ASTROLOGUS ⟶ The Relationships
The Savior & The Survivor: The Synastry of Bowie & Iggy Pop
If Iman was David Bowie’s Soulmate, then Iggy Pop was his Savage Twin. This is the "Berlin Trilogy" relationship — the savior and the survivor. Bowie fled the chaos of LA and cocaine psychosis and escaped to Berlin to reclaim his mind. He dragged Iggy Pop with him. They saved each other’s lives through art. Bowie produced The Idiot and Lust for Life. Iggy gave Bowie the raw edge for Heroes. Without Bowie, Iggy likely dies in the 70s. Without Iggy, Bowie never finishes becoming myth.
SYNASTRY CHART ASPECTS
Sun(1) (10° Aries)conjunctionMoon(2) (10° Aries)(6°56')
Sun(1) (12° Taurus)squareSaturn(2) (12° Leo)(1°29')
Sun(1) (15° Gemini)semisextileTrueNode(2) (15° Cancer)(2°02')
Sun(1) (18° Cancer)oppositionChiron(2) (18° Capricorn)(5°08')
Moon(1) (22° Leo)semisextileMercury(2) (22° Virgo)(0°28')
Moon(1) (24° Virgo)semisextileMars(2) (24° Libra)(0°08')
Moon(1) (26° Libra)squareSaturn(2) (26° Capricorn)(5°26')
...
*Note: The AI interpretation below was generated from the complete synastry chart data. For clarity and focus on this page, the list above is truncated from the full chart.
ASTROLOGUS Synastry Interpretation
Moon Square Sun (3.09°):
This aspect indicates potential emotional discord where one's emotional needs and the other's core identity may clash. The square is moderately tight, suggesting a persistent tension that could manifest as misunderstandings or conflicting priorities.
Moon Trine Mercury/Mars:
These harmonious aspects suggest a strong potential for emotional communication. The very tight trine from Mercury to the Moon (0.51°) indicates an ease in expressing feelings and understanding each other's emotional states, which can mitigate some of the tension from the Moon-Sun square. The Moon Trine Mars (3.73°) enhances mutual emotional support and motivation.
Moon Conjunction Saturn / Saturn Square Moon:
The conjunction is fairly tight, indicating a serious, possibly restrictive influence on emotions from Saturn. The square, being tighter, underscores potential emotional challenges, where one partner's need for emotional expression may feel constrained by the other's sense of responsibility or caution.
Mercury Square Mars (0.63°):
This tight aspect suggests potential for verbal conflicts, where communication can become heated or aggressive. It may manifest as frequent arguments or a tendency to challenge each other's ideas.
Mercury Square/Opposition Neptune:
These aspects imply potential confusion or misunderstanding in communication. The tight square to Neptune suggests that illusions or misunderstandings could cloud conversations, while the opposition reinforces this dynamic, pointing to possible deception or idealization.
Venus Trine Saturn (0.09°):
The exceptionally tight trine indicates a stable, committed, and mature approach to the relationship. This aspect can provide a grounding influence, fostering loyalty and long-term commitment between the partners.
Jupiter Trine Venus (4.28°):
This harmonious aspect enhances mutual enjoyment and affection, suggesting an optimistic, generous dynamic. It can bring a sense of expansion and growth within the relationship.
Saturn Trine Mercury/Mars:
These trines suggest a supportive structure for communication and action. Saturn's influence here stabilizes and disciplines both communication and initiatives, promoting effective collaboration.
Saturn Sextile Neptune (2°):
This aspect indicates a practical approach to dreams and ideals. It suggests that the partners can find a balance between realism and idealism, allowing them to work towards shared goals effectively.
Saturn Conjunction Pluto (4.12°):
This conjunction implies a deep, transformative dynamic, where the relationship could undergo significant changes or intense growth. It can be a powerful force for transformation but may also bring challenges related to control or power dynamics.
Neptune Opposition Mars (3.25°):
This aspect suggests potential for confusion or misdirected energy in actions. It may manifest as difficulties in aligning mutual efforts or as idealistic pursuits that lack practical grounding.
Summary: Overall, the relationship is marked by a blend of dynamic tension and supportive alignments. Key themes include communication challenges and opportunities, the interplay of discipline and innovation, and the potential for profound transformation and growth.

