments around the chart, called houses. The degree, and sometimes the sign on each cusp, changes with latitude for the same sidereal time used. The tables are given in whole degrees of latitude, so you have to calculate the difference for the exact latitude with which you are working. You will see on Jamie’s chart that the third house contains all of the sign of Capricorn, and all of Cancer is within the ninth house. This is called interception, and happens in latitudes of more than 50 degrees, north or south.

  Finally, the positions of the planets need to be calculated, and the planets put on the chart. The planets’ positions at midnight (or sometimes midday) for every day are given in a book called an ephemeris. To calculate the correct place for each one, the time of birth (GMT) is expressed as a fraction of twenty-four hours. You work out how far the planet moves in the twenty-four hour period, which includes the birth time, then multiply this answer by the fraction you obtained earlier.

  For example, for someone born at 6:00 A.M.—this is .25 of the day. If the planet moves 1 degree in twenty-four hours, the movement at 6:00 A.M. is fifteen minutes. For people born a long way from Greenwich, the birth date used may actually be the day before or the day after the one given. Here in South Australia we are 9.5 hours ahead of Greenwich, so someone born at, say, 2:00 A.M. on October 9, would use a GMT time/date of 4:30 P.M. on October 8.

  The erection of the chart is a mathematical exercise, but the reading of it relies on the interpretation of the astrologer. Each planet is associated with a variety of objects and principles, and each sign gives certain qualities to planets in that sign. The house is the area of the person’s life in which the planet operates. For example, Mercury represents (among other things) communication, senses, intellect, travel, writing, and speaking. Taurus qualities include being stubborn, patient, thorough, practical, and stable. So someone with Mercury in Taurus likes to have all the facts and think things over before making a decision (thorough and patient, thinking, stable—no quick decisions). This person learns better by doing than by hearing or reading (practical intellect), and rarely gives up on a project (stubborn). Their memory is good and these people are generally good at business and management (practical and thorough in communication).

  Of course, the entire chart must be considered, so if there are several other factors indicating this person will be impulsive, the above will be tempered by this.

  Finally, if Mercury is in the seventh house, which is the house of relationships, there will be good communication within marriage, and your partner will be an intellectual equal, witty, and talented. This position indicates good communication with the public, in areas such as counseling or law.

  The other major consideration is the angle between the planets, called an aspect. The significant aspects are:

  0 degrees—conjunction

  60 degrees—sextile

  90 degrees—square

  120 degrees—trine

  180 degrees—opposition

  The angle doesn’t need to be exact. For all except the sextile, the usual orb, or amount of difference from the exact allowed, is 8 degrees; for the sextile it’s 4 degrees. These numbers are not absolute. Some astrologers use 10 degrees if the sun or moon is involved, others use 6 degrees for all aspects, but the ones I use are common.

  The aspects are shown on the charts as follows. Black rule is either opposition or square, solid gray is trine, and dotted gray is sextile. The conjunctions are shown by a bracket. Before drawing the lines, I mark the aspects on the diagram in the lower right corner of the chart with the calculations on it.

  The aspects are considered to be flowing and harmonious (gray) or challenging and stimulating (black). The degree of harmony or disharmony depends quite a lot on the planets involved, as some complement each other and others are less compatible.

  The aspects don’t always look to be the correct angle when drawn on the chart, but this is because the houses are all drawn the same size; in reality some are larger than others.

  So, in reading a chart, the position of the planet by sign and house and the angular relationship to all other planets, plus the Ascendant, must be considered for all the planets one at a time.

  I don’t usually do predictions, but there are two major types. One is a chart for a year, either a solar return chart, which is a chart for the time the sun returns to exactly the degree it was at your birth, or a progression, which I confess I have never learned about.

  The second method is ongoing and is to look at the aspects the planets are currently making to the planets in the birth chart. For example, Jamie’s sun is at 11 degrees 12’ Taurus, so when the current position of the sun (called the transitting sun) is 11 degrees 12’ Virgo, transitting sun is trine natal sun. These transits can be interpreted like the aspects in the birth chart, to give an idea of the likely trends in someone’s life at a particular time. That gives a brief overview of how astrology works, and how a chart is read. The rest is a reading of Jamie’s and Claire’s charts.

