For those of you who may not be aware, there is an obscure little asteroid called “Astro Wizard.” Asteroid 24626 was discovered in 1980 and named after a science and astronomy educator who performed at public events wearing a wizard costume and named “The Astro Wizard.” This naming is interesting because if we have learned anything from the synchronicity underlying astrology, it is that the correlations can be downright spooky (and magical) sometimes. So, despite any scientific motivations, it cannot be ignored that it’s actual name has connections to a background or concept that is not entirely defined by contemporary physical sciences. In fact, magic and science used to be very similar.
According to most standard definitions, “astro” usually relates to stars or outer space while the classification of “wizard” could mean someone skilled in magic, a practitioner of the occult, or a wise sage or sorcerer. And of course, if we are going to define wizard then we might as well specify magic as well. According to Brittanica, magic is “a concept used to describe a mode of rationality or way of thinking that looks to invisible forces to influence events, effect change in material conditions, or present the illusion of change.”
Breaking down the term in this manner is important because it allows us to start wrapping our heads around the base archetype. And the best way to evaluate this archetype is from the chart of its discovery. Unfortunately, we do not have the exact time of the discovery so we will anchor it’s time to noon. Still, even without a time, there are many insights that can be gleaned from the planetary dynamics.
Asteroid 24626, Astro Wizard (discovery chart)[i]
Sign: Aries
Aspects:
- Pluto conjunct new Moon in Libra
- Mars conjunct Uranus
- Mars – Uranus sextile Jupiter
- AW quincunx Mercury and Venus (Yod configuration)
Midpoints:
- AW Opposite Sun/Jupiter
- Pluto conjunct Saturn/Mercury
- Sun conjunct Venus/Mars
At a high level, the preponderance of Libra and Scorpio zodiacal qualities jumps off this chart. There are seven bodies in these two signs. Immediately, this suggests that there is something intrinsically significant about these sign characteristics as they apply to the archetype of the Astro Wizard (which we will abbreviate as “AW” going forward). Throughout history we find repeated references of the necessity of working in balance with the energies of existence. This includes the duality of physical and non-physical realities, materiality and spirituality. Over and over again, astrology constantly preaches to need to find balance within ourselves, our environment, our relationships, our mind, our body, and within the polarities of signs that make up the foundation of existence. All of this is inherently a form of magic and based upon the existential concept of equilibrium. Libra does not just understand this necessity. This energy quality IS this.
But by itself, balance is not enough. It must be accompanied by an equally strong drive to dig underneath the surface to find the truth at the source. This ability to see the foundation of things, regardless of how ugly things may be, is the realm of Scorpio. It is at this level where the most fundamental transformations can occur. It is also here where we can control the energies, not to have power over others, but to find the power to transform that which needs it, which more often than not, is ourselves. This chart makes a compelling suggestion that this complimentary succession of energies is necessary for the wizardry that accompanies the application of astrological knowledge.
Given this perspective, it is logical that the Libra stellium within this chart contains a New Moon that is also aligned with Pluto. All these high-level conceptions according to the Libra – Scorpio dichotomy are confirmed with the inclusion of this god of transformation within a New Moon. It is enacting transformation at the most significant levels, the primary male and female archetypes, the joining to the two sect leaders of the chart. It is transformation via a new beginning, a new cycle. It infers that our sense of self can be transformed permanently by working in harmony with the forces around us. There is a palpable sense of power or empowerment within this alignment that infers that wielding magic can infuse power within the user or practitioner.
Pluto is also aligned with the midpoint of Mercury/Saturn, so this brings in the powerful focus of the Scorpio mind (Mercury) and laws and structures of this reality (Saturn). Pluto’s position within the New Moon and at this midpoint center makes a powerful statement of our ability to literally transform our reality.
Despite these significant dynamics, of equal priority is the AW itself. To decipher the meaning of this asteroid we start with its degree placement for in addition to all the definitions we have reviewed so far for the components of asteroid 24626’s name, the most specific description comes from the Sabian symbol associated with its position at 7 degrees Aries: “A man successfully expressing himself in two realms at once.” This description is about as on-the-nose as it gets when it comes to a practitioner of magic.
Its dispositor seems like a logical next step. Here, that would be Mars because the AW is in the sign of Aries. Mars strong and effective in the sign of Scorpio. It is also conjunct the planet Uranus. This is significant because Uranus is often viewed to be a significator of astrology. The sextile aspect to these two bodies brings the image into focus a bit more. It shows that this conjunction is a powerhouse and a symbol of one who is able to make radical, sweeping transformations, sometimes complete revolutions in the world around them, and they do this using the art of astrology. This is the undercurrent fueling and motivating the AW due to its dispositor connection.
We then need to turn our attention to the aspects to the AW. Its opposition to Saturn symbolizes an awareness or confrontation with reality. It is the need or desire of the AW to mitigate this reality in some manner. Similar to Mars, Saturn’s placement in Libra is also strong, being placed in the sign of its exaltation. This represents an ability to effectively control reality, or better yet, to find balance with it (Libra) through the intervention of the AW.
The AW is at the apex of a yod configuration involving Mercury and Venus (admittedly, the orb from Mercury to the AW is wide). This seems to infer that the AW is in a position to become a conduit or channel for spiritual energies. It also hints that the AW dabbles in forces that impact fate and destiny and may also have a unique purpose in the lives of those around them. The dispositor tree involved here is also insightful. Saturn is ruled by Venus, Venus by Mercury, and Mercury back to Mars, which was already seen to disposit the AW as well. This refers to one who wants to understand the underlying harmony of details of the laws and structure of this reality at a deeper level…so they can enact change.
While some of the initial assumptions of the AW seemed to center around space travel and science, I think this chart clearly shows that its archetype goes much deeper than that. Modern science may metaphorically refer to its scientists at “wizards,” but we should remember that this assertion was just metaphorical. Ancient magic WAS science and science included the understanding of all laws, both within this physical reality and beyond. With that in mind, the AW seems to infer that archetype. It is those wizards who are exploring beyond this physical reality, and specifically using astrology as its vehicle.
With this baseline archetype proposed, let’s see how it stands up against some of the wizards of all ages. Because the AW is the focus of this evaluation, the following delineations will also focus heavily on aspects directly connected to this asteroid.
Marsilio Ficino
Sign: Libra
House: 9th
Aspects:
- Square the Moon and Pluto (t-square apex)
- Trine Saturn
- Sextile Jupiter
Midpoints:
- Opposite Chiron/Uranus
- Conjunct Sun/Venus
The ancient renaissance magus is a perfect beginning to this evaluation. He is also perfect because his AW is tightly conjunct the Sun from the discovery chart. That sense of balance and harmony reflected in the discovery chart was a theme that Ficino wrote about extensively. Specifically, he was a huge proponent of sympathetic magic. This balance from his Libra AW seems to align well with that theme.
Also, as a philosopher and Catholic priest, the 9th house whole sign placement of his AW along with its sextile to Jupiter is a fitting reflection of the religious and spiritual tone of his work.
The AW’s placement at the apex of a t-square configuration with the Moon and Pluto shows the driving motivation and priority Ficino placed on this work. Of note, the square to 6th house Pluto is an accurate representation of his concerns in assisting people with improving their health and well-being through natural remedies of planetary alignments.
The trine to his dignified Saturn rising shows that the archetype of this asteroid (an astrological magus) was a part of his identity that reflected his talent in this area. It probably also established him as a type of scientist (for his day) who brought a certain gravitas to the subject matter.
The alignment of the AW with the midpoint of Chiron/Uranus and Sun/Venus adds the final pieces of evidence for the significance of this asteroid in his life. Admittedly, the orb on these midpoints is a bit wider than I would usually consider, but their correlation to his status as a magus makes it hard to ignore given the resonance they offered for his life. It symbolizes his desire to use astrology (Uranus) to help us becoming whole and find our connection to a larger sense of spirituality (Chiron in Pisces). This archetype was a part of who he was (Sun) as well as his appreciation of the beautiful intricacies (Venus in Virgo) that went into understanding the mind of God (9th house AW).
This combination of dynamics helps to explain why Ficino was the epitome of the archetype of the astrological wizard, but it also shows that his role was intimately connected to spirituality.
Aleister Crowley
Sign: Virgo
House: 2nd
Aspects:
- Trine Neptune and sextile Jupiter (wedge alignment)
Midpoints
- Opposite Moon/Saturn
- Nodal axis aligned with AW/Jupiter-Mercury
Crowley is one of the more recent and famous (or infamous) manifestations of this archetype. His opposition between Jupiter and Neptune is a critical dynamic to understanding his awareness of the depths of the mystical connections to existence, but the placement of his AW offers needed insights into his desire to manage or mediate this polarity. In a way, his AW is the missing component that helps to explain his ability in this area.
But the most prominent dynamics of his chart are the number of connections between his planetary bodies, points, and angles and those within the discovery chart. For example:
- Crowley’s Sun – Venus aligns with the discovery chart’s Pluto and New Moon. This alignment in Libra reinforces the suggestion of balance an equilibrium as indispensable qualities for an astrological wizard.
- Crowley’s North Node aligns with the AW from the discovery chart while his Uranus aligns with the North Node from the discovery chart. This was the popularity he gained as a result of being associated with the wizard archetype along with his incorporation of astrological knowledge.
- Crowley’s Mercury aligns with the discovery chart’s Mercury and this highlights his penetrating focus. This also receives more significance because Mercury is the dispositor of his AW. Considered alongside his Libra Sun – Venus, this Scorpio Mercury – Jupiter reinforces the dynamic highlighted within the discovery chart, namely that Libra – Scorpio is a powerful combination for this archetype.
- Crowley’s AW aligns with the discovery chart’s Venus.
These numerous connections between both charts highlight Crowley’s status as a quintessential wizard archetype.
Galileo Galilei
Sign: Sagittarius
House: 5th
Aspects:
- Square Venus
- Conjunct the Galactic Center
Midpoints:
- Opposite Saturn-Jupiter/Mars
- Conjunct Uranus/Chiron
While there is evidence that Galileo studied and practiced astrology, he is more well known for his astronomical discoveries and innovation. As a result, his astro wizardry conformed closer to the original intent of the naming of this archetype.
Galileo’s star gazing and exploration of the heavens provides a compelling comparison to the Sagittarius placement of his AW. This AW was also super-powered by its alignment with the Galactic Center. Staring into the heavens probably felt like home to Galileo. He expressed his inner wizard by expanding his observations into the distant reaches of the universe.
The alignment of the AW with the midpoints of Saturn – Jupiter and Mars manifested in literal fashion when he discovered the rings of Saturn and the Moons of Jupiter. The alignment of the AW with the midpoint of Uranus and Chiron in Capricorn got him in trouble with authority when his explorations led him to conclusion that the Copernican view of the universe was accurate and refuted the long-held assertion that the earth was the center of the universe.
Overall, Galileo was truly a scientific wizard. Similar to Crowley, he also had a significant conjunction with the North Node from the discovery chart. His ascendant is aligned with this significant point, imbuing his image with an energy that evokes this archetype.
Isaac Newton
Sign: Capricorn
House: 3rd
Aspects:
- Conjunct the Sun
- Opposite the Moon
- Square the bendings
- Trine Mars
Midpoints:
- Conjunct Uranus/Venus
- Saturn conjunct AW/Pluto
Similar to Galileo, Newton’s achievements are a stronger reflection of the physical sciences than actual magic, but it is widely believed that he also had a strong affinity for astrology. The 3rd house placement of his AW shows that he expressed his wizardry through observing his immediate environment. This led him to discoveries of the physical laws of this reality, which correlate well with the conjunction of the AW with his Sun in the earth sign of Capricorn, Saturn’s alignment with the midpoint of the AW and Pluto, as well as its trine to Mars in earthy Taurus. The inclusion of the AW fills the gaps from the standard natal chart bodies to explain how he fit the mold of this archetype, and how that role contributed to his understanding of the structure of the physical universe.
