Tiger Woods
Can the “Tiger” ever eclipse the “Golden Bear”?
By Gary P. Caton
This is my popular article which originally appeared in Feb/Mar 2004 NCGR Memberletter.
-followed by reflections and updates on Tiger's progress
I must confess to being somewhat amused by a recent spate of articles in The Washington Post vilifying professional golf’s recent Adonis, Tiger Woods. More importantly, I realized that Astrology might have some valuable insights to offer that might counter the instant-gratification, “what have you done for me lately” attitude that so often makes a soap opera of the lives of the rich and famous. While my Virgo Moon does find the exorbitant salaries and corporate driven sports machine detestable, my Aries Sun is a hopeless sports junkie. So to make the best of it I have resolved to try to bring my Aquarius Ascendant to bear on the situation and try to form a more objective, humanistic view of the situation that might illustrate the benefits of an Astrological awareness.
While it is clear that Tiger is no longer at the very top of his game, I am not so sure that I can label a four-win, second on the money list season a “slump” as some in the media have so vehemently insisted.[i] However, I must admit that Tiger’s childish tantrums do not serve him or the sport he has so recently helped catapult into the spotlight. Sally Jenkins’ most apt observation, however, was the comparison with golf’s legendary “Golden Bear”, Jack Nicklaus.[ii] Jenkins observed that Nicklaus endured a winless streak in his early career at major championships twice the length as that which Tiger has now experienced, and achieved a much more respectable demeanor throughout.[iii] Jenkins ends her article by contradicting her insistence on the s-l-u-m-p, and noting “A single year without a major is hardly a failure. It’s not a full-blown crisis. It simply is what it is. It’s time to grow up.”[iv] If some of you are still not sure what symbol must be operating for Woods to receive such harsh, if somewhat apt, criticism, I will spell it out for you. S-A-T-U-R-N.
This prompted me to apply a most basic, yet profound, technique to these two men’s charts. Grant Lewi elucidated a technique which correlates life’s inevitable ups and downs to Saturn’s passage through the quadrants.[v] If Tiger is truly going through a slump, we could expect Saturn to be transiting the “obscure” sector of 1st-3rd houses. This is simply not the case. Saturn is transiting Woods’ tenth house, showing him to be past a high water mark (mid-heaven) but still very much at the top of his game. The problem is that Saturn is forming a rather troublesome Grand Cross with the Sun in the 4th, Pluto in the 1st, and Jupiter in the 7th (after leaving an opposition with the moon in the 3rd –knee surgery). This completion of his natal T-square, while certainly implying a crisis of maturity for this Capricorn, is more importantly asking for Tiger to evolve.
This transiting formation is fascinating because it represents a crossroads where Tiger must learn to adapt if he will ever chase down golf’s all-time major winner, Nicklaus, who had a natal grand cross![vi] Nicklaus’ mark of 18 major wins now seems perhaps less than inevitable for the young prodigy, whose 8 wins at such an early age (he’s not yet 28) have made him seem, until recently, untouchable to his competitors. While Tiger’s Saturn is not in the sector for slumps (according to Lewi), he appears to have the makings of a serious slump in his coming Saturn return (Nicklaus’ early slump occurred while Saturn transited its natal place -the 2nd sector 4th-6th houses).
Tiger had better learn to accept some limitations and slow down a bit during this Grand-Cross transit and his coming Saturn return. If not, the resulting stress (Saturn-Pluto) and/or recklessness (Mars elevated) might tragically end or shorten a career that has all the makings of a legend. The temporary limiting of his long-game (Jupiter in Aries in 7th) and ability to impose his will (Sun-Pluto) will fade by next years PGA tournament when Saturn moves into the 20’s Cancer (August 2004). Perhaps he will bounce back then. He has a progressed New Moon in July and Jupiter conjuncts his Ascendant in late August. Tiger’s breakthrough year was 2000 when he won 3 majors (U.S. Open, British Open, & PGA Championship). During this time he was experiencing a Pluto transit conjunct natal
In order to bounce back, I believe Tiger will have to honor that 1st house Pluto and transform. The recent Saturn transit to his Moon has obviously disrupted the unconscious instincts for the game that were instilled in him at a very early age (Moon conjunct Nadir). So much of sports is being able to train the body to respond on an inner, instictual level (Moon) that undercuts the stress of being placed in the spotlight. I am reminded of a recent prime time television interview where Brett Favre, arguably Woods’ parallel in the NFL, admitted to being in a state of “blackout” from substance abuse during some of his prime years. Clearly Favre’s Moon was operating at a very high level, keeping him on some form of auto-pilot. Yet like any other, this state could not be maintained, and he has had to struggle through the issues of substance abuse and the changes that come with them. Tiger’s challenge is similar. He must bring up into consciousness that which for so long he may have taken for granted. The “killer instinct” and the incredible driving distances that have made him famous must be perfected and held in reserve for they will not be omnipresent as they were before his Saturn return. Like the rest of us, he will have to learn to pick his battles and deal with an aging body that does not always respond to our bidding. If he can do this, the chances are good that, when the opening Uranus-Pluto squares conjunct his Jupiter and Sun in about twelve years, he will become the all-time leader in golf’s major championships.
