Shepherd David Vedic birth chart profile
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✨ Aquarius Lagna

Shepherd David

★ April 25, 1931 · London, England
17views
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Moon Sign
Cancer
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Sun Sign
Aries
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Ascendant
Aquarius
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Nakshatra
Pushya
Birth Star
Current Dasha · Rahu / Venus / Rahu · Sep 2026 – Feb 2027
ArtEntrepreneurWritersPhilanthropistLife Path 7Destiny Number 8Soul Number 3Personality Number 5
Biography

Who is Shepherd David?

British artist, world-famed for such wildlife paintings as "Tiger Fire," 1973, and one of the worlds most outspoken conservationists. He is also famous for his paintings of steam locomotives (he owned a number of them), and often painted aircraft, portraits (notably The Queen Mother) and landscapes. Shepherd is the author of five books about his art, including "An Artist in Africa," 1967, and "David Shepherd: An Artist in Conservation," 1992, plus an autobiography "My Painting Life," 1995. As a child, David collected books about Africa and dreamed of becoming a game warden. In 1949, he left school and went to Kenya where he was told his services were not needed. Upon his return to England, the Slade School of Fine Art rejected him, saying he had no talent. Shortly thereafter, he met Robin Goodwin who became his mentor. He began receiving commissions for aviation painting from the Royal Air Force, and in 1960, they flew him to Kenya and commissioned his first wildlife painting. He became a conservationist after seeing 255 dead zebra, and in 1984, he formed the David Shepherd Conservation Foundation, working to save endangered animals in the wild. In 1971, he was awarded an honorary degree in fine arts by the Pratt Institute of New York, and his life was detailed in "The Man Who Loves Giants," 1972, a BBC documentary based on his autobiography by the same name. Shepherd’s passion for steam locomotives resulted in the purchase of two locomotives during 1967. He is the founder of the East Somerset Railway, an operational steam railway and registered charity. The worst financial year of his prolific career was 1975. He married in February 1957 and had four daughters. Shepherd died on 19 September 2017, aged 86, after a 10-week fight in hospital with Parkinsons disease. Link to Wikipedia biography
Latest Info

Latest Updates

Update at: Apr 11, 2026

David Shepherd (born 25 April 1931, London) – Public Profile

David Shepherd was a British wildlife artist and conservationist celebrated for paintings that supported wildlife protection and habitat conservation. Born in London on 25 April 1931, he became renowned for vibrant, detailed depictions of elephants, rhinos, big cats and other wildlife, with a career that bridged art and activism.

Biography and Public Impact

  • Famed for large-scale studio canvases and studio-to-auction fundraisers that advanced conservation causes.
  • Founded The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) to fund field conservation projects around the world.
  • Artistic work and related fundraising helped support anti-poaching, habitat protection and community-based conservation programs.
  • His legacy lives on through exhibitions, charitable auctions and ongoing conservation initiatives carried out by the foundation and partner organizations.

News and Tributes

Following his passing in 2017, obituaries and tributes in major outlets highlighted Shepherd’s contributions to wildlife art and conservation. The public record notes that his death prompted renewed attention to his philanthropic efforts and the ongoing work of the foundation he established. Tributes from museums, galleries and conservation groups reaffirmed the enduring impact of his art as a catalyst for fundraising and awareness.

Recent Projects and Ongoing Work

Even after his lifetime, The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation has continued Shepherd’s mission with active conservation projects. Typical areas of focus include:

  • Anti-poaching and wildlife protection programs in Africa and other regions facing poaching pressures.
  • Habitat conservation and restoration efforts to support elephants, rhinos, tigers and other threatened species.
  • Community-based conservation initiatives that involve local stakeholders, education and sustainable livelihoods.
  • Wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and monitoring programs, often in collaboration with partner NGOs and reserve managers.

These activities reflect Shepherd’s lasting emphasis on using art, fundraising and partnerships to protect wildlife and ecosystems.

Publications, Media and Exhibitions

Shepherd’s artwork has been the subject of gallery shows, books and documentary features. His career bridged fine art and philanthropy, with many works created or auctioned to support conservation campaigns. The foundation and museum partners continue to present his work to new audiences as part of education and fundraising efforts.

Social Media and Online Presence

As a historical figure, David Shepherd is not known to maintain personal social media accounts. Public engagement in his name today is primarily through The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, which maintains official profiles and content on major social platforms. Visitors can also find information about his life, works and the foundation’s ongoing conservation programs via the foundation’s official materials and communications channels.

Other Information

  • Legacy: Shepherd’s approach linked art with conservation impact, inspiring donors and volunteers to support wildlife protection long after canvases were sold.
  • Location: Historical records place his life and work in the United Kingdom, with international exhibitions and collaborations that spread his conservation message worldwide.
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Which Raj Yogas are in Shepherd David's birth chart?

5 FOUND

Shepherd David's chart shows 4 Raj Yogas and 1 challenging combination, including Chandra-Mangala Yoga, Rajju Yoga, Budhaditya Yoga-Weak.

Planetary Combinations
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Which dasha is Shepherd David running now?

VIMSHOTTARI

Shepherd David is currently in the Rahu mahadasha, running from Sep 1, 2026 to Feb 13, 2027.

PREVIOUSJun 28, 2026 - Sep 1, 2026
Rahu / Venus / Mars
NOWSep 1, 2026 - Feb 13, 2027
Rahu / Venus / Rahu
NEXTFeb 13, 2027 - Jul 7, 2027
Rahu / Venus / Jupiter
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What do Shepherd David's numerology numbers say?

