The daughter of a sharecropper, Anna Mae Bullock picked strawberries and cotton as a child. While her mom and dad fought, she wandered the land, playing with the wind and the animals. When she was eleven, her mom ran off and three years later, so did her dad, leaving her to fend for herself. Yet this determined young woman had grit – and unstoppable talent – which ultimately led to fame and fortune. In spite of the abuse she endured from her first husband Ike Turner (who had changed her name to Tina), she kept her eye on the high road of her dreams, and never gave up.
Tina Turner (Nov. 26, 1939, 10:10 p.m., Brownsville TN) who sadly passed on May 24 after a long illness, had a Full Moon chart in the sing-it-from-the-rooftops signs of Sagittarius and Gemini. Her powerful voice, sensuality and swagger helped make her one of the best-selling and most beloved recording artists of all time. Like a true Sagittarian, she always endeavored to walk a spiritual path, and claimed that chanting nam-myōhō-renge-kyō for up to four hours daily was what saved her. “I realized that I had within me everything I needed to change my life for the better. That place we try to reach [by chanting] is the subconscious mind. I believe that it is the highest place and, if you communicate with it, that is when you receive information on what to do.”
These words are particularly relevant for the upcoming Sagittarius Full Moon (June 3, 8:41 p.m. PDT). After a long, befuddling Mercury retrograde, only now coming out of its shadow phase on May 31, we could use a little guidance from on high (or deep within). Synchronistically, the opposition between the Sun in Gemini and Moon in Sagittarius illuminates Turner’s opposition between the Sun in Sagittarius and Moon in Gemini, echoing similar themes, and her recent passing has brought her back into the spotlight.
The closest aspect made by this lunation is a trine to energetic Mars in Leo. Success can come through harnessing the confident, shining star within and letting your heart be your guide. But the second closest aspect is a square to Saturn in Pisces, which can feel like a deterrent – as if the road ahead is too fuzzy or the path too difficult. This aspect is separating, though; the Sun squared Saturn on May 27-28, so look to that time to see what obstacles may have seemed to block your path.
Jupiter, which rules this Full Moon, is currently (May 30 – June 3) conjunct the True Node of destiny in earthy Taurus. A path forward is being revealed, but in order to access it you need to be anchored in your body so you can feel into what’s right for you. If you tap into your courageous heart and accept that patience and hard work will likely be part of the package, as Tina Turner did, this Full Moon is apt to bring inspiration and open doorways that can help you expand your horizons.
My favorite story about this adventurous Sagittarian relates to the man who would become her second husband. In 1985, Erwin Bach, a 30-year-old music executive, had been assigned to pick up the 46-year-old Queen of Rock ‘n Roll from a German airport. It was love at first sight. “My heart went bu-bum, and my hands were shaking,” said Tina, who knew this man was her soulmate. Bach (1-24-56, time unknown) is an open-minded Aquarius, the sign on Tina’s point of partnership. Both their Moons are in chatty Gemini, his Venus conjuncts her Mars in romantic Pisces, and his durable Mars-Saturn conjuncts her Sun-Mercury in Sagittarius. Their epic romance lasted for over 30 years. He even gave her one of his kidneys when hers were failing, and was by her side till the very end.
Let’s raise a toast to the amazing Tina Turner at this Full Moon. Get into your body, have an adventure, and let your inner wisdom guide you to a freer and more expanded version of your life.
Cynthia says
reading this has captured my attention on how strong and powerful and such positive reinforcement within ourselves an individual can be thank you for sharing.
Elena Peace says
Thank you Simone for this wonderfully written and empowering article. I shall raise my voice to the Queen Tina this Sag full moon!
Simone Butler says
You’re so welcome, Elena! It was a pleasure to write it. Happy Full Moon!
Lau says
I love how you brought up Queen Tina. She is such an example of not giving up hope, but instead, in the trails of adversity, keep on wiggling your hips, stand tall and proud and make yourself be known. she inspired so many women to leave their abusive husbands and boyfriends. She is the Patron of Geminism
Simone Butler says
Agreed! I thought she was the patron saint of Sagittarius, at any rate!
Rafah Sabbagh says
Great article – thank you
Simone Butler says
You’re so welcome, Rafah!
Blaine Bolton says
Absolutely love this. Thanks Simone
Simone Butler says
Glad you appreciated it, Blaine! Happy Full Moon…