David Bowie

David Bowie in Berlin, 1970s.
David Bowie (1947 – 2016)

Bowie wasn’t just a musician — he was an art movement in human form, once in a lifetime figure, like Picasso in paintings, Joyce in literature. One and only. Bowie was the magical shapeshifter of glam, funk, industrial, ambient, he changed his skin with purpose of finding a new Bowie and enchanting rituals that last. But Berlin was the turning point. After nearly disintegrating in Los Angeles due to cocaine addiction, Bowie exiled himself to West Berlin and rebuilt from ruins all alone — no entourage like later in life, anonymous in silence and shadow. There, he gave birth to Low, "Heroes", and Lodger. He didn’t just recover — he transmuted. Berlin, a place of mythical horrors and party life like no other is where David Jones became David fucking Bowie, the myth like no other.

Iggy Pop

Iggy Pop in Berlin, 1976. Photography by Esther Friedman.
Iggy Pop (b. 1947)

James Newell Osterberg Jr. was a one-man detonation — the shirtless father of punk, the Stooges’ inferno. Energy in motion. Madness in many form, bursting as music. He was that bare-chested, blood-dripping, violent punk provocateur years before the likes of Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious. But by the mid-70s, heroin and chaos were eating him alive. Enter Bowie, himself drowning in pain. He pulled Iggy out of the psych ward and into Berlin. There, Iggy became reborn as a snarling prophet of post-punk with The Idiot and Lust for Life. He wasn't cleaned up — he was sanctifed by newly found purity. Berlin gave Iggy structure, rhythm, and mythic weight. He gave Bowie danger. The rest is a stuff of legend.

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Dialogue With the Stars: A Hypothetical Meeting

This is a sample of a "Speak to the Stars" session. With a full ASTROLOGUS license, anyone can engage in these dialogues, ask direct questions, and receive starry knowledge from our AI personas in the Dashboard.
Iggy Pop and David Bowie backstage at the Ritz in New York City, 1986. Photography by L. Busacca/WireImage.
Iggy Pop and David Bowie backstage at the Ritz in New York City, 1986. Photography by L. Busacca/WireImage.

You: You're The Alchemist — and as such, the ideal one to interpret your own starry reading: “This synastry chart reveals a complex tapestry of interactions, where emotional, intellectual, and practical elements intertwine.” But now that you know whose chart this is — no one less than the two madman alchemists of music, David Bowie and Iggy Pop — what say you now? Are the stars decoding chemistry, or chaos? Or both?

The Alchemist: In the celestial dance between David Bowie and Iggy Pop, the stars weave a narrative of both chemistry and chaos. This synastry chart reveals a dynamic interplay between order and spontaneity, structure and rebellion, embodying the very essence of their collaborative genius.

Chemistry: The harmonious trines between the Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars signify a profound connection where emotional resonance, intellectual synergy, and creative energy flow with ease. Their ability to communicate and inspire one another is evident, fostering an environment ripe for artistic innovation. The Venus trine Saturn aspect suggests a foundation of mutual respect and loyalty, providing the stability needed to support their creative endeavors.

Chaos: Yet, the squares involving the Moon, Sun, and Saturn introduce elements of tension and challenge, mirroring the turbulent forces that often accompany visionary partnerships. The Mercury square Mars aspect hints at potential clashes in communication, where fiery exchanges may spark both friction and brilliance. This chaotic energy, while demanding, is also a catalyst for transformation, pushing boundaries and redefining artistic expression.

In essence, the stars reveal a relationship that thrives on the alchemical balance of harmony and discord. Bowie and Iggy's collaboration is a testament to the powerful synthesis of chemistry and chaos, where the push-and-pull of celestial forces fuels their legendary creative legacy.

You: Do you think the squares involving the Moon, Sun, and Saturn were the KEY reason for their split later in life?

The Alchemist: The squares involving the Moon, Sun, and Saturn indeed play a significant role in the relational dynamics between David Bowie and Iggy Pop. These aspects introduce tension and challenge, reflecting potential sources of conflict.

