Undeniably Bruce Lee was the most prominent martial artist of the 20th century. Bruce Lee introduced martial arts to the world while revolutionizing it with his Jeet Kune Do. With creativity, courage and determination, Bruce Lee has become an icon in which all martial artist strive to imitate but can never duplicate.
Many have been labeled as 'The new Bruce Lee', yet his legacy has been untouched for nearly 30 years. There will never be another Bruce Lee, his achievements were more than mere luck but the actualization of his destiny.
A LITTLE ABOUT ASTROLOGY
Having been a student astrology for several years I have undergone a profound philosophical metamorphosis since my beginnings. I have gone from being a harsh skeptic to an ardent lover of astrology. I once would have laughed at Astrology, but deeper studies have led me be more than impressed by the Ancient Art.
Traditional or 'Real' Astrology bears little resemblance to the Astrology found in newspapers. To be quiet frank with you, I fail to understand why astrologers of the newspaper do little than degrade the art of Astrology in the public eye for idle amusement. Traditional Astrology is a complex and advanced system of psychology(though it has other uses, in practice I have found its psychological foundation to be it's strongest). Horoscopes go beyond the 'Sun' Sign and are drawn on the Date of Birth, Time of Birth(Hour and Minute). So while an individual may possess the same Sun Sign as others(ie. Virgo, Aries, Pisces), the horoscope contains other major aspects which are unique to each person. The result is, while many may share the same Sun sign, personalities will differ to a great degree and only share one common aspect.
Some say that Astrology categorizes and stereotypes people. I have to disagree. Astrology has allowed me to accept the different colors of people and understand and embrace our individual strengths and weaknesses.
Astrology has been a controversial issue since it's conception. Astrology raises questions about 'Mans Free Will' and 'Mans metaphysical relation to the Universe'. All of these topics extend beyond the scope of the current article and will not be thoroughly discussed here(Although someday I might get around to writing an article of that nature).
However those looking for the best philosophical or metaphysical explanation of Astrology best look to Taoism. Carl Jung once stated that Astrology was the beginning of 'Eastern Thought' in the West. Western thought favored 'cause and effect thinking', while Oriental thought embraced 'Correlations'. Oriental thought embraced the oneness of the universe believing a connection to exist between all living things and objects. This thought was further extended in their astrological works and book of divination known as the 'I Ching'. Astrology does not claim that planets control the events on earth. Rather, Astrology merely observes that there is a correlation between the movement of the stars and the events on earth. To those whom are interested, I suggest to read the works of Carl Jung. Carl Jung voluminous works on the analysis of Eastern works from a Western viewpoint more than suffices for Astrology's defense.
While I'm not expecting this article to be received without controversy, I do hope to expand the minds of some. Ultimately, whether you accept or reject Astrology; after reading this article I think few could lightly dismiss astrology as a weak and primitive attempt to define the nature of the Universe.
Please empty your cup with me. Sometimes our greatest wisdom is found in our childlike innocence.
BRUCE LEE'S HOROSCOPE
Birth Data : Born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon and Chinese Hour of the Dragon(7-9AM)
November 27th, 1940
Born 7:12AM, GMT-8
San Francisco
“His show name was Lia-Siu Long which means ‘Little Dragon’. And believe me during his short time, Bruce was the noise of his name with all the accompanying drama and firecrackers that accompany something like a dragon.” – Shelton Chow, family friend.
Bruce's Conscious Mind
I will begin the analysis with the Sun sign of the horoscope. The sun sign represents the ego. In Freudian terms, this was referred to as 'the conscious mind'. This is known as the most logical and rationalized part of the personality, the 'I'. This means the personality that you're aware of and realize to be you. While others aspects of your personality also play a huge influence this is one of the most visible aspects of your personality from your viewpoint.
Bruce Lee's sun sign was in Sagittarius. The most abbreviated description of the Sagittarius is 'Adventurer'. This is characterized by the individual’s love of adventure and travel and desire for philosophical growth and truth. Unless other aspects of the horoscope contradict this, Sagittarians are often natural extroverts whom often approach life with great enthusiasm and optimism.
