Image courtesy of Wikipedia

The Heart of Thích Quảng Đức

When it comes to dying for a cause, this Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk set the standard for others to follow. He set himself on fire to protest the treatment of Buddhists in South Vietnam. He was 67 years old, having been a monk for 60 years.

John F Kennedy’s response when he saw the photograph was “Jesus Christ!”

Is there anything we can learn from this suicide astrologically?

This time is approximate, but I suspect it is close to reality. The combination of Mars, Uranus and the Ascendant in Virgo makes it too close to a ‘lightning strike’ to be ignored. And Pluto in the 1st House makes it spiritually significant.

Notice that the Moon is inconjunct to the combined energies.

Moon Inconjunct Mars

If you have a good relationship with your mother, you will develop self-confidence and the ability to stand up for your rights against any obstacle. You will be courageous, and your strength will inspire others to follow where you lead. You will be independent and able to go your own way, even if others do not choose to follow.

Moon Inconjunct Uranus

You should be encouraged to express your inner feelings and release the tensions that build up within you. In this way you will not be hurt by energies that you aren’t aware of in yourself.

Moon Inconjunct Ascendant

You tend to put your own emotional needs and wants second to whatever you feel has to be done. In other words, you are likely to be more disciplined emotionally than most people.

There is also another inconjunct between Jupiter and Neptune, which implies that the ‘event’ itself was an idealistic act. That point is borne out by the effect that this photograph had on the whole world. Vietnam was on everybody’s lips for the first time.

Here’s the same photograph in colour:

After the monk’s body was cremated. his heart stayed intact. That’s the message, people.