Driving in Astrology
As previously written in my post about nice handwriting indicators— Gemini rules the arms, hands, as well as the bones and muscles running through them. Not only does it rule these body parts, it also indicates how we think and communicate our thoughts. This is due to the fact that Mercury (Gemini and Virgo’s ruling planet) is connected to the brain and nervous system. All of these are interconnected.
Now perhaps you’re wondering why I referenced my handwriting post. How does this relate to driving at all? Well… not only does the 3H/Gemini rule themes surrounding communication and mental processes, it also refers to short distance travel! How? As the opposite sign of Sagittarius, which rules long distance travel and foreign affairs, Gemini is a mutable Air sign that corresponds to changeable movement.
When we learn how to drive, we practice a lot of hand-eye coordination, focus, pacing, and safety rules. There are several factors regarding how well an individual can drive. All of these skills and techniques requires plenty of time and experience on the road, and as scientists say, it improves with “muscle memory.”
Some people do not necessarily have the privilege of formally learning defensive driving or perhaps do not own a car to practice as often, etc. Therefore, these listed placements may rather indicate a person who enjoys driving, has the potential… or is willing and capable of working towards being a good driver:
Aries/Mars rules action and reaction
Gemini/Virgo/Mercury corresponds to the quick analyses made on the road
Uranus/Aquarius rules modern technology such as cars
A combination of Fire, Earth, and Air in the 3H/Gemini placement will show a native who has a very balanced approach to driving. The Fire element allows them to take action when needed, the Air contributes to the thinking processes throughout the act of driving, and the Earth refers to grounded-ness and adherence to safety precautions.
Water on the 3H may either react emotionally, daydream or feel anxious on the road, although this can be overcome! The best qualities of Water in this part of the chart is that these drivers are very intuitive and attuned to the movements and flow of their vehicle. In fact, I’ve seen many Formula One (F1) drivers having Water on this house during my research. But I’d still also like to advise Water placements to either pray beforehand and/or listen to music or something comforting while driving (this is advice coming from a 3H Neptune).
3H - Mars or Mercury Placements
Aries
The native with this placement will have quick-wit when it comes to making decisions on the road
While learning about defensive driving, they may feel motivated and excited since the act itself can be very energizing
Those with this placement may be interested in race car driving specifically, since it requires fast action, competition and/or challenge
The only concern here would be that they may potentially make reckless decisions out of impulse and/or road rage
Leo
Just like the other fire signs, this native is self-confident and this would be useful for driving on the road!
They can shine on the road, as they know how to make quick, clear, and practical decisions when needing to maneuver their car
The only concern here is that they may often make dramatic movements and ego-based decisions if angered while driving
Sagittarius
This native most likely thrives off of freedom and exploration, which as a result may give them the motivation drive more often and even develop strong skills/techniques
Sagittarius naturally rules long distance travel, so this placement would be great for those who want to go on road trips (ex. van lifers)
The only concern with this placement would be that they may occasionally make wide turns (Sagittarius/Jupiter refers to expansion) and need to work on their impulsivity due to the fiery energy
This native is very capable of memorizing the roads and destinations
There’s a possibility that they have a license in another country/region, and therefore can transfer their driving skills or learn quite quickly— the same can be said with those who have flying or boat licenses
Taurus
This placement gives the native very strong mental stamina that’s often needed for driving, as it can be mentally straining during long hours on the road
Potentially slow to anger or react, the native may be patient or able to make decisions in a very practical manner or have stable and consistent driving skills
The only concern with this placement would be that they may potentially drive a little slower than others, take awhile to make decisions and/or behave stubbornly on the road
They may also specifically yearn to drive luxury cars
Virgo
With a strong eye for detail, this native will likely notice blindspots that many others will overlook as they are driving
Therefore, they will be quite adept at discerning and determining when they should change lanes and/or speed up on the road
This native is all about maximizing efficiency, so they may seek shortcuts along the way to their destinations
The only concern with this placement would be that they may be quite critical of other people’s driving and feel anxiety/have intrusive thoughts (especially when they’re first learning how to drive) due to being overly concerned about other people sharing the road with them (ex. tailing, honking, etc)… they might also be the type to verbally road rage too
Capricorn
Level-headed, practical, and has a strong sense of boundaries— this native will likely make reasonable, methodical and cautious decisions while on the road
This native may have formally learned defensive driving in a school setting or with instructors, and perhaps they actually adhere to the rules
As natives with this placement are goal-oriented, hardworking, and persistent, they may practice often or be inclined to improve on their skills
The only concern here is that it may have taken them awhile to feel confident about their driving skills
3H/Gemini, Libra, Aquarius - Uranus
These placements may be inclined to learn more about the technical aspects of a car in order to be prepared and feel safe on the road. This is due to potential fears or anxieties regarding sudden incidences (ex. car battery dying out, engine making noises, tire wearing out, etc). If they’re ever in a difficult situation as they’re driving, they have the potential to quickly maneuver the car.
