Astrological Musings

Astrological Musings

More on the death of David Carradine

posted by Lynn Hayes | 6:46am Saturday June 6, 2009

by Lynn Hayes

Read the original article here.  You read it here first: When I put up the post on Thursday afternoon about Carradine’s death, speculating that the likely cause of Carradine’s death was autoerotic asphyxiation, a Google search turned up no other articles on this topic.  Now the details of Carradine’s tragic death have come out and there is no doubt that this was indeed the cause of his death. 
When there is a fascination with the dark side of sexuality, we usually find a strong Pluto component to the chart.  Pluto is the planet of death, rebirth and transformation, but it also has to do with intensity and compulsion and a fascination with the dark side of life.  Carradine had a nearly exact opposition of Pluto to Venus in his birthchart, linking that compulsive nature (Pluto) to his relationships and patterns of relating to others. Venus/Pluto combinations can be problematic for relationships, and Carradine was married five times.  
While Venus/Pluto combinations are nearly always difficult to some degree, they do NOT manifest the same way for everyone.  The variables in human behavior makes astrology a less-than-exact science, and there are plenty of people with these combinations who go on to lead a healthy and happy life.  I myself have Venus in Scorpio square Pluto, as I told someone in the comments section, and I have never been at all interested in this kind of darkness.  It’s always easier to go back and demonstrate correspondences between the chart and behavior than to predict exactly how a planetary system will operate.  So if your loved one has this in their chart, do NOT worry that they will die in a closet in Bangkok.  
We don’t know the exact position of the Moon because we don’t know Carradine’s time of birth, but it was definitely in range to form a challenging square to both Venus and Pluto which would have exacerbated this challenge and enhance the desire for intensity in his private life.  
The husband of a friend of mine was going through a difficult Pluto transit and she started finding links to BDSM websites on the computer, something she had never seen before.  When the Pluto transit was over, so was the bizarre web history.  Carradine wasn’t having a Pluto transit when all of this was happening, but transiting Mars (desire and aggression) began a challenging square to the Moon/Venus/Pluto combination in his chart beginning around May 22 that would have stimulated a powerful sexual desire and more urgent need for release.  
We have already seen that Carradine had a challenging system in his chart that likely caused depression and a damaged sense of self.  (Visit my earlier article for more details on this and the transit of Saturn at the time of death.)  Evidently Carradine had considered suicide at various times in his life, and although this does not appear to be a case of intentional suicide there is certainly an element of tempting one’s fate in this kind of practice.
We don’t see any of the usual signatures in a death chart here; not the most obvious presence of Pluto, god of death; not Jupiter, often found in death charts where there is a liberation from a difficult life; not Uranus, found in charts where death is of a shocking nature.  Unlike some astrologers who enjoy testing their predictive skills, I believe that the events of our life are not set in stone and therefore cannot be predicted.  I think it’s likely that some deaths are truly accidental and were not part of the life path of the individual and that is very likely the case here.  
For the local story from Bangkok read Antonio’s missive in the comments section.


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Southeast0027

posted June 6, 2009 at 9:55 am


When Pluto was in Leo, first Nuclear Weapon was used. When Pluto was in Virgo, Virgins and Feminine raised the slogan of Woman libration and eqality. When Pluto was in Libra, intensity in Love spread. When Pluto was in Scorpio in its own sign, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Intense Sexuality spread.
When Pluto was in Sagittarius, Scorpio Sun Signs became monopolistic. Microsoft of Bill Gates [Scorpio Sun Sign] expanded at massive scale. Even the issues of perfect competition in the market were raised. European Union had to ask Bill Gates several times. In India Bombay/Mumbai Film Industry [Bollywood] saw the rise in Fame of Pathan/Pashtun/Afghan Actor Shah Rukh Khan [Scorpio Sun Sign]. Now, Pluto in Capricorn is showing fall in popularity and Power of Microsoft, Bill Gates and Shah Rukh Khan. Microsoft, Bill Gates and Shah Rukh Khan are coming into their normal senses. In Indian Premier Cricket League, the Knight Rider Team, owned by Shah Rukh Khan is not performing well. Monopoly of Bill Gates, Microsoft and Shah Ruh Khan is diminishing.
Scorpio Sun Signs/Rising Signs have misused the powers of Pluto transit in Scorpio and Pluto Transit in Sagittarius.
Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer are known as Muslim Signs [Self Issues].
Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio are known as Christian Signs [Relationship Issues].
Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces are known as Jewish signs [Universal Issues].
We have seen Pluto performance in Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio. Side Effects of Pluto transit in these aforementioned signs are being potrayed during Pluto Transit in Sagittarius and Capricorn.