His identity also became synonymous with these innovations because of the AW’s alignment with the midpoint of Uranus and chart ruler, Venus. This association of identity with the wizard archetype is further solidified due to the conjunctions between his ascendant and the Libra New Moon from the discovery chart and his South Node and the AW from the discovery chart as well.
Tycho Brahe
Sign: Pisces
House: 2nd
Aspects:
- Opposite Moon-Uranus and square Saturn (t-square alignment)
Midpoints:
- Conjunct Venus-Pluto/Neptune
- Mars conjunct AW/Neptune
Brahe’s improvements on the accuracy of planetary movements are best captured by the opposition of his AW with the precision from Moon – Uranus in Virgo. This opposition is then also part of a t-square configuration with Saturn in Sagittarius at the apex point. Saturn’s discipline of heavenly exploration (Sagittarius) was driving the energy and Brahe’s wizardry (AW) in astronomy (Uranus) became directed in this manner. As we have seen with other individuals in this evaluation, the inclusion of the AW offers a more precise explanation of the manifestation of the standard natal bodies within a chart.
In personalizing the astro wizard archetype to Brahe, there are two main factors. The alignment of Brahe’s ascendant – descendant axis with the discovery chart’s nodal axis provides a visible correlation that popularized his identity with the archetype. The other dynamic is his Mars. It is strong in the sign of Aries, aligned with the midpoint of the AW and Neptune and also loosely conjunct the AW from the discovery chart. This shows that his efforts and work on tapping into this archetypal impulse would be successful and he would blaze a trail for others to follow. Which brings us to…
Johannes Kepler
Sign: Libra
House: 5th
Aspects:
- Square Sun – Venus
- Trine Neptune
- Trine midheaven
- Quincunx Jupiter
Kepler was trained by Brahe so it is interesting this his Mars (like Brahe’s) is also in aspect to the AW from its chart. While Brahe’s Mars is in conjunction, Kepler’s is in opposition. This may infer that both walking a similar path toward this archetype, but Kepler’s aspects to the AW in the discovery chart are much more extensive. This is evidenced by his Mercury – Uranus in square aspect to the AW from the discovery chart which highlights his innovations to optics.
Regarding Kepler’s AW, it is in square aspect to his Sun – Venus in Capricorn. This echoes what was observed with Newton in that Kepler’s wizardry involved unlocking laws that explained planetary motion. And the dispositor of this Capricorn stellium (Saturn) is also in conjunction with Mercury from the AW chart. Essentially, the laws he discovered were those of motion.
Albert Einstein
Sign: Aries
House: 10th
Aspects:
- Conjunct Mercury – Saturn
- Sextile North Node
- Quincunx Uranus
Midpoints:
- Conjunct Jupiter/Neptune
Einstein revolutionized everything with his conceptions of the universe. This is powerfully represented by the alignment between his AW, Mercury, and Saturn with the AW within the discovery chart. This alignment is one of the most significant we have seen across these examples as it emphatically points to Einstein as a prototypical astro wizard.
But this can be taken further for his AW is also almost exactly aligned with the midpoint between Jupiter and Neptune. And with his famous phrase, “Imagination is more powerful than knowledge,” the inclusion of the AW at this midpoint pulls in the energies of these powerful planets and offers an accurate correlation to this manifestation. It was his mind (Mercury) and his powers of imagination (Neptune/Jupiter) that made in a wizard (AW).
