DNA Profiling: 40 Years

On Monday, 10th September 1984 at 9:05am Professor Alec Jeffreys (born 9th January 1950) developed the technique of genetic fingerprinting in the Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester. Now known as DNA Profiling, his groundbreaking discovery has revolutionised our lives.

When Genetic Fingerprinting - so-called because like fingerprints, our DNA is unique to each of us - was discovered, the Sun was in Virgo, the sign of analysis, scrutiny and precision, barely two hours after a Full Moon in Pisces. This sign symbolises unlimited possibilities and things we cannot touch or see. This includes the microscopic world. Things which exist at the molecular level, atoms, particles, etc.

The Full Moon aspect is squared by Mars thus forming a configuration called a T-Square. In astrology the Sun represents the father and the Moon represents the mother - the very people who pass on their DNA to us via conception. The Moon rules bodily fluids and Mars rules blood. Until the potential of DNA was fully realised, blood groups were the only way to attempt proof of paternity.

The Moon was in a very positive trine aspect to the Midheaven indicating that this would influence the public in a very positive way. You'll know what that means if, like me, you have sent your DNA to a genealogy website and discovered ancestors and living relatives you never knew you had. 

Mercury was at the very beginning of Virgo and in a T-Square to the Nodal Axis, as well as in a trine aspect to Jupiter and a sextile to Pluto. This position of Mercury indicates that a very positive medical breakthrough was taking place on that day. Mercury was also in a hidden trine aspect to Neptune indicating that this would be connected to the microscopic world..

The Ascendant was in Libra with the chart ruler Venus also in Libra conjunct the actual degree. It also formed a sextile to Uranus. Venus and Libra symbolise how we connect to others - the basic principle of DNA profiling - and in a positive sextile aspect to Uranus, the planet of innovation. 

The DNA Profiling discovery chart

Mars is conjunct Uranus in the DNA chart and this planetary combination has a very positive side as pioneering, scientific breakthroughs often take place when Mars and Uranus line up. This is because they both symbolise innovation, technology, discovery, new beginnings and looking to the future. They are the planets of initiative, enterprise and radical new concepts. What happened on 10th September 1984 was the epitome of that Mars Uranus definition. 

Neptune conjunct a World Point (0° Cap) Neptune rules particles, atoms, molecules, the pieces of something that make up the whole. This includes DNA. Being on a World Point indicates something very important in connection to what has often been referred to as 'inner space' which, until the invention of the microscope (c.1590) had remained hidden and mysterious. 

ALEC JEFFREYS

A DNA 'barcode'

In the year of Alec Jeffreys' momentous discovery, Uranus in his Annual Degree Projection chart was conjunct a World Point at 0° Capricorn forming an opposition aspect to his natal Uranus. This planetary influence tends to bring an urgent feeling of needing to make something out of your life and I wouldn't be surprised if this is what spurred him on in his quest. The Uranus opposition is often a peak time in a person's life - reaching a pinnacle in their career and elevating their status. When Uranus conjuncts a World Point it highlights creativity and genius through your career which manifests on the world stage. In turn, this brings success, recognition, popularity, or even cult status. It is a particularly beneficial influence for science and technology.

With his Solar Arc Nodal Axis beginning to form a square aspect to his natal Pluto, the year 1984 was always going to be a pivotal one for Alec Jeffreys. The Nodes represent the past and the future while Pluto rules genetics. This is exactly what his discovery achieved - it brought the basic essence of life itself from its origins and propelled it into the future.

In the year 1984, Alec Jeffreys' Solar Arc Uranus began to form an opposition aspect to his natal Jupiter. Uranus is the planet of revelations, as well as revolutionary discoveries and inventions. Jupiter symbolises exploration, new information, and exposing the truth. Together, they awakened Professor Jeffreys to a whole new level of reality. 

DNA Profiling is a forensic technique used in criminal investigations. It is also used in paternity testing,and in genealogical and medical research, as well as in the study of animals and plants. DNA Profiling has been of benefit to us all in so many fascinating ways. It has changed our perception of life itself and the world is so much better for it. In my opinion, it is a miracle of modern science.