In Birth Pattern Psychology, published in 1985, Tamise Ban Pelt introduces a framework for assessing personality through a birth chart by focusing on four universal human needs: Growth, Security, Stimulus, and Love. She explains that these needs aren't static traits but dynamic processes that shape how individuals consciously navigate life. These needs are evaluated using the birth pattern, a twelve-sector division that symbolically maps out each need in specific triangular groupings.

The needs

Her system is based solely on distributing the ten traditional astrological markers in the sectors without mentioning the signs or other astrological lore: the Sun, Moon and nine planets (including Pluto).

1. Growth Need (Sectors 1, 5, 9) - The process of inventing, using insight, and creating personal meaning.
2. Security Need (Sectors 2, 6, 10) - The process of preserving, nurturing, and maintaining stability.
3. Stimulus Need (Sectors 3, 7, 11) - The process of discovery, identification, and excitement.
4. Love Need (Sectors 4, 8, 12) - The process of commitment, intimacy, and caring.

The birth chart planets, which Van Pelt calls "markers," quantify the weight of each need. These markers indicate the intensity of each need within the individual, forming a unique "Need Gestalt" that shows how awareness is distributed across the four needs. All humans share these needs, but the weight of each varies, creating distinctive personality patterns. The quantification process thus reveals how individuals "spend" their awareness across their needs, providing insight into their unique life orientation.

So, each person has a hierarchy of needs similar to Maslow's scale, without referring directly to it. For example, let's take the scale of needs according to my natal chart (Placidus system):

1. Growth: 5
2. Security: 3
3. Stimulus: 1
4. Love: 1

According to the author, the weight of each need can be interpreted as follows:

1. No Planet Markers: Needs are automatically met without conscious awareness, adapting instinctively to situations.
2. One Planet Marker: Low awareness causes discomfort and anxiety, leading individuals to avoid satisfying this need.
3. Two Planet Markers: Difficult to assess independently; may share challenges with the one-marker pattern.
4. Three Planet Markers: Indicates confidence, self-directed naturalness, and ease, achieving balanced interaction satisfaction.
5. More than Three Planet Markers: Intensifies the need, causing potential addiction, intense focus on satisfaction.

It is thus possible, with this first measure, to determine in which general direction an individual bases the fulfillment or otherwise of his or her needs. Indeed, as with any measurement, including the natal chart, we can't know a person's realistic potential. A dialogue must be established between the astrologer and the client to corroborate the value of this first scale.

The Persona

Tamise Van Pelt describes the persona as a constructed identity that evolves from the self's fundamental needs—Growth, Security, Stimulus, and Love. Initially, these needs are experienced as vague feelings of surplus or deficiency. Over time, each need develops into specific sensations:

1. Stimulus generates curiosity and excitement.
2. Love fosters closeness and intimacy.
3. Growth evokes significance.
4. Security brings stability.

These persistent feelings shape a "self-feeling" or awareness, forming the ego, which recognizes these emotions as personal states, like "I feel important" or "I feel excited."

As people mature, this process culminates constructing a persona—a role projected outward to the community. The persona serves as a social facade necessary for interaction but often limits deeper self-expression. Problems arise when individuals over-identify with their persona, leading to a narrow self-definition that restricts personal freedom and adaptability.

The more ingrained a persona is, the more it dominates behaviour, potentially causing self-alienation. Some authors argue that a strong persona, while appealing for self-image maintenance, can foster automatic behaviour, often becoming a self-imposed ideal that disconnects the individual from authentic feelings. So it's important to recognize our mask. Briefly, here's what Van Pelt has to say about it

The Growth Persona or the Individualist

The Growth Persona is centred on an individual's desire to feel significant, unique, and purposeful. People with this persona are motivated by a deep need for personal growth and self-expression, constantly seeking meaning through new experiences and challenges. They display courage and intensity in pursuing individuality, often taking risks to explore and expand beyond their current sense of self. For Growth-oriented individuals, life is an opportunity to realize their unique potential, embracing both the highs of achievement and the lows of self-discovery as essential parts of their journey.

• Seeking personal expression and independence.
• Often rebellious, they view rules as restrictions for others and strive to create a unique path.
• They measure experiences by personal growth, willingness to take risks and learn from mistakes.
• They can be egocentric and blunt, insisting on speaking their mind regardless of others' feelings.
• Known for standing out, breaking social norms, and inspiring fascination and admiration.