Gemini being a Mutable modality suggests that there is an adaptability in their movements. For example, if they are aware of a car that wishes to quickly merge into their lane, they may instinctively move over to the next to make room. Libra’s Cardinal modality also points to initiative and determined action that is necessary when it comes to changing lanes or making turns in order to reach an exit on the highway or destination. And as previously mentioned, Aquarius or Uranus in the 3rd certainly knows how to use modern technology. This placement will be the type to feel comfortable with driving once they learn how to use different parts or technological advancements of the vehicle they are driving.
F1 Drivers as Case Studies
All analyses are done with natal charts that have an A to AA Rodden Rating for accuracy.
3H Aries
Mars in Aquarius
Uranus retrograde in Leo
Mercury retrograde in Pisces
“With a very aggressive style, he won championship, fame, wealth and adulation but was also subject to accidents.”
According to Ayrton Senna’s natal chart, his biography aligns fairly well with his legacy and style of driving. Senna was known to have a more aggressive streak, which matches the 3rd house in Aries placement. Mars is the ruler of this house, and lands in the 1st of Aquarius, which suggests this attitude and reputation was tied into his own personality. The modern ruler of the 1st is a Uranus retrograde in the 7th house of partnerships. While yes, this could refer to adultery… in the context of driving, this has to do with ego. This ego is seen by an opposition to Mars (actions), causing some friction. The Mercury retrograde in Pisces added a filter of intuition to his driving, but also perhaps some mixed in recklessness due to emotions as well.
3H Aquarius
Uranus retrograde in Aquarius
Mars in Sagittarius
Mercury in Virgo
“Noted as the youngest winner of a Grand Prix, and the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 Formula One World Champion.”
When looking at Max Verstappen’s natal chart, there is absolutely no wonder how he’s reached great heights in his F1 career. The 3rd house being ruled by Aquarius already shows some innovation in his thinking processes and therefore driving skills. The modern ruler being Uranus retrograde in Aquarius, as well as the traditional ruler being Saturn retrograde in Aries shows how he is not only ingenious, but decisive and highly intuitive with his actions.
Verstappen’s Mars in Sagittarius conjuncts Pluto, while his Mercury in Virgo conjuncts his Moon. He has a mix of all elements and modalities in his chart placements that influence his driving style and skills, allowing him to be driven (Fire), grounded (Earth), fast (Air), and in a flow state (Water as seen by the planetary conjunctions, Mars in a water house, and Pisces interception on 3rd),
3H Aquarius
Uranus in Virgo
Mercury in Gemini
Mars in Taurus
“Known for his aggressive driving style, he learns new tracks in record time due to his photographic memory and is considered the best driver in rainy conditions since Ayrton Senna.”
Perhaps you are looking at this natal chart and wondering how Jean Alesi was known for an aggressive driving style with no Fire placements. Keep in mind, his 3rd house’s modern ruler is a Virgo Uranus that is loosely conjunct Pluto. This Pluto-Uranus is also opposite the traditional ruler, Saturn in Pisces. The latter is attributed to his photographic memory and good driving in rain, since Saturn governs preservation and time, Pisces governs photos and water, and this sits in the house of thoughts. Essentially, he is carefully considering everything he sees with a critical eye as he moves.
Both the Pluto-Uranus and Saturn square a 6th house Mercury in Gemini that is loosely conjunct Taurus in Mars. Hence, Alesi’s thoughts and actions are connected to the purpose of defeating competition, routine, and enemies, as the 6th house governs these themes. While squares and oppositions tend to cause a lot of friction, the various elements that are being tied together by these planets benefit Jean Alesi by serving as catalysts for significant personal growth, resilience, and success. He thrives on pattern recognition and challenges.