John Dee
Sign: Sagittarius
House: 1st
Aspects:
- Sesquisquare Sun and Saturn (hammer alignment)
- Opposite Uranus and Square Neptune – Chiron (t-square alignment)
For his time, Dee was widely known as an astrologer, astronomy, occultist, and even advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. Because this archetype was a part of his visible identity, it is not surprising to see the AW placed in his 1st house and loosely conjunct the North Node. Dee was also more of an experimental wizard which is why the AW is connected to a t-square configuration with Uranus (experimentation) and 3rd house Neptune – Chiron (spirituality) at the apex. This t-square had some connection to his motivation to communicate with spirits and angels, but the hammer configuration was a better reflection of Dee’s aggressive approach to use magic to understand the secrets of the universe.
These individuals provide examples of the significant connections between the AW asteroid and their natal bodies that explained the manifestation of this archetype in their personalities, lives, and achievements. But before we leave this evaluation, we will evaluate one final example. While all the previous examples have involved actual human beings, this example will instead focus on something a bit more fantastic, a fictional wizard.
Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone
Sign: Scorpio
Aspects:
- Trine Sun – Mercury
- Square Neptune & Venus (t-square apex)
- Conjunct Chiron
Midpoints:
- Conjunct Mars/Pluto
- Saturn opposite AW/Mars
This chart correlates to the original release date of the first book in the Harry Potter series. Because there is no documented time for this event, please ignore the house placements.
The AW in this chart is in the sign of Scorpio so this echoes one of the prominent sign qualities evaluated in the discovery chart. The Scorpionic demeanor of this archetype is a part of Harry’s path to becoming a wizard.
The AW is also in loose conjunction with Chiron. Chiron is placed in the sign of Libra. Recall that this was the other prominent sign evaluated in the discovery chart as well. The re-occurrence of these two signs is significant. The problem is Chiron’s placement here. The balance that Libra seeks is specifically the area where Harry has been wounded. HE is out of balance. Something has wounded him and as a result he is not entirely sure how to interact with others.
The AW and Chiron are also at the apex of a t-square involving Venus and Neptune. This t-square offers clues to this wounding. Venus rules Libra so it disposits Chiron. Venus is also in Cancer. This means that something related to the family has contributed to the wounding. Venus’ opposition to Neptune highlights confusion related to the family. Harry is not sure what happened, but his family has disappeared. He never knew them. And all of this has created the wound via Chiron, which in turn affects every relationship he has with everyone else…adds addition to his path in becoming a wizard. Because we find these bodies at the t-square apex, their archetypes will become his primary motivation and life’s work.
We see more evidence of this through the dispositor of the AW as well, Mars. Mars is debilitated in Libra and its opposition to the AW in the discovery chart reinforces the suggestion that something is preventing Harry from embracing his wizard heritage. Mars’ square to the Sun – Mercury echoes what we saw with Chiron and Venus, but is much more explicit here. His family was destroyed and the Libra influence is him holding himself back.
But why?
Saturn is the answer. It is debilitated in the sign of Aries and a malevolent force of villainy. Saturn is Voldemort. Its opposition to the midpoint of the AW and its dispositor, Mars, infers that Harry’s journey to becoming a wizard will go through Saturn. Voldemort is blocking the way. The thing is, Mars is dispositing Saturn. This seems a little confusing. How could Harry be connected to Voldemort in a way that determines the villain’s fate?
It is because Harry is a Horcrux.
When Voldemort killed Harry’s parents, he inadvertently embedded a piece of his soul in Harry. That’s why they are connected through dispositor rulership. This is also why Harry is out of balance. Part of Voldemort is inside him. If Harry finds balance Voldemort is in trouble because Harry is powerful. The alignment of the Scorpio AW to the midpoint of Mars and Pluto, Mars’ trine to Uranus, as well as the AW’s trine to Sun – Mercury show that he CAN fight, is super talented, intuitively knows how to use magic, and is a masterclass wizard whose power is derived from his heritage. If Voldemort tries to kill Harry, he will inadvertently destroy the Horcrux, give Harry balance, and then Harry can fully unleash his power on Voldemort.[ii] Afterwards, Harry can become a teacher and the Chiron archetype will have fully matured…and so will the AW’s archetype via Libra – Scorpio.