"The Sun in Sagittarius indicates one who is naturally friendly, outgoing, and energetic. As a rule, this person cherishes freedom and personal liberty and has a great love for travel and exploring new vistas of opportunity. Many times the person will not hesitate to recruit others to a cause. Like other Archers, this person is apt to be idealistic and usually has a great deal of interest in matters
of spirit, ethics, and society as a whole. There is a great deal of love for all types of people and all forms of life. Enthusiasm for life and people makes it hard for the native to 'put down roots'. " - Visions Astrology
“Ever since I was a child I have had this instinctive urge for expansion and growth.” – Bruce Lee
Other parts of the horoscope which are unique to each individual are known as Transits. Transits will be discussed throughout the whole horoscope. Transits, mark the angles that planets have with each other. Each planet represents a psychological desire or need. Depending on the angle of a planet in relation to another, it may work for or against its co-operative planet. For instance, Venus is the planet of love while Neptune is the planet of Imagination. A tension between these two planets can make for an individual who often over idealizes relationships and often has trouble being realistic about the state of the relationships.
Tensions are often labeled as 'Opposite' or 'Square'. Co-operative aspects which assist each other are labeled as 'Conjunct, Trine and Sextile'. Each aspect varies in its degree of tension or co-operation.
Transits often mark more specific characteristics or traits of the individual. It's important to note that they're not always meant to be taken literally. Quotations or examples given are merely examples how the psychological traits may manifest itself.
Bruce Lee contained the following transits in relation to his 'ego'
Sun Trine Pluto
Sun Conjunct Ascendant
Sun Trine Pluto(Co-operative aspect :Sun at a 120 degree angle from Pluto, linking the 'Ego' and the 'Will')
"Sun trine Pluto confers a strong will and an excellent ability to concentrate. If other parts of the chart support this, natives make dynamic leaders. They know themselves extremely well are very self controlled." - Visions Astrology
Sun Conjunct Ascendant(The strongest Co-operative aspect meaning the 'ego' and the horizon of the horoscope which symbolizes the relationships with people are at 0 degrees, therefore are working together)
"Sun conjunct Ascendant : These people possess strong bodies and constitutions. They are rarely ill or tired unless their horoscopes and the Sun are heavily afflicted. They have tremendous recuperative powers, even if they become ill" - The Astrologer's Handbook."<
Bruce Lee was often noted for his tremendous energy. Tirelessly he would work for hours on his films directing, acting and editing. Although I didn't know Bruce personally, I often get the impression that he was a multitasker. Sun conjunct Pluto would also contribute to his basic expression of his will and intensity.
"he had this enormous energy, he was never tired on the set, he would work tirelessly" – Fred Weintreb, director of ‘Enter the Dragon’.
“He worked his trade all the time, he seemed not to sleep, he would call at midnight or 1 o’clock and say ‘hey, I got an idea for change in the script’, I wasn’t getting any sleep but he didn’t seem to need it” – Robert Clouse, director of ‘Enter the Dragon’
“Bruce Lee has been fantastic. He is the hardest worker” – Fred Weintrub, director of ‘Enter the Dragon’.
"He did have that way of arriving at himself with that incredible energy” - James ColBurn, Actor
Bruce's Subconscious Mind
The next part represents Bruce Lee's subconscious personality. This is determined by the position of the moon. While Bruce Lee was a Sagittarius, every Sagittarius holds a unique moon sign since the Moon is the fastest moving planet and quickly travels to different signs.
The Subconscious part of the personality is just that, subconscious. It may or may not be apparent to the individual. Subjects usually become aware of their subconscious personality later in life. This part of the personality often acts without the individual’s conscious awareness of its workings. It often defines the individual’s needs that he/she may not be able to fully articulate.
Bruce Lee's subconscious mind was in Scorpio. Scorpio is the classical sign for intensity. Scorpio's are often known for their strong wills and perceptive minds. Classically, Scorpio's have shared the worse reputations for being associated with 'evil'. This is because Scorpio's operate with the lowest area of the mind which governs the will to survive, to re-produce and to take control. Civilization often blocks or covers this aspect of the mind to Non-scorpions, but it is our most primal and unfaltering energy. However, if Scorpio's learn to channel their energies effectively, the potential 'evil' may equally be used for potential 'good'. This was well demonstrated in Bruce Lee's transformation from being a rebellious teenager in Hong Kong to a responsible father and teacher in his adult life."
