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8 Women Who Changed the Course of History – Special for March 8th International Women's Day



International Women’s Day, or International Working Women’s Day, is celebrated every year on March 8th and is recognized by the United Nations as an international day.


In honor of this special day, we will be analyzing the birth charts of 8 women who changed the course of history. As we examine these charts, we will take a journey through history and explore their lives.


Let’s explore the astrological charts of 8 remarkable women, each of whom made a name for themselves in world history with their courage, talent, and accomplishments in their respective fields.


As you read through their charts, if you find pieces of yourself reflected in certain points, please feel free to share with me…


Florence Nightingale



Born: May 12, 1820 – Died: August 13, 1910

Florence Nightingale was an English social reformer, statistician, and nurse. She is considered the founder of modern nursing. During the Crimean War, she stood out as the supervisor of trained nurses who provided care for wounded soldiers. She brought immense respect to the nursing profession and became an icon in Victorian culture. Due to her unwavering care for soldiers at all hours of the day and night, she was referred to as the “Lady with the Lamp.”

In her chart, Virgo rises. Virgo’s nature is strongly associated with themes of service and caregiving. The ruler of her rising sign, Mercury, is located in the 8th house in Aries. The 8th house deals with surgery, crises, transformation, and the experience of saving lives. Mercury forms a trine with Uranus in the 4th house, and Uranus’ out-of-sign conjunction with Neptune indicates her dedication to caregiving and her role in profound transformations.

The square between Uranus and Pluto suggests someone who does not conform to societal norms, preferring to live by her own rules while experiencing intense changes and transformations.




The conjunction of her North Node with Chiron shows that her mission in life is to heal wounds and that she carries a healing energy as her reason for being in this world. Pluto’s presence in the same area indicates her ability to connect with large groups of people and her sensitivity to the psychology and needs of others.


Her chart is dominated by the earth element, with no air element. This suggests that she is oriented toward meeting material needs like caregiving and protection. The lack of air might indicate difficulties in communication and self-expression, leading her to express herself through acts of service.


Her Sun and Moon are conjunct in Taurus, but both are in conjunction with malefic stars. The Sun is conjunct Capulus, and the Moon is conjunct Algol. These two stars may have contributed to her intense focus, ability to take direct action, and capacity to delve deep into matters.

The dispositor of her Sun and Moon is Venus, which is in a strong position. Venus is in Cancer in the 10th house, a prominent angular house, in her own triplicity, and in an oriental position relative to the Sun. Venus in Cancer perfectly symbolizes the role of a nurse. It signifies joy and passion in themes like caregiving, protection, and belonging.


Marie Curie


Born: November 7, 1867 – Died: July 4, 1934

Marie Curie, born Maria Salomea Skłodowska, was a Polish-born chemist and physicist who later became a French citizen. She won Nobel Prizes in two different fields for her work on radioactivity. Her experiments with uranium led to the discovery of radioactivity. She discovered the radioactive properties of thorium and isolated the element radium. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first scientist to win two Nobel Prizes in different disciplines. She is also considered the founder of the science of radiology.

In her chart, the Scorpio stellium is immediately striking. The opposition between the Sun and Pluto is also quite prominent. This 180-degree opposition can be interpreted as the two planets being in a relationship of tension and contrast. As someone who studied Molecular Biology and Genetics, I can’t say I’m surprised to see Pluto in the 4th house in Scorpio. Scorpio’s depth, intuition, transformative nature, and connection to alchemy are clearly expressed here.




For someone to achieve all this success, they would need immense discipline, perseverance, and ambition, which is exactly what we see in her Capricorn rising. The ruler of her ascendant, Saturn, is in a strong position. Venus in Scorpio, caught between two malefics, might indicate that she struggled to fully express her femininity, self-worth, or passion.


