Warren Buffett

Back in 2006, Warren Buffett made the ‘Giving Pledge' committing to give away in charity 99% of his wealth during his lifetime or at death.

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Musk is almost as wealthy as the world's second- and third-richest people combined

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Warren Buffett, 94, is often regarded as the greatest investor of all time. In 1965, he led an investment group that took over a struggling textile company called Berkshire Hathaway. Over time, the company transformed into a holding giant. To put Buffett’s success into perspective, USD 1 invested in Berkshire Hathaway in 1965 would be worth a stunning USD 49,322 today, compared to just USD 362 if invested in the Standard & Poor’s Index over the same period.In 1965, the Chevrolet Impala was America’s best-selling car, with over a million units sold that year at a price of approximately USD 2,700. Imagine if a buyer of that car had chosen to forgo the purchase and invested the money with Warren Buffett instead - they would now have stock worth over USD 133 million.Buffett himself lives an unpretentious life, residing in the same Omaha, Nebraska, home he bought for USD 31,500 in 1958. Omaha, with a population of about 486,000, becomes the focus of the financial world every year during Berkshire Hathaway’s annual general meeting. Up to 50,000 people flock to the city to hear the 'Sage of Omaha' speak. This exclusive five-day event is open only to Berkshire shareholders.Until recently, Warren Buffett annually auctioned the opportunity to have lunch with him, an event that consistently attracted bids reaching millions of dollars. Such is the respect and admiration he commands. The enigma of Warren Buffett and the far-reaching influence of his investment philosophy on millions of people, both directly and indirectly, cannot be overstated.Several investors and hedge fund managers have been likened to the legendary Warren Buffett, earning the moniker 'the Warren Buffett' of their respective countries. Among them are Rakesh Jhunjhunwala from India, Prem Watsa from Canada, Li Lu from China, Wahei Takeda from Japan, and Kerr Neilson from Australia. Others, such as hedge fund managers Cathie Wood of Ark Invest, Bill Ackman of Pershing Square, and Canadian-American venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya, have also drawn comparisons to Buffett. These comparisons highlight an immense and arguably unattainable standard. The unparalleled legacy of Warren Buffett, shaped over decades, remains nearly impossible to match, let alone surpass, particularly given the drastically different and rapidly evolving economic landscape of today.For decades, Warren Buffett, alongside his trusted friend, confidant, and business partner Charlie Munger, addressed shareholders from a dais, fielding questions and sharing invaluable insights. Even today, the world hangs on his every word and scrutinises his every investment move. When he recently sold a significant portion of Berkshire’s Apple stock, global markets reacted sharply, interpreting it as a potential signal of an impending downturn.Charlie Munger played a pivotal role in shaping Warren Buffett's career. Early on, Buffett's biggest influence was Benjamin Graham, the legendary 'Dean of Columbia University.' Graham championed the 'cigar butt' investment theory, which focused on finding undervalued stocks selling below their liquidation value and selling them once their prices rose. While this strategy was effective, it was best suited for managing relatively small amounts of capital, as finding such opportunities in large numbers was challenging.When Warren Buffett met Charlie Munger, his investment philosophy underwent a significant transformation. Munger persuaded Buffett to shift his focus from undervalued 'cigar butt' companies to well-managed businesses with strong growth prospects, even if they came with a higher price tag. This marked a major turning point in Buffett's career, influencing the strategy that would make him one of the most successful investors of all time.The partnership between Buffett and Munger was extraordinary, built on decades of mutual respect and camaraderie. Their compatibility was reflected in their astrological charts, as both shared a Sagittarius ascendant, separated by just a few degrees. Numerous aspects between the planets in their charts further underscored the deep connection and understanding they shared. Charlie Munger’s passing earlier this year marked the end of an era, but his influence on Buffett and the investment world remains immeasurable.In Warren Buffett's chart, Jupiter, the natural significator of wealth and abundance, is placed in Gemini, where it is in detriment. This is because Gemini lies opposite Sagittarius, Jupiter's own sign. This planetary position has manifested in intriguing ways in Buffett's life. He has often invested in stocks of companies that have fallen out of favor, only to reap substantial rewards when their fortunes improved - mirroring Jupiter's journey from detriment in Gemini to exaltation in Cancer, the next sign.Jupiter, as a significator of abundance and finance, also reflects Buffett's investment style. He is known for making large, concentrated investments, often allocating a substantial proportion of his capital to a single opportunity. To quote the Oracle of Omaha, “Keep all your eggs in one basket, but watch that basket closely.” This approach, combined with his deep understanding of value, has consistently translated into extraordinary financial success. Jupiter's influence is also evident in his frequent investments in banks and financial institutions, sectors traditionally associated with wealth and resources. Jupiter has a 12 year cycle during which it goes through all his signs. This has manifested in Warren Buffett holding his stocks for long periods of time. His favorite holding period is 'forever', to quote him. Jupiter, as Warren Buffett’s ascendant lord, is in detriment in his birth chart, which has manifested in him being frequently underestimated by others - only for him to be vindicated later.One