Celebrity Sun Sign Series- Morgan Freeman and Mercury

"I gravitate towards gravitas."- Morgan Freeman. Sounds like Mercury in Taurus sure enough! Photo by Alan Light.

Throughout history, there have been many actors and orators who move us when they speak, and have a comforting presence that can't be denied. A few rouse us to action, striking our hearts with joy or sadness. Fewer still have had such presence that they could portray God himself. The man capable of such a feat, and our topic for today's Celebrity Sun Sign Series, is Morgan Freeman.

Morgan Joseph Freeman was born on June 1st, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee. This gives Morgan Freeman the sun sign of Gemini, the twins. Ruled by the planet Mercury, Gemini is the sign of communication, mental acuity, diversity and duality. Geminis are quick-witted and curious. They also embody the philosophy that "variety is the spice of life."

After moving several times as a child, Freeman began acting at age 9. Although offered a drama scholarship after graduating high school, he joined the US Air force. His career as an Actor began in the 60's, with the typical Gemini love for variety in his roles (everything from Hello Dolly to soap opera's to children's television on PBS.)

Freeman has had a prolific acting career in many genres of film, but his most memorable roles exemplify his calm, authoritative demeanor and way of speaking. He has a commanding presence that has allowed him to play roles such as Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding in The Shawshank Redemption, the U.S. President in Deep Impact, and Lucius Fox in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy. It takes an awful lot of charisma to play Nelson Mandela, as he did in 2009's critically-acclaimed Invictus.

Then, of course, there's Freeman's role as God in the movie Bruce Almighty. Though not one of his more critically-acclaimed movies, Freeman certainly shows his prowess by taking on the somewhat daunting role of playing God in film.

It comes as little surprise that Morgan Freeman's birth chart packs a one-two punch of charismatic charm and speaking ability. Below is Freeman's birth chart. Though birth time is unknown, it is set as a noon chart (placing his sun on the MC at the top of the chart, an appropriate placement for such a public individual).

While the focus of the Celebrity Sun Sign Series is, of course, the sun sign and how those attributes show up in the lives of famous people, there are several key aspects of Morgan Freeman's birth chart that distinguish his Gemini Sun. Freeman's Sun in Gemini is circled in green at the top of the chart. Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury, which in Freeman's chart is in Taurus (circled in green as well). This Mercury in Taurus gives Freeman's Gemini Sun a strong dose of down-to-earth stable. Taurus is known for practicality and security, and Mercury in Taurus provides concentration and a thorough, deliberate style of thinking. As you can see in the red square at the top of the chart, Mercury in Taurus is also conjunct Uranus in Taurus. Uranus, the planet of electrically-charged change and innovation, takes a major chill pill in Uranus. Uranus in Taurus provides the innovative spark of creativity Uranus is known for in a practical, concrete way.

Freeman's Mercury and Uranus are also trine his Neptune in Virgo (the red box on the left side of the chart), which in his noon-based chart is on his ascendant. Neptune, the planet of imagination and illusion, is commonly associated with the film industry. In Virgo, the creative muse of Neptune manifests in a more calculated, cautious way. Freeman's Neptune supports his Mercury and Uranus with careful, reserved charismatic charm.

These aspects in Freeman's chart seem to paint a fairly accurate picture of reserved charm, careful and deliberate speech, and a powerful presence, grounded by the gravity of so many planets in earth signs. Freeman's career continues, both in acting roles and narration for shows and charitable organizations.

"But..." you may ask, "Morgan Freeman doesn't sound like a stereotypical Gemini... does he?" Sure enough, there are some aspects of the "typical" Gemini personality that Morgan Freeman does not seem to exemplify as strongly. A Gemini sun sign is often associated with a youthful personality, an affinity for the lighter side of life, and a versatile and ever-changing mentality. This is one of the limitations of "Sun Sign Astrology." The energy, the personality and the underlying themes of an individual's life are often most strongly exemplified by their sun sign (which is part of the fun in our Celebrity Sun Sign Series), but more often than not, the identity of the sun sign is conditioned by the other aspects of the chart. Morgan Freeman has the communication and mental focus of Gemini, but having Gemini's ruling planet Mercury located in and supported by earth signs provides that double scoop of gravitas that distinguishes his personality.