The Grand Water Trine formed by the Sun, Moon, and Uranus suggests that her achievements flowed with relative ease. Uranus, the planet associated with inventors, innovation, and breakthroughs, occupies a prominent position in her chart. Uranus is in an angular house, receives support from both the Sun and Moon, aspects the ascendant, and is conjunct the star Sirius. These factors greatly contributed to her becoming Marie Curie.


Amelia Earhart




Born: July 24, 1897 – Disappeared: July 2, 1937Declared dead: June 20, 1938

Amelia Earhart was an American aviator and author. She was the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Born in Kansas, USA, Earhart worked as a nurse in military hospitals during World War I. After the war, she became fascinated by the technological advances in aviation. In 1928, she gained fame as the first woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean as a passenger.

In her chart, conjunctions stand out. The stellium in Gemini and the dominance of air elements indicate her intellectual curiosity and futuristic drive. The ruler of her ascendant, Venus, is also in Gemini, revealing her passion for curiosity and exploration. The conjunction with Pluto signifies her willingness to take risks, and the presence of the Moon in this conjunction suggests she was instinctively drawn to adventure.





The Sun’s placement in a prominent angular house, in its own sign of Leo, indicates a noble and confident nature. However, the conjunction with the South Node warns that her desires and ambitions may lead to her downfall. The 4th house, often associated with death, reinforces this. Despite this, the conjunction also suggests that she enjoyed engaging in adventures.


The conjunction of Jupiter and Mars in the 5th house speaks of her intense passions and her adventurous spirit. However, Jupiter is in detriment in Virgo and conjunct Mars, a malefic planet, which may have contributed to internal tensions and struggles, particularly with staying grounded.


When it comes to aviation, Uranus is the planet to watch. In her chart, Uranus is in Scorpio, conjunct Saturn. This conjunction may have contributed to her pioneering role in aviation, combining Uranus’ innovative energy with Saturn’s structured discipline. Scorpio, with its themes of sacrifice and risk, suggests that she may have been willing to face great losses or even death for her pursuits. The quincunx aspect between this conjunction and the Gemini stellium indicates that she may have struggled to balance practicality with her need for innovation and exploration.



Indira Gandhi



Indira Gandhi was the first female Prime Minister of India, saving her country from fragmentation during its most challenging times. However, in 1984, she was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguard. Gandhi was the only female Prime Minister in India’s history and remains the second-longest-serving Prime Minister in the country’s history.

In her chart, Leo rises, and Gandhi was born with Saturn in Leo. Saturn in Leo often brings a dictatorial air to one’s personality. It’s worth noting that Hitler also had Saturn in Leo. Saturn in Leo symbolizes a desire for recognition and power, a drive to stand out. However, this placement often requires integration of principles of cooperation, humanitarianism, and sacrifice, traits associated with the water element. The ruler of her ascendant, the Sun, is in Scorpio, introducing the water element into her chart. Uranus in Aquarius, opposite her Sun, suggests a unique understanding of freedom, social goals, and humanitarian approaches. It points to her reformist nature, as evidenced by her nationalization of major banks and insurance companies and her abolition of Maharaja privileges.




Gandhi learned governance from her father and inherited his political legacy. After completing her university education, she returned to India to assist her father in his political career, serving as his advisor and learning the trade of politics. The placement of the Sun in the 4th house emphasizes this connection to her father and her political inheritance. Additionally, the opposition between Mercury and Jupiter, along with their mutual reception, highlights the importance of these two planets’ themes in her life.


Themes of communication, publishing, politics, governance, and leadership can be seen in this mutual reception. This opposition also forms a T-square with Mars in Taurus, showing that whenever she worked to organize, improve, or serve, she faced resistance and enemies. Her failed policies, like her son Sanjay’s “People’s Car” initiative and the forced sterilization campaign, forced her into early elections in 1977.


The ruler of her MC, Venus, is conjunct the fixed star Vega in the 10th house, while the benefic planet Jupiter is conjunct Aldebaran. Vega often grants a magical charm and turns its natives into excellent speakers, and in Gandhi’s case, it symbolized her charismatic dictatorial leadership. Aldebaran demands integrity and honesty, and as long as these principles are upheld, it grants great success.