of the most important instances of this was his steadfast refusal to invest in technology stocks during the height of the dotcom boom in the late 1990s. At that time, internet-based companies - many with no profits, revenues, or viable business plans, and burning cash just to stay afloat - were being valued at billions of dollars based purely on speculative future potential. Buffett refused to join this frenzy, which led to Berkshire Hathaway underperforming the S&P 500 for a few years. His decision attracted widespread criticism, with many labeling him an out-of-touch relic in the ‘new economy.’However, Buffett was ultimately vindicated when the dotcom bubble burst in early 2000. The NASDAQ Composite Index, which had been the epicenter of dotcom mania, plummeted by nearly 80 per cent over the next two years. Many dotcom companies went bankrupt, and others saw their stock prices reduced to pennies. Buffett’s disciplined approach and refusal to abandon his value-investing principles saved Berkshire Hathaway from the devastating losses suffered by those who had chased speculative gains. In recent years, Warren Buffett has taken a contrarian stance on the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. At the 2022 Berkshire shareholders meeting, elaborating on his opinion about Bitcoin, Warren Buffett said that even if he had the opportunity, he would not buy all the Bitcoin in the world for twenty-five dollars.Returning to Jupiter and its influence on Warren Buffett’s chart, it is somewhat ironic that his Jupiter dasha began as late as May 2021 and will continue until 2037. This period has coincided with the largest financial gains of his life.Buffett first bought 9.8 million shares of Apple in the first quarter of 2016, when the stock was trading at around USD 25 (adjusted for the 4-for-1 split in August 2020). He continued accumulating shares throughout 2016 and 2017. Once the Jupiter dasha began, Apple’s stock climbed even higher, significantly boosting the value of his holdings. Earlier this year, Buffett started trimming his Apple position. His investment in the company is estimated to have generated over USD 150 billion in combined realised and unrealised gains, contributing substantially to Berkshire Hathaway’s record cash reserve of USD 325 billion today.Saturn, which occupies Warren Buffett’s ascendant and rules his 2nd house of money, is an extremely important planet in his chart. It has endowed him with a frugal nature, resilience, a strong constitution, discipline, and the patience to hold stocks for years or even decades. Saturn is often described as a teacher and a taskmaster, symbolising hard work, delayed gratification, and enduring success.The Saturn return occurs when Saturn completes its 30-year cycle through the zodiac and returns to the exact position it occupied in a person’s natal chart. This period is often marked by introspection, reevaluation of values, and significant life changes. It challenges individuals to reassess their goals and adapt to necessary changes. Saturn’s lessons can be demanding, but they ultimately leave us wiser and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges.During Buffett’s first Saturn return in 1959-60, he met Charlie Munger-a pivotal moment in his life and career. Munger influenced a fundamental change in Buffett’s investment philosophy, encouraging him to focus on high-quality businesses with durable competitive advantages, even if they came at a higher price. This shift broadened the scope of Buffett’s investment strategy and laid the foundation for his unparalleled success in managing investments.In 1960, Warren Buffett made a personal investment of USD 60,000 in the Mid-Continent Tab Card Company, a manufacturer of punch cards used in early computing systems. Buffett held his stake in the company for 18 years, during which he invested an additional USD 1 million. The company was eventually sold in 1979 to Dictograph, resulting in a compounded annual return of 33 per cent for him.Buffett’s second Saturn return coincided with another critical period in his career. Between 1988 and 1990, he acquired a significant stake in Coca-Cola, a decision that has yielded enormous rewards. Berkshire Hathaway purchased approximately 400 million shares of Coca-Cola for about USD 1.3 billion, representing a 9.3 per cent stake in the company. Today, this investment is valued at approximately USD 25 billion, in addition to the dividends Berkshire receives. Last year alone, CocaCola paid Berkshire around USD 736 million in dividends. This investment has become one of Buffett’s most iconic, illustrating his belief in the value of strong brands and consistent earnings. Notably, Buffett has never sold a single share of Coca-Cola, showcasing the patience and conviction that Saturn imbues in his character.During his third Saturn return in 2017, Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway significantly increased its stake in Apple. This investment has turned out to be one of the most profitable in Buffett’s career. Berkshire's position in Apple has generated gains - realised and unrealised - estimated at USD 150 billion, a record-breaking achievement. Apple's consistent growth and strong cash flows have made it a cornerstone of Berkshire’s portfolio. The investment underscores how Warren Buffett has remained the genius investor even in later stages of his career.Saturn bhuktis in the various dashas have also been turning points for Warren Buffett.During the Venus dasha and Saturn bhukti between 1973 and 1976, Warren Buffett made two highly significant investments that would shape the future of Berkshire Hathaway. In 1973, Buffett invested in The Washington Post Company, recognising its strong brand and undervaluation. This investment not only delivered substantial returns but also cemented his relationship with Katharine Graham, the company’s legendary leader, marking an era of mutual respect and strategic partnership. In 1976, Berkshire Hathaway invested in GEICO, an insurance company that Buffett had admired since his early days studying under Benjamin Graham. He continued increasing Berkshire’s stake in GEICO