The Astrology Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: The 5th House in Astrology, Part 2: Ruler of the Ascendant
Host: Chris Brennan
Guest: Leisa Schaim
Air Date: October 29, 2025

Overview

This episode, the second of an in-depth three-part series on the Fifth House, focuses on the symbolism and lived experiences when the ruler of the Ascendant is placed in the Fifth House. Host Chris Brennan and guest Leisa Schaim bring chart examples from notable public figures to enliven and complicate our understanding of Fifth House topics: children, pleasure, sex and sexuality, creativity, good fortune, and the nuances and subtopics that emerge in real charts and lives.

The episode is rich in chart analysis, historical examples, and contemporary figures, illustrating archetypal significations and surprising resonances (and inversions) related to children, creativity, sexuality, fun and games, comedy, writers and artists, and more.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction & Fifth House Themes [00:00–06:29]
2. Children and the Fifth House [06:29–43:46]
3. Sex and Sexuality [43:53–84:09]
4. Games & Sports [84:11–101:37]
5. Comedians & Comedy [109:59–146:25]
6. Actors & Acting [159:55–201:53]
7. Famous Directors [201:55–215:33]
8. Musicians, Singers, & Entertainers [215:33–241:32]
9. Writers, Artists & Creatives [241:32–285:42]
10. Conclusion & Reflections [285:42–End]

1. Introduction & Fifth House Themes [00:00–06:29]

• Chris and Leisa launch Part 2, focusing on the ruler of the Ascendant in the Fifth House, building on last episode’s deep dive into Fifth House meanings.
• Research was collaborative and involved over 100 example charts; this episode shares “about half.”
• The ruler of the Ascendant in a house shows, “something about the native’s overall life direction... major areas of life or topics the life is directed towards.” (Chris, [02:43])
• Fifth House core topics to be explored:
  • Children
  • Pleasure and Enjoyment
  • Sex and Sexuality
  • Creativity
  • Good Fortune

“The Ascendant and the first house was called the helm... [the ruler] is the captain of your life’s ship. If the Ascendant ruler is in a specific house, it is directing you toward those topics.” —Chris ([02:52])

2. Children and the Fifth House [06:29–43:46]

Judy Blume (Children’s author) [06:29–10:19]

• Libra rising, Venus (Ascendant ruler) in Aquarius in the 5th, with Mercury, Jupiter, Sun: classic example of children’s focus.
• Wrote prolifically for children/young adults, including taboo themes like “masturbation, menstruation, teen sex, birth control and death”—sex/sexuality topics also overlap.
• Began making up stories for her own children for fun (“pleasure and enjoyment” as well).

“She was taking young people seriously... talking about topics that actually came up in their lives, at an age appropriate level.” —Leisa ([08:55])

Walt Disney (Not ruler of Ascendant, but strong stellium) [10:57–14:29]

• Virgo rising, stellium of Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars in Capricorn 5th
• Disney as archetypal creator for children and family pleasure, via film and theme parks.
• Creativity and “fun” also especially highlighted.

Jill Biden (Education, children—stepkids) [15:20–17:38]

• Sagittarius rising, Ascendant ruler Jupiter in Aries 5th
• PhD in educational leadership, lifelong educator
• Became stepmother to Joe Biden’s children (combining 5th and 7th house topics). Continued teaching while First Lady.

Thomas Beatie (Trans pregnancy) [17:55–21:46]

• Libra rising, Venus (Ascendant ruler) retrograde in Aquarius 5th, with Sun, Mercury, Jupiter (stellium)
• Notoriety as “the pregnant man;” focus on transgender fertility, reproductive rights
• Legal proceedings connected: mutual reception between the 5th (Mercury in Aquarius) and 9th (Saturn in Gemini), overlap of children and the law.

Child-Free Experiences (Saturn in/aspecting 5th) [24:21–28:22]

• Example: Michelle Oberdorf—Pisces rising, Jupiter in Cancer in 5th, squared by Saturn in Aries.
• Chose to be childfree, wrote an honors thesis: “Why Do Some Women Choose to Neither Bear Nor Raise Children?”
• Saturn’s ability to negate or invert fifth house topics (“focus on a certain area, but... restricting or negating it” —Leisa [27:13]).

