A PROFILE OF THE SIGN CAPRICORN: I WORK HARD FOR MY SELF-RESPECT

(TO LISTEN TO A PODCAST VERSION OF "A PROFILE OF CAPRICORN", PLEASE CLICK THE FIRST ENTRY AT THE TOP OF THE RIGHT COLUMN)

The Sun moves into the sign of Capricorn from December 22, 2010 until January 20, 2011. If your birthday does not fall during the Capricorn timeframe for the year you were born, thi
s DOES NOT mean that you do not experience the energy of Capricorn, because somewhere in your natal birth chart, it is present. All twelve signs of the zodiac are expressed in your being, although some signs, and therefore their corresponding energies, may be more emphasized than others.

 The Sun sign is about your essence, your vitality (what makes you feel alive), and your self-image. Whatever your Sun sign, you are on a life-long journey to discover and fully embrace this sign's energy. You will be tested in life to experience the meaning of your Sun sign's energy.

It has been said that an astrological sign is a "reaction" to the sign of the zodiac that precedes it. Perhaps another way to say this is that a sign builds upon the antidote for the shortcomings of the previous sign. The sign of Sagittarius precedes Capricorn. Sagittarius is always on a quest to find meaning, exploring with zest various philosophies, cultures, places, and other aspects of life that fascinate this sign of the Archer. The unfamiliar propels this sign into action, relying on faith and an optimistic outlook to continue its exploration. Sagittarius, a sign ruled by the expansive planet Jupiter, would say that "the sky's the limit." Sagittarius seeks new horizons to continually examine different ways of being so that one can make explanatory statements (or conjectures) about the meaning of life. As a fire sign, Sagittarius is led by inspiration, and therefore can inspire others with whatever journey of the mind or body it has chosen. Sagittarius seeks breadth in its experiences.

Capricorn, on the other hand, is intent on providing concentrated focus to whatever it seeks to accomplish. As an earth sign ruled by the planet Saturn, Capricorn goes beyond the processes of Sagittarius to bring something into manifestation. Capricorn wants to achieve in the concrete world. This sign understands boundaries, restrictions, and limitations. Capricorn, perhaps more than any other sign, understands the value of hard work, i.e. reaching one's goals may not come easy. In fact, it is the knowledge that one has applied tremendous energy to attain a goal that gives Capricorns their self-respect. The byproduct of Capricorn's effort is mastery and power.

The sage astrologer Steven Forrest ( a Sun Sign Capricorn) posits that Capricorn's purpose is to be true to one's nature so that he/she can find a role to best serve society, whether that be through a job, volunteer work, or public service. Forrest says that through this arduous process of finding one's proper place in society, Capricorn learns patience and self-discipline. Furthermore, this author contends that solitude is a strategy utilized by Capricorn to learn how to be content with his/her thoughts and projects so as not to rely on the praise and approval of others. In this way, observes Forrest, solitude transforms a burden into an opportunity. This author says that Capricorn's practicality can keep it focused on its intention and can overcome feelings of fear, frustration, and resistance, and that Capricorn's iron will is among its greatest resources. (Forrest, Steven. 1988. The Inner Sky. San Diego: ACS Publications).

When Capricorn fails to find, or loses sight of, his/her true nature and goals, Capricorn can become isolated and alone, and turn to false pursuits such as success for the sake of success, money as a sign of success, and a hoarder of tangible items as validation of self-worth. Hence, as this sign's symbol suggests, the Goat must find the right mountain to climb, so that it is not duty-bound, but instead free to climb heights in alignment with its nature.

Traditional Astrologer and researcher Deborah Houlding's brilliant article on Capricorn the Goatfish cites the following poem "If" by Capricorn poet Rudyard Kipling" as reflecting the true perspective of the Capricorn spirit. (Houlding, Deborah. December/January 2008. "Capricorn the Goatfish." The Mountain Astrologer, #136, pp.40-46).

IF

If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream — and not make dreams your master;

If you can think — and not make thoughts your aim,

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same:

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings,

And never breathe a word about your loss:

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can-talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch,

If neither-foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much:

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And — which is more — you'll be a Man, my son!