"With the Moon in Scorpio, natives respond to people and events around them rather emotionally, usually revealing to all their willful, and sometimes blind, ambition. This emotional disposition, though, belies native’s tendency to keep very personal matters bottled up inside. As a rule, stubbornness, persistence, and possessiveness mark their relations with friends, career, and belongings. If applied right, no sacrifice seems too great to achieve personal and emotional desires, but more often than not, the sacrifice will seem too great to make." - Visions Astrology
“The Bruce that I first knew when I was giving up was a very unconcentrated person, after he began to learn martial arts at the age of 14, his concentration built up, but unfortunately that was geared toward the martial arts area instead of the studies area.” – Robert Lee, Brother of Bruce Lee.
"At one point he was just a tough Chinese kid on the streets of Hong Kong, he could have gone that way, his family didn’t let that happen, but the possibility was certainly their." - Kareem Abdul Jabbar, NBA Basketball player and student of Bruce Lee.
"I remember he could be involved in a couple fights a day. Bruce would dress in the real Chinese traditional, I mean he was like a kid, like a teenager, and people would stare and when people started staring he’d be like ‘What you staring at?’” - Robert Lee
Like his Sun sign, Bruce held transits for his subconscious/emotional side. Of particular notice is that his emotional side seems emphasized more than his 'ego'.
Transits of Bruce's subconscious :
Moon Conjunct Mercury
Moon Conjunct Mars
Moon Opposite Jupiter
Moon Opposite Saturn
Moon Conjunct Mercury (Most powerful co-operatve aspect, linking the emotions and the ability to communicate since these planets are 0 degrees from each other)
"Moon conjunct Mercury instills an inner harmony in the native which gives them an adaptability to change and ability to switch roles. They are alert with a sharp wit and tend to be talkative." - Visions Astrology
"He was probably the most dynamic person I met in my life, I mean he could go from 0 to 140 mph in no time and <pham> he’d be gone" – James Coburn.
The Moon conjunct Mercury bonds the subconscious mind with the rational reasoning mind(Communications rules rationality, see "Bruce's Communication and Thought"). However, this aspects sometimes creates a tendency where feelings overtake reason.
Moon conjunct Mars(Linking the emotions and the need for assertion, while this is the strongest co-operative transit it can have many negative effects)
"Moon conjunct Mars indicates intense feelings which can result in a short temper, jealousy, or emotional frustration if they are not checked by reason. Impulsive and aggressive, Natives can accomplish much if properly channeled." - Visions Astrology
Mars is the planet of action and is often associated with aggressive action and 'war'. Bruce Lee was often noted for his short temper. He would easily be angered by those who challenged him. Martial Arts obviously posed an outlet for his aggressive energy. However in his youth, his constant street fighting was evidence on his aggressive energy.
"I do have a bad temper, a violent temper in fact, to be honest and all that I’m not as bad as some of them, but I definitely not saying I’m a saint! <laugh>" – Bruce Lee
Moon Opposite Jupiter(The strongest tense aspect. When the Moon and Jupiter are 180 degrees from each other. Separates the Subconscious with the Wisdom)
"Moon opposite Jupiter natives are apt to be extravagant and misplace their loyalties, making them prime targets for exploitation. They must combat a lazy nature which makes them prone to watching excessive T.V. and self indulgence." - Visions Astrology
While Bruce Lee's work ethics hardly support an image of laziness, this could possibly be an issue earlier in his life. Often aspects like these are overcome throughout time since the pressures of life often force on to adapt and change.
Moon Opposite Saturn(A great tension between the Subconscious and the restricting aspect of the mind. When the Moon and Saturn are at 180 degrees)
"Moon opposite Saturn confers a difficulty in self expression and communication with others. Natives need to overcome a tendency to be pessimistic and cold. They can only receive love if they are willing to give it first." - Visions Astrology
This transit is often caused by rigid attitudes within a child's early life. The result is that these people often lack faith and optimism with others. Clinging to the past is often an inclination of this aspect from past disappointments.
"Bruce had allot of problems trusting people”" – Fred Weintrub.
Bruce's means for thinking and communicating.