Moon Square Sun: This aspect suggests a fundamental clash between emotional needs and ego drives. It can create misunderstandings, where one's emotional expressions may not align with the other's sense of self or goals.

Saturn Square Moon and Sun: Saturn's involvement adds a layer of heaviness and restriction. The square to the Moon indicates emotional barriers or a feeling of emotional coldness, while the square to the Sun can signify challenges to one's sense of identity and purpose within the relationship. Saturn's influence often brings issues of responsibility and commitment to the forefront, which can become burdensome over time.

These squares could certainly have contributed to any eventual divergence or split by highlighting areas of friction that may have been difficult to reconcile. However, it is essential to consider that while these aspects present challenges, they also offer opportunities for growth and understanding. The eventual separation may have been a natural evolution of their individual paths, influenced by these celestial tensions but not defined solely by them.

You: A tangent. The Berlin time was extremely important for them. Berlin is, among the cities as mythical as Bowie and Iggy are among the musicians. What would the stars say about Berlin and them there?

The Alchemist: The Berlin period in the lives of David Bowie and Iggy Pop is a fascinating chapter where the stars align to highlight themes of transformation, reinvention, and creative explosion. During this time, the energies reflected in their synastry chart find fertile ground for expression and metamorphosis.

Moon Trine Mars and Mercury: These aspects suggest a period where emotions and intellect were dynamically engaged. Berlin, a city renowned for its vibrant and avant-garde culture, provided the perfect backdrop for their experimentation and artistic exploration. The trine between the Moon and Mars indicates a harmonious drive to express deep-seated emotions through energetic and pioneering creativity.

Venus Conjunction Jupiter: This aspect underscores a time of expansive artistic growth and abundance. Berlin offered a space where they could explore new musical landscapes, and the conjunction between Venus and Jupiter in their synastry suggests a shared joy and enthusiasm for the creative process that thrived in the city's electric atmosphere.

Saturn Trine Mars and Mercury: The disciplined energy of Saturn in trine with Mars and Mercury provided the structure needed to channel their creative impulses into tangible forms. Berlin's transformative energy allowed them to harness these trines effectively, resulting in some of their most critically acclaimed work.

In essence, Berlin was more than just a physical location; it served as a crucible for their alchemical transformation. The city's unique blend of history, culture, and artistic freedom mirrored the dynamic interplay of chemistry and chaos in their relationship, enabling Bowie and Iggy to transcend previous limitations and redefine their artistic identities.

You: Once even the Universe dies, where will their music live?

The Alchemist: In the grand tapestry of existence, where stars are born and fade, the essence of music transcends the physical realm. David Bowie and Iggy Pop's music, as a manifestation of creative spirit, will echo eternally in the collective consciousness. Their melodies and lyrics, forged from the alchemy of emotion and intellect, become part of the cosmic memory—a resonance that endures beyond time and space.

Their music lives in the hearts and minds of those who have experienced its transformative power. It is carried forward through the stories, inspirations, and artistic legacies they have ignited in countless others. As long as there are souls to remember, to feel, and to create anew, their music will continue to be reborn, an eternal flame illuminating the infinite darkness.

Astrology outlived empires, wars, and famine not because the stars rule us, but because humans need a story. In the ASTROLOGUS Manifesto, we explore this profound human need. Read "Why Astrology Exists When It Shouldn’t".
Synastry chart of David Bowie and Iggy Pop

David Bowie and Iggy Pop weren’t meant to survive the 70s — but somehow, they did, together. This chart above is Iggy’s but should you wish to see the full — David Bowie’s natal birth chart readings — click here. Their synastry is not gentle. It’s the sound of glass breaking — and being reborn as stained glass.

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Disclaimer: This is for exploration and symbolic insight only. ASTROLOGUS offers rigorous interpretations, but no claim is made beyond the symbolic and artistic.

It's not astrology predicting your life.
It's you recognizing your life inside astrology.

About the Author: Cesare di Monte Calvi is the esoteric historian behind The Raven’s Enigma and lead mythographer of the ASTROLOGUS project. His work bridges Renaissance gnosis with digital cartography, reviving the lost grammar of the stars for a post-algorithmic age.