Shepherd David's core numbers are Life Path 7, Destiny 8, Soul Urge 3, Personality 5, Kabbalah Number 6, Birth 7.

∞Life Path
7

Chaldean Life Path 7 is Ketu-like—analysis, mystery, and spiritual depth. It indicates learning through research, introspection, and inner truth.

◎Destiny
8

Chaldean Destiny 8 indicates executive expression and authority. It supports business, finance, leadership, and achievement through discipline.

❖Soul Urge
3

Chaldean Soul 3 desires joy and expression. It seeks creativity, appreciation, and the freedom to share ideas and feelings.

◇Personality
5

Chaldean Personality 5 appears energetic, adaptable, and adventurous. Others often see curiosity, movement, and flexibility.

∞Kabbalah Number
6

Kabbalah Number 6 reflects an inner spiritual code of care and harmony. It supports service, relationships, responsibility, and ethical choices.

✦Birth
7

Explore Birth Number 7 in Vedic astrology: discover personality traits, destiny, career inclinations, relationships, and remedies to balance karmic energy.

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Life Events & Planetary Transits

Key events mapped against the active Dasha and planetary transits at the time.

1995
Career
Published/ Exhibited/ Released 1995 (Autobiography, "My Painting Life")
2008
Career
Prize 2008 (CBE)
2008
Death
Death by Disease 2008 (Parkinsons, age 86)
1949
Family
Change residence 1949 (Moved to Kenya)
1957
Relationship
Marriage February 1957
1960
Career
Begin Major Project 1960 (Commissionted wildlife paintings, Royal Air Force)
1967
Career
Published/ Exhibited/ Released 1967 (Book released)
1971
Career
Prize 1971 (Honorary degree from Pratt Insititute)
1972
Career
Gain social status 1972 (BBC documentary about him released)
1973
Career
Published/ Exhibited/ Released 1973 (Wildlife painting released)
1975
Financial
Worst Period 1975 (Worst financial period)
1980
Career
Prize 1980 (OBE)
1984
Career
Begin Major Project 1984 (Founded the David Shepherd Conservation Foundation)
1992
Career
Published/ Exhibited/ Released 1992 (Book released)
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this profile's Vedic astrology, birth chart, and numerology — answered by our astrologers.

How does Shepherd David's Aquarius ascendant shape the way he presented himself to the world?

Shepherd David's Aquarius lagna endowed him with an innovative, forward-thinking public persona. Aquarius ascendants are known for their originality and humanitarian vision, traits that aligned perfectly with his later philanthropic work. This ascendant gave him a distinctive, unconventional approach to his artistic and conservation endeavors, setting him apart from his contemporaries and enabling him to pioneer wildlife art in ways that captured public imagination.

What does Shepherd David's Taurus sun sign reveal about his core nature and values?

Shepherd David, a Taurus by Western zodiac, embodied the sign's qualities of steadiness, sensuality, and deep appreciation for beauty and nature. Taurus natives possess a grounded, persistent approach to their work and a strong connection to the material world and living creatures. This earthy influence strengthened his dedication to wildlife painting and his commitment to conservation, allowing him to build a lasting legacy through patient, methodical artistic mastery and tangible environmental impact.

What astrological indicators in Shepherd David's birth chart explain his success as a wildlife artist and conservationist?

Shepherd David's chart reveals multiple powerful yogas supporting his artistic and philanthropic achievements. His Chandra-Mangala Yoga fueled emotional depth and creative courage, while Vasumitra Yoga and Rajju Yoga contributed to his social recognition and sustained success. The Cancer moon provided sensitivity to life's nuances, essential for capturing wildlife authenticity. These placements, combined with his Taurus sun's love of nature, created the perfect astrological foundation for a celebrated artist-conservationist who earned honors including an OBE and CBE.

What does Shepherd David's life path number 7 indicate about his spiritual and intellectual pursuits?

Shepherd David's life path number 7 signifies a deeply introspective, analytical, and spiritually inclined nature. Life path 7 individuals are seekers of truth and wisdom, often drawn to understanding the deeper mysteries of existence. This number reflects his philosophical approach to art and conservation, suggesting he viewed his work as more than commercial success—it was a spiritual mission to preserve and honor the natural world, combining intellectual rigor with intuitive insight.

Which yogas in Shepherd David's astrological chart contributed most to his widespread recognition and honors?

Shepherd David's Vasumitra Yoga and Rajju Yoga were instrumental in his rise to prominence and the honors he received, including his OBE in 1980 and CBE in 2008. These yogas enhanced his social standing, public visibility, and ability to gain recognition from institutions and authority figures. Combined with his Cancer moon's emotional authenticity and his Aquarius ascendant's innovative vision, these configurations created a powerful magnetic draw that elevated his status as both an artist and a humanitarian advocate.

How does numerology reveal Shepherd David's greatest strengths and natural gifts?

Shepherd David's numerological profile shows exceptional depth: his life path 7 brings spiritual wisdom and analytical brilliance, while his destiny number 8 amplifies material success and influence. His soul number 3 grants creative expression and communication gifts, and his personality number 5 adds adaptability and dynamic energy. Together, these numbers created a synergistic force enabling him to excel as an artist, author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist—a rare combination that allowed him to thrive across multiple domains throughout his life.

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