The Ascendant in the Natal Chart of Marie Curie

Marie Sklowdowska-Curie’s serious, competent and controlled Capricorn Ascendant ‘aura’ was at odds with the raw, brazen ,unfiltered, brave energy of  Neptune in Aries that she carried with her from her roots (4th house) . Neptune causes us to become idealistic and at times to lose our boundaries. Although typically  in a dreamy sense, with Neptune in Aries in the 4th  we can imagine Marie Curie learning of the patriotic uprisings her family was so loyally a part of and that patriotic fire burning deep within her soul too.  Neither of these points would have meshed seemlessly  with the ingeniously supportive and caring energy brought about by Marie Curie’s Uranus in Cancer in the 7th house. At one point we can see this angle in action in Marie Sklodowska’s life when Pierre Curie initially proposed marriage to her (Uranus in Cancer in the 7th) .  Marie Sklodowska’s serious, and capable nature (Capricorn Ascendant) was so focused on returning to her homeland to teach there(Neptune in Aries in the 4th) that she did not initially accept the proposal. She did not accept Pierre Curie’s proposal for marriage until she knew she could not return to Poland to teach in her chosen field because she was a woman.  In Uranian or Midpoint astrology a square or opposition is sometimes regarded as positive in that the tension it brings will force some kind of action. However in general, tense aspects like oppositions and squares represent obstacles and conflicts that we must overcome. Therefore even if these aspects force a positive outcome they are not generally looked upon as ‘enjoyable’ configurations (unless the benefic planets are involved).  However, it can be the discomfort from those tense aspects that push us to overcome and achieve great things as well.