Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron was born in Benoni, South Africa on August 7, 1975 with both the Sun and Moon in Leo. Her two most important "planets" in this noble sign fits the tall, beautiful star perfectly. Her tawny tone and natural elegance reflect the confidence associated with the lion. Leos are often natural performers comfortable in the spotlight. With both the Sun (identity) and Moon (feelings) here, Charlize was bound to make a big impression in any profession. An injury cut short her dancing career and modeling didn't fulfill her creative needs, but acting fit her to a T. It's not enough for a double Leo to strut down the runway; Charlize had to find a way to express herself more deeply, and she did.

A surprising placement in Charlize's birth chart is Venus in Virgo. The planet of beauty in the sign of perfection certainly fits the stunning actress. Venus in modest Virgo was retrograde when she was born, though. The apparent backwards motion of a planet often turns its energy inward, and in self-critical Virgo we might expect some shyness to inhibit Charlize's dramatic expression. Her potential to turn inward or get lost in details is reduced considerably by a strong 90-degree square from nebulous Neptune to Venus. This watery planet of fantasy and illusion loosens up Virgo's normally tight hold. Imagination -- an essential instrument in an actor's toolkit -- is Neptune's gift to artistic Venus, helping Charlize stretch herself to perform convincingly in a wide variety of roles. Her well-earned Academy Award as a serial killer in 'Monster' not only demonstrated her range, but her true Venus-in-Virgo commitment to her craft allowed her to set aside Leo glamour to play this gritty part.

Charlize once said, "I think of myself as a highly sexual creature. I have to use that. I have no choice. I like it." This doesn't fit the chaste Venus-in-Virgo profile described in many astrology texts. However, Mars -- the planet of passion -- was in Taurus when she was born, closely conjunct the karmic Lunar South Node in the same sign. Taurus is very physical and sensual, with an instinctive sense of pleasure. Charlize's ability to talk about herself in such a straightforward manner is also appropriate for the earthy, plainspoken bull. It's this directness that balances the regal Leo planets in her chart. She may look like a goddess, but we sense that there is something very real in Charlize. She's a great actress, but it's clear that her off-screen persona is no act.

About the Author
Jeff Jawer is the co-author of Barnes & Noble's 'Your Astrology Guide 2006.' A professional astrologer since 1973, his articles have appeared in astrology journals and magazines and Web sites around the world. He holds a B.A. in The History and Science of Astrology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and teaches and lectures both in the United States and abroad.