Even while astrology would never be allowed in court, approaching it from this angle—as a potentially useful and fascinating look into a person’s personality—would still be quite intriguing. This is a rather unpleasant murder story, though they’re all grim in their own way. However, this particular case gained worldwide attention because the victim was pregnant. It might be interesting to delve into this with a bit of astrological analysis. Astrology, even though we all love it, wouldn’t be admissible in any real investigation due to its symbolic nature. So, this is just for interest only.

Accused of killing his wife and their unborn child, Scott Peterson is the defendant in this case. When he returned from fishing, he told the police he had just filed a report that his wife was missing. Scott had obtained a $250,000 life insurance policy for his wife, but despite being the prime suspect, the police were unable to make an arrest because they lacked sufficient evidence. Four months later, his wife’s body and his unborn son washed up on the coast, bringing the tragic conclusion that justice must be pursued.

In the courtroom, the prosecution is presenting their case, aiming to convince the jury that the defendant’s Scorpio Sun sign played a role in their alleged criminal activities. The prosecution contended that the defendant’s actions aligned with the characteristics commonly attributed to Scorpio individuals. They argued that the defendant had exhibited behavior consistent with the pursuit of power and control in their personal and professional life, which was evident through their actions leading up to the alleged crime. Furthermore, the prosecutor claimed that the defendant’s tendency to keep secrets and maintain a mysterious persona made them a prime suspect in the case.

Prosecution: The Scorpio Sun indicates a desire for power and control, as well as the presence of a hidden agenda and a penchant for a shadowy, mysterious lifestyle.

Defense: Objection! One’s Sun sign alone in astrology is being used as evidence of a dominant personality, yet this is obviously not the case. We might as well put one-twelfth of the world’s population before this judge and find them all guilty of murder if we solely use this evidence to proceed with criminal proceedings.

The defense vehemently objected to the prosecution’s use of one factor in the astrological chart. They argued that basing character judgment and guilt solely on someone’s sun sign was completely unreliable and prejudiced. The lawyer emphasized their fear that accepting this approach would set a troubling precedent. A vast swathe of the population could be wrongly implicated in crimes based solely on their birthdate and its corresponding astrological sign.

Prosecution: My journey into understanding the Sun is far from over, and what you’re witnessing is just scratching the surface! It seems that Pluto is truly in control for this Sun sign, , exerting its influence from the 10th house with authority. Mr. Peterson’s horoscope is predicting a power-hungry individual who’s willing to go to Pluto and back to achieve their goals. Watch out, world! He’s not one to wilt under pressure, and he’s got a firm grip on the reins. What you witness is someone on what could be a power trip, someone who will stop at nothing to advance in their career.

Defense: Having a desire for authority in one’s work life is not sufficient proof that a man committed murder. As Pluto is in the 10th house, we can deduce that Scott is currently experiencing abuse at the hands of the the legal system (Pluto in Libra) and that his reputation is being sullied in court; we can only hope that this does not continue for the duration of the case. Scott is in this same room being falsely accused of a murder he did not commit by the police and other individuals who are trying to use their power against him.

I think it’s safe to say that this man loves his wife very much. Unfortunately, the authorities seem to be playing a bit too rough, trying to pin a murder on him that he didn’t commit. Scott’s got a front row seat to a real-life Plutonian drama where he’s the star suspect and everyone else is vying for the role of the prosecutor. Oh, just another day in the cutthroat world of ambition, I suppose. Well, I guess we can’t just throw someone in jail for having a type-A personality. This man knows how to keep his priorities straight – his wife comes first, always.

Prosecution: Jupiter in materialistic and self-serving Capricorn, on the cusp of the 2nd house (finances), squares Pluto in the 10th house. Looks like this guy’s astrological chart is screaming “money, money, money!” He’s probably more interested in his bank account than his love life. His desire for fortune and notoriety is also signaled by a cardinal t-square in his horoscope, suggesting that he is highly ambitious. James Braha, an astrologer widely regarded as the world’s foremost authority on planetary aspects, is willing to vouch for the accuracy of these statements.

James Braha, you are an astrologer and a teacher. You also have a deep familiarity with astrological analysis and plenty of practical experience. Please elaborate on this for me. In your opinion, how might Jupiter and Pluto interact with one another?

James Braha: It’s possible that he lacks humility and self-reflection and is ardent and dogmatic in his views of what is right and wrong. Well, let’s just say he’s not exactly a poster child for modesty and open-mindedness

Defense: Objection! This is not only untrue, but it also damages my client’s standing in the community. Is he not being judged once again? Ah, the prosecution, the self-proclaimed moral compass of the courtroom, accusing without evidence. How quaint.

Judge: Prosecution is allowed to continue questioning their expert.