Agatha Christie



Full Name: Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller Christie MallowanBorn: September 15, 1890 – Died: January 12, 1976

Agatha Christie was an English writer, known as one of the most important figures in detective literature and the creator of the famous fictional detective Hercule Poirot. She also wrote romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott but became famous primarily for her 80 detective novels and the plays performed on West End stages.

In her chart, Virgo rises, and Gemini is on the MC, both ruled by Mercury. Mercury is in Libra in the 2nd house, dignified in its triplicity and oriental to the Sun. This strong Mercury position speaks to her talent as a writer. The placement of Saturn in Virgo in the 1st house also plays an important role in her success as a writer.




There is a mutual reception between Mercury and Saturn by exaltation and rulership, further strengthening her abilities. Saturn governs her personality and outward appearance, significantly influencing her priorities and character.


“If you think of secrecy, which planet comes to mind?” The answer is Saturn. Saturn's association with hidden things and precision, combined with Virgo’s meticulous nature, explains why Christie wrote detective novels.


Venus in Scorpio in the 3rd house (the house of writing and communication) is another important factor to note. The exact trine between the MC and the Moon, as well as Neptune in Gemini in the 10th house, reveals her deep, mysterious, and imaginative inner world.


One fascinating incident in Christie’s life is her 11-day disappearance. When she was found, her car was discovered near a lake, crashed into a tree, with her luggage scattered on the ground. Christie reappeared after some time but never offered an explanation for what had happened. Many believe it was a staged scenario meant to resemble an accident.


The 10th house represents our public status, and the conjunction of Neptune and Pluto in her chart may explain such an incident. The Grand Air Trine in her chart shows that she gained recognition (Jupiter) and financial success (2nd, 6th, and 10th houses) through her intelligence and writing.



Madre Teresa



Birth Name: Agnes Gonxha BojaxhiuBorn: August 26, 1910, Skopje – Died: September 5, 1997, Kolkata

Mother Teresa was an Albanian Catholic nun who devoted her life to helping the poor, sick, and dying. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic congregation that now operates in over 450 locations around the world, with 4,000 nuns. In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian efforts.

In her natal chart, Sagittarius is rising, a sign associated with faith and belief systems. The ruler of Sagittarius, Jupiter, is conjunct her Midheaven (MC), which shows that her career and public image would be shaped by her religious beliefs. This is a powerful placement, as it indicates that her devotion to her faith was a central part of her life and work. The square aspect between Jupiter and Neptune suggests that this dedication required great personal sacrifice and struggle. Neptune’s opposition to Uranus indicates that her service to humanity would awaken and inspire others.




When we think of nuns, Virgo often comes to mind, as Virgo is associated with purity, service, and devotion. Mother Teresa’s Sun is in Virgo, placed in the 8th house (or the 9th house using whole sign houses). This placement emphasizes themes of spirituality, mysticism, and transformation.


One interesting placement in her chart is Venus in Leo in the 8th house, which in modern astrology is associated with sexuality. However, in this case, Venus in the 8th house represents a deep commitment to transformation, and her need for leadership and authority in spiritual matters. This placement suggests that she found joy and fulfillment in leading others through transformative experiences.


In traditional astrology, the 5th house is more closely related to pleasure and children than the 8th house, which is often associated with trauma and darkness. In Teresa’s 5th house, we find the Moon exalted in Taurus, conjunct the North Node. This indicates that while she may have had desires for pleasure and material comfort, she sublimated these desires and transformed them into a mission of service. The exalted Moon shows that she was deeply connected to the needs of others and found emotional fulfillment in serving those in need.


