First Lady Follows Astrology : Aquarian Reagan Denies Stars Influence Policies

L.A. Times Archives

May 3, 1988 12 AM PT

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Reagan said today that “no policy or decision” he has made has been influenced by astrology, but the White House confirmed that Nancy Reagan follows astrology and checks it in terms of the President’s activities.

Presidential spokesman Marlin Fitzwater said the Reagans were not happy about the sudden focus on astrology and the First Couple. “They both feel it’s unfortunate and a distraction and hardly relevant to the business of government,” he said.

“It’s true that Mrs. Reagan has an interest in astrology,” Fitzwater added. “She has for some time, particularly following the assassination attempt in March of 1981. She was very concerned for her husband’s welfare, and astrology has been a part of her concern in terms of his activities.”

Reagan, born on Feb. 6, is an Aquarius. His wife, born July 6, is a Cancer.

‘Lucky Numbers’

Fitzwater said he did not know whether the President had consulted astrologers, but he noted that Reagan has mentioned “lucky numbers” in speeches.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported today that the First Lady had insisted on the date and time for the signing of the U.S.-Soviet treaty eliminating intermediate-range nuclear missiles after consulting an astrologer. “I don’t know in any detailed sense” if that is true, Fitzwater said.

On Capitol Hill, House Speaker Jim Wright was asked what he thought about the Reagans using astrologists. He replied with a grin: “It’s all right with me. I’m glad he consults somebody.”

“We should check whether (astrologer) Jeane Dixon recommended a veto of the trade bill,” added House Majority Whip Tony Coelho (D-Merced).

Meanwhile, a Los Angeles astrologer asserted in an interview that Reagan “has used astrology throughout his career, using astrology to pick his inauguration and other big events.”

The astrologer, Joyce Jillson, also claimed that she helped Reagan’s first presidential campaign choose George Bush as his running mate.

“There was talk that I did charts for all eight (vice presidential) candidates. I don’t deny that. I determined the only winnable choice was George Bush,” she said.

Jillson said she “spent a lot of time” at the White House after the assassination attempt.

‘Coming Out of the Walls’

Asked about her statement, Fitzwater said, “I wouldn’t be surprised we start hearing from all kinds of astrologers because of this.” He said they will be “coming out of the walls.”

Former White House Chief of Staff Donald T. Regan, in a new book, claims Mrs. Reagan turned to astrologers to help determine the President’s schedule.

Reagan, asked about the reports while signing a proclamation in the Roosevelt Room, said he was making it a policy not to comment on books by former White House staffers.

However, he added, “no policy or decision in my mind has ever been influenced by astrology.”

Asked if astrology played a part in shaping his schedule, Reagan said with a smile, “You know I’m still looking for the fellas that tell me every day what I’m going to do.”

‘Not Aware’ of Changes

Current and former White House aides, meanwhile, expressed skepticism about the reports.

Elaine Crispen, the First Lady’s press secretary, said, “I’m not aware that any changes were made” in the President’s schedule because of astrological forecasts.

Asked whether the First Family made decisions based on astrology, she replied, “Don’t you read your horoscope?”

Lyn Nofziger, a former White House aide and associate of the Reagans for more than two decades, said the President liked to read his horoscope and “laughed about it and kidded about it, but I have never seen him take the stuff seriously.

“I can never recall a single time when we did something politically because somebody said the stars are wrong,” Nofziger added.