What Senate President Tito Sotto’s birth chart says about him

(This is part 1 of a three-part series on the birth charts of the 3 men who currently head the executive and legislative branches of the Philippine government.)

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, initially of Eat Bulaga! and VST & Company fame, is now among the most powerful men in Philippine politics.

As a key ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, it’s Sotto’s job ensure that the upper chamber aligns or compromises with the goals of the executive. As Senate president, it’s also his job to make sure the interests of the chamber (and ideally, the country) are always protected.

The former entertainer is, however, not without controversy.

Aside from plagiarism allegations, there’s his alleged role in the supposed whitewashing of the rape of actress Pepsi Paloma – an association he says is so untrue that he asked news website Inquirer.net to take down stories about it.

How do we begin to understand the comedian-turned-politician? Perhaps we can use astrology as a tool. (READ: Planets, signs, houses: Your guide to understanding astrology)

The basics 

Astrology is the study of the meaning of the planets’ movement against the backdrop of the night sky. A person’s journey, both the meaning and the changes that occur within it, is imprinted in his astrological birth chart, which becomes symbolic of his evolutionary purpose: who he is and why he is here.

Despite astrology’s reputation for being a pseudo-science, Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung believes that it complements the study of psychology.

In a letter to Hindu astrologer BV Raman in September 1947, Jung wrote: “In cases of difficult psychological diagnosis I usually get a horoscope in order to have a further point of view from an entirely different angle. I very often found that the astrological data elucidated certain points which I otherwise would have been unable to understand since it contains a sort of psychological experience which we call ‘projected.’ This means that we find the psychological facts as it were in the constellations.”

As astrologer Noel Tyl puts it: “Planets do not make things happen. People do. The symbols guide us to understand that process.”

A look into the inner planets

Tito Sotto has his Sun and Mercury in Virgo, Moon in Aries. The Sun represents the ego and self-identity. Mercury is the mind, how one thinks and communicates. The Moon indicates emotions and emotional needs. 

Those with Sun and Mercury in Virgo are generally perfectionists with an appreciation for tradition. They have the ability to identify what needs to be done and to dedicate themselves to the task until it is finished.

However, gone wrong, they can be controlling and critical, their words sharp.

While Sotto’s reactions were likely driven by several factors and intentions, it’s interesting to see how this aspect sheds more light on his behavior – people might remember his snarky remark to a female contestant in Eat Bulaga! who was abused while intoxicated and his controversial quip to former social welfare secretary Judy Taguiwalo over her being a single mother.

Sotto may take criticism of himself quite personally. This, perhaps, could be attributed to his Moon in Aries. When threatened, the first instinct of an Arian Moon is to fight.

Since Aries is ruled by Mars, the God of War, Moon in Aries is constantly in battle, and once provoked, may become the most aggressive, reactive, and argumentative; their anger the most destructive.

Aries has a character that is fervent and fearless while Virgo is conservative and careful.

An interesting mix, isn’t it? With Sun and Mercury in Virgo and Moon in Aries, extreme anger and defensiveness can come about when their pride is insulted. He can be temperamental, blurting out cold assessment and realizing the repercussions only later on.

Moon opposition Mars: The Reactor

An opposition in astrology suggests a conflict between the two opposing planets. In Sotto’s case, it is between his Moon in Aries (the fighter) and his Mars in Libra (the peacemaker).

When this happens, the person may swing from wanting peace to acting impulsively and foolishly. In many cases, unresolved inner tensions may be projected onto relationships and interactions with others, resulting in arguments and antagonism. 

Sun conjunct Saturn: The Builder

The Sun, the ego and self-identity, sits conjunct (or close to) Saturn, who is “Old Father Time.”

It should come as no surprise then that Sotto has served 26 years in Senate, making him the most senior member of the upper chamber. His experience is testament to his putting a premium to stability and commitment.

It is the Sun conjunct Saturn native’s goal to build structure out of chaos through consolidation, scientific research, and the law. We are reminded of the Senate bills that Sotto sponsored and guided – the most notable of which was eventually passed as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The downside to this placement is perhaps the lack of emotional affinity and empathy due to an ambitious, no-questions-asked mentality. 

Yin and yang

What do Sotto and Duterte have in common? The sign Aries.

While it is Duterte’s Sun sign, it is Sotto’s Moon sign. There is an instant attraction and powerful chemistry between these two, providing for a yin-yang compatibility as the radiant Sun protects the Moon’s emotional needs.

That’s not the only thing they have in common, though. Duterte’s Moon sign, Virgo, also happens to be Sotto’s Sun sign. Perhaps whatever one lacks, the other has.

Is it a match made in heaven or hell? You decide. – Rappler.com