A closer analysis of Nicklaus’ chart in terms of Lewi’s theories[vii] reveals a pattern that may suggest that Tiger’s ability to weather the current possible slump could also determine his ability to eclipse the “Golden Bear”. Nicklaus’ 18 major championships spanned a remarkable period of 24 years –two Jupiter cycles. The pattern that stands out among these accomplishments is not the inability of Nicklaus to make major wins with Saturn or Jupiter transiting the 1st sector, but the 4th. Admittedly this has something to do with the 4th sector transit of Saturn occurring at the end of his career, but he did win his last major (1986 Masters) only after Saturn cleared the Ascendant and 4th sector. Similarly only 2 majors came during the Jupiter transits of the 4th sector. More in line with Lewi’s assertions[viii], Nicklaus’ most majors did occur during Jupiter and Saturn transits to the 3rd sector.
This pattern appears to have implications for Woods. His high water mark of 2000 was during a Jupiter and Saturn transit to the 3rd sector. Now that Jupiter (2001) and Saturn (2002) have both passed the Mid-heaven, Woods has both planets in the apparently unproductive 4th sector (where his Saturn resides) and is in the midst of what some are increasingly calling a slump. The bad news for Tiger is that because he was born at a more southerly latitude and with a Scorpio ascendant he does not have the “shortening” of this sector characteristic to Nicklaus’ chart (and subsequent elongation of the crucial 3rd). Saturn will not clear Tiger’s Ascendant until 2009. Jupiter will not reach the crucial 3rd sector until 2010 when progressed Mercury makes the direct station. Other than the previously mentioned progressed returns and Pluto transits of 2004-2005, there is not much help during this period. 2006-2009 appear mostly barren and at best a mixed bag of major transits/progressions. Tiger’s career may well be on the line. It appears that if Tiger is to avoid a very serious slump during the prime of his career he had better make the best of next years PGA and the 2005 major tournaments.
To do this during a Saturn return will be difficult. It will require Woods to accept and play within certain limitations. The best thing for him to do would be to pay Saturn’s toll now and learn to rely on discipline and caution rather than raw talent. Additionally, the exploration and elimination of any emotional blockages (Pluto-Moon) will be necessary. The best thing that could happen to him would be to fall in love and get married. This is often a major part of fulfilling the Saturn return, and would certainly go a long way towards stabilizing his emotions -which seem to currently have the better of him. If he can make it through 2009 with at least 3 more majors (for a total of 11) he will be poised to make a final assault during the crucial Jupiter in 3rd/Saturn in 1st sector period. But more importantly, he will have undergone the personal growth necessary for these accomplishments that, in the end, will be more rewarding.
[i] Sally Jenkins, “Spelling It Out So All Are Sure: S-L-U-M-P” The
[ii] Sally Jenkins, “Major Letdown Riles Woods” The
[iii] Ibid.
[iv] Ibid.
[v] Grant Lewi, Astrology for the Millions. 1940 -copyright 1969 Llewellyn Publications:
-Lewi called the 1st sector (1st-3rd houses) the “obscure” sector, the 2nd sector (4th-6th houses) the “emergence” sector, the 3rd sector (7th-9th houses) the “rise” sector, and the 4th sector (10th-12th) was for consolidation.
[vi] While the orbs required for this formation are wide (8 degrees), I consider it a grand cross because Pluto is opposite the Sun –the focal point of a t-square to the nodal axis. Along with Mercury (conjunct Sun) and Saturn (conjunct South Node) this ties six chart elements to this formation.
[vii] Grant Lewi, Astrology for the Millions. 1940 -copyright 1969 Llewellyn Publications:
[viii] Ibid.
