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Libra Lagna

Preston Richard

August 5, 1954 · Boston, Massachusetts
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Moon Sign
Libra
Swati
Sun Sign
Cancer
Ashlesha
Ascendant
Libra
Chitra
Nakshatra
Swati
Birth Star
Current Dasha · Ketu / Mars / Mercury · Apr 2026 – May 2026
Other FamousVocational awardTravel for workWritersScience Field-Other ScienceScience Field-ChemistryPublic SpeakerGain-Financial success
Biography

Who is Preston Richard?

American journalist, author and science enthusiast. His nonfiction "The Hot Zone" won the Overseas Press Club of Americas Whitman Bassow Award for best reporting in any medium on environmental issues. Fascinated and terrified of the destructive capacity of such a virus as Ebola, he wrote of how, in 1989, lab monkeys imported from the Philippines started an outbreak of Ebola until the government closed in to contain it. The first son of Jerome, an attorney, and Dorothy, a painter, Richard spent his childhood in Wellesley, MA with brothers two and four years younger. Inheriting an instinct for adventure from his parents and with a natural aptitude for science and anarchy, he was designing rockets by his early teens. He graduated from Pomona College in California in 1977 and won a scholarship in a graduate English program at Princeton University. His first book, astronomically inspired "First Light," was published in 1988 and "The Hot Zone," the story of the Ebola virus in Virginia, became a No.1 bestseller published in 30 languages in 1995. In 1997 the rights to "The Cobra Event," his first novel, were sold to Fox for $3 million, one of the largest amounts ever for a first novel. Preston, a world traveler, is in the forefront of emerging virus tracking and biotechnology and is considered an expert. He has been called upon by every major media organization in the U.S. and abroad: the FBI and President Clinton sought his opinion and input and he has testified before the U.S. Senate. Preston has won the McDermott Award in the Arts from MIT as well as the Whitman Bassow Award. Preston met Michelle Parham while a grad student at Princeton and they were wed in 1985. They have three kids, daughters in 1985 and1987 and a son in 1993. Link to Wikipedia biography

Vedic Planet Analysis

Astrologer Reviewed

Preston Richard's planet-by-planet horoscope reading. Select a planet below to read its detailed Vedic interpretation.

Ascendant1st

Ascendant Represents AS

The Ascendant (Lagna) in Vedic astrology represents the self, physical body, personality, and how we interact with the world. It defines our core identity, health, and the first impression we make on others. The sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth becomes the Ascendant, influencing our temperament and approach to life. Its ruler significantly shapes how we express ourselves and respond to our environment.
◈ Astrologer Reviewed

Preston Richard birth chart analysis for Ascendant

In Vedic astrology, the natal lagna (ascendant) in Libra, positioned in the Chitra nakshatra, presents a blend of qualities and influences that define an individual's personality and life path. Libra, governed by Venus, is known for its emphasis on harmony, balance, and relationships. When the ascendant falls in Libra, the individual is likely to possess a diplomatic nature, a strong sense of justice, and an appreciation for beauty and aesthetics. Chitra nakshatra, ruled by Mars, adds a layer of creativity, ambition, and a desire for recognition. People with this placement may have a keen eye for detail and an innate ability to create or appreciate art and design. The position of the lagna lord, Venus, in the 12th house in Virgo, and within the Uttar Phalguni nakshatra, introduces additional nuances. The 12th house in Vedic astrology is associated with themes like solitude, introspection, and spiritual growth, but it can also indicate losses or expenditures. Venus in the 12th house may manifest as a tendency towards seeking pleasure or comfort in private or unconventional ways, and there might be a strong inclination towards charitable or humanitarian activities. Virgo, being an earth sign ruled by Mercury, imparts a sense of practicality, analytical thinking, and a focus on detail to Venus's otherwise luxurious and pleasure-seeking nature. Uttar Phalguni nakshatra, ruled by the Sun, imbues Venus with a sense of duty, generosity, and leadership. This combination can lead to an individual who is service-oriented and diligent, with a penchant for helping others and finding satisfaction in selfless acts. However, Venus in Virgo is in its fall, which may indicate challenges in personal relationships or a tendency to be overly critical or perfectionistic in matters of love and beauty. Overall, this astrological configuration suggests a person who navigates life with a blend of diplomacy and practicality, often finding fulfillment in creative or charitable endeavors, but who may need to work through challenges related to self-criticism and relationship dynamics.

Which Raj Yogas are in Preston Richard's birth chart?

4 FOUND

Preston Richard's chart shows 1 Raj Yoga and 3 challenging combinations, including Sasa Yoga.

Planetary Combinations

Which dasha is Preston Richard running now?

VIMSHOTTARI

Preston Richard is currently in the Ketu mahadasha, running from Apr 16, 2026 to May 7, 2026.

PREVIOUSMar 23, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
Ketu / Mars / Saturn
NOWApr 16, 2026 - May 7, 2026
Ketu / Mars / Mercury
NEXTMay 7, 2026 - May 15, 2026
Ketu / Mars / Ketu

What do Preston Richard's numerology numbers say?

Preston Richard's core numbers are Life Path 5, Destiny 7, Soul Urge 5, Personality 11, Kabbalah Number 6, Birth 5.

Life Path
5

Chaldean Life Path 5 is Mercury-driven—change, movement, and adaptability. It indicates growth through travel, variety, communication, and flexibility.

Destiny
7

Chaldean Destiny 7 indicates specialization, research, and spiritual intelligence. It supports analytics, strategy, deep study, and mastery through solitude.

Soul Urge
5

Chaldean Soul 5 desires freedom and variety. It seeks change, movement, experiences, and space to explore life.

Personality
11

Chaldean Personality 11 appears intuitive and inspiring. Others often sense sensitivity, vision, and spiritual presence.

Kabbalah Number
6

Kabbalah Number 6 reflects an inner spiritual code of care and harmony. It supports service, relationships, responsibility, and ethical choices.

Birth
5

Explore Birth Number 5 in Vedic astrology: personality traits, career paths, and lucky indicators for adaptable, freedom-loving individuals seeking destiny clues.

Life Events & Planetary Transits

Key events mapped against the active Dasha and planetary transits at the time.

1977
Social
End a program of study 1977 (Graduated from Pomona College)
1985
Relationship
Marriage 1985 (Michelle Parham)
1985
Family
Change in family responsibilities 1985 (First daughter born)
1987
Family
Change in family responsibilities 1987 (Second daughter born)
1988
Career
Published/ Exhibited/ Released 1988 (First book published)
1993
Family
Change in family responsibilities 1993 (First son born, third child)
1995
Career
Published/ Exhibited/ Released 1995 (No.1 book, "The Hot Zone," released)
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