High Number of Children (Jupiter in 5th) [29:10–35:18]

• Elon Musk: Cancer rising, Jupiter in Scorpio 5th (ruled by Mars in 8th); up to 13 children, personal philosophy about civilizational collapse and procreation.
• Mia Farrow: Many biological and adopted children, cross-cultural adoption (ruler of home in 9th; Moon in 9th).
• Nick Cannon: Gemini rising, Saturn, Sun, Moon, Pluto in Leo 5th; 12 children, career as comedian and TV host (“creativity and children overlap”).

Paternity & Family Complications [35:24–41:54]

• Gwen Stefani: Capricorn rising, Saturn (Asc ruler) in Taurus 5th; song lyric about wanting to be a mom; partner had an unexpected teenage daughter, early tension (nodes moving over 5H Saturn; eclipses in 5H).
• Stefani’s children with dual citizenship – ruler of 5th in 9th.

“When the ruler of the 5th is in the 7th... the topic of children is imported into the person’s life through getting into a relationship with somebody else.” —Chris ([16:45])

3. Sex and Sexuality [43:53–84:09]

Wilt Chamberlain (Sexual prolificacy) [45:49–47:53]

• Taurus rising, Venus (Asc ruler) in Virgo 5th, with Neptune, Mercury
• “Claimed to have had sex with 20,000 women.”
• Prominence of sex (but not children—he did not intend to father children).

Christine Gebbe (HIV/AIDS policy) [48:37–53:37]

• Pisces rising, Jupiter (Asc ruler) exalted in Cancer 5th, with Sun (night chart)
• U.S. “AIDS czar”; frank about sexuality, promoted safe sex education, increased funding for research.
• High-level position = exalted ruler.

Sexual Orientation, Sex-positive Prose [55:05–68:53]

• Nathan Lane: Cancer rising, Moon in Scorpio 5th. Actor who came out as gay after The Birdcage; family and social reactions (Moon in Scorpio, familial difficulty with coming out).
• Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick: Cancer rising, Moon in Scorpio 5th, with Venus-Jupiter in Pisces in 9th. Academic/critical theorist, foundational figure for queer studies/queer theory (Ruler of 5th in 3rd).
• Barbara Wilson: Gemini rising, Mercury in Libra in 5th (with Neptune, Venus, Sun). Pioneer in lesbian mystery novels; also published work by others (Seal Press).
• William S. Burroughs: Aquarius rising, Saturn in Gemini 5th (with Moon, Pluto); beat writer, explored gay themes.

Explicit Sexuality in Media [69:56–74:03]

• Larry Flynt: Gemini rising, Mercury (Asc ruler) in Libra 5th (with Neptune); founder of Hustler magazine—direct, explicit sexuality in publishing.

Sex Work/Patronage [74:24–78:42]

• Marie Laurent: Scorpio rising, Mars in Pisces 5th (with South Node, IC, Neptune); famous courtesan and muse; social hub/salon for artists; theme of sex, creativity, and patronage.

Challenging Manifestations (Negativity, Crime) [78:42–84:09]

• Ted Bundy: Leo rising, Sun (Asc ruler) in Sagittarius 5th (with South Node, Mars, Moon); sexuality and criminal violence (Sun/Mars conjunction; ruler of 5th (Jupiter) in 4th, secrecy).
• Demonstrates Fifth House focus has a full spectrum—positive, neutral, and dark.

4. Games & Sports [84:11–101:37]

• The Fifth House traditional meaning of “games” expands to hobbies, leisure, and, when the Ascendant ruler is here, “hobbies become life’s work.”
• Elevation of “fun” to profession: “They have no desire to do anything but this one fun thing.” —Leisa ([91:07])

Iconic Examples:

• Garry Kasparov: Sagittarius rising, Jupiter in Aries 5th. World chess champion—game raised to life’s direction. Mars (ruler of 5H) in 9th: travel, international contests.
• Tiger Woods: Virgo rising, Mercury in Capricorn 5th (with Sun); golf as life’s focus. Ruler of 5H Saturn in 12th in mutual reception with Sun—major crisis (scandal) later in life.
• Danica Patrick: Libra rising, Venus in Aquarius 5th (mutual reception with Saturn exalted in 1st); professional racecar driver.
• Phil Ivey (not Asc ruler, but Venus exalted in 5th): Noted as “the best poker player in the world”—theme of good fortune/chance.

Non-Human Example:

• Secretariat (Racing horse): Exalted sun, Mercury, Venus in Aries 5th. Fifth House themes apply to racehorse’s success, and prolific offspring—timing activations during major horse races.