Morgan Freeman's chart shows the many layers of astrological interpretation, and how important it is for us to penetrate the surface of the chart and appreciate the complexity within!

How about you, readers? How do you feel about your sun sign? Are you a Morgan Freeman fan? Leave a comment!

Saturn in Libra pays us all a visit

Saturn says that if you don't share those brownies, you don't get any at all.

The planet Saturn is not known for having fun. If Jupiter is that awesome night of getting drunk and watching cat videos on the internet, Saturn is the hangover the next morning and the call from your boss asking why you're not at work. When Saturn comes to visit (and he visits everybody!), it's usually to teach us "hard lessons".

When we consider the birth chart, the sign and house position of Saturn show us how these "hard lessons" manifest throughout our lives. In whichever area Saturn may be, we face challenges, austerity, a need to build structure and long-term development through hard work. This struggle, however, helps us shape who we are.

In present time, the current position of Saturn in the zodiac is shared by everyone. Saturn is currently in the sign of Libra, the scales. This calls everyone to consider the structure and responsibility we have with each other, in partnerships of all kinds, and in our sense of justice and equality in general. It challenges us to improve our relationships. Transiting Saturn's position in Libra also indicates that the challenges it brings are likely to involve other people in some way. We all experience Saturn in Libra in a unique way depending on which of the 12 houses of our chart it happens to be passing through.

If you have your birth chart handy, you can find where Libra starts and see what house (or houses) Saturn has been passing through. If you don't have a chart, but you do know your Ascendant, find the sign of your Ascendant and read that description. If you don't know your Ascendant, find your Sun sign and read that description- this will be based on your "solar" houses, which though not based on your actual chart, should still resonate thematically. (A natal interpretation can help you get to know your Ascendant and houses a little more intimately!)

For Saturn in Libra, it doesn't matter if the glass is half full OR half empty- you're gonna have to share it either way.

Aries Ascendant (Saturn in the 7th house):
Less time going to the club, more time focused on loved ones, and your responsibility to maintain the relationships you already have. Highlighted responsibility to long-term partners or spouse.
"I know I've been stressed and distant, but I'm going to put more work into our relationship. Let's go do a puzzle together."

Taurus Ascendant (Saturn in the 6th house):
Easy to overwork, but a good time for building a balanced routine in work and developing healthy habits. Exercise routines are good here. Highlighted responsibility for pets.
"I could probably start taking power walks with the dogs to help with the stress of my 60 hour work week."

Gemini Ascendant (Saturn in the 5th house):
Not a good time for gambling. Leisure and fun suddenly may seem more elusive, but there's also the chance to work on long-lasting creative projects. Highlighted responsibility for children.
"Playing XBox for hours just doesn't feel right. Maybe building that tree house for the kids would be a fulfilling project..."

Cancer Ascendant (Saturn in the 4th house):
The home demands extra work and attention, but also provides the potential to get things organized and stabilized (repairs maybe...) Highlighted responsibility related to a parent.
"I need to weatherproof the house. I guess I should probably weatherproof my parents' house too."

Leo Ascendant (Saturn in the 3rd house):
Vehicle challenges, difficult commutes, how we communicate requires attention. Potential for maturing thoughts and shoring up daily routines. Highlighted responsibility related to siblings.
"I have to start getting up earlier so I can fix my scooter while my brother borrows my car."

Virgo Ascendant (Saturn in the 2nd house):
Time to save those pennies. Budgeting can become an issue, with potential to increase structure and stability in spending habits. Highlighted responsibility for how you value things and people.
"This new budget is hard to get used to, but it does feel good that I'm spending less on beer and saving more for a house."

