A story that has moved me recently is that of the best-known actor to play Superman, Christopher Reeve. I watched Superman, a documentary movie about his life and struggles. It inspired me so deeply that, rather than writing a Facebook post, I am allowing myself to truly dig in and write a full blog post—something I have not done consistently for some time. The first Superman movie was released in 1977, the same year as the first Star Wars movie and the year humanity discovered the asteroid Chiron, also known as the Wounded Healer. During that year, we were introduced to heroic stories that would go on to define an entire generation. I was born in 1978, so although I do not remember the film's release, it is a story that profoundly affected me as a young boy growing up in the seemingly dull doldrums of the UK. It surely inspired my love of flight—something I shared with Reeve himself, an avid flyer before losing his mobility and nearly his life in a horse-riding accident in 1995. As always, I watched the movie with the Gene Key profiler close at hand, quickly looking up Christopher Reeve's birth date—and even his time of birth—to create the most accurate profile possible. As I sat and watched the movie, the spheres within his chart seemed to light up in different ways at various moments. In this article, I aim to share some reflections on his chart, as well as insights from his life—things that he himself appeared to learn over the course of his journey. Early in the movie, we hear Christopher say during his promotion of the Superman movie that America needs more heroes. At the time, he did not elaborate on what that meant, but by the end of his life, he offered a reflection that struck a chord with me. The kind of superhero the movie brought to the world was one of superhuman strength, with lasers for eyes, and the ability to fly without any machine (a recurring dream for many of us, including me). But he was also portrayed as kind, with a childlike smile and a cheeky sense of humor. He was less of the machismo-driven hero seen in many action flicks and more akin to the chivalrous heroes of old. His meteoric rise (pardon the pun) launched him into the public consciousness as a superhuman being. In his personal life, he seemed that way too—playing sports, flying airplanes, and careening down mountainsides on skis with his family. It was easy to see the Gift of Vitality reflected in his Purpose Gene Key, 58. Yet, it was the later events of his life that illuminated his chart for me. He appeared to enjoy freedom and seemed to crave it above all else. His desire for freedom even prevented him from committing to the mother of two of his children, as he believed he could not experience freedom while in a relationship. This theme is reflected in his Creativity Sphere, linked to the 39th Gene Key (which moves from Provocation to Liberation and is associated with the Pathway of Dynamism). At the shadow frequency, this key manifests as a fear of being trapped. He had much he wanted to create and achieve in life, and the examples set by his father and other men before him led him to believe that freedom was incompatible with relationships. However, he later changed his mind, marrying Dana and realizing he could experience freedom within marriage. Still, this fear of entrapment would be tested in unimaginable ways. In 1995, Reeve experienced a life-changing horse-riding accident. He was flipped onto his head, breaking his neck and becoming paralyzed. This man, who had embodied the idea of a living Superman for so many, came close to losing his life. He was placed on a ventilator and told he would never walk again. Reeve's Core Wound corresponds to the 28th Gene Key (which moves from Purposelessness to Immortality and is linked to the Pathway of Totality). This key forces us to confront the fear of death, which underpins feelings of purposelessness. In the critical moments following his accident, Reeve faced this fear, as did those around him, who began contemplating a life without him. In the years that followed, he questioned his purpose, unable to move or live independently without his wife's or others' support. But over time, he found a sense of purpose—one that transcended his individual needs and served the over 200,000 people worldwide in similar circumstances who could not afford the support he received. "Nietzsche called the highest level of his Will to Power the ‘Superman.’ His ideas have been dismissed or misunderstood by many over the years, yet I find his insight beautiful and true. We all have the capability to transcend this reality and become a superman or superwoman—someone destined to attain the highest state of purification possible in a human body. To be Superman or Superwoman is to bring an end to death and become eternal." - Richard Rudd, Gene Keys While watching the movie and experiencing the waves of emotion as the story unfolded, it felt as though Reeve's spirit was present in the room, reliving his life lessons with us. His life after the accident challenged his view of himself and the meaning of the word "hero." He chose to live out of the public eye for a time, until his moving appearance at the Oscars in 1996. He had been remembered as a man of vitality and strength, yet now he was unable even to brush his own teeth. He knew how the world once viewed him and shared how difficult it was to show this new, vulnerable side to millions of viewers. The standing ovation and tears he received that night inspired him. "You have to accept yourself as part of a far greater flow than you can see, and as such, you have to accept that there are times when you will feel deeply restrained." - Richard Rudd, Gene Keys Our Radiance Sphere governs our health, vitality, and aura. In Reeve's profile, this sphere is represented by the 52nd Gene Key (which moves from Stress to Stillness and is associated with the Pathway of Restraint). Those with this key often feel deeply restrained by the universe. For someone who spent the remainder of his life in a wheelchair, I can only imagine how deeply Reeve had to embrace this restraint. The 52nd Gene Key also appeared as his SQ (Spiritual Intelligence) and holds particular significance: he was born in 1952, died at age 52, and carried the 52nd Gene Key twice in his profile. This key also emphasizes breathing. Stress, like the physical trauma Reeve endured, often leads to shallow, constricted breathing. His breathing required medical support for the rest of his life. I can only imagine the frustration and restlessness he must have felt, yet he found moments of peace and stillness through meditation. This Gene Key also asks, "How can I be of the greatest service to the whole?" Reeve answered this question from his wheelchair, dedicating himself to supporting others with disabilities. He and Dana's foundation invested in stem cell research and other advancements to support those living with paralysis. The 52nd Gene Key is about planting seeds, trusting that we may never sit under the trees that grow from them. It is about beginning with a selfless intention and nurturing when guided. Years after Reeve's passing, people continue to watch his story and feel the seeds he planted taking root. As mentioned earlier, Chiron was discovered in 1977, the year the first Superman movie was released. This discovery occurred in the 27th Gene Key (which moves from Selfishness to Selflessness and is associated with Altruism). While this key was not in Reeve's chart, it ties into the life of the hero. As children, many of us admired heroes like Superman for their superpowers, but the 52nd Gene Key shifts the focus to selfless service. The difference is that we are here to serve the whole, not to save it. “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” - Christopher Reeve The 46th Gene Key (which moves from Seriousness to Ecstasy and is associated with Delight) is considered the benevolent Gene Key of the SQ. Reeve had this Gene Key twice in his Star Pearl profile, linked to his Brand and Relating Spheres. At the gift frequency, this key embodies ease within the body. Did Reeve ever feel this ease? In his memoir, Still Me (a genius play on words), he shared that meditation helped him experience moments of peace and connection with his body. This resonates beautifully with the Stillness of the 52nd Gene Key and the Ecstasy of the 46th. Reeve delighted audiences as Superman, inspiring childlike wonder. In later years, his vulnerability inspired tears and admiration. Even in photos of him in his wheelchair, his smile still seemed to light up a room. "Ecstasy begins with the breath. When we learn to breathe deeply, not in a forced way, but a relaxed and open way, then the softness of life can approach us." - Richard Rudd, Gene Keys Reflecting on Reeve’s life, I am inspired by the man who brought one of my favorite childhood heroes to life. His strength, even in raising a finger, inspired hope. Returning to the Purpose Sphere of the 58th Gene Key, we see that stability comes from within. Despite the challenges of life, Reeve found joy in selfless service—through spinal cord research, directing, and building a foundation that continues to serve those with disabilities. Watching his story unfold brought me to tears, but also to a sense of wholeness. He showed that even in loss, we can find vitality. "We never lose the things and people we love. It's a cliche to say that we carry them in our heart, but it's true. Everything we touch and everyone we love becomes a part of us and increases our vitality. All the people we have ever loved through our lives will all be there in front of us when our heart one day opens absolutely. The one who appears to have left is actually allowing us to feel more whole.' - Richard Rudd, Gene Keys My tears showed me that I had a connection with this man, the 7 year old inside of me has a connection to the delight that he brought into my life. And his selfless service when seemingly imprisoned in a body inspires the adult that sits here writing this. His life story and his beingness makes me feel more whole. Thank you for your service Christopher Reeve.
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