— Rudyard Kipling

(first published in Rewards and Fairies, 1910)

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MERCURY RETROGRADE ASKS US TO REFLECT

Beginning Friday, December 10, the planet Mercury begins moving in retrograde motion, as seen from Astrology's geocentric (earth) perspective.  The retrograde period lasts until December 29.  In the astrological chart, Mercury will travel across territory that it has previously covered, thus bringing the opportunity to "redo" what was done during its past journey.  The podcast that follows is a brief review of the symbolism of Mercury and a few words on the value of Mercury retrograde.

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PROFILING THE ENERGY OF SAGITTARIUS: THE WORLD IS MY OYSTER

 

Glyph for Sagittarius






This month I am profiling the energy of Sagittarius, because the Sun is now journeying in this sign from November 22, 2010 until December 21, 2010. Before you close this document and mutter to yourself that you are not a Sagittarian, may I clarify that somewhere in your natal chart, YOU have this sign in one of your astrological houses. The houses in your natal chart represent different areas of activity in your life, such as personal resources (the second house) or your local environment and siblings (the third house) and so on for the twelve houses. Even if this sign is not particularly prominent in your personality, you may notice that the narrative that follows does remind you of particular people in your life.


The common wisdom in the field of astrology says that each of the signs is in a sense a “reaction” to the preceding sign. For example, the sign that precedes Sagittarius is Scorpio. Scorpio energy is introspective and intense, often delving deeply to investigate inner mysteries or those in the external environment. Scorpio can go about this process often times in the background, hidden from public view. Persons with significant Scorpio energy are shrewd observers of other people and of the political power structure. Scorpio’s investigative intelligence may unearth information about others, but the Scorpio personality may reveal little about themselves.


Sagittarius, the sign following Scorpio, focuses its energy in a much different way, taking aim in a more outward direction. Sagittarius energy is expansive and explorative. Sagittarians loves freedom, whether that means the lack of restrictions in a career or in terms of their relationships to other people. This sign, represented by the centaur, is on a journey of the mind, body, or spirit. Sagittarians love variety and diversity, and they are bored with day-to-day routines. They revel in finding out about different cultures and love tasting new cuisines. Although Sagittarians are open to all sorts of people, their passionate viewpoints can make them indignant and intolerant.


Just so that I can more neatly paint a picture of a strong Sagittarian personality, I will create a fictional character named Shakti Amara. Now that is not her birth name, but Shakti was fascinated by other religions and philosophies beginning in her early twenties, and decided to rename herself to be more in alignment with her “citizen of the world” identity. Shakti studied cross-cultural symbol systems for her undergraduate degree, and she went on to earn doctorates in Anthropology and Economics. Shakti has traveled extensively around the world, and has focused her career on economic development in the Third World, particularly focusing on building the independence of women through microloan financing of their businesses. She has published three books in her field. She is a guest lecturer at various universities.


Shakti, while open to the diversity of cultures, is passionate about her left wing politics and she finds it difficult to be tolerant of other viewpoints. At cocktail socials, she engages in heated political debates, and she often finds herself saying things she wishes she could take back. In other words, she puts her foot in her mouth quite frequently. Nothing excites her more than exotic spreads at the buffet table. She can lean toward excess, whether that be in her large gourmet appetite or in the accompanying liquor drinks. Although her argumentative debating can send people to the other side of the room, once she has left the political debate and moved on to eating and drinking, she can be incredibly funny, with a sharp wit enjoyed by many of her friends and colleagues. Although a natural charmer, Shakti avoids long-term relationships and enjoys the freedom of her bachelorette status. Shakti enjoys sports, both those in which is physically engaged as well as a spectator.


Sagittarius is a fire sign, and is associated with inspiration, exuberance, enthusiasm, love of learning, cultivating wisdom and playfulness. However, this sign can demonstrate less positive qualities such as excess, exaggeration, self-righteousness, and restlessness.


Dana Gerhardt, practicing astrologer and magical writer, says that the skill Sagittarius must develop is archery–the capacity to focus and reach targets In order to use Sagittarian energy to its fullest, one must not simply play but put this sign’s gifts into meaningful work. Sagittarius then can reach mastery, and truly reflect its symbol of the archer.