Libra Ascendant (Saturn in the 1st house):
Here Saturn may inhibit expression and possibly energy as it encourages structure and maturity in our physical selves. Highlighted responsibility for our individual roles and our affects on others.
"I've felt inhibited and self conscious lately, but people tell me they appreciate the mature, stable presence I have."

Scorpio Ascendant (Saturn in the 12th house):
Unease about our spirituality, our connection to the infinite. Potential for feeling isolated, but good time to meditate. Highlighted responsibility in sacrificing self to others in some way.
"Sometimes I feel like I'm disconnected from the universe, but I know I can help myself if I help others."

Sagittarius Ascendant (Saturn in the 11th house):
Time spent with groups may be more aloof and less fun than usual, but there's a good chance to mature in how we network and connect to others. Highlighted responsibility for friends.
"Poker night didn't feel quite the same without gin, but everyone seemed really interested in my ideas for non-profit organizations."

Capricorn Ascendant (Saturn in the 10th house):
Work or career can be particularly challenging, but there's the potential to mature and stabilize your professional self long-term. Highlighted responsibility for a parent or in leading others.
"Funds sure have been tight here at work, but we all cooperated on this new business plan that should help in the long run."

Aquarius Ascendant (Saturn in the 9th house):
Difficult questions arise in philosophy, religion and ethics. This can lead to assessing your values and maturing in your world view. Highlighted responsibility in connection to other cultures.
"I got so frustrated with religion that I gave up and became an atheist, but the Tibetan Buddhist in my French class showed me a belief system I appreciate."

Pisces Ascendant (Saturn in the 8th house):
Inhibition in relation to others, challenges in sexuality or beliefs about death. A good time to build trust and emotional stability, however. Highlighted responsibility for others' money or values.
"Our discussion about writing wills with my partner really made me think about my fear of death. But I overcame my fear, feel more emotionally stable, and damn that sex was good."

As usual, there may be many more ways that Saturn's challenges manifest. The important thing is to be patient and learn as much as you can from the hard lessons that Saturn in Libra teaches us. Saturn is nearing the end of Libra, and soon we'll experience the hard lessons of Saturn in Scorpio (which is not merely a different astrological classroom, but probably more like a different campus altogether). Let's focus on the positive and build the structures that will support us in the future!

Readers: Which house is Saturn in Libra visiting in your chart? What lessons do you feel you're being forced to learn? Leave a comment!

An astrological recap of 2011

We've made it to the final week of 2011. It's been a very busy year astrologically, and there's plenty more to come in 2012. Before we celebrate the new year, let's take a look back at some of the biggest astrological developments of the past 12 months...

One of the most important themes of 2011 was manifestation. A wide variety ideas, beliefs, even fears and dangers, all percolated up into physical reality this year. We saw protests, the physical manifestation of unrest and the desire for change. We saw terrorist attacks and environmental disasters, the manifestation of our fears. We saw political change and political gridlock. Astrologically, we can thank (at least in part) the sign of Aries for a great deal of this.

Aries, the first of the 12 zodiac signs, is the sign of initiative, of action, and is the point of physical manifestation in the zodiac. Aries is associated with the spring equinox, the time of new beginning and new growth. In January of 2011, Jupiter moved from Pisces into Aries- the planet of justice, optimism and expansion, spurring initiative and opportunity in a very direct, physical way.

Later, in March of 2011, Uranus moved into Aries as well. Uranus, slower moving and carrying more long-term intensity than Jupiter, helped spur the rebellion and the imperative to take real action for independence and freedom around the world as it made its way into Aries. This event encouraged individuals around the world to take action in standing up for their beliefs, and protests became ubiquitous (so much so that Time's Person of the Year was "The Protester"). This manifestation led to real change, though unfortunately was not lacking in violence (another association of Aries). Many thousands of people died as they challenged corrupt rulers, and unnecessary violence and brutality have become commonplace.

