Pharrell is one of those cultural figures who doesn’t even really need an introduction, but here goes. A founding member of legendary production duo The Neptunes who has gone on to become an artist in his own right, Pharrell Williams is a musician, fashion icon, sneaker aficionado, humanitarian, visionary, and so much more. To celebrate his 46th birthday, we’re taking a deep dive into his birth chart, to uncover what makes him such a shining light in the world of pop culture.
Born on April 5, 1973 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Pharrell is an Aries, which in many ways helps him stand out from the pack. However, as you’re about to find out, he curiously shares shares some astrological commonalities with both Travis Scott and Tyler, the Creator. According to our research, although the fire sign of Aries has a huge influence on Pharrell, the other elements of water, air, and earth also have quite a pull on him.
Sun in Aries, Moon in Taurus
Alright folks, let’s start with the basics. Your sun sign is based solely on your birthday, and even if you think astrology is gobbledygook, you probably know your sun sign. Pharrell Williams was born on April 5, so he’s an Aries. Symbolized by a ram, Aries possess abundant creative energy, and are often competitive but can keep up and do their thing thanks to their leadership acumen. At times, they can be prone to recklessness and arrogance. Aries is a fire sign, and in general fire signs have very strong will power, possessing an enthusiastic, radiant energy, and needing freedom to express themselves. Pharrell made us all very aware of his sun sign status with his guest verse on Mike WiLL Made-It's "Aries."
Your Moon sign is said to control your emotions, moods, and feelings. Pharrell’s moon is in Taurus, an Earth sign, the element concerned with the material world. Taurus Moons like Pharrell usually crave security and stability in terms of their home and possessions, and are overall quiet, persistent, and determined (sometimes to the point of stubbornness), with a methodical temperament. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen Skateboard P look anything but supremely zen, and when he speaks or sings I could listen to him for hours, with his calm yet self-assured voice.
Interestingly, Pharrell’s Sun-Moon combination is the exact opposite to Travis Scott’s, with his Sun in Aries and Moon in Taurus. Going back to Pharrell’s communication style, this astrological blend gives him what some might describe as a “golden voice,” with an ability to gently persuade people with his impeccable choice of words. With his Moon in Taurus there’s a desire for pleasure and security, with Sun in Aries, energy and enthusiasm is often what will get him there. Overall, he’s fundamentally a kind person, with no ill-will to be found.
There can be a stubbornness with the Moon in Taurus, but this also gives him more patience and dedication. His good work ethic has obviously served him well. With years upon years mastering his craft, he’s become a go-to producer, and basically surefire hitmaker. This combination also comes through with excellent management skills, particularly in the realm of money. And with a reported net worth in the triple digit millions, this characteristic has certainly made itself known in Pharrell. Although his business savvy is unparalleled, many with this Sun-Moon combination also pursue artistic endeavors on the level of mastery, and Pharrell is no exception.
Ascendant / Rising Sign in Cancer
Your rising sign is often thought of as the mask you wear when you’re meeting others, the general impression you make on people, and your spontaneous reactions.
We don’t know Pharrell’s exact birth time, which is what determines a person’s rising sign or ascendant. Using a standardized time of 12 pm local time, he’s a Cancer Rising, which would make sense. Cancers are the nurturers of the Zodiac, and they’re known to be very sympathetic, yet private. They are also known to be sensitive to their environment and can get flustered easily so are very self-protective. They appear humble but are tenacious in getting what they want. By all accounts, Pharrell is a very down to earth, relatively private dude, but he’s always got something exciting on the go, whether it’s another chart-topping hit, a sneaker for adidas, or a casual Chanel collaboration.
Cancer Risings come across as familiar, gentle creatures, projecting a sweet and innocent image. They are also known to be sensitive to their environment and can get flustered easily. In a romantic partner, those with their ascendant in Cancer are looking for structure and security, getting on best when their partner displays strength in both their finances and their emotions.
Mercury in Pisces
Like Tyler, the Creator, Pharrell’s Mercury is also in Pisces. To recap, Mercury rules the mind and communication. Pisces is the most intuitive sign of the Zodiac, and those with Mercury in Pisces are highly sensitive, sympathetic, poetic, imaginative, and nearly psychic. Rather than evaluating everything with reason, they’re usually more feelings-based. They can also be a little shy and reserved, and although Pharrell has a commanding presence, it’s a bit more low-key, to say the least.
Venus in Aries
Venus is the planet that rules everything to do with love and romance. Also like Travis Scott, Aries shows up to Pharrell’s astrological party. Venus in Aries people are independent and aggressive, usually impulsive, have an innocent charm, and can easily lose interest in romantic partners. Also, even when they’re expressing love for another person, their approach is still very much centered on themselves. They love a good conquest.
In Pharrell’s case, pursuing his wife Helen Lasichanh was no easy feat. Apparently, when they first met, she had a boyfriend, so they were just friends for the first two and a half years. Even when she became single, she played hard to get. Eventually though, Pharrell’s persistence worked and the two got married in October 2013. For those curious, Helen’s a Leo - another Fire sign - so the pair is a bonafide power couple.
Mars in Aquarius
Mars rules a person’s drive. Mars in Aquarius people assert themselves intelligently and with individualism, which is Pharrell to a T. They’re also regarded as eccentric, unorthodox, original, and dynamic. In addition to his impressive back catalog of off-kilter bangers, his Chanel Pharrell collaboration comes to mind. It’s something never seen before at the storied fashion house, with a kaleidoscope of colors, concepts, and individuals present in the campaign.
Typically, Mars in Aquarius people will channel a lot of their energy into humanitarian projects. While Pharrell has his From One Hand to AnOTHER charity, which allows 1,700 kids to attend summer camp focused on S.T.E.A.M.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Motivation) each year, even his adidas sneakers have a humanitarian message. His innovative silhouettes are always emblazoned with words like “empathy,” “gratitude,” and “peace.” Passionate about the environment, Pharrell has even partnered with G-Star to produce collections made from single-use plastics found on shorelines. In all, it would be super surprising to see Pharrell’s birth chart without any Aquarian energy.
Aquarians present an interesting dichotomy - existing as true individuals with a mission to unite disparate groups of people. Pharrell’s Something in the Water Festival happening April 2019 in his hometown of Virginia Beach seems like the perfect opportunity to channel his humanitarian energy. He’s the common node in a diverse group of people - artists like KAWS, musicians like Missy Elliott, Pusha-T, and SZA, and even spiritual leaders like Deepak Chopra - uniting everyone to celebrate all the talented people he knows and give back to his community.
So, what have we learned? While Pharrell is Aries af, there’s no denying the influence of water, earth, and air signs on him. His Mercury in Pisces and potential Cancer Rising gives rise to his feelings-based, sensitive style of communication and overall vibe, while his Moon in Taurus grounds him in the material world, giving him a strong work ethic that at times can veer towards stubbornness. His Mars in Aquarius must not go unmentioned, because Pharrell has a knack for bringing people together with his unique personality and humanitarian spirit, which is the Aquarian way. Whatever Pharrell gets his hands on, whether it’s an Ariana Grande single or a pair of adidas sneakers, he’s able to accomplish it all in his signature way, with the enthusiasm and innovation of an Aries, the dedication of a Taurus, the psychic-like communication of a Pisces, and the compassionate nature of an Aquarius.
