The world was shocked to learn of the sudden death of basketball legend Wilton Norman Chamberlain. Better known simply as "Wilt," Chamberlain died in his Bel Air, California home on October 12, allegedly as a result of a heart attack.

Born August 21, 1936 at 11:27 pm EDT (Philadelphia, PA), Wilt epitomized what astrologers know about the sign Leo. Ruled by the Sun, Leo needs recognition. Just as the Sun is the center of the universe and illuminates everything, Leo needs to be the center of his or her world. Wilt, of course, was the most dominant center to ever play the game of basketball.

Orbiting the Sun we find Mars, planet of passion, action and athletics, also in Leo when Chamberlain was born. This double dose of lion power corresponds with his incredible strength and endurance, both on and off the court.

Wilt Chamberlain was, without any shadow of a doubt, the most dominant athlete ever in team sports. Most of the records set by him are still standing. Two of his records, the 100 point game and the 50 point average for a season are unlikely to ever be broken. He was as powerful among people as the Sun is among the planets.

Wilt Chamberlain, we salute you in all of your glory and greatness.

Birth chart and bio from Lois Rodden's AstroDatabank

Basil Fearrington has been a full-time professional astrologer since 1980. His latest book, The New Way to Learn Astrology, is available from Llewellyn Publications.