It's a-mace-ing how many of these images are peppered around the internet.

While Aries was the focal point for manifestation, Neptune moved into the deep waters of Pisces, beginning in April. Neptune hasn't been in Pisces since shortly after its discovery in the mid 1800's. As the planet of creativity, imagination, spirituality and illusion moves into its home sign of Pisces, the sensitivity of our collective consciousness is heightened. The usual boundaries of perception are misty; the lines between ourselves and others less solid. Now, as in the mid 1800's, Neptune in Pisces can show us creative new developments in art, music, fashion and spirituality... as well as new drugs, new diversions, new ways to retreat from the the intensity of life. We may also see changes in policies toward the ocean, and water resources are bound to have a heightened roll in years to come. Have a beer (but not too many!) and open up to your creative side.

We had a brutal Mercury Retrograde when Mercury opposed Neptune this past summer. The deeper themes of Neptune- creativity, consciousness, boundaries- added deeper, much more difficult lessons to the usually mundane reminders of Mercury retrograde.

Saturn and Jupiter moved into opposition earlier in 2011, pitting the need for individuality and pioneering optimism (Jupiter in Aries) against the responsibility and structure within our relationships and obligations to others (Saturn in Libra). Tensions mounted this year between being spurred into rebellious action and being aware of our responsibilities in connection to others.

Finally, towards the end of 2011 we saw Mars enter Virgo, a much needed "nose to the grindstone" period for the planet of action, energy and drive. In Virgo, Mars is forced to focus on details, and we have the energy and focus to take action on our everyday "dharma". This can also lead to a buildup of nervous energy and stress, however, so it's also an important time to assess our relaxation techniques and express anxious energy in a constructive way (not a bad time to consider exercise or yoga to keep the body's energies balanced).

Bending and weaving our way through Mars in Virgo... or is that stretching a metaphor?

So, what is there to look forward to astrologically in 2012? Quite a bit. The big doozy astrologers have been anxiously waiting for is Uranus squaring Pluto, a volatile aspect that hasn't been seen in quite some time. There are plenty more events as well (posts to follow!) that should make for a busy 2012. I hope you'll join me in toasting the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, and I hope to share more with you in the new year!

Celebrating the winter solstice- the next Gruit project

Bog Myrtle. Sort of like hops' crazy great-uncle, who misses the good old days.

Happy Winter Solstice! Also called Yule, Yuletide, Jul, Midvinterblot, and other names increasingly difficult to pronounce (or type), the winter solstice is celebrated the world over as a reminder of the importance of community, merriness and hope as we pass through the longest night of the year. In European history, especially, it's time to break out some drinks, too. What better to celebrate the long history of this special day than to consider gruit ale?

You can read my post here from November of last year about making gruit ale, the pre-hops libation of Northern Europe consumed since antiquity (although more or less falling off the map from the 1400's to the present, new interest in old brews is reviving Gruit once more). To celebrate the Winter Solstice (which is also the time when the Sun enters Capricorn), I brewed this particular gruit with wintergreen, an herb associated with Saturn, and most of the traditional gruit herbs. It was wonderfully interesting, but it's time now for a new celebration of the Sun entering Capricorn- winter sowing of gruit herb seeds!

The herbs that make up the basis of gruit flavoring are Wild Rosemary (couldn't find much about the astrology of this herb), Bog Myrtle (associated with the planet Venus), Yarrow (Venus), and often Mugwort (Venus and the Moon). These perennial little shrubs grow naturally in the highly acidic, peaty, often boggy soils of Northern Europe's traditional landscape. Because of the long, sometimes harsh winters there, these plants have developed protective mechanisms. In the case of Bog Myrtle, Wild Rosemary and Mugwort, new seeds require a period of cold stratification to germinate. This simply means that snow and ice fall on the seeds, pressing them into the ground, then slowly melt, then more snow, which then melts, etc. This process slowly breaks down a protective layer on the seeds, allowing them to germinate in springtime.