  It is probably worth mentioning that the horoscope shows a person’s basic nature and inclinations, but does not mean a person has no free will. If someone doesn’t like a particular part of their behavior, nothing in astrology says it can’t be changed. In times of stress, however, people usually revert to their instincts.

  HOROSCOPE READING FOR JAMES ALEXANDER MAL
COLM MACKENZIE FRASER

  Birth date: May 1, 1721

  Time of birth: approx. 6:30 P.M.

  Birthplace: (near) Inverness, Scotland

  Sun in Taurus (The Sun represents the power urge, personality and ego, the inner self.)

  This person is persistent, cautious, and determined, and can be stubborn and headstrong. Taureans are slow to anger, but once angry will be furious. He is a loyal and faithful friend, but an implacable enemy. He is very practical and takes his responsibilities seriously. Sense of touch is important, and he is good with his hands.

  Sun in Seventh House

  This person works best in partnership with another. Marriage is important, and he may have increased success after marriage. His wife will be strong and loyal, as will his friends. He has a self-confident manner and deals well with the public, and is popular and easy to get along with. Moon in Cancer (The Moon represents the domestic area of life, one’s roots, the mother and the emotions.)

  This position leads to a great love of home and family, and attachment to the mother. Marriage is important to his emotional well-being. Often his true feelings will be hidden. He will be a good parent but must be careful not to smother children with love and must avoid a tendency to want to dominate their lives.

  Moon in Ninth House

  He is a natural teacher and philosopher who is imaginative and fond of travel, and may live far from his birthplace. His religious beliefs are orthodox, and he has emotional attachment to the values instilled in childhood.

  Mercury in Aries (Mercury represents the intellect, expression, and reasoning ability.)

  This person is imaginative, with good foresight. He expresses himself easily and can improvise beautifully. He is a competitive thinker and may be headstrong. This position makes Jamie a quicker thinker than most Taureans, who like to deliberate before making a decision.

  Mercury in Sixth House

  Here the thinking is particularly concerned with practical matters. He is an excellent planner, very observant, efficient, and a hard worker. He can acquire specialized skills and knowledge for work.

  Venus in Gemini (Venus represents social urges, sense of values, affection, and the “nice things of life.”)

  This indicates a generous, friendly person who has wit and conversational ability. He is literate, and likes to roam the world and see what life has to offer. His partner will be intellectual and will share his good sense of humor. He has a great sense of family and gets on well with his siblings. He may marry more than once.

  Venus in Ninth House

  A philosopher who is well educated and has a love of religion. He is likely to marry a foreigner, and may travel widely.

  Mars in Pisces (Mars represents action and aggression, initiative and energy.)

  This is probably the only part of this chart that doesn’t fit well with the personality described for Jamie. It gives excessive emotionalism, and a tendency to brood over past resentments. These people are very sensitive and lack self-confidence. Not J. Fraser at all!

  Mars in Fourth House

  He is patriotic and may have a military background. He is a handyman and will spend a lot of time around the house. He has a strong constitution and lots of energy, which will last into old age.

  Jupiter in Libra (Jupiter represents expansion, education, benevolence, and protection.)

  This person is popular and well liked, and deals well with the public, convincing others of the merits of his ideas. He is a good conversationalist. He needs a partner and will have an enduring marriage. He is sincere and concerned with justice.

  Jupiter in First House

  What a wonderful man! He is optimistic and sociable, and looks on the bright side of life. He is honest, trustworthy, and friendly, with a dignified manner. A leader of others, he has strong moral and religious convictions. He is broad-minded with a good sense of humor. Finally, he has a tremendous vital force and is good at sports. (Hardly believable, but you’ll find it in any astrology book.)

  Saturn in Sagittarius (Saturn represents the need for security, caution, and learning through experience.)

  This position gives good concentration and intellectual discipline. He tries to adhere to honorable and strict morals. He earns what he achieves through hard work and application. His personal reputation is important to him and he is hurt if accused unjustly.