An individual’s mode and means of thinking and communication is determined by the position of the Planet mercury. Mercury often travels closely to the Sun, often making Mercury in the same sign as the Sun. However, Bruce Lee's case was an exception. While Bruce Lee Sun sign was in Sagittarius, his Mercury was in Scorpio. People often wonder why 'thinking' also determines communication. This is because without language their could be no thought. Often when we think, we have a conversation with ourselves. Thoughts are given substance through language. People whom learn new languages, learn new ways of thinking. However, with Bruce's Mercury in Scorpio, the sign of 'Intensity' is once again re-enforced. It goes without saying that anyone who has seen Bruce Lee on screen knows that he projects the aura of Intensity. This is often most noted in his vibrant facial expressions and stage presence.
"With Mercury in Scorpio, persons are marked with a perceptive mind and mental clarity. Usually, they are resourceful and persistent in digging up facts and "getting to the bottom of things" regardless of the implications involved. They may thus be unwelcome around secretive friends or business colleagues. For the most part, natives
don't "beat around the bush" but say exactly what they feel, succinctly and intelligibly. They may not talk a great deal around others, but when they do it's almost always for a good purpose and usually to the point." - Visions Astrology.
"Intense…. That’s the first word that comes to mind, I mean Bruce had focus, he could focus himself on the one thing he was doing more totally than anybody I’ve met in my entire life” – Paul Heller, producer of ‘Enter the Dragon’
“The thing that impressed me then as always was his intensity" – Van Williams, star of ‘The Green Hornet’ series..
“He was a very intense man” – Bob Wall, international karate Champion.
Bruce held the following Transits with his planet Mercury :
Mercury Opposite Saturn
Mercury Sextile MidHeaven
Mercury Opposite Saturn(A strong tension between the rational mind and the restrictive ability of the mind)
"Mercury opposite Saturn confers a suspicious nature and natives must combat a predilection for being unloving. They tend to pursue
higher education but may encounter obstacles. If persistent, they will eventually achieve their goals." - Visions Astrology
“He was becoming a little paranoid that people were not his friends and they were getting after him for what they could get” – James Demille, psychologist.
"He once told me, ‘if I’m gone, don’t get hooked up with all these people giving me parades, if they’re giving me parades something’s wrong’” - Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
"As time went on Bruce found he had fewer and fewer friends and a whole lot of fans, his success had bewildered him because some of the people who became friends became real strange, his success made them change, he didn’t change and certain people he was really disappointed in, people trying to use him, people trying to take advantage of him” – Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
This aspect is similar to Moon Opposite Saturn(See above in 'Bruce's Subconscious Mind' in it's effects and causes.
Mercury Sextile Midheaven(A co-operative aspect between rational mind and the public status and career)
"This configuration is favorable for the intelligent planning of professional and domestic activities. The natives communicate successfully with people in high positions-their employers or others in authority. Thus, they are able to get people of importance in the world to accept their ideas. At the same time, they are able to communicate with members of their families and to intelligently work toward domestic comfort and harmony. Thus they can work out the proper balance between professional and domestic responsibilities" - Astrologer's Handbook.
Despite the instability of Bruce's profession, Bruce was able to achieve financial success. Through diligent planning and communication he was able to make his living even though at times his profession left him out of work. This was caused by his frequent moving, and his initial inability to convince Hollywood producers to give him a part in a movie role. This was because they were not convinced a Chinese Man in a leading role would be marketable. The rest of course is history when he finally achieved his goal with 'Enter the dragon'.
"It was very difficult to convince people who could give a green light to a project that an Asian hero would work as a marquee draw” – Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
"business-wise, it’s a risk and I don’t blame them, I mean it’s like if foreigner came into Hong Kong and if I were the man with the money, I probably would have my own worry if the public acceptance would be their, but that’s all right, if you honestly express yourself it doesn’t matter” – Bruce Lee.
BRUCE LEE'S AFFECTIONS
The position of the Planet Venus often determines an individuals attractions and choices in love affairs. Venus also determines ones desires for pleasures and beauty, all that strikes one aesthetically. This energy often manifests itself in art and recreational activities.
Bruce Lee's Venus was once again in Scorpio. Once again this sign is re-enforced. While few can truly know about Bruce's behavior within his love life, it may be noted that his intensity is once again underlined within his horoscope.