This is a wonderful website offering seeds and planting information for a variety of herbs with a history of traditional use in medicine and ritual. There's a bit on the page about wintering seeds that mentions how sowing seeds in the middle of winter dates back at least to Roman times. Sowing seeds in the middle of winter provides the period of cold stratification necessary for germination. Sowing on the Winter Solstice, in particular, ensures that the days will be increasingly longer as the seeds undergo their transformation, oriented them towards the upcoming growth of spring. Plus, what better way to celebrate the Sun in Capricorn, the sign of discipline, practicality and patient ambition? Capricorn urges us to have the responsibility to plant the seeds of the future wisely. Then, hopefully, around the time the Sun bursts into Aries... some gruit herbs should be on the way!

Unfortunately, its difficult to get Wild Rosemary seeds even in their native Europe, and all but impossible here in the U.S. Luckily, there's a New World cousin called Marsh Rosemary or Bog Labrador (aka Labrador tea), with the same climatic requirements, and I found some of those seeds online. And I had planned on sowing Mugwort seeds, until I found this little dude growing in the alley behind my work:

Unlike the other herbs, Mugwort is relatively common, though generally goes unnoticed. It grows in urban and rural areas alike, often along roadsides facing the south. Sure enough, I found this little dude by the alley, on the southern side of a fence. I gently dug him up, put him in a cup and carried him home on my scooter. He's doing well, which means we're 1/4th of the way there already! Yarrow is going to be planted in spring.

As for the Bog Myrtle and Marsh Rosemary, here's the process...

I have a plastic pot with holes drilled in the bottom, a bale of peat
(acidic dead plant material, just like the seeds' boggy native soil),
a bag of humus (richer, denser for nutrients and stability), a bunch of
pine needles I found while jogging (provides further acidity and a
protective top layer)

I mixed peat with warm water and humus, then added a big scoop of dirt from the garden patch to help balance the potting mixture and add more nutrients.

Here's the completed potting mixture with the seeds sprinkled on top. The Marsh Rosemary seeds were like dust, they were so small...

Here's the pot in position behind the north side of the house, out of direct sun but exposed to the necessary snow and ice winter will provide. The acid-enriching and protective layer of pine needles is spread over the top, with seed packets for identification.

A little candle to celebrate this year's Winter Solstice Sowing. I walked away for 5 minutes, then realized I'd left a lit candle in a giant pile of bone-dry pine needles. After a brief reassessment, I placed the candle in the window for the night.

Now it's time to tap into Capricorn's patience and wait. No maintenance required, just hopeful thoughts that in 3 or 4 months these little guys pop up. Then it's just a matter of ensuring that plants from Northern Europe survive a St. Louis summer...

How about you, readers? What "seeds" are you sowing for the year ahead? 2012 is bound to be an intense one! (plenty of posts to follow about that...) Leave a comment!

Mars in Virgo part two: Practicing the practical

One of the challenges of using astrology is translating "astrologese" into practical, everyday terms. "Astrologese" refers to the unique jargon used in astrological description and interpretation. This language is just as particular and complex as any other field of study, but one of the key elements that distinguishes the field of Astrology is its application to our individual lives. You may be quite content to never need an explanation of the role antimicrobial pharmodynamics play in your life, for example. But, if an astrologer tells you you're having a Saturn return, this is an immediate and challenging event, and you'll probably want to know what that really means.

Well, with Mars (the sign of energy, action taking, drive) in the sign of Virgo (practicality, precision, detail) there's no better time to take a closer look at the day to day, practical implications of what Mars is up to. In other words, a brief translation from astrologese into ordinary parlance.

Some of the best tools for translating astrologese are key words. Key words have an immediate impact when you see them, and help to get a richer understanding of the significance of astrological events.