Epilogue:
Well first off, I get to say I was right! "Tiger?s breakthrough year was 2000 when he won 3 majors (U.S. Open, British Open, & PGA Championship). During this time he was experiencing a Pluto transit conjunct natal Neptune. He will experience Pluto's conjunction to his Moon during his Saturn return in 2005, perhaps revitalizing his natural abilities." Will Tiger match 2000 and make it a 3 major year? Chances are good. During the PGA tournament he will experience Venus crossing his ascendant and Mars' opening trine (Leo) to his Sun.
The real question remains: will this make him the best golfer in history? While 11 majors so early in his career would certainly seem to make Nicklaus' mark a foregone conclusion, I personally don't think so. Here's why.
Tiger's behavior at this year's U.S. Open is not what I would call that of a champion. Tiger continued to tantrum, and was clearly shaken by his inability to close a win. Instead of giving credit to his competitor, he remarked "if I had only putted normally I would have won."
This reminded me of the starkest difference between Woods and Nicklaus. When Nicklaus was in search of his 3rd British open victory, he was beaten in a close fought epic duel with Tom Watson. The Golden Bear simply smiled and said "you were better." This highlights the fact that while Nicklaus achieved 18 major wins, he had even more second place finishes! In fact, he finished in the top 10 an astonishing 73 times -3 top tens for every win.
Woods, on the other hand, has not even twice as many top 10's as wins. It seems he can only compete if he is having a dominating performance. This reminds me of the puzzlement I had with the look on Tiger's face at the U.S. Open. His face was taught with fear. That fear could only be of not living up to everyone else's expectations of him. He's got to be the best ever, or he's a chump. So far, this all or nothing thinking is echoed in his playing.
For Tiger to truly be the best golfer in history, he needs to loosen up and enjoy the game! He is living a dream and at 30 years old has no business cursing, spitting, and slamming his clubs in disgust. He needs to honor that 4th house Sun's emotions in a nurturing way -trying to bring out the best in his competitors instead of dominating them.
To sum up, I will repeat my recent response to a young man in the grocery store. His argument to my contention that Nicklaus' overall record will probably always be the best was "Yeah, but nobody remember's second place." When its Jack Nicklaus, they do! Just ask Tom Watson and all the spectators at the 1977 British Open, or the 77 Masters, or the 82 U.S. Open...
When Tiger is still contending for major wins in his late fifties, and shooting par at St. Andrews at 65 like the Golden Bear recently did, then, and only then, will I concede he is the greatest golfer of all-time.
Update: From USA Today Fri, Aug 19, 2005 "Tiger came close to playing fool" by Jon Saraceno..."Arrogance. That's the only word for...worlds' #1 golfer...(who) jetted home before PGA championship was decided. It was poor judgement and illustrative of Woods' distaste for anything but first."
Woods left as clubhouse leader. No matter that he was right in assuming Phil Mickelson would overtake him. Tiger's antics are on par with football's Randy Moss who walked off the field last year and was subsequently traded. My word is childish, but arrogance fits just as well. In either case he is far from living up to the "best golfer of all-time" stature at this juncture.
Tiger's chart from an Evolutionary Astrology perspective
To illustrate the application of this process from beginning to end, I will refer to the chart of another individual who’s evolutionary path is to “summon forth the future,” but who struggled to do this well –until an emotional breakthrough. Tiger Woods was born
To get back to the astrology, we can see that clearly Tiger has lived up to the sociological challenge of finding his calling. And he has begun to complete the evolutionary challenge of summoning the future –legions of new young golfers have taken to the sport because of his popularity. But what are these young men and women seeing in his behavior. Woods is living a dream and at 30 years old has no business cursing, spitting, and slamming his clubs in disgust. Is this really the future the PGA has in mind? Further, is a one man freight train what really makes golf a better sport? Clearly we can see an individual here whose psychological processes were blocking his evolutionary path.
If we look at the geocentric chart for insight into the personality, we see the closest aspect is a Moon/Uranus semi-square. Clearly the stress of being a prodigy has taken its toll, resulting in emotional instability and volatility. In childhood, Tiger’s feelings were not soothed when he needed them to be, and he has become an emotional porcupine.
According to Perry,[iii] the best way to interpret this aspect is not to look at the aspect at all! We must look at the “archetypal” relationship between the planets and signs. First off, Moon in Sagittarius can be clumsy emotionally because Sagittarius is quincunx Cancer –not compatible by element or modality.[iv] Further, the relationship between Moon/Uranus can be described by the quincunx between Cancer/Aquarius. So what we have here is an emotional Yod or “finger of God.” From an "evolutionary" perspective then, we can see that in the past Tiger has perhaps neglected his emotional needs –both Sagittarius and Aquarius tend to intellectualize them. Further, the Yod is symbolized by Virgo/Scorpio (opening and closing quincunx). Virgo also tends to intellectualize emotions and Scorpio tends to bury them!