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Neith

posted June 6, 2009 at 10:26 am


Good catch, Lynn! I agree about his natal Venus-Pluto opposition making him prone to explore the more extreme edges of sexual expression.
Another thought: if orgasms are a “small death”, it does make sense for someone with a powerful Venus-Pluto natal aspect to flirt with death via autoerotic asphyxiation.



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mls

posted June 6, 2009 at 12:41 pm


Good post Lynn, Did you checked Hyleg for time of death, i mean what do you think on this?



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John

posted June 6, 2009 at 1:59 pm


In Thailand, I know some foreigner can accidently insult, defame, cross a line, or miss paying respect to place, someone or things. Such as this case “the spirit of Chao Mae Tubtim” which is penis shrine. David Carradine may have walked and stumbled to the place in the dark alley, and on his way he may caused someone mad and had an argument there. And bring the problem back in the hotel. Since the hotel is based on this believe “the spirit of Chao Mae Tubtim” may caused him harmed by the curse of the spiritual shrine, or the hotel crew (or crews).
Myth note: “Nai Lert” is an ordinary Thai name, and it’s lamed to most Thais; and why it is attached to a 5 stars international hotel name such as this “Swissotel Nai Lert Park hotel”
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showbiz/article-23704306-details/Uma+Thurman+mourns+for+Kill+Bill+star+David+Carradine/article.do
In Thailand, I know some foreigner can accidently insult, defame, cross a line, or miss paying respect to place, someone or things. Such as this case “the spirit of Chao Mae Tubtim” which is penis shrine. David Carradine may have walked and stumbled to the place in the dark alley, and on his way he may caused someone mad and had an argument there. And bring the problem back in the hotel. Since the hotel is based on this believe “the spirit of Chao Mae Tubtim” may caused him harmed by the curse of the spiritual shrine, or the hotel crew (or crews).
Myth note: “Nai Lert” is an ordinary Thai name, and it’s lamed to most Thais; and why it is attached to a 5 stars international hotel name such as this “Swissotel Nai Lert Park hotel”



