The Whiskey Flood of 1875: Dublin’s River of Fire
The Whiskey Flood of 1875 is one of Dublin’s strangest and most tragic disasters—a river of burning whiskey that poured through the streets, creating chaos and unexpected fatalities. It began on June 18, when an intense fire erupted in the Liberties neighborhood of Dublin, sending over 5,000 barrels’ worth of whiskey gushing through the streets. In the wake of the fire, some residents tried to salvage the situation by drinking the potent liquid, leading to fatal alcohol poisoning and dozens of hospitalizations. But beyond the bizarre tragedy, the astrology of that night reveals an eerily fitting alignment that seems to echo the dangerous mix of fire, liquid, and unrestrained behavior.
The Fire Breaks Out
The fire ignited in Malone’s Malt and Storehouse, where thousands of barrels of whiskey were stored. Though the exact cause remains unknown, they were alerted of the fire around 8:30pm, and the intense heat eventually caused barrels to explode around 9:30 p.m., sending waves of undiluted whiskey onto the streets. From Cork Street to Ardee Street, the flaming whiskey river tore through homes and businesses, leaving destruction in its wake. Nearby residents, alerted by the sounds of squealing livestock in pens that had caught fire, evacuated quickly—but not without witnessing the eerie river of whiskey that poured through Dublin.
The Tragic Toll: Drinking from the Whiskey River
While no lives were directly claimed by the flames, the whiskey itself became the real danger. Desperate residents, caught up in the surreal scene, scooped up and drank the river of whiskey—undiluted, potent, and deadly. Thirteen people tragically succumbed to alcohol poisoning, with 24 others hospitalized. The whiskey, far stronger than anything sold in stores, overwhelmed those who tried to drink it, turning a moment of desperation into tragedy.
Astrological Breakdown: A Fiery Full Moon in Sagittarius and Mars Retrograde
On the night of the flood, the astrology reflects a sky just as dramatic as the events on the ground. The Moon was full in Sagittarius, tightly conjunct retrograde Mars in the same sign—a potent alignment that often symbolizes release, intensity, and unchecked behavior. Sagittarius, a sign known for its love of freedom, indulgence, and expansion, was a fitting influence over the night’s events. Under Sagittarius, this expansive Jupiterian energy in combination with Neptune influence proved to be pivotal. When paired with Mars retrograde, this fiery sign’s energy became unruly, turning desire and impulse into chaos.
Full Moon Conjunct Mars and the Sagittarius Ascendant
The full Moon, typically a time of culmination and heightened emotions, was amplified by its close conjunction with retrograde Mars in Sagittarius. This alignment brought forth intense energy, driving people to act impulsively and without typical restraint. Mars retrograde in Sagittarius fueled a kind of recklessness, with an urge to break from limits and engage in risky behavior—a recipe for impulsive decisions and, tragically, for some, fatal consequences. The conjunction of the Moon and Mars on the Ascendant intensified the public visibility of the event, making it a spectacle witnessed and acted upon by many in the community.
Excessive Behavior and the Influence of Sagittarius and Neptune
Sagittarius, ruled by expansive Jupiter, often pushes limits and revels in indulgence, while Neptune’s influence blurs boundaries and fuels escapism. Neptune retrograde in Taurus at the time was trining Mars, amplifying this sense of dissolution and dreamlike excess. Neptune’s presence encourages the abandonment of caution, creating a surreal environment where anything feels possible—and, in this case, where a river of whiskey felt like an opportunity rather than a threat. Under this alignment, it’s not surprising that some Dubliners felt compelled to drink from the street.
Mars Retrograde in Sagittarius Returns Just in Time for the Blaze
Adding to this energy, Mars had re-entered Sagittarius only three days before the fire during its retrograde cycle, creating a highly charged atmosphere. Mars retrograde in Sagittarius can symbolize intense but misdirected actions—pushing for expansion without regard for boundaries. As the barrels exploded and whiskey poured out, the fiery Mars energy re-emerged, intensifying the scene and lending an uncontrollable element to the night’s events.
Neptune in Taurus and the Dissolution of Limits
Neptune retrograde in Taurus also speaks to the boundaries, both literal and metaphorical, dissolving in the chaos. Neptune’s trine with Mars added a surreal, intoxicating quality to the night’s events. Neptune’s influence often leads to escapism, and under its haze, reality can blur with desire, leading people to take risks they might normally avoid. In the Whiskey Flood, Neptune’s role in Taurus (a sign connected to material resources and physical safety) eroded judgment, fueling the decision to drink from the dangerous stream of whiskey.
The Whiskey Flood of 1875 stands as an unforgettable moment in Dublin’s history, and the astrology of that night provides an almost haunting mirror to the events. With a full Moon conjunct retrograde Mars in indulgent, boundary-breaking Sagittarius, and Neptune’s influence dissolving the limits between safety and excess, the stars seemed to align with the drama below. The flood, a mixture of fire, liquid, and reckless abandon, was both a surreal and tragic moment where celestial themes of intensity, escape, and boundary dissolution played out on Dublin’s streets.
