The astrology of the Barbie movie

I was a Barbie doll kid. My favorite was my Princess Aurora Barbie that I spilled Sprite all over. Her hair was never quite the same after that. She was probably my weird Barbie but she was well loved. I don't know where she is now (probably stuck in my basement) but I still love her.

I grew up watching the Barbie movies (Princess and the Pauper, Fairytopia, Mermaidia, the whole nine) so of course I went to see the Barbie movie that's out right now. Heads up: It was hilarious. I'd see it again. In fact, I think I want it on DVD. If you don't plan on watching it, here's a brief summary (DO NOT read if you plan on watching the movie! You will NOT want to be spoiled):

SPOILER ALERT * TL;DR of the Barbie Movie * SPOILER ALERT *

Barbie is depressed and has cellulite so she and Ken go into the real world to figure out what's going on. There, Ken discovers the patriarchy and thinks it's about horses so he and the other Ken have to Dragon Ball Z their frustration out. Cowboy hats are involved. Barbie's owner (?) Gloria saves the day and restores Barbie Land. Go Gloria!

It's a very sweet (and absolutely hilarious) movie. You should watch it!

So, as my homage to Barbie, I thought it would be fun to look into the charts of Barbie, the new Barbie movie, and the Barbie doll creator, Ruth Handler.

Top left: Barbie Launch. Top Right: Ruth Handler's chart. Bottom left: Barbie movie premier (July 9th). Bottom Right: Barbie movie debut. All times are at noon.

Ruth Handler's (top left) birth chart is very interesting. Barbie was unveiled during a Mars opposition, a Uranus opposition, a Venus opposition (by sign), all with the nodes square (by sign) her natal nodes. Chiron is also inconjunct her natal Chiron. So Ruth obviously handles "hard" aspects with ease. One thing I find interesting is that Mercury and Saturn are square in her natal chart and in the Barbie doll's birth chart. Venus lets up just enough during that transit that her natal Venus-Uranus sesquisquare is channeled during the Venus-Uranus trine of the Barbie doll's debut. Ruth's vision, indicated by her Mercury, Jupiter, and Neptune aspects, gave way to one of the most popular dolls on the market.

Something that I think is interesting is the predominance of Aries in the chart for the Barbie doll's official launch (top right) allowing girls and women to be whoever they wanted to be. With a Sun and Moon in Pisces (as the Moon would still be in Pisces by the end of the day), it empowers people to dream up new versions of themselves, and use their imaginations for all that they could be. This could also be attributed to Mercury being inconjunct Neptune. The minor grand trine / talent triangle between Uranus in Leo, Mars in Gemini, and the south node in Aries is something to consider as well. Barbie has always been able to adapt and adjust to the times (Uranus in Leo), very forthcoming in that (Mars in Gemini), and willing to shed what once was for something new (south node in Aries). So I think it's no coincidence that the Barbie move would take place when the nodes enter the signs of it's natal chart - starting it's nodal reversal.

Now, the actual charts for the Barbie movie I had some trouble with - mainly because I did not know whether to use the July 9th premier date (bottom left) or the July 21 date (bottom right), which was when the movie was released in theaters. Venus remains in the sign of Leo in both charts, and is also square Uranus. Uranus, planet of invention, seems to play a big role in all of the above charts. This could be attributed to it's widespread success. Venus is also the focal point of a yod between Pluto in Capricorn and Neptune in Pisces. It's breaking down ideas of femininity, patriarchy, and exploring themes that some are, frankly, uncomfortable with in a lighthearted and fun way. I think it's interesting that Venus, as the planet of women and love, is in Leo, a sign of self empowerment and royalty. Taking back what it means to be a woman, in whatever form that may be, and also what it means to be human, is explored in the movie. It's a sign of standing up, loud and proud, and saying, "I'm here!!" It's reclaiming yourself, and what you deserve.

Overall, whether you loved or hated the Barbie movie, I think we can agree on one thing: It was very pink, and very funny. (And I loved it.) Here are some of my favorite quotes from the movie: