Charting History

Once upon a time, many years ago, someone discovered a big continent and called it "America." In due course, America gained its independence from Britain. This story is about the astrological influence of that day, July 4 1776. You may regard it as a fairytale if you wish.

There has always been controversy about the timing of the Declaration of Independence. For this reason I prefer the horoscope that has Uranus rising in Gemini, because Uranus represents controversy. I believe, too, that the American Civil War is foretold in the nation's birth chart. Uranus in Gemini can be read as "separation" (Uranus) between "brothers" (Gemini). Gemini is the sign of the twins, in this instance, the Blue Twin and the Grey Twin. Mars in Gemini in the first natal house also points to "war" (Mars) between "brothers" (Gemini).

The square (challenging aspect) between Mars and Neptune represents "sacrifice" (Neptune) through "war" (Mars),, which in America has obviously been horrendous. Ironically, the same asoect can account for the "glamorization" (Neptune) of "guns" (Mars). Since Mars is the planetary ruler of the 12th house ("victims"), the square to Neptune (also about "victims"), has a lot to do with the divisions caused by slavery.

The ruler of the horoscope's Ascendant is Mercury in Cancer in the third house. Here again is a strong "brothers/youth" motif. In the language of astrology, Gemini, Mercury and the 3rd house are interelated. Their main function is "communication," so possibly America is quite a talkative nation. Mercury in Cancer, a water sign, points to vulnerability, and I imagine American youth has always been very vulnerable, before, during and since the Civil War.

America is a rich country,, and so it should be. The "Greater Benefic," Jupiter, is exalted in Cancer in the 2nd house, which represents the country's wealth. It is conjunct the "Lesser Benefic," Venus, the natural ruler of the 2nd house. The Sun in Cancer is also in this house, conjunct the Fixed Star Canopus - "success through perseverence." The 2nd house is also about a nation's security, an important issue for the States.

Saturn in Libra, placed in the 5th house, is also in its sign of exaltation. It is the ruler of the 9th house, whose concerns include "religion." This is the astral reason for America's strong focus on religion - it is, qute simply, "exalted." Incidentally, the US has also produced its share of excellent astrologers, courtesy of Uranus ("astrology") in Gemini ("books and writing"). Saturn also has significance through its square aspect to the Sun. This represents the struggle by the Pilgrim Fathers (Saturn ruling 9), to establish a new "home" (Sun ruling 4, "home and forebears."

Though I am not an admirer of Donald Trump, the comparison between his natal horoscope and that of the US shows me why he is so popular with some American people. His natal Jupiter and Uranus form a major aspect with the US Moon in Aquarius, a pattern known as a "Grand Trine." The pattern is in air signs, the element of communication, and involves the most communicative houses. Obviously, those individuals who do admire Mr. Trump would have natal aspects which reinforce his influence.

I doubt, though, that it has been a healthy influence. The interaction between Trump's Sun and Moon and the US Neptune suggests that he has been able to tune in to the discontent and disillusionment of many Americans. The fact that his Sun and Uranus in Gemini conjunct the US Mars makes him liable to stir up "disruptive" (Uranus) "aggression" (Mars)..

It may be that some Americans like Trump because he and America are, in some ways, very alike. Both horoscopes are dominated by air ("communication," "humour", "media," "books" etc) and water signs ("sensitivity," "immaturity," "lack of detachment"). In both cases, Mercury in Cancer is the ruler of Gemini, and this is not a sign in which Mercury has sufficient impartiality. The vein of racism that exists in America (it exists here, too) is probably due to Mercury's opposition to Pluto in Capricorn, an aspect prone to destructive thought processes. Trump has been able to tap into this negativity through his natal Saturn's conjunction to US Mercury. Saturn in Cancer is in detriment, so is far more subjectrive than objective.

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