The Troubled Talent of Whitney Houston

Talent is a gift that sometimes comes with a price. The fame and fortune that may follow can be emotionally isolating and painful. The adoration of millions of fans is disorienting, as the more that others know these artists the less they seem to know themselves. The list of early deaths among celebrated musicians is long and sad, from Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison in the past to Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and now Whitney Houston. Some individuals thrive in the spotlight and maintain a strong sense of themselves, but others take to substance abuse to bridge the gap between their public adulation and their private pain.

Neptune is the planet that dissolves boundaries and barriers. It opens the way to inspiration and connection with the collective unconscious that can reach the hearts of the masses. Yet it's also a planet of confusion and delusion, making it easy to get swept away with the pain of exquisite sensitivity. It was that very sensitivity that made Whitney Houston one of the most popular singers in the world. Her incredible voice was transformed into an ethereal message from the gods that raised emotions to new heights.

Whitney Houston was born on Aug. 9, 1963 at 8:55 p.m. in Newark, New Jersey with the Sun in the regal sign of Leo. She was graced with alluring Venus in Leo close to her Sun, reflecting her physical beauty and artistic mastery. Yet the grandeur of this planetary pair was challenged by an opposition from stern Saturn and a stressful square from Neptune that countered her confidence with self-doubt and uncertainty. Saturn's stressful aspect to the self-aware Sun tends to highlight flaws while Neptune's influence tends toward escapism.

The Moon was in spontaneous Aries and joined with generous Jupiter when Whitney was born. This is considered to be fortunate, and certainly rewarded her materially. However, the Sun and Moon in Fire signs (Leo and Aries) are great at pushing out energy but often are not comfortable accepting support. She may have been surrounded by friends, family and staff, yet may have felt isolated in the midst of the crowd.

The Moon's South Node is another astrological factor in Whitney Houston's story. She was born with this karmic point in hard-nosed Capricorn, which is also resistant to exposing one's vulnerabilities. A tendency to put up walls rather than share feelings openly is common with this placement. Her North Node, a point of growth or integration, was in caring Cancer, indicating that she was in need of nurturing. Yet it's hard to help to those who can't accept it.

While offering so much to the world with her gorgeous voice it seems to be that Whitney did not get enough in return for herself. Perhaps she'd still be alive and singing brilliantly if she was able to receive as much love as she expressed with her music. Her tragic loss is a reminder that knowing how to take in affection and care is as important as giving it.