By Jeff Jawer
Provided by Tarot.com
Ben Stiller is a Sagittarius with Gemini Rising, a communicative combination that often appears light, bright and entertaining. Behind the comic mask, though, lies a deeply serious man marked by a conjunction of responsible Saturn with his sensitive Pisces Moon.
Ben Stiller is an outgoing Sagittarius who went into the family business and made it big. Born November 30, 1965 at 5:35 p.m. in New York City, Ben's parents Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller were a moderately successful comedy team whose act was largely based on their different ethnic backgrounds. The Moon in a birth chart reflects family patterns and Ben's is in imaginative Pisces in the 10th house of career, leading him to follow in his parents' footsteps. Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac, is associated with fantasy and imagination, an ideal placement for an actor working in a world of make-believe. Individuals with the Moon in this water sign are emotionally sensitive and easily invaded by the moods and feelings of others. Ben's Moon, though, is conjunct Saturn, astrology's most serious planet. Saturn represents boundaries, responsibility and hard, cold reality. Its union with Ben's Moon shows his seriousness and commitment to film's world of illusion. Instead of being overwhelmed by emotions, he is able to channel them through his work and with the Moon at the highest, most public point of his chart, achieve recognition for it.
Ben's Sun in fiery Sagittarius is perfect for a comedian who must be willing to act the clown. This Jupiter-ruled sign can be wise or foolish, but is always able to deliver its message with great enthusiasm. Ben's Sun is conjunct Mercury, the communication planet, which forms powerful 90-degree squares with intense Pluto and chaotic Uranus, ideal for the subversive role humor plays in our lives. Screen comedians have been undermining the status quo since the dawn of Hollywood. Ben stands in a long line of them who have made us laugh -- while mocking our culture -- in a tradition that goes back to the court jesters of old. His send-up of modeling in 'Zoolander,' for example, is silly on the surface, but addresses these superficial times in which looks count more than brains. Ben has both artistic Venus and active Mars in Capricorn, revealing a well-organized creative methodology behind his playful exterior. He is very intentional about his work and his life. Those with highly structured Saturn conjunct the Moon are well aware of their responsibilities, but this heavier side of Ben is hidden behind the bounciness of his Rising Sign. This point, also called the Ascendant, represents one's image, and Ben's is in easy, breezy Gemini. Jupiter, Sagittarius' ruling planet, is conjunct this "front door" of the chart, projecting optimism and playfulness that belie the self-discipline that lies at his core. He's a serious man in a funny suit, a contrast common in the comedy trade, and one that Ben has played brilliantly to achieve his well-earned success.
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 websites 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 U.S. and abroad.