Coco Chanel




Born: August 19, 1883, Saumur, France – Died: January 10, 1971, Paris, France

Gabrielle “Coco” Bonheur Chanel was a French fashion designer and the founder of the Chanel brand. She is the only fashion designer to have been featured on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. Beyond revolutionizing women’s fashion, Chanel also designed the uniforms for the Turkish military in the 1930s, commissioned by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Chanel’s natal chart has Sagittarius rising, with its ruler, Jupiter, placed in the 7th house of partnerships, in Cancer, where Jupiter is exalted. This strong placement indicates her motivation to care for others and meet societal needs. It also shows her strong sense of purpose in her work, which contributed to her success.





Her relationships, however, may have been turbulent, as Mars is placed in Gemini in the 7th house, potentially indicating challenges in romantic or business partnerships.


Chanel’s Sun and Venus are conjunct in Leo, which explains her prominence in the fashion world. Her desire to create beauty and elegance is emphasized by these placements, particularly since both planets are placed in the 9th house, emphasizing her global influence. Her Mercury, which rules her Midheaven (MC), is dignified in Virgo, representing her meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills.


The opposition between Mercury and the Moon in Pisces across the 3rd and 9th house axis may indicate that her success came from her ability to combine creativity and imagination with practical skill. The Moon in Pisces allowed her to dream up beautiful designs, while Mercury in Virgo allowed her to bring those designs to life.


With Uranus conjunct her MC, Chanel’s career was revolutionary and avant-garde. She introduced new concepts in fashion that were ahead of her time, and her influence is still felt in the fashion world today. Mars squaring Uranus from the 6th house indicates that her career may have been marked by conflict and competition, particularly with regards to her work environment.


Margaret Thatcher



Born: October 13, 1925, Grantham, Lincolnshire – Died: April 8, 2013, London

Margaret Thatcher was a British politician who served as the United Kingdom’s first female Prime Minister. She played a critical role during the Cold War and became known as the "Iron Lady" for her radical right-wing policies and unwavering leadership.

In her natal chart, she has the Sun in Libra, but her personality does not reflect the typical characteristics of Libra. However, when we look at the other significant indicators in her chart, we can see that Libra was present in her life in a very different way.

Her ascendant is in Scorpio, with its ruler, Mars, placed in Libra, in detriment, and in a square aspect with Pluto. This combination makes her a Plutonian leader, driven by transformation and power. Additionally, she was born with Saturn in Scorpio, which may explain her "Iron Lady" persona and her rigid, authoritative leadership style.




Libra is traditionally associated with cooperation, balance, and harmony. However, Thatcher, while a political figure, was not seen as diplomatic or harmonious. Instead, she embodied a more combative and confrontational aspect of Libra, driven by the placement of Mars in Libra.


Mars in Libra represents opposition and the drive to challenge others. This is reinforced by the fact that the 11th house, associated with politics and groups, is traditionally ruled by Libra, further emphasizing her combative nature. Her Moon in Leo, conjunct Neptune, shows that she had strong instincts and an inner connection to a higher source of inspiration. This placement also suggests that she believed the country needed her leadership to succeed.


Thatcher’s T-square involving Jupiter and Pluto is a powerful aspect. Jupiter is exactly opposite Pluto, with both planets forming a square to her Sun and Mars. This aspect indicates the immense tension and energy she had to harness in order to lead and make tough decisions. The Sun-Pluto square in particular shows that she was constantly navigating powerful forces of transformation, both personally and in the political realm.


“Every woman is special.”

In this article, I have focused on 8 women who left their mark on history in honor of International Women’s Day. Each of these women had a profound impact on the world through their careers, contributions, and talents. I have attempted to share their experiences through the lens of astrology, using the impartial and comprehensive view that astrology offers.


There may be much more that could be said, but one common theme across their charts is the influence of generational planets and fixed stars. Perhaps this is why their names have endured through the years.

Have you found pieces of your own life in their stories? I look forward to hearing your thoughts and reflections.


With awareness,

Kenan Yasin Bölükbaşı



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