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Antonio Pinheda

posted June 6, 2009 at 3:32 pm


I am a blogger on the scene in Bangkok at the hotel where Carradine died and am blogging about this on http://magickpapers.com/blog
ICON OF AN AMERICAN FILM DYNASTY
BY ANTONIO PINEDA
The announcer for the BBC breaks the story on TV. David Carradine was found dead in the Swiss Hotel on Soi Nailert. The film star was found in the closet of his room bound by curtain rope around his neck, and the inference is that his genitals were bound as well. The news ran through the Bangkok film colony like a forest fire.
I consult investigative journalist David Walker. He is also a screenwriter and author of the cult classic book, Hello My Big Big Honey. Walker is at the hotel. He has already led a CBS crew to legendary film producer-director David Winters penthouse office. Winters is a dear friend of Carradine from their glory days in Hollywood. Walker wants to see the surveilance tapes. No chance Bagger Vance. Dr. Pornthip, a colorful Thai forensic scientist is on the scene at the hotel. Walker says Pornthip, who is famous for sporting many hued punk hair styles and is a bit of a celebrity,delares the case to be death by auto sexual strangulation.
I roll up to Winters penthouse office. He is devastated by the tragic loss of a dear friend. He has not slept. CBS and People Magazine have already come by to solicit intelligence. David is shocked by the tawdry inferrences. He has spoken to 3 of Carradines agents. The agents declare that Carradine was on the roll of a lifetime. Quentin Tarantino redefined the 72 year old actor in Kill Bill. Carradine recieved a Golden Globe nomination for his work with Tarantino. The actor of the classic cult TV series Kung Fu had starred in 13 motion pictures since Kill Bill. His salary was in the stratosphere.
The strange circumstances of the verdict by auto- sexual strangulation trouble Winters. It takes two to tango. Why indeed would a man of his talent take his own life alone. Bangkok is known as a city with love for sale. Film people come here to shoot and avail themselves of the pleasures to be found in the gilded city of sin. Kinky sex is no big deal. Could this be a coverup for a sex robbery murder. The Royal Thai Police have shut the door on this case all too quickly. The tourist industry has been severely damaged by the recession and political instability. The murder of a famous film star would be a final nail in the coffin of the tourism industry. Winters says that Carradine, son of John , iconic members of an American cinema dynasty were above the fray. David Carradine was according to Winters a consumate gentleman, a brilliant actor, and a man for all seasons.
I run into local film producer Tom Waller at a reception hosted by the Italian Embassy. Tom does not believe in the verdict of death by auto-sexual strangulation. He concludes that it was a sex robbery gone wrong, and that to cover the motives the body had been arranged to fit the profile of death by auto- sexual strangulation, a theory once confined to the genre of novels classified as psychological thrillers. The denizens of the film colony in Bangkok are incredulous at the grisly circumstances of the sad demise of this brilliant talent.
The reception is attended by beaucoup des artistes and cineastes. Film critic Nick Palevski and I schmooze at the bar. Between glasses of vino rosso and spumante Nick expresses his distaste for the tawdy belching of the media and press. He is the critic for Auteur, a web site devoted to film criticism. He can not believe the shabby and sensational manner in which this case is being exploited.
In no way is this story meant to impugn the reputation of the Royal Thai Police, their meritorious service is well known. Nor is it meant to slander the bereaved Carradine family. The American Embassy has issued a statement wishing the family the best in this tragic moment, embassy staff have no other conclusion re this case except the finding of the body. Aristotelian logic might conclude that something is rotten in Denmark. Western countries would conduct a far more sophisticated investigation.
The epilogue is delivered by my dear friend in Santa Monica Martin Zweiback. He is a writer- producer director with 50 years of credits in Hollywood. Martin scrpted the original Kung Fu series and is a close friend of David Carradine. Martin is a gentleman of class and distinction. He often graces the Bangkok film colony with his presence. It is fitting that a cineaste of his stature have the final word in this affair. I recieved this e mail from Martin, and with all due respect to this fine bloke it is represented here below as a final testament to this sordid affair.
Antonio, my friend,
Sorry I’ve been neglectful about keeping in touch of late.
Thinking about Carradine this day, I recall when writing the Kung Fu show, how often his image inspired the words, and how much depth he brought to them. They sometimes had to pour him onto the set but he never read a line wrong. He was a gifted and underrated actor. I saw him at a screening of Kill Bill not too long ago. He seemed vibrant and clearly excited by the “second chance” Tarantino’s film had given him. Suicide in the middle of shooting a movie at this point in his life just doesn’t compute — but it does remind us to count our Blessings, Gifts, and Challenges — and be careful what we wish for.
With All Good Thoughts,
Martin
more to follow on http://magickpaperrs.com/blog



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Your Name

posted June 6, 2009 at 5:41 pm


As a friend of David’s since 1974, I instantly thought autoerotic sex, as he would not hang himself, and was in very good spirits a few month ago, when I last saw him. David and I spoke of the girls we met back in 1974, where we were staying on the movie “Bound for Glory”. Just so you know and can speak the truth, he was a great guy,a good friend,and the world is now a lessor place without him.. You’ll be missed Dav,
Frank Morehead



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mmagnolia

posted June 6, 2009 at 10:09 pm


MercBouquets, Mr. Morhead!
Our *Peace* needed to know!
All ways, thanks–Ms. Hayes!
Yes….being missed, Grasshopper!



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shawn

posted June 6, 2009 at 10:24 pm


What about the time of death? It is accurate?