This Libra – Scorpio theme of digging deep to find balance has become literal in its symbolic manifestation through this story. But we could not have told it without the inclusion of asteroid 24626, the Astro Wizard. Without this asteroid, Harry’s wizard story would be incomplete, just as it would be incomplete with the rest of the individuals in this list. So, what are the archetypal characteristics of this asteroid?
The Astro Wizard Archetype
Based upon the various characteristics and manifestations within this brief evaluation, I have identified a few archetypal themes that I think are associated with this asteroid.
- An affinity with astrology and astronomy.
- The illumination and inspiration of ideas that appear to bend or challenge reality.
- A desire to delve into the inner workings and underlying truths of existence.
- A desire to find balance and equilibrium.
- The ability to achieve significant transformation and transmute power.
Obviously, this list of themes can apply to those who study the physical and esoteric sciences. I think this asteroid does not make a distinction between them. And this makes sense because centuries ago science and magic, astrology and astronomy, used to be the same thing. This archetype takes a broader perspective of these disciplines that reunites them through their overall shared aspirations.
Magician/Wizard
There is another area where we may also gain insights on this archetype: Tarot. Within the Major Arcana, the Magician card offers an apt comparison to the Astro Wizard asteroid. In her book “Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom,” Rachel Pollack provides the following insights into the symbolism of this card:
“Thus, the Magician, as the beginning of the Major Arcana proper, represents consciousness, action, and creation. He symbolizes the idea of manifestation, that is, making something real out of the possibilities in life. Therefore, we see the four emblems of the Minor Arcana – lying on a table in front of him. He not only uses the physical world for his magical operations (the four emblems are all objects used by wizards in their rituals), but he also creates the world, in the sense of giving life a meaning and direction.”[iii]
And continues:
“The Lifeforce that fills the universe is not gentle or benign. It must be discharged, grounded in something real, because our bodies, ourselves, are not meant to contain it, but only pass it on.”[iv]
And finally:
“The divinatory meanings of the magician, derive from both hands, the one which receives the power and the one which directs. The card means first of all an awareness of power in your life, of spirit or simple excitement possessing you.”[v]
While the archetypal meanings underlying the image of the Magician card do not entirely align with the archetypal characteristics of the Astro Wizard asteroid, these descriptions hint at a significant overlap amongst them. So much so that a glyph of this asteroid based upon this card’s image seems appropriate. As such, I humbly propose the following symbol as a working astrological glyph (yes, I am a terrible artist):
This symbol is an adaptation of the Magician card image. The upper left depicts a flame held toward the sky. This light of illumination is flowing from the heavens downward to the right to the astrological glyph of earth. This symbolizes truth coming from above and being brought down to earth for humanity. It is Promethean fire channeled through the eternity symbol at the halfway point that is us, eternal beings connected to everything. Wizards are channels, understanding and interpreting the duality of both realities, and enacting transformation by employing their sympathetic relationship.
With this comprehensive understanding of this asteroid’s archetype, it seems imperative that every astrologer locate and delineate it in their chart. The Astro Wizard should be considered when using our “sorting hat” to evaluate astrological potential.[vi]
[i] Unfortunately, there is no documented time for the discovery of this asteroid so the house placements for this chart should be ignored. Also, because Solar Fire does not have this asteroid loaded into its databases, I have used the asteroid list from astro.com instead.
[ii] You may have noticed that the chart is revealing elements of Harry Potter’s biography that were not captured in the first book. That is to be expected. An astrological chart shows everything, even parts of a story that have yet to be told.
[iii] Rachel Pollack, Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom, Thorsons, 1997, p.30.
[iv] Ibid, p.32.
[v] Ibid, p.33.
[vi] To add this asteroid to a natal chart within Astro.com go to the bottom of the screen and type the asteroid’s # (24626) followed by a comma in the Manual Entry box.
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