Biography
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, India. He became known as Mahatma (meaning Great Soul) and is widely considered the ‘father of India’.

From an early age Gandhi’s Hindu mother taught him the doctrine of non-harm to all living beings and mutual tolerance between members of various creeds and sects. Throughout his life he also observed abstinence from meat, alcohol and promiscuity. At the age of 13 he was married to Kasturba Makhanji through an arrangement by his parents. Gandhi and his wife had four sons born between 1888 and 1900.

At the age of 18 Gandhi was sent to London to train as a barrister. He met English socialists and Fabians whose ideas greatly contributed to the shaping of his personality and politics. He also joined the Vegetarian Society and through them he met members of the Theosophical Society who encouraged him to read about other religions.

Gandhi returned to India in 1891 and in 1893 he accepted a job at an Indian law firm in South Africa. He was appalled by the treatment of Indian immigrants there and joined the struggle to obtain basic rights for them. Throughout his 20 years in South Africa he was sent to prison many times and during this period he developed a new non-violent way to redress wrongs. In 1914 the South African government conceded to many of his demands and Gandhi returned to India shortly afterwards.

In 1919 the British planned to intern people suspected of rebellion against the government and this prompted Gandhi to announce a new satyagraha (the resistance of tyranny through mass civil disobedience) which attracted him millions of followers. A demonstration against the British plans resulted in the Amritsar Massacre. By 1920 Gandhi was a dominant figure in Indian politics and he transformed the Indian National Congress with his programme of peaceful non co-operation with the British. However, this led to the arrest of thousands.

Gandhi’s doctrine of non-violent protest to achieve political and social progress has been hugely influential. In 1922 Gandhi himself was sentenced to six years imprisonment. He was released after two years and withdrew from politics to devote his time to improving Hindu-Muslim relations, which had worsened. In 1930 he proclaimed a new campaign of civil disobedience in protest to a tax on salt which led thousands on a 'March to the Sea' to symbolically make their own salt from seawater. In 1931 Gandhi attended the Round Table Conference in London as the sole representative of the Indian National Congress. But in 1934 he resigned from the party in protest at its use of non-violence for political means. He was replaced as leader by Jawaharlal Nehru.

In 1945 the British government began negotiations which culminated in 1947 as the formation of the two new independent states of India and Pakistan which were divided along religious lines. Massive inter-communal violence marred the months before and after independence. Gandhi was opposed to partition and fasted in an attempt to bring calm in Calcutta and Delhi. In Delhi on 30th January 1948 and aged 78, Gandhi was shot and killed by a Hindu fanatic.

Astrology - With his Ascendant and Sun in Libra, Gandhi is a double Libra so the effects of this sign will be much increased. Also, his Moon is in Leo in the 10th house so Gandhi was going to be famous and have a high public profile. His North Node is also in the 10th so he was really destined for fame.

The Ascendant or rising sign (your appearance, how you are seen) is in Libra showing a diplomat with a strong sense of justice and balance.

The Sun (your personality, how you experience life, your essential energy) is in Libra in the 12th house giving Gandhi a quiet understanding and the need to be of service to others as a true humanitarian. Here also is diplomacy and no interest in personal status. The 12th house represents prisons and hospitals as well as hidden enemies so Gandhi’s Sun here is no real surprise.

The Moon (your instinctive natural reaction, moods, habits and your mother) is in Leo in the 10th house and this shows a politician with an inclination to public life. Here is someone who is emotionally connected to the public and this positioning is the best indicator of fame.

Mercury (your mind, intellect, communication, learning, mischief and criminal activities) is in Scorpio in the 1st house indicating Gandhi’s ease in expressing himself and ability to communicate personal opinions and great insights. This favours seeking hidden truths and getting to bottom of complex issues. Also, difficult issues are easily communicated and not compromised or softened.

Venus (your relationships, love, affection, harmony and sociability) is in Scorpio in the 1st house and Gandhi was good with people and had a pleasing manner. But in relationships he required total commitment.

Mars (your physical energy, initiative, action and how you get what you want) is in Scorpio in the 1st house which is a very powerful position. Gandhi had great control over his basic urges (food, aggression and sex) and really was a force to be reckoned with. Here shows his desire to be directly involved in affairs and not just be a bystander. Even when silent his presence was felt by others.

Jupiter (your belief system, expansion and also representing the world of publishing) is in Taurus in the 7th house providing his openness, benevolence to others and successful marriage. A strong sense justice is indicated and a determination to bring about improvements for self and others. Jupiter conjunct Pluto is very powerful and will be the basis for Gandhi’s method of non-violent opposition. Here also is a strong leadership ability not really shown in a Libra chart.

Saturn (your limitations, lessons to be learned, the key to your career, professional performance and your father) is in Sagittarius in the 2nd house and this gives Gandhi the ability for religious work, teaching or law, and a rebellious air. This influence adds a serious and highly principled edge to the character.

Uranus (your power to invent the new, desire for change, originality and unpredictable behaviour) is in Cancer in the 9th house and conjunct the Midheaven. This shows that Gandhi desired change and would not follow convention for the sake of it. He had an advanced philosophy of life and was a revolutionary.

Neptune (the collapse of your boundaries, mysterious behaviour, elusiveness and dreams) is in Aries in the 6th house and gives a spiritual compulsion to help others.

Pluto (your hidden issues, compulsion and dark side) is in Taurus in the 7th house and as well as the description under Jupiter, this gives an intense sense of justice and shows why Gandhi was so against wrong done to others.

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Last updated 19th June 2008
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