"With Venus in Scorpio, there is much passion and force in relationships dealing with romance and emotions. As a rule, natives' power of attraction is great, though this may go to their head! They usually pay enormous amounts of energy and attention to their close friends and lovers. These people tend to expect a great deal from others emotionally, since they themselves give so much in their relationships. Thus, natives' intense passion may lead to jealously if they feel their loyalty is betrayed. These natives should emphasize relying on themselves first and foremost instead of others." - Visions Astrology
"I knew that this was a man of quality and integrity and great love” – Linda Lee.
“he was probably one of the best friends you could have, he’s very loyal, he once told me, ‘if someone is trying to attack you, I’ll take them on’, that’s a friend.’ – Raymond Chow.
Bruce held the following transits in Venus :
Venus Conjunct Mars
Venus Opposite Jupiter
Venus Square Pluto
Venus Conjunct Mars(The greatest co-operative aspect between the affections and assertive action)
"Venus conjunct Mars confers great personal magnetism and sex appeal. Natives are extremely passionate and romantic, resulting in conflicts between lust and love. This passion tends to pervade every aspect of natives lives."
“By the time he was 15, Bruce was a considerable figure among the kids living in his neighborhood of Kowloon. He was very good-looking and began to take an interest in girls. His brother Peter recalls that Bruce would spend up to 15 minutes in front of the mirror, getting his hair just right, making sure his tie was properly adjusted-a born perfectionist. His looks, self-confidence, and his reputation as a battler, meant that he had little difficulty attracting feminine attention” – Linda Lee.
Although Bruce was a dedicated husband, he often gives the impression of being a ladies man in his early years.
Venus Opposite Jupiter(Tension between sense of aesthetic pleasure and wisdom)
"Venus opposite Jupiter natives can be ostentatious and may have been spoiled as children. They love luxury and tend to be vain. They must resist the temptation to indulge in food and escapism (perhaps television). " - Visions Astrology
"Venus Opposite Jupiter - Natives with this opposition, especially if they are well-to-do, can be spoiled and overly involved in meaningless social activity. Laziness, self-indulgence, and love of luxury may be in evidence. Females are likely to be conceited, thinking themselves more desirable than they are." - Astrologer's Handbook
"Venus Opposite Jupiter - These natives like to be the center of attraction and are far from reticent. Somehow they gain the attention they want."
While Bruce Lee life style in his twenties seemed anything but luxurious since financial problems were often a difficulty. His early life in Hong Kong seems to be that in which he had access to luxury. His father being a famous actor would have obviously made his lifestyle more than comfortable in Hong Kong. In addition his popularity with people and women could possibly add to this spoilage. Also, being a 'child movie star' in Hong Kong would have done enough to let things to get to his head. As far as not being 'reticent', although Bruce Lee was a capable martial artist he was often known to be 'cocky' and a 'braggart'.
“Oh he had gotten very cocky, I mean strutting is the best word for it. I mean still nice enough, but he had gotten a sense of himself. I guess it wasn’t s gracious as you would have hoped” – Paul Heller, commenting of Bruce’s behavior after he had become famous through his movie roles.
“It was a kind of cockiness, the cockiness that a lot of Americans have inside of them that said, ‘well I can do it, I’m good’” – Hayward Nishioka, Pan-Am Games Judo Gold medallist.
“Bruce came from a fairly wealthy family” – James Demille.
“So clearly there were people who felt Bruce Lee was a loudmouth, an interloper, somebody who was very brash”” – Alex Block
“Bruce mother and father made arrangements for Bruce to come to Seattle to live and come to school to get his high school diploma and while living with my family while working in the restaurant first as a bus boy then a waiter and he didn’t ‘cot’ into that very well, especially coming from his station in life where their were servants and maids” – Shelton Chow.
“He was a braggart in a way” – Blake Edwards.
How Bruce Appeared to Others
Often when we meet people, we often project ourselves differently. We often adapt our personalities to effectively relate to others. This is known as the Ascendant. So while a person’s Sun sign may be a Leo, upon the first 3 minutes of meeting them, they may seem like a Taurus if their Ascendant is in Taurus. This rules the surface level impression. Of course, after talking with the individual or after years of knowing a person only do other aspects of the horoscope become apparent. For Bruce Lee, his Ascendant was in the same sign as his Sun Sign. Bruce's Ascendant was in Sagittarius making a consistency in his conscious personality and how he projected himself to others.