Prosecution: The combination of Jupiter and Pluto has me curious as to your thoughts on the matter.

James Braha: They seem to have a “my way or the highway” mentality when it comes to considering other perspectives. 

Prosecution: Oh, yes. These folks do seem to have a firm grip on their beliefs, don’t they?

Defense: Everyone can think of times when something was misused. This Jupiter-Pluto combination also occurs in the charts of Christopher Reeves and Jane Fonda. Jane aspired to make a positive impact on society by working for social reform. After going through everything he did, Christopher Reeves decided to become a research advocate. This demonstrates that the individuals in question are unwavering in their convictions. Well, not all of them are judgy McJudgersons. 

Prosecution: Continue on, James

James Braha: This individual’s financial and emotional fortunes will swing wildly. He has made it his mission in life to acquire all of the world’s wealth. He has unwavering faith in himself, and this will undoubtedly lead to obscene success and money.

Prosecution: Numerous multimillionaires and those who often deal with huge sums of money have Jupiter aspected by Pluto in their birth charts.

Defense: The prosecution has twisted these astrological aspects to suit its own purposes. Pluto, on its own, is a very power-hungry planet, and this is why we all place such importance on particular matters. There is no other planet but Pluto that can exert influence over death, decay, criminal activity, and the underworld. Pluto’s location in a person’s horoscope isn’t necessarily indicative of evil, and astrological signs and symbols can have multiple meanings depending on who you ask. Our client unquestionably works very hard. He has a high school diploma and is committed to his career and his obligations.

On two separate instances, MVP has acknowledged him as a golfing great. After falling in love with Laci, he immediately started working with her in a business venture. Pluto’s 10th house placement in sociable Libra indicates a fruitful professional connection. In 2000, the couple made the decision to sell their company. Even though he “shared” a business with his wife and still had dreams of going into business for himself, he had an ambitious Jupiter-Pluto square. The nature of his work required him to handle large sums of cash.

Prosecution: The prosecution has successfully presented its client as an upstanding citizen. However, the farther we go into his “business,” the clearer it becomes that Jupiter is in fall in Capricorn, indicating a high risk of financial loss. His plot to murder his wife and pocket the insurance money backfired, and now he stands here on murder charges.

Defense: That’s the silliest thing somebody could ever say. Jupiter in Capricorn can be overly cautious since he worries about losing his social standing if he takes any chances. Killing his wife would be a very risky move.

Prosecution: Though you are correct, there is a facet of his personality that you are overlooking. Imagine the cunning and underhanded means this Scorpion would employ to achieve his goal of victory. Mars conjunct Uranus in the eleventh house is indicative of a determined and self-reliant individual. Mr. Peterson is erratic and defies the norms of family and community. Instead, he chooses to follow his own set of rules. Before continuing to portray this individual as a law-abiding, hard-working member of the community, please consider the preceding facts when reviewing his chart.

Defense:  Earlier in the case it was stated that golf, like team sports, offers participants the chance to compete while still having a good time. Mars in the eleventh house indicates he enjoys participating in a wide variety of sporting activities. Talk to Sue Tompkins, an astrologer with over 30 years of experience and author of Aspects in Astrology: A Guide to Understanding Planetary Relationships in the Horoscope. What does it mean when Mars and Uranus are in the 11th house together, according to Sue?

Sue Tompkins: Typically, it’s used to describe someone who actively promotes change and development. Exciting situations bring out the best in them. Amazingly creative, and a must-have connection for any emergency requiring swift response. In addition to being resourceful, Mars-Uranus is a powerful combination for defending social justice causes.

Prosecution: This is just one example of how this aspect manifests itself, though. Scott Peterson, whose natal chart features Mars conjunct Uranus, needs to work very hard to become more disciplined, responsible, and steady, as relayed to us by one of our trusted interpreters, James Braha. Perhaps his temper is easily fanned. Getting married at a young age isn’t a good idea for him. He is determined and direct in his interactions with others. Sue, what are your thoughts? To what extent do you agree with these assertions?

Sue Tompkins: Yes, a nervous system that is extremely on edge. His physical vitality is sporadic.

Prosecution: How about that short fuse?

Sue Tompkins: He prefers the fast lane and lives for the thrill of it all. A volatile disposition.

Prosecution: To break the law and believe he might get away with murder would be reckless and dangerous.

Defense: Just because he has trouble keeping his energy contained due to his Mars-Uranus conjunction does not give him license to murder his wife. You’ve come up with the stupidest possible explanation, and he channeled his enthusiasm into activities outside of work as well. His social interactions revealed his originality and creativity. As a whole, Mars is is not a social or well behaved planet by itself. To what extent could we all engage in murder?

Recess: Let’s go stretch our legs and give our brains a break!