The Astrology Behind Your Favorite 'Tiger King' Characters
Diving into the birth charts of Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin
It's impossible to go anywhere online without being inundated with references to the Netflix breakout hit show "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness." The docuseries, which centers around an eccentric group of well-known players in the big cat breeding world, has so many twists and turns that it's almost hard to keep up at times. And no matter whose side you're on in the end, it's hard to deny that the truth presented in this series is truly stranger than fiction.
While the story itself is compelling on its own, it's the people featured in the seven-part series that leave the longest-lasting impression on viewers. From their obsessions with big cats to their feuds to their over-the-top antics, the subjects of this true crime documentary seem to be in a league entirely of their own. Let's take a look at the birth charts of the two people at the center of "Tiger King" so we can examine how their Astrology matches up to what we see on the small screen...
Astrology of Joe Exotic
Born March 5, 1962 in Garden City, KS (birth time unknown)
Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage (formerly Schreibvogel) is more commonly known as Joe Exotic and was the former owner and operator of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma. He originally rose to fame with his wild antics that were featured on his JoeExoticTV daily broadcast.
Joe Exotic is a Pisces Sun (as well as having a Pisces Jupiter), which seemed to surprise some of the viewers. But with his Jupiterian, fantasy-like view of the "kingdom" he had built for himself -- he literally sat atop a throne in one of the scenes -- you can definitely see his Pisces placements shine through at times.
Joe's Sun is opposite his Pluto in Virgo, pointing to the fanatical tendencies and self-destructive behaviors that played out in his life. People with this aspect in their charts often have a sense of personal destiny or mission, which is indicated in Joe's dogged determination to bring big cats (and himself) to the masses. However, this aspect can also manifest as a strong ego. In fact, someone with this aspect in their natal chart can end up in crisis mode if they don't feel they are getting the respect or admiration they deserve, which is seen as his story plays out.
With his Venus placed in Aquarius, it's not surprising that Joe cultivated unconventional relationships with rather unconventional partners throughout his life. His natal Venus is quincunx his Uranus in Virgo, giving him an unpredictable nature that made him seem exciting and charismatic to those who encountered him over the years. However, this aspect also signifies the difficulty he had finding and sustaining love, which is evidenced through the demise of some of his closest relationships.
Additionally, Joe's Mars is in Leo, making him proud and ambitious and wanting to be recognized for who and what he was. This placement could also be interpreted as taking great action (Mars) to help big cats (Leo) in a way that would help him stand out from the crowd. With his Mars opposite his Venus, you can see the pull between what he loves (his zoo) and how he goes about fighting for it (Mars) as his story progresses.
Astrology of Carole Baskin
Born June 6, 1961 in San Antonio, TX (birth time unknown)
Carole Baskin is the owner of the Big Cat Rescue, a popular sanctuary in Tampa, Florida that boasts a whopping 2.4 million followers on Facebook. Despite this notoriety, what she is perhaps more well-known for now is being Joe Exotic's nemesis in the Netflix series.
Carole is a Gemini Sun, and many were quick to point out how her duplicitous nature -- she was as caring as much as she was cunning -- was apropos for someone with this placement. Her Sun is sextile her Uranus in Leo, helping her radiate a sort of electrical excitement about the things she is most passionate about. In fact, it's this kind of energy that may have inspired her millions of followers to help her fight for her cause.
Like Joe, Carole's Mars is in Leo. Her Mars is conjunct her Uranus, making her dynamic and self-willed and giving her incredible drive and energy. When she wants something, she wants it NOW. Even though she claims this is not the case for her, having this aspect in her chart is the marker of someone who feeds off the recognition and fame that come their way.
Carole's Mercury is Cancer, and this is most evident in the gentle and almost deliberately soft-spoken way she speaks. But with her Mercury being sextile her Pluto in Virgo, there is a much more penetrating depth than her surface demeanor lets on. Someone with this placement doesn't shy away from the truth, no matter how unpleasant. This is shown in her pursuit of the truth about those she deemed to be harmful toward animals. She continued to ferret out the truth about Joe Exotic, despite how contentious he became toward her.
Beyond the 'Tiger King' series
Regardless of whose side you were on by the end of the docuseries, it's clear that everyone's stories are still unfolding. With both Joe and Carole both having their Mars (warrior energy) being in Leo (a need for fame), they will most likely fight with all their might to be the leader of the pack for years to come.
You can view Joe Exotic's birth chart here and Carole Baskin's birth chart here. We'd love to hear what YOU see in their birth charts, so head over to our Facebook page to let us know your thoughts.