"With Sagittarius rising, natives display great openness and friendliness which accentuates the great love of freedom which they have. These people greatly desire to be liked and will do practically anything to gain others' friendship. However, they tend to take friends for granted and see them only in terms of helping them, frequently failing to see past the "surface" of another person. For the most part, natives expend tremendous energy in creative endeavors, although their work is always practical and beneficial. Also, they show ardor and passion in intimate relationships and enjoy activities like sports which are both challenging and full of energy and excitement. There is a genuine love of experiencing new things and they may go out of their way to do it." - Visions Astrology
Inclination to Action
Mars is the planet of assertive action and often shows what we ultimately strive for, how we express our energy and what profession we choose. Bruce Mars was in Scorpio which once again means an intense expression of his energy.
"Mars in the sign Scorpio indicates powerful emotions and desires. This tremendous emotional intensity gives the natives relentless courage and thoroughness in executing their intentions. It can lead to the great heights of spiritual achievement or to the lowest depths of moral degradation, depending on the amount of wisdom and type of motivation by which the energy is guided. These people have resourcefulness, courage, and energy, especially in meeting difficult situations. Even the possibility of death does not frighten them, if they must face it in order to accomplish their goals. They are capable of an uncompromising fight to the end in defense of their principles. The two hundred Spartan soldiers who held off the entire invading Persian army are an example of the Mars in Scorpio principle. The powerful sex drive that goes with Mars in Scorpio, if wrongly motivated, can result in possiveness and intense jealousy. People with this position tend toward and all-or-nothing attitude which makes compromising with them very difficult. Since it is hard for them to be neutral or indifferent, they make either friends or enemies of those with whom they have sustained dealings. They are secretive and do not reveal their plans or actions without good reason. They need to learn greater detachment and objectivity. There is danger of coarseness and bluntness with this position, since at times these people do not take into consideration the feelings of those less forceful than themselves. When Mars is afflicted in Scorpio, there can be intense anger and resentment, but unlike the anger of Mars in Aries, such feelings are not forgotten easily. People with this position can hold grudges, nursing their anger like steam in a pressure cooker until the effects of its outlet are disastrous. Consequently they make the most dangerous kind of enemy. If Mars is heavily afflicted in Scorpio, there is the tendency to dominate others emotionally, forcing them into submissiveness and servitude." - Astrologer's Handbook
Obviously Martial Arts was Bruce's chosen profession to serve as an outlet for his intense energy. Without a doubt, Bruce was a courageous individual if at 5'7 and 130 pounds he set out to be a great fighter. At that size and stature, few would think themselves to have the potential to be a deadly fighter and would look to a less aggressive profession.
Bruce held the following transits with the planet Mars :
Mars Opposite Jupiter
Mars Opposite Saturn
Mars Square Pluto
Mars Opposite Jupiter(A strong tension between the planet of action and wisdom)
"Mars Opposite Jupiter - They are opinionated and aggressive in promoting their religious and philosophic viewpoints, a trait which often antagonizes others. At times this zeal serves to provide a socially acceptable for their self-assertiveness, which often inclines them to attempt great things without the necessary resources to succeed."
While I have no knowledge of Bruce's religious views, martial arts could serve as sufficient substitute for religion. Martial Arts are often viewed in the same light of religion with it's history in association spirituality and philosophy. Bruce Lee was very blunt and straightforward in his views about the ineffectiveness of many martial arts. Often this bluntness offended others.
“Pardon my bluntness, but that is me!” – Bruce Lee
"To me 99 percent of the whole business of Oriental self-defense is baloney. It’s fancy jazz. It looks good, but it doesn’t work” - Bruce Lee
"You gotta remember what type of guy Bruce was if he didn’t like your traditions, he told you so. He didn’t care if he was on television or on the top of the Empire State building, so he said what he thought and often got into arguments with people, especially in the Orient the martial arts are taken as seriously as a minister or rabbi takes his religion, and it’s a very important thing to them and martial arts represents very traditional forms that have been done for hundreds and thousands of years and along comes Bruce Lee who says ‘I’m gonna take a little from this form and this form and mix it with some kickboxing from Thailand and use it with some American boxing and I’m gonna use this and that and I’m going to shorten my strokes and I’ll call it Jeet Kune Do and I know better than all of you who have studied for thousands of years and hundreds of kids around the world are gonna follow me’. That’s like saying to the Catholic ‘I’m gonna take little bit of Catholicism, a little Judaism and a little Buddhism and start my own religion’, doesn’t go over real well with the press.” – Alex Block, film critic.