5. Comedians & Comedy [109:59–146:25]

• Numerous comedians with the Ascendant ruler in the Fifth House.
• Fifth House = pleasure, laughter, and merriment (Venusian significations: “Venus is associated with merriment and with laughter.” —Chris [110:52])

Key Examples:

• Lucille Ball: Capricorn rising, Saturn (Asc ruler) in Taurus 5th (with Mars, Fortune, North Node); iconic comedic actress (“I Love Lucy”); physical comedy, self-deprecating humor, and physical injuries (Mars/Saturn).

• Drew Carey: Scorpio rising, Mars in Pisces 5th; stand-up, then host of comedy and game shows—shows overlap of fun, games, and comedy.

• Janine Garofalo: Aries rising, Mars in Leo 5th (with Venus)—stand-up, TV, and asexual identity; Mars opposed by Saturn; focus on sex by its absence.

• Amy Poehler: Aquarius rising, Saturn in Gemini 5th; sketch and improv comic (“SNL”, Golden Globes).

• Johnny Knoxville: Capricorn rising, Saturn in Taurus 5th (night chart). Created “Jackass”—comedy involving physical pain (inflicted on self).

• Tom Green: Cancer rising, Moon in Scorpio 5th (with Jupiter); physical/shock comedy; public battle with cancer (Moon ruling 1st, in 5th).

• Kevin Hart: Virgo rising, Saturn in Virgo 1st (ruling 5th); self-deprecating comedy, focus on height, public discussion of scandal during Saturn transit in 5th.

• Dick Gregory: Aries rising, Mars in Leo 5th; pioneering Black comedian, also civil rights activism. Also had 11 children.

• Joe Rogan: Taurus rising, Venus retro in Virgo 5th (with Pluto, Uranus); stand-up, TV host, then world’s most successful podcaster—elevated comedians via podcasting.

• Nikki Glaser: Taurus rising, Mercury (ruler of 5th) in 1st, Mercury opposite Mars—stand-up and legendary roast comic; self-focused, but also “biting.”

• Theme observed: Malefic planets or first house connections often lead to self-deprecating humor or humor marked by suffering, sharpness, or “playing the butt of your own jokes.”

6. Actors & Acting [159:55–201:53]

Child and Adult Acting

• Shirley Temple: Sagittarius rising, Jupiter in Aries 5th (with Mercury, Venus, Uranus); iconic child star; later, U.S. ambassador—both 5th house topics (children, “emissaries”).
• Jake Gyllenhaal: Leo rising, Sun (Asc ruler) in Sagittarius 5th, with Venus, Mercury, Neptune. Early inspiration from sister; received acclaim for “Brokeback Mountain”—themes of love and sexuality.
• Margot Robbie: Cancer rising, Moon in Scorpio 5th (with IC, Pluto, Fortune); star and producer behind “Barbie”—a film based on a children’s toy, plus personal fifth house themes (children, performance).
• Timothée Chalamet: Virgo rising, Mercury in Capricorn 5th (with Mars, Sun, Neptune, Uranus, etc.); actor with strong drive for greatness (“I want to be one of the greats.” —Timothée [177:43]), ambition (Mars exalted).

Later Stardom & Challenges

• Ian McKellen: Sagittarius rising, Jupiter in Aries 5th (conjunct IC, with Saturn); stardom later in life (Saturnian timing), LGBTQ+ activism.
• James Dean: Aries rising, Mars in Leo 5th (retrograde). Iconic “Rebel Without a Cause;” died young in car crash—combining dramatic acting and dangerous pleasures/hobbies.

Family of Origin & Nepotism

• Tracee Ellis Ross: Taurus rising, Venus in Virgo 5th (night chart), squaring Saturn; actress, child-free by choice, daughter of Diana Ross.
• Tori Spelling: Aquarius rising, Saturn in Gemini 5th (with Venus, IC); cast by her father Aaron Spelling in “90210”—famous case of “nepotism.”

Will Smith (Two Possible Timings)

• Gemini or Cancer rising—either way, ruler of Ascendant in Fifth House.
• Strong family focus, acted with his children (notably Jaden Smith); public scandal related to family behavior.
• Won Oscar for playing Serena/Venus Williams' father (“King Richard”), intertwining Fifth House themes of children, acting, and family.