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IF YOU KNEW LEO LIKE WE KNOW LEO

The Leo I speak of in this article is Leonardo Di Caprio, not the astrological sign. As an astrologer, an observer of human character, I take exception to Betsy Sharkey’s criticism in her August 10 piece in the Los Angeles Times. She opines that DiCaprio, the 35 year old screen star, has lost his way in his career and should diversify his acting roles in order to increase his range. From her vantage point, Di Caprio falls short of greatness because he has become stuck on intense roles where his characters are so tortured that many of his leading ladies have succumbed (in their onscreen roles, that is). Sharkey suggests that DiCaprio “lighten up.” She proposes that DiCaprio model De Niro and Streep in role selection, expanding his movie genres to incorporate comedy and romance in his repertoire.


If indeed one’s natal chart reflects our “operating instructions” for this lifetime, then Leonardo DiCaprio is doing a splendid job of fulfilling his life’s mission. The sun sign represents our vitality, our essence, where we need to shine, and it symbolizes the destination of our life’s journey. DiCaprio’s sun sign is in Scorpio, a sign that explores the realms of the underworld. Leonardo’s roles embody Scorpionic energy, a drive to investigate that which needs to be brought to light. His characters delve deep into the issues that plague their psyches, whether issues are dealt with or not. Scorpios have great insight, and they can successfully navigate the realms of power (often times politics) and wealth. Scorpios can transform from one character into another. It is important for DiCaprio to master this Scorpio energy, and he has chosen cinema as the realm in which this will be done, at least in part.

Below is Leonardo Di Caprio’s natal chart.

Even without a knowledge of astrology, the reader will notice that the bottom left of Leo’s chart has more symbols than any other section of this circle. These symbols are planets, the energy reflecting different human motivations (the urge to reason and communicate, the urge for freedom and uniqueness, the emotional urge, etc). First and foremost, the concentration of so many planets in this sector (northeast) of the chart indicates that DiCaprio makes his decisions independently and based on his own preferences. Leo’s Ascendant is in Libra, the sociable air sign that incorporates the art of relationship, harmony and balance, justice and beauty. DiCaprio’s personality (Ascendant) reflects these qualities. Four planets in Libra occupy Leo’s first house of identity. Various motivations represented by these planets make up Leo’s identity including the urge to purge and transform, the emotional urge, the urge for authenticity and the communication urge. DiCaprio expresses his identity urges in a Libra way. This house is where we find the romantic Jack Dawson, who won our hearts in Titanic. Given so much planet activity in this house, one can concur with Betsy Sharkey that DiCaprio is naturally well-suited to romantic roles, and how often he receives offers for such roles is unknown to me. Perhaps he favors the “tortured soul” roles more than romantic leads, but only DiCaprio can answer that question with full accuracy.

Three planets occupy DiCaprio’s second house of personal resources. These are Mars, the planet of pursing one’s desires, the Sun, which I spoke of earlier, and Venus, the planet of attraction and resources. Clearly, Leo’s assets are his ability to shine, act, and attract in a Scorpionic way. Here we see our subject’s desire to express his talents in ways that delve deeply into his characters. Beyond acting, these positions of the planets would also explain DiCaprio’s deep involvement in environmental and social issues, where he donates large sums of money for solutions in these problem areas.

Neptune in DiCaprio’s third house of local environment and communication illustrates his need to express service and idealism. His third house urge is related to the aspirational, as reflected by the sign of Sagittarius. This sign is concerned with expansive thinking and leaping into grand journeys (think Jack Dawson), whether that involves the body, mind or spirit. Neptune’s occupancy in the third house reflects DiCaprio’s spiritual journeys. Sagittarius explores various cultures and belief systems. Here DiCaprio is philosopher and teacher. In fact, I remember reading that Al Gore was impressed by Leo’s breadth of knowledge in the realm of the environment. This sign is both madcap and diligent, and it is here that we could see Leo playing more lighthearted roles relating to adventure and sports, the realms of Sagittarius.

Leonardo DiCaprio has the ability to play characters beyond his stereotypic roles, but I doubt that there is the natural propensity to be the lighthearted comic that Betsy Sharkey may want to see. Leo’s characters may be charming (Libra), intense (Scorpio) and philosophically madcap (Sagittarius) but they will more than likely be of significant substance. There may be occasional deviations from his natural tendencies, but it is doubtful that DiCaprio will venture into slapstick or superficial romantic roles. Betsy Sharkey and I will be witnesses to Leonardo DiCaprio’s transformations.

HAVE WE CLIMAXED YET?

Planetary alignments this summer have been leading up to the formation of what astrologers refer to as the cardinal cross or the “cardinal climax,” which can be represented by today’s energies as reflected in the event chart below. The term “cardinal” refers to the mode of the signs that form the aspect of the current event chart. Cardinal energy is new and initiating, and represents the beginning of a new season. This cardinal cross is an uncommon occurrence, and its effects not only impact the present but will linger for some time to come. It may be the prelude to major shifts in both our personal lives as well as in the collective.

The Cardinal climax will affect those individuals who have planets around the zero degree of cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn). Without getting too technical, suffice it say that Saturn (restrictions, limits, commitment) in Libra has been opposing (180 degrees apart and symbolizing “awareness of the other”) Uranus (freedom, innovations, sudden change, radical actions, and authenticity) in Aries. Jupiter (expansion, the higher mind, the provider of benefits, enthusiasm) is conjunct (within close proximity) Uranus. At the same time, Pluto (purging, transformation, the underworld) in Capricorn is squaring (forming a 90 degree angle) both Uranus and Jupiter and Saturn. The faster moving planets Mars and Venus are conjunct Saturn in Libra. Mars and Venus often represent the forces of attraction (one active and the other passive or receptive), and more specifically romantic or sexual attraction. Since these planets are presently in early Libra, the theme of the “other” or relationships is particularly important. This planetary formation is characterized by great tension, because the signs occupied by these planets have characteristics which are at odds with each other.

Has someone new gotten under your skin unexpectedly (Uranus) and you feel the tension of doing something about it? For those in relationship, has the subject of commitment (Saturn) been surfacing, or has the need to give the relationship greater depth (Pluto) been voiced? Have couples in long-term committed relationships felt the need to make their understandings more authentic (Uranus) or entirely break free (also Uranus)? If you have planets in these sensitive points (early cardinal degrees) you may have felt great tension and the need to resolve this tension by taking some form of action. This tension may also be felt outside of romantic relationships, where there is the pull of doing what you need for yourself (Uranus and Jupiter in Aries) versus taking into consideration the interests of others (Saturn in Libra).

I myself have experienced jittery energy for a number of weeks, and it seemed to have begun subsiding today. The moon (although very fast moving) is at the release point of this cardinal cross. The moon is currently in Cancer, which rules the moon. The moon’s involvement in this formation, although very temporary, may have “soothed” some of the tension of conflicting energies.

Astrology is a tool to help us become aware of the energies we are experiencing. The symbolism for this period indicates that we may feel overwhelmed by all this cardinal cross tension and fears may surface with the issues brought forth at this time. This fear may take the form of resistance. We can address this resistance by understanding that the forces of growth are favoring the initiation of new phases in our lives, although we may not at this time be aware of its full scope. May you all benefit from the unfolding of this process of major change.

WHAT ASTROLOGY TELLS US ABOUT OBAMA'S NATURE

Barack Obama’s presidential campaign theme was “change you can believe in.” Those of us who have inhabited this earth for a significant period of time understand that there is often dissonance between the rhetoric of a political campaign and the actions taken by elected officials after assuming office. Political “progressives” were keen on closely observing Obama’s first year in office to determine if he was going to bring about the transformative change he put forth in his campaign. Progressives were quick to compare Obama’s situation with that of the first term of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), our President who came to power at the time of the Great Depression, a period somewhat resembling our current decade. In this brief article, I’d like to delve into Obama’s nature, as reflected in his natal chart, and I suggest that this information might be useful in designing strategies for activism during Obama’s term. I utilized Koch Houses to analyze Obama's chart (1), but the natal chart displayed below is from astro.com utilizing Placidus Houses.

From my vantage point, Barack Obama has not strayed significantly from the norm of political behavior. His positions, decisions and actions, for the most part, have been cautious, middle-of-the-road and sometimes lacking in clarity. Like many people, Obama’s natal chart reflects sometimes contradictory tendencies. Obama’s nature (as we observe him as well as analyze the specifics of his natal chart) reflects both idealistic and realistic propensities. However, I would agree with astrologer Frank Clifford (2), that Obama’s chart is essentially an “establishment chart.” One reason for this assessment is that the planet that represents the status quo and maintaining time-tested structures is Saturn. In Obama’s case, Saturn is in Capricorn, the sign ruled by Saturn. Saturn’s energy would be conservative, cautious, with a propensity to emphasize concreteness and practicality. I must also point out that his natal Saturn is in close proximity (conjunct) to Jupiter, the planet of expansive energy. This Jupiterian energy in Aquarius (working for the benefit of the group) might provide some moderation to the constrictive Saturnian energy. Jupiter is a social reformer, and when combined with a conservative Saturn (in Capricorn) one can expect Obama to be a cautious reformer.

Obama’s appointment of the old guard (Larry Summers, Tim Geitner, et al) on his economic team points to his comfort with maintaining the status quo. He kept Robert Gates on as Defense Secretary, a hold over from the Bush years. Obama did not significantly alter our foreign policy, despite the fact that many in his party have called for scaling down our military occupations. He has been slow to alter the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military policy affecting gay members of our military.

Obama spoke frequently about the need to make government more “transparent” so that citizens could understand the actions and impact of their elected officials. On the positive side, the Obama administration developed an online portal (recovery.gov) to track how and where the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funding is being spent.

Many progressives are of the opinion that Obama has failed to apply this value of transparency in other arenas, including the process that led to the development of national health care reform legislation. Candidate Obama identified health care affordability and access as a major problem and vowed that his administration would fix this problem. He was clear from the beginning that he did not support a single payer healthcare system (unless he were starting a system from scratch), but he did talk about bringing together key health care players to the table to deliberate on a health care insurance plan for the nation. These deliberations would be televised on C-SPAN so citizens could view the process. So what actually happened? Obama met secretly with PhRMA to apparently cut a deal on the parameters of pharmaceutical coverage in the administration’s proposals.(3) While the Senate and the House subcommittees deliberated on various proposals, Obama was no where to be seen on this issue. Undoubtedly White House staff was in frequent contact with influential legislators around health care issues, but Obama chose to play a very background role in this process. In fact, some critics claimed that his lack of public relations visibility initially shifted the momentum in favor of the anti-health care reform advocates, particularly the Tea Party movement. Obama clearly played a leadership role after the two houses of Congress passed their respective health care reform bills and this led to the development of one piece of legislation through the reconciliation process.

What astrological factors explain this behind-the-scenes behavior? Scorpio is the sign at the highest point of his natal chart, which represents how he conducts himself in the realm of public standing and career. Scorpio energy can be secretive. Scorpio can hold their cards close to their chest, using a card player’s analogy. Scorpio does not reveal what it doesn’t have to.

Why does Obama on the one hand provide a participatory vision while on the other hand act in secret? Obama’s Ascendant is in the sign of Aquarius. The Ascendant is synonymous with the rising sign, and it is our personality. Aquarian energy is rather aloof but at the same time social, as are all the air signs. As astrologer Caroline Casey observes, Aquarius is a sign of both traditionalists and futurists, and these apparently contradictory impulses are often intertwined within the character of the same person.(4) Aquarius wants to be part of a team effort, both to make it happen and to share the experience. Although not all Aquarians believe in an “egalitarian” team, they do have a vision of how the collective should operate. Perhaps more of this energy was visible to the public during Obama’s candidacy for the presidency. I suspect that “community organizer” Obama was astute at utilizing his Ascendant energy to create a mutual vision in the community where he was involved as a community organizer.

Uranus is the planet of innovation, sudden change and radical actions. Left of center Americans expressed the desire to see Obama initiate bold new actions in his first months in office. In Obama’s chart Uranus is quincunx (a relationship where there is little in common between the signs the aspecting planets are occupying) Saturn, the planet of maintaining structures and traditions. Clearly, Obama is challenged to reconcile his need for honoring the tried and true with his need to radically alter that which no longer serves a purpose. Obama’s natal Uranus does square (an aspect of great tension and incompatibility) his Midheaven (MC), but this aspect does not have the strength of planets aspecting one another. This aspect often indicates a tendency to rebel against authority, which Obama might have demonstrated in his younger years. The following excerpt from an online article about Obama’s life does demonstrate the Uranus square the MC energy.

When Barack was in high school, she (his mother) confronted him about his seeming lack of ambition, Mr. Obama wrote. He could get into any college in the country, she told him, with just a little effort. (“Remember what that’s like? Effort?”) He says he looked at her, so earnest and sure of his destiny: “I suddenly felt like puncturing that certainty of hers, letting her know that her experiment with me had failed.” (5)

By contrast, in FDR’s chart (6) Uranus is trine (an aspect indicating a free-flowing, easy relationship) Jupiter, the social reformer, and Neptune, the idealist and servant of the collective, both in his 10th house of public standing and career. In other words, FDR probably experienced less personal resistance to acting boldly in contrast to the more cautious Obama. (FDR's natal chart is not shown, but I utilized Koch Houses for my analysis).

Many progressives have become annoyed with Obama (as well as with many in the Democratic Party leadership) for initiating negotiation processes from a compromised position. Why not start negotiations by asking for what you want or more than what you think you can get? This does not seem to be an issue with Republicans as it is for Democrats. For example, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California, presented his proposal for the 2010-2011 state budget calling for the elimination of the welfare-to-work program. The Governor has no problems proposing a drastic (some would say draconian) measure to addressing revenue shortfalls. Although both Obama and Schwarzenegger are Sun Sign Leos, Obama’s actions are often made in consultation with or initiated by others, as demonstrated by the eight planets in the western half of his chart. Schwarzenegger, on the other hand, is self-initiating (majority of planets in the eastern hemisphere) and often disregards others. (Schwarzenegger’s natal chart is not shown, but birth information can be found at astro.com). Progressives wonder now if Obama had begun the national health care reform debate with a single payer proposal if perhaps the process would have led to a “public option” proposal as a compromise.

Another astrological indicator of Obama’s cautious nature is reflected in the “axis” of his natal chart, which is comprised of his Ascendant (rising sign), the MC (the highest point in the chart), his IC (the lowest point in the chart), and his Descendant (opposite the ASC, and representing “others”). These points on the axis are in the fixed signs of Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio and Taurus. Fixed signs are steadfast and slow to change. This may explain in part why the Obama Administration does not take swift action on various matters.

In an astrological chart there are two key indicators of our growth direction in the chart: the Sun and the North Node. The Sun, which represents our essence, our vitality, our sense of purpose and what makes us feel alive, is the destination of our life’s journey. We are often presented with various tests in order to grow into our Sun Sign. The North Node is where our energy needs to expand in order to achieve more balance. For Barack Obama, his Sun and his North Node are in Leo. Obama’s chart is coaxing him to embrace creativity, especially through performance; to inspire others with what ignites him; and, to find his way of feeling special. Leo is the sign often associated with royalty. In its highest form, Leo is beyond the ego trip and instead the source of inspiration. Being human, most of us do not always present our energy in its highest manifestation, so to speak, and this of course applies to Obama as well. I recall watching an interview with Obama on television several weeks ago where he commented in an interview with Larry King that “my poll numbers are doing all right.” (7) I was taken aback by this statement, thinking that perhaps in the midst of the oil disaster in the Gulf that modesty would have been more appropriate than this rather “royal” statement, which displayed a Leonine concern with being appreciated by others.

First, and foremost, progressives must stop expecting Obama to react as FDR did. Obama is not a bold change agent. I don’t want to overstate the ease with which Roosevelt made bold decisions, because he himself made a statement that clues us in on his need for public support beyond just doing the right thing. In a television interview with Tavis Smiley, Harry Belafonte, the activist and singer, provides his observations of Obama and the challenge for progressives in the following excerpt of the show: (8)

Belafonte: …There's also something else that we must take into consideration - Barack Obama is first and foremost a man. He is flawed. He has his contradictions. He's revealed those contradictions. There's a question that we have - do we get behind him and push him to become what we know he should be, or do we lay back, watch him drift, watch him capitulate to the enemy, and then say, "Ah ha, we knew it all along?"


Is not his conclusion to be ours? Is not his fate also to be ours? What role do we as a people play in forcing the mission to go where we know it must go? It reminds me of that much-quoted dinner with Franklin Delano Roosevelt and A. Philip Randolph when after a night of talking about politics and race, A. Philip Randolph was very eloquent in talking about the problems of Black America and White America during the Great Depression.


At the end of the dinner Roosevelt said, "Mr. Randolph, I've heard everything you've told me and I agree with almost everything. You're right - I do have power to make a difference. All I would ask of you is that you go out and make me do it."


I think that we have a task while we see these things going adrift, while we see reversal of promises back in Afghanistan, we're now going to be pretty soon in Yemen, all of these things are beginning to fray at the edges. It is up to the people of America to take a strong stand and let its voice be heard, and not have a small few in the special interest override the greater human interest for the world. We have to play a part that we're not playing.