Some key words for Mars:
Aggression, drive, urge, passion, physical
(themes relating to energy and how energy is expressed and action is taken)

Some key words for Virgo:
meticulous, diligent, analytical, critical, worrying
(themes relating to analysis, precision, and the concern for details)

In addition to these thematic key words, the signs and planets also rule or are associated with objects and events in our daily lives.

Things ruled by Mars:
muscles, blood, male anatomy, soldiers, athletes, knives, fanatics, energy


Things ruled by Virgo:
pets, health resorts, hard work, the harvest, bookkeeping, crafts, details, criticism, tension


To synthesize these key words and rulerships, we can consider how these elements combine.
The themes of energy, drive and passion in Mars are filtered through the caution and attention to detail of Virgo. This energy can lead to a bit of stress (which we may all feel even more intensely with Mercury being retrograde for another couple weeks or so). However, this combination also pares down Mars' intense drive to a more practical level of which we can take advantage in daily life.

The aspects of our lives ruled by Mars or Virgo may be affected in different ways for different individuals, and as always will be affected by where Mars in Virgo is traveling in your chart (and what else it touches- a personalized astrological consultation can help in this area). In general, however, you may find your attention drawn to health matters (and how you take action on your health), anything associated with crafts, pets, your productivity in or outside the workplace, and the potential for both great concentration and great restless anxiety or tension in whatever you consider to be "work". Remember the themes of Mars in Virgo for guidance on how you can tap into the productive potential of this event!

What do you think, readers? Where is Mars in Virgo traveling in your natal chart? Where has your energy been focused lately? Leave a comment!

Mars in Virgo and your Dharma Checklist

There's no shortage of activity in the news these days. Financial crises, global protests, political strife and more seem to inspire us to consider the major thematic shifts in world consciousness, while simultaneously urging us to grab a six pack and run for it.

Well, running away does have its place. So does taking a stand and changing the world. But, as the planet Mars moves into the sign of Virgo, we are reminded of a third option (and, perhaps, a good starting place): our dharma.

Dharma is one of the most important components of Hindu philosophy. In basic terms, it is comprised of our individual duties, obligations, and the manner in which we are called to serve. In the caste system, one's dharma is dictated by their societal position. We don't need to belong to a caste to consider our dharma, however. Instead, we need only consider fulfilling the duties that all of us have, particular to our own circumstances. We must take action in the practical, immediate circumstances in which we live. As Gandhi famously said, "You must be the change you want to see in the world."


The planet Mars represents how we take action, our motivation, our drive. Also, depending on how that action is taken, Mars rules conflict. Mars has recently moved out of the sign Leo which, though not a conflict driven sign, is certainly a passionate and dramatic one. Mars in Leo urges us to take action in a grand way, with confidence (and a healthy dose of ego).

Mars in Virgo, on the other hand, is practical, analytical, hard-working. Virgo doesn't share the need for limelight that Leo aches for, and therefore can quietly, at times painstakingly, sort out the details and get to work. Does this sound exciting? Perhaps not. But Virgo as a sign isn't really about excitement. It's about precision, practicality, and dependability, and hard work. Mars in Virgo urges us to put our noses to the grindstone and work on the practical duties that we're all faced with- or, in other words, our dharma.

Like any placement, there are challenges to Mars in Virgo. There's the potential for tension, for worry, for over-critical analysis. When you're paying attention to every single detail, it's easy to get a little stressed out. But with Mars in Virgo, we can really get down to business on our individual dharma and the tasks we have at hand. We can finish our checklist of household chores before we, say, sell our possessions and join Greenpeace (wait a few years till Mars moves into Sagittarius and this won't sound quite as crazy). In so doing, we can get a foothold on the role we have to play in the big picture of our world. Mars in Virgo gives us the opportunity to start small, to work in our individual roles (in our families, our jobs, our communities) towards bigger changes and bigger accomplishments. Once we finish our own dharma checklists, we can play a bigger, more meaningful role in the world's checklist (and that's a particularly long list...)