The Security Persona or the Realist

The Security Persona is rooted in a strong need for stability, productivity, and self-respect. Individuals with this persona prioritize certainty and trust, often gravitating toward roles and experiences that provide a firm sense of groundedness. They are dependable and value consistency, which gives them resilience in facing life's ups and downs. However, when rigid, the Security Persona can become overly reliant on control and external validation, creating a need to adhere to established roles that may restrict personal growth. A well-adjusted Security Persona fosters a sense of inner strength that supports self-respect and flexibility.

• Realists value tangible results, responsibility, and continuity.
• They are practical and persistent, turning ordinary events into successes through structured effort.
• They prefer logic and consistency, often excelling in physical mastery or fields requiring endurance.
• They resist change once a decision is made, value fairness, and are driven to prove themselves.
• They project a down-to-earth quality, with a strong sense of heritage and self-reliance.

The Stimulus Persona or the Humanist

The Stimulus Persona thrives on social connection, novelty, and excitement. People with this persona are naturally curious and seek diverse social interactions and new experiences, often enjoying dynamic environments that provide fresh perspectives. They are adaptable and socially engaging, with a strong need to feel included and recognized by others. However, a rigid Stimulus Persona can lead to over-dependence on social approval and a tendency to avoid deeper, more meaningful engagements. A healthy Stimulus Persona balances curiosity with authentic connection, fostering genuine relationships and a stable sense of belonging.

• Humanists thrive on diversity, social connections, and freedom of choice.
• They are natural diplomats, valuing inclusivity and working to bridge social divides.
• They are inquisitive, seeking to understand people and analyze human nature.
• They can take on too many commitments, sometimes struggling with scattered focus.
• They use humour to ease social tensions, often becoming charismatic leaders or captivating public figures.

The Love Persona or the Romanticist

A need for acceptance, mutual affection, and deep emotional connection drives the Love Persona. Individuals with this persona place a high value on forming close, meaningful relationships that bring warmth, compassion, and personal validation. When flexible, the Love Persona allows for genuine, mutual connections that enrich the individual and their relationships. However, a rigid Love Persona may become overly dependent on others for self-worth, leading to patterns of clinginess and emotional manipulation. Cultivating a healthy Love Persona means finding self-acceptance, allowing individuals to experience the joy of relationships without fear of rejection or dependency.

• Romanticists focus on emotional depth, loyalty, and intimacy.
• They live with high ideals and sentimental value, treasuring relationships and meaningful objects.
• They are sensitive and imaginative, viewing life as an adventure with boundless possibilities.
• They can be quickly disappointed, prone to dramatizing experiences, and highly empathetic.
• They inspire others through their vision and optimism, often embodying mystery and allure.

These personas describe the general characteristics of individuals with three or more points on the scale of the needs. What happens when a scale shows competing needs?

Ex. Martin Luther King:

• Growth: 0
• Security: 0
• Stimulus: 5
• Love: 5

According to the author, this type of personality is indefinable. You couldn't say that King was a romantic or a humanist—he could be both! As for the need for security and growth, for him, these were circumstantial, if not non-existent.

Ex. Goethe:

• Growth: 3
• Security: 3
• Stimulus: 1
• Love: 3

When an individual has only one point on the needs scale, Van Pelt speaks of nemesis. She describes the nemesis as the hidden, disowned part of the self that exposes the persona's weaknesses, revealing the aspects of identity we'd rather deny. Representing unmet needs and unresolved emotions, the nemesis operates in extremes, often appearing in the birth pattern as an isolated "singleton" planet that disrupts the persona's carefully maintained image. The relationship between persona and nemesis is a push-pull dynamic; the more the persona masks these unmet needs, the more power the nemesis gains, sometimes causing exaggerated reactions in triggering situations. Ultimately, embracing the nemesis and integrating these disowned aspects is essential for self-acceptance and personal growth.

I gave this definition of the Stimulus Nemesis to ChatGPT :

The Stimulus Nemesis is characterized by a strong resistance to change, a thin-skinned reaction to criticism, and a tendency to avoid real engagement. People with a Stimulus Nemesis often appear to embrace variety and new interests, but this is a superficial avoidance of commitment and depth rather than true openness. They prefer to keep their options open to avoid feeling trapped.

1. Avoidance of Depth.
2. Procrastination and Excuses.
3. Social Sensitivity.
4. Avoidance of Responsibility.
5. Frustration with Minor Setbacks.
6. Underlying Resentment.

The Stimulus Nemesis leads to a pattern of avoiding true engagement while expecting life to deliver rewards effortlessly. To overcome this nemesis, individuals must confront their fear of exposure and develop resilience, learning to commit meaningfully and build connections despite the risk of vulnerability. By doing so, they can break free from a cycle of superficial involvement and discover satisfaction in genuine experiences and relationships.

I then asked whether this might align with what we know about Goethe. Here is the answer.

"Van Pelt's description of the Stimulus Nemesis indeed resonates with certain aspects of Goethe's personality, though he is widely recognized for his genius and ability to invest in various fields. Goethe was known for his deep sensitivity and tendency to avoid deep commitment in certain relationships or projects. For instance, in his friendships and romantic relationships, he could seem distant or withdraw as soon as a relationship became too demanding, preferring to maintain a degree of personal freedom. This behaviour could reflect resistance to deep emotional commitment, aligning with Van Pelt's description of an avoidance of depth.

Additionally, Goethe was known for his sensitivity to criticism and sometimes disproportionate reactions to minor obstacles, both traits associated with the Stimulus Nemesis. He oscillated between periods of great productivity and procrastination, often taking considerable time to complete his works, as illustrated by the complex genesis of Faust. This sensitivity to obstacles and his tendency to delay certain projects for fear of not achieving perfection could be compared to the procrastination and avoidance of real evaluation described by Van Pelt.

Goethe could also become frustrated by minor irritations and react strongly to criticism from his contemporaries. This social sensitivity—characterized by intense reactions to criticism and a need to be perceived as exceptional—seems to echo the idea that Goethe sought to avoid situations that might expose his weaknesses or tarnish his public image.

Lastly, Goethe likely harboured an underlying resentment, perhaps stemming from moments of public humiliation or judgment that marked his life. His quest for recognition and his desire to make a lasting impact might be interpreted as an effort to avoid reliving these moments of vulnerability. 

In sum, although Goethe managed to overcome many of the limitations linked to a Stimulus Nemesis, certain characteristics he displayed throughout his life seem to align with Van Pelt's description, particularly his need for autonomy, his avoidance of deep commitment, and his sensitivity to criticism.

Not bad, eh?

Personality traits

Van Pelt's book doesn't stop at discussing needs. From there, she transposes these needs into personality traits. While personality types are qualifiers encompassing the essence of individuality, traits are more psychological dimensions. There are six traits, divided into three continuums. The math is simple:

1. Time continuum
   Spontaneous trait = Growth + Stimulus
   Continuous line = Security + Love
2. Matter/energy continuum
   Hypothetical trait = Growth + Love
   Empirical trait = Security + Stimulus
3. Continuum spatial
   Panoramic trait = Stimulus + Love
   Organic trait = Growth + Security

Therefore, we have four basic needs that give rise to as many personality types as possible. These needs give rise to six personality traits, "colours" modulating the needs. I invite you to read her book for more details. Her book is full of examples.

The behavior scale

Finally, Van Pelt establishes another scale, that of behaviours. Using the twelve sectors, it essentially takes up the astrological triplicities.

• Sectors 1, 4, 7, 10: Expression of strength
• Sectors 2, 5, 8, 11: Expression of strategy
• Sectors 3, 6, 9, 12: Expression of sensitivity

The author doesn't favour any particular "marker." The Sun and Moon are just psychometric points like any others. So, in my case, the angularity table gives:

• Angular planets: 3
• Succeeding planets: 5
• Cadent planets: 4

The Van Pelt system gives me:

• Strength: 3
• Strategy: 3
• Sensitivity: 4

As with her scale of needs, she places significance on the values obtained:

Conclusion

Little seems to be known about Tamise Van Pelt, and everything seems to be contained in one obituary. Her book undoubtedly proves her knowledge of human nature. The only other book she has produced is about Lacan.

Her research approach could not be more original. Rooted in measurement, the author sought to demonstrate that astrology could, rightly or wrongly, do without the overly broad symbolism of Tradition.

Her gamble is risky since she doesn't name the house system she uses at the outset, although a more-than-outdated note from publisher Para Research at the end of the book invites the reader to buy a natal chart built according to the Placidus system for $3.

I've had this book for a long time, full of comments and notes. As my astrological practice was uncertain, so was my understanding of this book. I was pleasantly surprised to see it reissued recently, without any alterations, since Madame Van Pelt is no longer with us.

I was sometimes puzzled by certain scenarios, particularly when a "marker" was one or two degrees from a border. But this applies to conventional analysis.

A natal chart is a mandala with multiple interpretations. The Van Pelt technique has the merit of being "cold" and "concrete," which is apt to be confirmed or not. Of course, we're entering the slippery slope of psychometric measurement.

We must remember that if the universe offers us a compass, it serves only to measure and direct but cannot serve as a deterministic answer to human manifestation and realization.

This book deserves further consideration in our pursuit of astrological knowledge.