BUDDY – “ELF”
“I can’t wait to see my dad. We’re going to go ice-skating and eat sugar plums.”
Buddy is a human, who was raised among elves in the North Pole. Once he accidentally learns the truth about his real origins at an advanced age, he goes on a search for his biological father in NYC.
His Sun is in Aquarius, the Moon is in Sagittarius, and the Ascendant is in Pisces.
The Sun in Aquarius produces an independent, original, unconventional, and even eccentric individual; one who in some cases may even feel like he doesn’t belong to his known environment to some degree. The native is often associated with and/or leans toward humanitarian, global activities and collective issues (like in saving Christmas, as it happens to be the case here), and can be more detached than personal in his approach to his surroundings (in its purest form). Aquarius also stresses a connection to a social group, and in Buddy’s case, this is manifested in his association to elves, as well as to humans. (The duality is reflected by the Sun’s aspect to Neptune in Gemini.) This Sun’s sign position implies that the natural egocentric tendencies of the Sun are diverted to more social causes; its naturally selfish characteristics are connected to others, the community, and the world-at-large. Sun semi-square Uranus (Aquarius’ ruler) stresses the position of the Sun in Aquarius and points to an individual who, on some level, feels different and/or who is perceived as such by the society in which he lives. The nature of the aspect can assist in figuring-out the more precise expression: If it were a trine, for example, Buddy could have been presented in the movie as extremely original in a positive way. However, with the semi-square, he simply comes across as the weird one in the bunch, whether among elves or humans.
Sun sesquiquadrate Neptune points to one’s weakened and blurry image of oneself and may reflect doubts about his self worth, at least in the early part of life. Also, issues and frictions that involve the father (represented by the Sun) one way or another are strong possibilities (on a physical and/or emotional level). Fantasies, daydreams, disillusionment, and escapist tendencies (contemplating jumping off a bridge to end his emotional misery – an extreme expression!) are also common. However, one is often very artistic and can act as a medium to connect the whole of society through his Neptunian talents (like in acting, singing, or saving Christmas, as the case is here).
The Sun’s placement in the 11th house and on the cusp of the 12th basically reiterates the energies of the Sun in Aquarius (the 11th is the natural house of this sign) and its aspects to both Uranus (the natural ruler of the 11th) and Neptune (the natural ruler of the 12th).
Pisces Rising further emphasizes the Neptunian qualities to which the Sun-Neptune aspect points, while Neptune, the ruler of the Chart, in Gemini implies of a psychological and/or physical duality within the native’s psyche (the 4th house is also the house of one’s personal psychology). Neptune, the ruler of the chart, in the 4th suggests that family, place of origin, tribe, roots, and/or the past are the themes around which one’s life revolves. This planetary placement may express itself with unclear elements in regards to one’s family life; may entail mysteries about the true family line and/or one’s parent(s). Mercury, the ruler of the 4th in the 12th and in Pisces highlights this placement even further. (Adoption is quite common with the connection of the 12th sign of the zodiac to the 4th and/or the Moon.)
Jupiter, the co-ruler of the Pisces ASC, in the 1st house points to a fiery, assertive and courageous nature; one who is driven and who goes for what he wants. (When the natal ruler of a house is placed in the house it rules, the energies of that house are extremely stressed in one’s life.) The fact that the planet is Jupiter emphasizes its happy-go-lucky, fun-loving, and enthused nature in the individual’s projection of oneself and approach to the environment.
The Moon in Sagittarius highlights Jupiter’s rising placement even further in its expression of inner optimism, restlessness, and a desire to explore and travel, at least mentally if not also physically (a wanderer at heart). Living abroad at some point in the life, or being born in another country to the one in which one presently lives are quite common, as well. A multi-racial family line is also a possibility. The Moon in the 9th house, the natural domain of Sagittarius and Jupiter, reiterates the effects of the Moon’s sign position and Jupiter’s prominence in this chart. With all the repeating Sagittarian qualities mentioned above, the need to share one’s knowledge with others must be a prominent feature within the individual. Teaching is one form of this expression, while publishing, as the case is here, is another. (Buddy eventually publishes his life story and recent adventures in a book.)
In addition, there are two standouts in this chart that must be addressed:
- Elemental Distribution – Lack of Earth
- Angular Houses Emphasis
The elemental distribution in Buddy’s chart is somewhat balanced within three of the four elements: Fire is occupied by two planets (including the Moon), which makes for a creative, excitable, active, and assertive individual; Air is occupied by three planets (including the Sun), which describes a social, communicative, and relationship-driven person; and Water is occupied by five planets (as well as the ASC), which points to a highly sensitive and warm-natured native, who is subjective and personal in his approach to life. The only element that is totally missing representation in this chart is that of Earth, with no planets placed in its signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn at all. This points to impracticality, unproductiveness, and lack of structure in the life of the individual. The fact that Santa makes a point in the movie to give a few useful tips to Buddy before his trip (about not chewing gum he finds on the streets of NYC as this is not free candy, knowing which is the real Ray’s Pizza joint, and avoiding Peep Shows), only emphasizes this missing element in the man’s being and his need to to be conscious of adding it to his life.
However, even though Saturn, the leading earthy planet, is placed in a Cadent house (the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th, which are considered to be the least influential in a horoscope), it is the most elevated, as well as involved in quite a few aspects with the other planets, which add the reality principle to his life and experiences. Saturn sextile Sun, in particular, reflects seriousness and sobriety in the nature, but also some delays and insecurities, even though this is a soft aspect. (Saturn square the ASC reiterates these more difficult effects.) But the relationship between these two bodies is quite nice to see in a chart that totally lacks the Earth element, and implies that one does have the potential to eventually find success and authority in the eyes of oneself and others. (Additional Saturnian aspects will be described later.)
