Doctor Who - 60 Years

The first episode of British sci-fi drama series 'Doctor Who' was broadcast on Saturday 23rd November 1963 at 5:15pm by the BBC in London. An instant hit with the viewers, it quickly became a national institution which ran for 26 series before being cancelled in 1989. Then, like the Timelord himself, the drama was resurrected on 26th March 2005, becoming more popular than ever. 

When Doctor Who began, the Sun had just moved into the 'travel and adventure' sign of Sagittarius, and indeed, this is highly appropriate, as the Doctor's adventures include travelling over vast distances (very Sagittarian) both in time and space. Sagittarius also symbolises people from faraway places, and of course, the Doctor is an alien from another planet whose enemies are also aliens. This Sagittarian influence is further enhanced by the fact that this sign contains more planets than any other in the Doctor Who chart. 

The Doctor Who Moon is in the sign of Aquarius - perfect for a futuristic drama! Aquarius represents everything scientific and electronic, and the Doctor's exploits are positively saturated in scientific data and electronic devices. In many ways, the Doctor is actually a scientist. However, Aquarius is also the sign of humanitarianism and philanthropy, and this too is a major theme of each episode. The Doctor is one of life's 'good guys', he literally wants to save the Universe. This Moon sign brings logical thinking, combined with a powerful imagination, and prophetic insight. 

The Doctor Who Ascendant in Gemini is very intriguing. Gemini is a Dual Sign, and so many things connected to the Timelord symbolise this theme of duality. The Doctor himself has two hearts, and he never acts alone, always having a partner by his side. Also, the very first episode was actually broadcast twice, due to rescheduling because of the media coverage surrounding the assassination of President Kennedy the previous day. This Ascendant imbues the Timelord with eloquent speech and fast thinking. In fact, the Doctor is a lightning-quick communicator who often talks his way out of danger! 

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There are several mysteries associated with the Doctor. Why is he called 'Doctor', for example? Maybe to make people trust him. One of his key phrases when he rushes to help someone in danger is "I'm the doctor" which immediately puts people at their ease. Incidentally, this phrase is often followed by a question from the other person "Doctor who?" - hence the title of the show - to which the Doctor maintains a dignified silence, or replies "Just the Doctor". But, astrologically, it's interesting to see that most of the planets are situated in sector six of the chart - the sector which rules 'medical practitioners'. One of these planets is Mercury in the sign of Sagittarius. So, this character is knowledgeable, insightful, scientific, and will go to great lengths to save humanity. 

Another conundrum is the regeneration process which takes place when the current actor in the role of The Doctor decides to leave. This is how the regeneration idea came about - a way of guaranteeing the show's continuation even if the main actor is no longer there. The Bond movies also use the same technique. However, could there be more to it? With so much emphasis in the chart being placed in Sagittarius, is it possible that the Doctor is symbolic of a religious saviour? Could the regeneration process he goes through be symbolic of immortality - he is over 900 years old but never dies. Or could it represent reincarnation? Interestingly, the Moon, Saturn and Midheaven of the Doctor Who chart are all situated in sector eight - recycling, regenerating, transforming, rising like a phoenix, resurrection.. 

A really interesting area of the Doctor Who chart involves a conjunction between Saturn and the Midheaven, making Saturn the most elevated planet in the chart. Saturn is the planet which rules old age and time - and is often referred to as 'The Lord of Time'.- Timelord. People with a strongly placed Saturn in their charts often study science, mathematics and history - three subjects in which the Doctor excels. Also, Saturn rules people who have titles. So, instead of their surname being preceded by Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, they will have Lord, Lady, Sir, President, Professor...... or Doctor. One other curious thing: Saturn represents authority - and what guise does the TARDIS take - a Police Box. 

There are so many interesting statistics associated with Doctor Who. For example, three of the actors portraying the Timelord have been born under the sign of Aries - Peter Davison, David Tennant, and the current doctor, Peter Capaldi. Fascinatingly, eight of the 13 actors who have played the role of  the Doctor have had the names of saints - Patrick, Thomas, Peter (twice) Paul, Christopher, David, and Matthew. One third of the actors have had first names beginning with the letter 'P'. 

Now,, this ground-breaking sci-fi drama just goes from strength to strength. Long may it continue. Happy 60th Birthday, to Britain's favourite philosopher, visionary and hero - Doctor Who!