over the years, culminating in a full acquisition of the company in 1996. GEICO has been instrumental in Berkshire Hathaway's success. Its business model generates a steady flow of insurance premiums, known as 'float' which Berkshire can invest in stocks and other assets. This float provides a low-cost source of capital that has contributed significantly to Berkshire's long-term profitability.During the Sun Dasha and Saturn Bhukti period between 1983-1984, Warren Buffett made two investments that had a lasting impact on his portfolio. The first was Nebraska Furniture Mart. In 1983, through Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett acquired a majority stake in the company for USD 60 million. Founded by Rose Blumkin, Nebraska Furniture Mart was already a leader in the home furnishings sector, renowned for its discount pricing and operational efficiency. Today, it stands as one of the largest home furnishing retailers in North America, generating annual revenues in the billions.The second major investment occurred in 1985, when Capital Cities Communications made a bold move by acquiring the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), a much larger rival, for USD 3.5 billion. This unprecedented deal was made possible by Buffett’s financial support. Berkshire Hathaway purchased a 25 per cent stake in Capital Cities for USD 517.5 million, providing the capital needed for the acquisition. Following the merger, Capital Cities/ABC thrived under the leadership of Thomas Murphy, a manager Buffett greatly admired. A decade later, in 1995, The Walt Disney Company acquired Capital Cities/ABC for USD 19 billion, marking one of the largest media transactions of the time. This acquisition significantly amplified Buffett’s returns, cementing the deal as one of the most successful investments in Berkshire Hathaway’s history.The Mars Dasha, Saturn Bhukti coincided with the dotcom boom when Warren Buffett's contrarian stand of avoiding technology stocks despite the bull market for them was vindicated when the dotcom crash kicked in This not only solidified his reputation as a disciplined and prudent investor but also elevated his stature in the investment world, further contributing to the legend of 'The Oracle of Omaha'.Warren Buffett's Rahu Dasha, Saturn Bhukti spanned from June 2008 to May 2011, a period marked by significant and strategic investments that showcased his financial acumen. Just a few months into this period, amidst the global financial crisis, Buffett, through Berkshire Hathaway, made a landmark investment of USD 5 billion in Goldman Sachs. This was part of the bank's effort to raise USD 7.5 billion in fresh capital to stabilise its operations. Buffett’s investment included 10 per cent dividend paying preferred stock, providing a steady income stream for Berkshire. Additionally, he received warrants to purchase USD 5 billion in common stock at a pre-determined price, a move that eventually delivered billions in returns for Berkshire Hathaway as Goldman Sachs rebounded.During the same period, Berkshire Hathaway also facilitated other transformative deals. Berkshire invested USD 6.5 billion to help finance Mars' USD 23 billion acquisition of Wrigley. This included subordinated debt and a minority equity interest, further strengthening Berkshire’s portfolio. Buffett committed USD 3 billion in preferred equity to support Dow Chemical’s USD 18.8 billion acquisition of Rohm & Haas. This strategic investment was a crucial part of the financing package enabling the merger. These investments, made during a period of economic uncertainty, reinforced Buffett's reputation as an astute and visionary investor. They also delivered substantial returns to Berkshire Hathaway, enhancing the enduring legacy of Warren Buffett.Warren Buffett's Jupiter dasha, Saturn bhukti began in July 2023 and will continue until January 2026. This period has been marked by several investment moves, including his decision to reduce his Apple holdings, increase his stake in Occidental Petroleum, and grow Berkshire Hathaway’s cash reserves. It is also a time when Buffett has focused on his succession plan and continued his philanthropic efforts, giving away significant portions of his fortune to causes close to his heart.Astrologically, the second half of December 2024 may bring significant developments for Warren Buffett. He is likely to make a major charitable donation, potentially involving a large sum of money to a nonprofit or a close to his heart. During this period, he may also undertake one or more substantial investments. Between mid-March and April 2025, another highly active phase is indicated. During this time, Buffett may make significant investments, accompanied by a major career development. April 2025 is expected to be particularly eventful, with a considerable influx of money, possibly from selling investments, realising gains, or receiving substantial dividend payments. He may also make another large charitable donation during this period.In June 2025, Buffett may sell one or more of his stocks. By July and August 2025, his contrarian investment approach could yield exceptional results, although there is a possibility of selling a stock at an unfavorable price in July. Despite this, a large amount of money may still flow his way during this period. September 2025 appears to be highly conducive to large-scale investments, presenting excellent opportunities for strategic growth. As the year concludes, Buffett may end 2025 with another significant charitable donation in December.As is often the case, during the Jupiter dasha, Saturn bhukti too, Warren Buffett has been criticised for underperforming the S&P, something he attributes to the structural problem of managing large amounts of money. However, as he sits on a mountain of cash, those who have observed this 'Oracle of Omaha' through various seasons know that it is only a matter of time before he is proved right yet again. Perhaps 2025 will be the year when a market correction presents an opportunity to buy, reinforcing the legend of Warren Buffett. Time will tell.

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