  Saturn in Second House

  Here there is a need to work hard for a living. He is shrewd in business, and holds on to what money he has. There can be acquisition of property, especially in later years. Material gain through people in positions of power is indicated.

  The outer planets were not known in Jamie’s time. Because these planets are slow-moving, they spend many years in each sign, so people born over several years will have the same sign for the same planet. This makes the house position more important than usual.

  Uranus in Twelfth House

  An intellectual who works in unusual ways and often behind the scenes. He may have secret love affairs or belong to secret societies. Likes to break away from convention and restraint.

  Neptune in Eighth House

  A receptive and intuitive person who has a mysterious charisma that helps to get support from others.

  Pluto in Eleventh House

  A very loyal person who is interested in reform movements and social improvements. His friends are important to him and he may be a group leader.

  Aspects

  The sun is trine the moon, which shows a balance between the ego and the emotions, and a person who is comfortable with men and women.

  Communication is easy; he can learn from the past and will generally feel happy about himself. This also shows in his ability to be strong (Sun) and gentle (Moon). The Sun is also square the midheaven (the point directly at the top of the chart), which indicates conflict with authority and some difficulties with his public reputation.

  The Moon is square Uranus, which may lead to unusual emotional attachments. A restless person, who may have many changes of residence, he has great intellectual ability, but is stubborn. Tends to think of marriage in the old style where the husband is the sole authority.

  Mercury is sextile to Venus, a position that gives social grace and charm, and a refined and easygoing personality. He judges fairly, but knows how to compromise. Has a soothing voice.

  Mercury is also opposite both Jupiter and Uranus. Here is a case of having to read the whole chart, as these aspects indicate a lack of consideration for others, arrogance, and a person who can’t make a decision. As you can see, there are many other factors in Jamie’s chart that contradict this, so I would normally consider that he was more prone to say what he thinks straightaway (not like a Taurean), and perhaps to get into trouble through being outspoken.

  Mercury is also opposite the Ascendant, which leads him to look for an intelligent spouse, definitely someone he can talk to. He has skill in communicating with the public and is a social wit with good conversational ability.

  Venus is trine Mars, indicating an affectionate, warmhearted person. He is faithful in marriage, and the physical side is important to him. He enjoys family life, but also needs independence. This aspect leads to happiness in love and marriage. He also has lots of sex appeal. (I was going to say women find him attractive, but it seems like men do, too!)

  Venus is also trine Jupiter. This means he is cheerful and optimistic, but can be serious when necessary. He is graceful, generous, popular, and good with people. He doesn’t show his problems, and others may not be aware that he has any. He needs honesty between himself and his lover, and likes harmony in marital and domestic affairs. Again, a pleasant, soothing voice is indicated.

  Venus is trine Uranus, which again gives an optimistic outlook, but one who can accept responsibility. He has a magnetic personality and is attractive to women. He will marry well, but possibly to someone in some way unusual, and find mutual trust and understanding. This is an aspect of good fortune.

  With Venus squa
re to Pluto, he will have intense emotional and sexual involvements. There can be something fated about his romances, and he may fall in love with someone who is already attached. Social conditions may interfere with his personal happiness.

  Finally for Venus, it is trine the Ascendant, once again giving a sociable, charming person who is a good host and enjoys the refined things in life. This position enhances beauty and charm. Friends, siblings and children are all important to him. He has a gentleness of manner that others find appealing, and seems to attract happiness.

  Mars is trine Jupiter, which indicates a proud, honorable, and self-confident person who is a good leader, with physical strength and lots of energy. He is interested in sports, travel, and adventure, and is optimistic and enthusiastic. He has strong physical desires, but wants more than this from a relationship—he wants to share in mind, body, and soul.

  Mars square Saturn can lead to apathy and setbacks, but all that optimism and energy above tends to cancel that out. This aspect can predispose this person to violence, accidents, and broken bones. There are likely to be dangerous working conditions, and possibly a military career. There may be early loss of a parent.

  Mars is trine the Ascendant, giving a strong constitution and lots of willpower. He throws himself into things wholeheartedly, and leads an active life. He inspires confidence in others and is able to persuade others to his point of view.