So, without letting yourself worry too much... start checking off those boxes!

Readers, do you feel the urge to be practical now that Mars is in Virgo? Or, if you have access to your natal chart, where does transiting Mars in Virgo fall? What's on your "dharma checklist"? Leave a comment!

Occupy Wall Street and the North Node

inquisitr.com

If there's one thing in the news lately that has taken a dramatic turn, it's definitely Occupy Wall Street. After weeks of general acceptance, many cities have decided that the Occupy camps have outstayed their welcome, and have begun to crack down on the 24-hour presence of the protesters. Some of the protests have turned violent, on both the sides of the protesters and the sides of the police.

At about 1:00 AM Tuesday morning, the New York City police raided Zuccotti park, where the protesters had been camped, and cleared most of the protesters out, arresting 200 others. As the volatility of the Occupy movement grows, the astrological indicators don't disappoint. The interesting focus in the events of recent days is the Nodal axis.

The Nodal Axis is the intersection between the path of the sun (ecliptic) and path of the moon across the sky. The point where the moon's path rises above the path of the ecliptic is called the North Node, and represents a focused area of difficult development ("that looks new and challenging. Do I have to do it?"). The opposite point, where the moon crosses back underneath the ecliptic, is called the South Node, and represents a place of natural ability or old habits ("I'm good at Angry Birds. Maybe I could just do that?"). Together, these two points form a potent axis or path that draws attention to development and potential in these areas. It's almost a kind of duty or mission, a path of development that we are called to follow.

The Nodal Axis is currently in the signs of Gemini and Sagittarius, with the North Node at 15 degrees of Sagittarius and the South Node at 15 Gemini. Gemini and Sagittarius, though opposing each other, share themes of communication- Gemini expressing the variety of daily communication, Sagittarius expressing enduring truth. This week, Mercury and Venus are conjunct the North Node in Sagittarius, which connects our personal mentality and love nature to this point.

What's really crazy about this particular placement of the North Node, however, is that it is conjunct an object at 14 Sagittarius called the Great Attractor. Gary P Caton discusses this odd anomaly in a post on The Mountain Astrologer website. The Great Attractor is an incredibly huge collection of mass far out in space, with an immense gravitational pull. Astrologer Philip Sedgwick, well known for his work in the astrological significance of deep space objects, gives the Great Attractor a great deal of importance. Astrologically, it's like a giant galactic weight, an area of energetic pull. Conjunct the North Node, it amplifies the significance of the North Node as a "call of duty". The Great Attractor is also associated with impressions of the future. Our current North Node "mission" is certainly a doozy.

On the Planet Waves blog, New York City astrologer Eric Francis discusses the significance of the chart for the time of the NYPD's raid on the Occupy Wall Street camp. Conjunct the Nodal Axis within just a couple degrees was the MC/IC axis at 12 Gemini/Sagittarius. The MC/IC axis, the spine of the chart, shows the foundations and the public expression of the chart's energies. According to Francis, the 12 Gemini/Sagittarius line has itself played an important role in historic New York events, including 9/11.

So, that leaves us with a lineup of the 12 Gemini/Sagittarius line (highlighting major events in New York history), the Nodal Axis (our collective mission), the Great Attractor (adding "weight" and foresight) AND the personal planets of Mercury and Venus, activating our mentality and our interests. With this lineup in Sagittarius, which always focuses on the search for truth, my analysis is that the crackdown on protesters is not the end of Occupy Wall Street. Quite simply, with this lineup... now it's personal.

There's still quite a bit of uncertainty about the future of the Occupy movement, but it continues to catalyze thousands, in the U.S. and in other countries. Now's a good time to tap into our own personal "mission", and to consider the work we have to do... it should be an interesting couple of weeks.

Readers: What do you think about Occupy Wall Street? What's the future of the protests? What are some parts of the "mission" that we are collectively called for? Leave a comment!