Angular Houses – the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th – represent action and are considered to be the most important houses in any horoscope. Their occupancy by planets show specific activities, features, and even people that are very prominent in the life of the individual. When one’s chart is massively occupied by planets in some or all of these houses, it implies action and a dynamic expression and is said to take over the direction of his life. The nature of these four houses is of the Cardinal Modality – initiating and leading – and as such, the expressions of events and activities in one’s life are, too. Half of the planetary placements in Buddy’s chart – five out of the ten planets – are placed in the 1st house of the self, one’s approach to the world, and his relationship to himself, and the 4th house of the family, personal psychology and emotional well-being, his roots, and place of origin. The fact that the three generational, outer planets are included in these five planetary placements signifies some sort of extreme seriousness and something more than just a personal, individual importance. This angular emphasis shown by the individual placements are definite energies that exist within Buddy’s psyche and need to be examined further in order to understand the man – and his life story – more thoroughly.
The 1st house is a visible one, and as such, planets within it show the mannerism, physical characteristics, behavior, and body language by which they express themselves, as well as describe one’s approach to the world.
Both Benefic planets, Venus and Jupiter, are placed in this vicinity: The fact that they are extremely close to the ascending point and conjunct each other adds to their prominence. Even as a baby in a strange land, coming face to face with Santa and the elves, Buddy’s happy reaction to them is a basic expression of the placements of these planets, especially that of Jupiter’s.
Venus Rising (or in the 1st) reflects a courteous, pleasing, and social individual, who approaches the world with kindness and affection. One is attracted to artistic activities, embellishments of the body (from jewelry to tattoos) and, in general, has a graceful and appealing aura around him. Jupiter Rising (or in the 1st) comes across as extremely enthusiastic, excitable and optimistic, and is quite adventurous. One is interested in philosophical/religious, athletic, and foreign pursuits and oftentimes wants to share his knowledge with others. A constant smile on the face is often a big giveaway. (“Smiling is my favorite.”) Venus conjunct Jupiter points to an extremely generous, warm-natured, approachable, easy-going and popular individual, who may have tendencies to be lazy, over-indulgent, and overly optimistic. (Buddy’s sweet-tooth presented in the movie is, too, an expression of this aspect.)
Of course, most if not all charts entail a combination of attributions that may mitigate one another. And here, this generally benevolent aspect between Venus and Jupiter is touched by Saturn.
Saturn square Venus-Jupiter brings on tensions, limitations and restrictions to the otherwise happy-go-lucky combination. Saturn represents the father and can certainly point to paternal issues in the life of the native. Saturn square Venus in its most basic expression, produces one who may feel unloved, unappreciated, undervalued and even worthless. Saturn square Jupiter takes away some of the enthusiastic spirit of Jupiter and can make one face a harsh reality and insecurities about his initial visions and exciting ideas. Reality doesn’t always work harmoniously with one’s grand ideals, and as such, especially when connected to personal planets in a chart, can produce depressive and/or even bipolar tendencies. This is quite a harsh aspect that one needs to learn to master in the life. Buddy’s disappointment of his biological father’s reaction on Christmas Eve., which leads to his suicide contemplation on the bridge, is implied by the square between Jupiter and Saturn. But this is an extreme manifestation of this aspect!
Uranus in the 1st House (emphasizes the Sun in Aquarius and its semi-square to Uranus) points to an unconventional, unique, and even quirky individual (especially if positioned in the same sign as that of the ASC’s), with an unusual or just plain weird appearance, looks, and personal projection in comparison to the rest of his environment. One’s approach to the world is accomplished by independent action (ever since he was a baby and crawled into Santa’s sack) and even rebellious activities. There is always something different in a person whose chart features Uranus in the 1st.
The placements of two outer planets in the 4th house reflect emotionally heavy manifestations and should be observed with utmost seriousness.
Neptune in the 4th House, as mentioned above, advises of confusion and vagueness around one’s family, roots, and heritage, mysteries about the true family line and/or one’s parent(s), and a generally weak emotional foundation. Pluto in the 4th House is an extremely private, deep, intense, and transformative placement, both on the physical, as well as the psychological levels. Domestic crises and traumas (like a parental death at a young age), family secrets, psychological complexes, serious emotional baggage, transformation of one’s family background, and a total destruction and reconstruction of one’s familial identity are some of the many manifestations that could take place in one’s life. However, this placement also points to strong emotional regenerative abilities (as in the more positive expression of the Moon in Scorpio, to which this placement can somewhat be equated).
Elf is a charming family comedy. The writing and acting are directed to amuse children in general, but this goes far beyond that, as even adults are entertained by the genius of the movie and its execution. However, Buddy’s story of a man, who learns about his true identity at the advanced age of almost 31, and who now needs to adjust to a new reality in addition to the only one he’s known thus far, is quite serious. Luckily, both cultures speak English, so that makes it easier on him. 🙂 Sure, the movie is hilarious. But had a native with such a chart come to an astrological consultation, his life story would have probably not been told with such light and humor.
Bibliography:
“Aspects and Personality” – Karen Hamaker-Zondag
“Rulers of the Horoscope” – Alan Oken
“The Twelve Houses” – Howard Sasportas
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