“There is nothing impossible to him who will but try.”–Alexander
Many military historians consider Alexander the Great to be history’s finest field commander. Like Caesar multiple birthdays are attributed to him. I believe the correct one to be July 1, 357 B.C.*
I favor this date for a number of reasons. Alexander was probably an extrovert. That is shown by the social aspect of Jupiter conjunction Venus in Leo. It would also have given the native a love of adventure buttressed further by the 5th House placement of his Cancer Sun. Aquarius rises. His Mars in Virgo is very well-aspected.** It is a key to the nativity.
Other reasons I believe this DOB is the correct one are these: Alexander liked to read and loved music. He studied with Aristotle for three years and developed a love of medicine and botany. (National Geographic: Encyclopedic Entry, “Alexander the Great”) This would be clearly shown by the placement of the Moon in Virgo bound together with Neptune.
Alexander inherited a well-trained army with able generals from his father, Phillip II. Phillip was no slouch in the military arts. Indeed, he increased the effectiveness of his infantry by having the men carry an extra-long spear called the sarissa with an iron tip. It was 18-22 feet long and could puncture heavy armor and impale cavalry horses. (History, “How Alexander the Great Conquered the Persian Empire,” David Roos, updated August 23, 2023)
The Battle of Gaugamela
Alexander conquered the Persian Empire by defeating King Darius III at the battles of Issus and Gaugamela. At Issus he captured Darius’ family and married one of his daughters. He was kind and chivalrous to the family. [Moon/Neptune, Jupiter/Venus]
The Battle of Gaugamela (October 1, 331 B.C.) was particularly decisive and is illustrative of Alexander’s tactics. The battlefield was wide and flat. It played to Darius’ great numerical advantage. Alexander countered by having his army advance with the flanks folded back. He ordered the line to march to the right. Darius believed he would be outflanked. He attacked with 5,000 cavalrymen. Alexander checked this by sending in a force of 1,500. They were to hold the position. Darius’ men were not making progress. He sent in another 10,000 mounted men. A gap was created. Before Darius could start a frontal assault, Alexander charged through. Darius fled. Alexander may have killed his chariot driver. (Ibid)
Two Battle Maps of his Most Decisive Engagement
As a general Alexander “showed unusual versatility both in the combination of different arms and in adapting his tactics to the challenge of enemies who commanded novel forms of warfare—the Skaka nomads, the Indian hill tribes, or Porus with his elephants.” (Britannica, “Alexander the Great: King of Macedonia,” by Frank W. Walbank, updated July 10, 2024) He exploited every opportunity given to him in battle. He used his cavalry to relentlessly pursue his foes.
At its height Alexander’s empire included the eastern Mediterranean, Egypt, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. He spread Greek culture throughout. Alexander became ill after a banquet and died at the age of 33.
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*This date is used by Alan Leo, the famous Victorian Astrologer, in his A Thousand and One Notable Nativities and was number 437. It was taken from Lyndholt 112.
** A grand trine with Saturn- an ability to work with large groups and to endure hardship and Uranus- quick but correct responses, physical strength. A conjunction with Jupiter would have added courage and daring.