7. Famous Directors [201:55–215:33]

• Fifth House as “house of creatives.” Directors as exemplars of creative life direction.
• Steven Spielberg: Cancer rising, Moon in Scorpio 5th (with Venus, Jupiter conjunction). Films center on childlike wonder, family, and parental themes; benefics color chart positively.
• Rob Reiner: Scorpio rising, Mars in Pisces 5th (with Sun, Mercury); famous for “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally”—romance, fairy tale, and intergenerational stories.
• Kathryn Bigelow: Sagittarius rising, Jupiter in Aries 5th; first woman to win Oscar for Best Director. Focus on action, war (“Point Break,” “The Hurt Locker”), fits Jupiter in Aries archetype of bold achievement.

8. Musicians, Singers, & Entertainers [215:33–241:32]

• Musicians and especially performers often have strong Fifth House signatures, especially with the Ascendant ruler there.

Mega-Stars & Performers

• Beyoncé: Aries rising, Mars in Leo 5th (with North Node). Iconic performer, creator of alter-ego Sasha Fierce (Mars in Leo “theatricality”).
• Bette Midler: Aries rising, Mars in Leo 5th; wide-ranging performer; roots as “Bathhouse Betty.”
• Dolly Parton: Virgo rising, Mercury in Capricorn 5th (with Venus, Sun); career in country music, philanthropist (children’s literacy program). Unable to have kids herself, but “all children could be her children.”
• Tina Turner: Leo rising, Sun, Mercury, Venus in Sagittarius 5th; music career, resilience; kept her performing name post-divorce (fifth house preservation).

Other Examples

• Jim Morrison: Capricorn rising, Saturn in Gemini 5th (with Mars, Uranus): wild lifestyle, sex, performance, but may have been infertile.
• The Weeknd: Cancer rising, Moon in Scorpio 5th (conjunct Pluto); prolific musician, boundary-pushing content.
• Steve Albini: Taurus rising, Venus in Virgo 5th (conjunct Pluto, Fortune); music producer, focused on authentic sound over commercialism, “producing engineer.”

9. Writers, Artists & Creatives [241:32–285:42]

• The Fifth House, especially with the Ascendant ruler, is a major significator of writers, poets, and artists.

Poetry, Playwriting, & Literary Output

• Carol Ann Duffy: Virgo rising, Mercury, Sun, Venus in Capricorn 5th (poet laureate, first openly lesbian UK laureate).
• Tennessee Williams: Capricorn rising, Saturn in Taurus 5th (with Venus, IC, North Node); iconic American playwright, focus on desire vs. constraint (Venus-Saturn), family conflicts.
• William S. Burroughs: Aquarius rising, Saturn in Gemini 5th (with Moon, IC); Beat writer, explicit sexuality, “cut-up” technique, mutual reception gives transgressive edge.

Artists and Visual Creatives

• Yoko Ono: Libra rising, Venus in Aquarius 5th (with Saturn, Sun); avant-garde, performance artist. “Cut Piece” and peace activism with John Lennon.
• Charles Bukowski: Taurus rising, Venus in Virgo 5th (with Saturn, Moon). Writer of “dirty realism,” themes of poverty and grit, advocacy of authentic creativity (“don’t try”).
• Frida Kahlo (Honorary mention): Sun in Cancer 12th, Jupiter (ruler of 5th) exalted in 12th conjoined Sun. Renowned for self-portraits expressing pain and creativity.

Fifth House as Path to Joy, Societal Transformation

• Audre Lorde: Libra rising, Venus in Aquarius 5th (with Saturn, Sun); powerfully reframed “the erotic” as creative, empowering, and societal force.

  “I speak of [the erotic] as an assertion of the life force ... that creative energy empowered ...” —Audre Lorde ([273:49])

• bell hooks: Gemini rising, Mercury in Libra 5th (with Sun, Saturn, Venus, Neptune). Prolific author focused on love as power for societal change, love as central to community.

10. Conclusion & Reflections [285:42–End]

• The potential of the Fifth House is vast: “No two charts are the same, although sometimes they rhyme.” —Leisa ([287:05])
• Core themes—children, good fortune, pleasure, sex, creativity—express in infinitely diverse forms.
• Examples highlighted how planetary pairs in the Fifth can create striking “rhymes” or contrasts.
• Next episode will focus on “ruler of the fifth in each of the twelve houses.”
• Listeners are thanked for their patience as research and life circumstances delayed release.

“When you start looking at [the Fifth House] in the charts of people, you realize all the different possible individual manifestations ... can actually get quite complex and quite detailed once you really get into it.” —Chris ([287:05])

End of Summary