This emotional quandary need not be all that complicated when relating to Tiger’s golf game, however. If he were truly able to detach emotionally, rather than throw tantrums, he would see that in relation to his game the mechanism is fairly simple. Tiger’s emotional satiety relies on being more than good –being incredible! (Uranus) This results in an unconscious need to pull rabbits out of hats –in order to receive approval and love. Tiger’s golf game thus far succinctly reflects this need. He has incredible range off the tee, but as a result he often does not hit the fairway. This sets up a situation where he must pull off an incredible shot in order to hit the green. From such an awkward angle, it is hard to get very close to the hole –so he is once again forced to make a great putt in order to get ahead. This actually works quite well when Tiger is making the shots, the closed loop (Yod) builds energy and Tiger makes his famous charge for the lead. However, the loop gets short-circuited when, with tricky greens (such as those of this years
All this is, of course, uncharacteristic of Tiger’s Sun sign –Capricorn. Capricorn represents a stage of mastery, perfection –and dignity! As we mentioned before, the Sun represents a new direction in evolution. Tiger’s Sun is the focal point of a t-square to Pluto in the 1st and Jupiter in the 7th. He needs to honor that 4th house Sun's emotions in a nurturing way -trying to bring out the best in his competitors instead of dominating them. He will “summon forth the future” and become an “incorporation of the need of their collectivity for a new birth of spirit”[v] by enhancing the drama of the game –not by tattooing his name across it.
Woods followed up his two-major 2005 series with a tie for third at his favorite tournament, the Masters. This was disappointing because his father was dying and he knew it would be the last tournament he would see. Tiger then failed to make the cut at the U.S. Open -playing in the first major since his beloved father’s recent death. It was the first time he’d missed a cut in a major in his professional career. Later in 2006, Tiger’s game reached a new pinnacle. Tiger found his emotional maturity. After securing his 11th major title, all the emotions Tiger had been expressing previously in a childish fashion came pouring out.
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“Tiger Woods stood there, clinging to his caddie, Steve Williams, as he struggled to regain his composure after tapping in for par and successfully defending his title at the 135th Open Championship. His shoulders shook as he sobbed in his wife Elin’s arms.
Given the death of Woods’ father Earl, his best friend and mentor, just over two months ago, some emotion was to be expected. What unfolded on the 18th hole at Royal Liverpool Sunday evening, though, was raw, revealing and totally unprecedented.
Even Woods was surprised by his the ferocity of his reaction. “I’ve never done that,” he would say later. “You know me. I guess with all the things that we’re gone through of late, and I guess I am the one who bottles things up a little and moves on, tries to deal with things in my own way.”[vi]
Tiger went on to win the 2006 PGA tournament as well, putting him in 2nd place all-time with 12 major titles. He became the 1st player in history to win two majors in consecutive years. It was the 5th major Woods won by at least 5 shots. He now has won 12 majors by a combined 56 shots (Nicklaus won 18 majors by 44 shots). Woods is now 12-0 when he has at least a share of the 54 hole lead.
But more impressive than all this, to me, is that he found the emotional strength to bounce back after his worst performance which followed his father's death. It took the previously mentioned "finger of God" to intercede, but through marriage and his father's death it appears Tiger has finally found the emotional maturity to make him worthy of the title he seems destined to achieve -golf's all-time greatest champion.
[i] Matrix Software Big Rapids, MI. Win-Star 2.0 Professional Astrology Software 1994
[ii] Gary P. Caton Can Tiger Ever Eclipse “the Golden Bear?” NCGR Memberletter Feb/Mar 2004
[iii] Glenn Perry, An Introduction to Astro-Psychology. 1998, The Association for Astrological Psychology:
[iv] Glenn Perry, Psychological Astrology: Theory and Practice. 1998, The Association for Astrological Psychology:
[v] Dane Rudhyar Culture, Crisis, and Creativity as quoted by: Greg Bogart. Rhudyar’s Prophetic Vison see www.dawnmountain.com/Prophetic%20Vision.htm
[vi] http://www.golfweb.com/tournaments/britishopen/story/9568293
Trouble in Paradise: Juno's role in the Tiger Woods scandal
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