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Marie

posted June 6, 2009 at 11:14 pm


Lynn, “Venus/Pluto combinations can be problematic for relationships…” ! Are there any positive aspects to this opposition? Of course, I know that it is just one aspect on a chart, but if my significant other has this aspect and now I can’t help but be really concerned now or at least, hyper-vigilant of any non-conventional – i.e. – david carradine/auto-erotic activities.
Please, please Lynn, I know you’re busy but could you elaborate on this??? There are plenty of us novice astrology readers out there who can be easily led astray by such statements. I know you did not mean it as a generalization, but could you perhaps offer a bit more information on how to interpret that placement??
Thanks so much, Marie T.



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Lynn Hayes

posted June 7, 2009 at 7:32 am


John, thanks for the note about the Thai connection. That’s very interesting. And of course now it’s come out that David’s hands were bound behind his back, meaning someone else was definitely involved. Of course it could have been a sex worker assisting in the process.
And Frank, thank you for adding the biographical note. I would be interested in your thoughts on my comments in the last paragraph below.
Shawn, the time of death comes from the Thai police, so who knows. If they know when Carradine was last seen and when he was found early Thursday morning, they can probably make a pretty good estimate.
Marie, Please do NOT concern yourself. I myself have Venus in Scorpio squared by Pluto, and it doesn’t get much nastier than that. I have never been tempted by any weird sexual activities and most people with this placement do not walk on this kind of wild side. Usually I add a big disclaimer to a statement like that, and I will amend the post to reflect this.
A post by Elsa a couple of years ago said “People with Venus opposite Pluto always have their lovers die.” I love Elsa, but this is simply not the case. You can never say that a planetary aspect “always” behaves in any way, and that’s what makes prediction a fool’s game. In my case the Pluto/Venus manifested in my having a tendency to create huge breakup dramas with girlfriends and boyfriends alike, something I am happy to say I grew out of.
David Carradine had not only Pluto opposite Venus, but he also had a very painful Sun/Saturn/Chiron combination that was being pressured by a current transit of Saturn. At the age of 72 it likely took more to get the blood flowing, and perhaps that is why he turned to this kind of behavior.



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Trudy

posted June 7, 2009 at 5:56 pm


I dont feel he killed himself. I think that he was mudered. Maybe some one resented him. We lost a great actor and a heck of a man. I send my regards to his family. Trudy



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Warrior

posted June 7, 2009 at 11:30 pm


I stick with my gut on this: no foul play was involved (as Lynn indicated) and Carradine wanted to go out with a bang. He doesn’t strike me as a stupid man. So I have to believe that he knew what he was getting himself into and was perfectly fine with it.
Sorry to be so blunt. But one thing we’re all entitled to in this world, other than life choices, is the right to leave this planet in the way we wish. Others may not agree with it. But we still have a choice in the matter.
Live happy. Leave happy.



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Warrior

posted June 7, 2009 at 11:31 pm


Apologies. Meant to type “mysterious bang”.



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Rosemary

posted June 8, 2009 at 7:58 am


David did not kill himself–anyone with a thirst for life WOULD NOT take his life by his own hands which by the way were tied behind his back. HELLO!!!!!!!



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Andrea

posted June 8, 2009 at 9:47 am


It’s an embarrassing way to die, in any event. I feel sorry for his family.
What do you make of Clark Rockefeller/Christian Gerhartsreiter, the career con artist on trial in Boston for kidnapping his daughter? His birth date seems to be February 21, 1961 in Bavaria. He looks to me like a case of Pisces run amok.



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Lynn Hayes

posted June 8, 2009 at 3:27 pm


Rosemary, it’s only Carradine’s rep that said his hands were bound. The police have said that the hotel cameras did not pick up anyone coming or going, and said nothing about the hands being bound. I think that’s likely something to protect Carradine’s image and deflect the speculation.



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zilver

posted June 8, 2009 at 5:16 pm


note that mercury was conjunct caput algol – just as it was when mike tyson’s daughter was found strangled



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Warrior

posted June 9, 2009 at 12:23 am


Andrea:
Actually, there are far more embarassing ways to leave the planet. At least Carradine has a legacy behind him, and it is beyond one of a sexual nature.
This is not an embarassing way to die unless others are judgemental, period.



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Your Name

posted June 9, 2009 at 12:25 am


Lynn, could be. But some sexual acts performed on others involve bound hands.



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