Mars Opposite Saturn(Great tension between the planet of action and the planet of restriction)
"Mars Opposite Saturn - This opposition can produce a resentful and oppressive nature. There is often frustration and a need to demonstrate personal prowess or superiority through some kind of violent, aggressive action as a cover-up for the fear of personal inadequacies in relating to others." - Astrologer's Handbook.
"Mars Opposite Saturn - The natives professional ambitions are stifled by misfortune or by those in authority. Their relationships with parents, especially their fathers, are not likely to be good because the fathers will be oppressive toward them." - Astrologer's Handbook.
"Mars Opposite Saturn - In extreme cases, cruelty or criminal tendencies manifest themselves. Military involvements are also possible." - Astrologer's Handbook.
Bruce obviously found Martial arts a useful expression of his frustrations. And it is true that his 'professional ambitions were stifled by those in authority' since his rise in the entertainment industry was halted by those in authority since they were not convinced that Bruce Lee would be a marketable star.
“My father was a very traditional Chinese person, he’d constantly be in his own room, if you wanted to talk to him, he’d say ‘Come in’, he was like the emperor of the house” – Robert Lee
“When I first learned martial art, I challenged many established instructors and of course some other challenging me also. But what I have learned is, challenge means one thing, what is your reaction to it? How does it get you? Now if you are secure within yourself you will treat it very, very lightly. You ask yourself, am I really afraid of that man? Or do I have any doubts that he’s gonna get me, and if I do not have such doubts I will certainly treat it very lightly like today the rain is going on strong but tomorrow the sun is gonna come up again.” – Bruce Lee
"Bruce had originated the idea for a screenplay called the ‘Silent Flute’, Warner brothers was interested in doing it. It was the picture that was going to break Bruce into Hollywood, we lived on that hope in the difficult years, so that was a crushing disappointment to Bruce when that film was never made” - Linda Lee
Mars Square Pluto(Light tension between the planet of action and planet of intensity)
"Mars Square Pluto - This square can be dangerous because of its overly forceful nature. Unless other factors in the horoscope mitigate it, the native’s tendency to use force to gain their ends will override careful planning, diplomacy, and love.
In a good horoscope this square can result in an exalted form of courage, but sometimes the outcome is a do-or-die attitude. The natives should always examine the motivations behind their sacrifices. They may desire to perform some spectacular deed only from egotism. This urge can be carried to unnecessary and foolish extremes.
Natives with afflicted horoscopes can easily lose their tempers and become violent. In very extreme cases, where Mars and Saturn are severely afflicted, the aspect can produce brutality and criminal tendencies. This will not be the case with those who posses only the usual disagreeable tendencies that accompany the aspect (although even they can be overly aggressive in sexual areas).
The willpower of these natives is highly developed, but as a rule it lacks direction. Sometimes a violent death is indicated if the rest of the chart bears it out.
Often the natives are attracted to violent circumstances, such as wars, revolutions, and riots. They can have a dictatorial inclination, stemming from an attitude that "might makes right."
In people with spiritual aspirations, a conflict between the will and the desires is generally indicated. When combined with reason, discipline, and diplomacy, this square can provide the energy for great achievements." - The Astrologer's Handbook.
"Well I dunno, Bruce Lee’s personality when he was one his own home turf and didn’t have allot of foreigners in America to deal with particularly people who had power, he barked at people, pushed them around and threatened their lives, he was an overbearing bully.” – Albert Goldman, author of “the deadliest man on the planet”
Bruce's Philosophical Beliefs
Jupiter is the planet of growth, expansion and wisdom. In often rules our religious(if the individual has any), ethical and philosophical viewpoints. Jupiter often signifies how a person shares that which has been given to him and how the individual expresses generosity. Bruce Jupiter was in Taurus which rules material objects and finances. While Bruce lived through poverty in his twenties, the success of his movies in his thirties brought him riches.
