Meriwether Lewis (August 18, 1774 – October 11, 1809)

Wondering if Lewis was a reincarnation of Pierre Radisson, I started to do my due diligence of Lewis’ life, or, more accurately, his death. Now I wish I hadn’t, because it’s so sad. He may have committed suicide.

This natal chart was already on my computer program. As his birth time is unknown, the clock has been set for 12 noon, local time. Yet, the timing allows us to see that the Sun/Mercury/Midheaven conjunction @ 25° Leo is inconjunct to Pluto @23° Capricorn. Hmm.

Sun Inconjunct Pluto

There will be many changes in your life, and you will be affected by deep psychological forces that may be difficult to understand at times, as well as confusing to the people around you. You approach people with great intensity, and your emotional involvements are seldom casual. Either you like people very much or you dislike them intensely. Possibly your attitudes on other matters will be extreme also. One of the most important lessons that you will have to learn is to be more moderate.

Planets in Youth (page 94) by Robert Hand (1977)

Mercury Inconjunct Pluto

On another level, this aspect can mean that at certain times in your life you will go through tremendous psychological changes. All your thoughts and opinions will change completely. These stages may seem difficult, but you will be much better off if you let go of the past and welcome new ideas.

Ibid (page 172)

Pluto Inconjunct Midheaven

Another problem that can arise if you are not treated properly is that you may withdraw into yourself and become very secretive, as though you have something to hide even when you don’t. This can make people distrust you.

Ibid (page 357)

Is that any clearer?

His Suicide?

Evidently, a gunshot was heard just before dawn on the day of Lewis’ death. He died a couple of hours later, but the moment can be seen for what it is, a cry for help: Mars inconjunct Midheaven, and Pluto inconjunct Ascendant. A potent combination.

Comparing the two charts shows a fatal element to his story: Pluto was transiting his natal South Node, Venus was transiting his natal North Node. There may be some truth to the idea that he was having some difficulty with his love life after the Discovery Expedition. The fatal Sun/Ascendant conjunction is inconjunct to his natal Jupiter. Is it enough to shoot himself? I guess you’d have to be there to know, for sure.