"Jupiter in the sign Taurus indicates a capacity for the correct and beneficial use of money and material resources. If Jupiter in Taurus is well aspected in a spiritually mature person, he is aware that all resources are loaned to us by the Eternal principle of Life for our use, for the service of our fellow man, and for the general improvement of the social and physical environment"
Bruce Lee held the following transits in Jupiter.
Jupiter Conjunct Saturn
Jupiter Square Pluto
Jupiter Conjunct Saturn(The strongest co-operation between the Planet of Growth and the planet of Limitation)
"This aspect gives a serious outlook on life and an involvement in heavy responsibilities unless other factors in the horoscope contradict it. The natives are conservative and practical.
Since they have to overcome severe obstacles in order to expand their business and financial affairs, there are often problems connected with money. To achieve a goal or to make any substantial increase requires endless patience. If the natives have resources to work with, they can build things or institutions that will have lasting value. Endless toil combined with hard work and danger are common to this conjunction.
Sustained disappointments over a long period of time can drain the natives' optimism. Sometimes the effect of Jupiter operating on Saturn is a protection to them in their darkest hours, but there is a conflict between the Jupiter expansion and the Saturn contraction principles to the extent that the two planets can nullify each other's effects. There is a tendency for the natives' destiny to be at the mercy of larger social issues. For instance, factors affecting industry, business, and economics in a nation can create extreme difficulties.
This aspect is more difficult if Jupiter precedes Saturn because endeavors beginning in optimistic expansion soon run into snags and disappointments." - Astrologer's Handbook.
Bruce's obstacles
The Planet Saturn often determines where we have been limited and need to develop maturity and discipline. Bruce Saturn was in Taurus which is once again the sign of finances and material possessions. Bruce's struggles to support his family during his twenties brought about financial difficulties which forced him to mature his viewpoints.
"Saturn in Taurus - Saturn in the sign Taurus indicates people who need discipline and hard work if they are to acquire material possessions; they come to feel a strong need for financial and emotional security. They cannot be at peace if their practical affairs are not in order. If Saturn is well aspected in Taurus, enduring patience, steadfast adherence to principle, and practical management ability in business affairs will be characteristics.
When they are about twenty-nine years old these people seek stable career positions that will ensure financial and domestic security, which they require for their well-being. They are likely to be reliable and persistent in their careers." - Astrologer's Handbook
"Saturn in Taurus - They save money for future emergencies and for security in old age. They must develop a well-balanced sense of the value of material resources" - Astrologer's Handbook
Bruce held the following transit in Saturn.
Saturn Square Pluto(A light tension between the planet of restriction and the planet of intensity)
"Persons with this square often feel that they have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Constantly changing impersonal social conditions are likely to impose disappointments and heavy responsibilities on them. Something somber and mysterious blocks their progress in the affairs represented by the signs and houses which Saturn and Pluto occupy and Rule." - Astrologers Handbook.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, Bruce's Lee life was written in the stars. His financial problems and difficulties were often defined by the oppositions and squares he faced with Saturn. His aggressive energy which he channeled into martial arts was the result of his horoscope being heavily concentrated in Mars. And his classical 'intensity' was signified in his continuing signs of 'Scorpio'.
While, many do not consider Astrology a true science, it is more so known as an art. Any whom have studied the subject with thoroughness would at least begin to appreciate it’s rational.
The problems of Astrology are not so much the shortcomings in the astrological system itself. Often people claim, 'anyone can label themselves that' in reference to the traits. In actually, statements such as these point to the problem of self-identification rather than the validity of the correlation of the stars and life on earth. Although we spend years living with ourselves, yet self-knowledge is one of the most difficult things to acquire. Our egos often defend themselves with rationalization to maintain our self-esteem when we are criticized. It is not the flaw of the Astrological system, rather the difficulty in objectifying characters.
Yet, despite it's suppression and opposition, Astrology has still developed into a advanced art. Yet, it is not a closed book and years to come will yield continual developments. Even medicine began as an empirical science based on 'experience' and trial and error. I have confidence that Astrology will continue to develop and with persistence will gain respect as a true intellectual subject matter.