Tavis: I'm glad you went there, and since you did, I'm going to follow you there. The story you just told about that meeting between A. Philip Randolph, Eleanor Roosevelt, the president, Franklin D. Roosevelt? You've told that story many times. Everybody in the country who knows your work knows that is your story.


Indeed there are press reports that President Obama has told that story himself - go out and make me do it. Now, I'm trying to juxtapose his telling that story with him really believing that those of us who are trying to, in love and respectfully, hold him accountable, those who are trying to push him, I get the sense, and many others do, that this White House oftentimes takes being pushed as being told what to do. They take being pushed as you're being disloyal.


They don't understand, necessarily, that being held to a standard of accountability, being pushed by the left or other persons, is not - they don't see that as giving them the cover, being the wind at their back that they need to go out and do what needs to be done

There were many articles by progressives in reaction to this “make me do it” statement originally made by FDR and echoed by Obama during his campaign. The articles concluded that it was definitely necessary to put pressure on Obama on various issues. Based on the analysis of their natal charts, the “make me do it” statement seems even more appropriate for Obama than it does for FDR because Obama’s life actions are the result of being pushed by others. In his first book, Dreams From My Father, Obama tells how he was pushed by his mother to find a direction and how his professors urged him to focus more attention on his academics and less on partying. Obama is an accomplished man, and what I am saying is not meant to undervalue all of his effort, but by his own admission, Obama tells us that people in his life played key roles in getting him on a roll.

Harry Belafonte and Tavis Smiley allude to the attitude Obama’s advisors and many mainstream Democrats have of progressives and that is, that we have no alternative but to vote for them, and because we are “so easy” that the support of more conservative independent voters becomes at least twice as important over that of progressives. Progressives are resisting “being taken for granted” by becoming more involved in the power structure of the Democratic Party (with groups like Progressive Democrats of America). Progressives, and not just registered Democrats, have also joined to challenge conservative “Blue Dog Democrats” (who often vote with Republicans) in local races and even in statewide races, like the recent battle between Senator Blanche Lincoln and Bill Halter in Arkansas. Lincoln was ultimately chosen as the Democratic candidate by a slim margin to run in the fall election. This race demonstrated the power progressives can wield when serious effort is applied.

Progressive activists are a boon to any campaign because they work extremely hard. To what extent Obama’s strategists acknowledge this, I don’t know. I think if Obama continues to ignore progressives in his party, he will be in serious trouble when his reelection bid comes in 2012. He must deliver to the progressive community in more ways than he has. I think it’s fair to say that a healthy percentage of Democrats, and certainly progressives, did not vote for Obama to be a “bipartisan” president. I think Obama stands to lose impassioned campaign volunteers, not to mention votes from less activist liberals and progressives.

Getting back to astrology, Barack Obama will be experiencing major shifts, according to the techniques astrologers utilize to “advance” his natal chart into the present time. In the work previously cited, astrologer Frank Clifford notes that Obama’s MC (highest point in the chart) has moved from the sign of Scorpio to the sign of Sagittarius. Will we see more open and participatory processes utilized by Obama and less back-room deals? Obama’s progressed Sun will be moving into Libra in the fall of 2010. Will this sign of harmony, balance, and justice bring more efforts towards peace utilizing diplomacy? Finally, Obama’s Jupiter (the planet of expansion) will go direct for the first time in his life in early 2011. Will Obama outwardly show more enthusiasm and a sense of adventure in his approaches to problems? It will be interesting to monitor his shifts in behavior during the next year.

Americans don’t yet utilize astrology to select their candidates. If we did, we would have lists of what attributes we wanted in our elected officials. Wouldn’t it be cool if in addition to the written statements we receive with our sample ballots, there would be the natal charts (and perhaps advanced charts) of the candidates. In that way, perhaps we could choose someone whose characteristics match the type of character we may need at this particular time in our nation’s history.

Endnotes

1. Obama's natal chart utilizes Koch houses and is based on the birth time of August 4, 1961, 7:24 pm AHST, Honolulu, HI from the birth certificate released by Barack Obama, and published in The Mountain Astrologer (April/May 2009), #144, p.70


2. Clifford, Frank (April/May 2009). Searching for Obama. The Mountain Astrologer #144, pp.23-31, 69-71.

3. Taper, Jake (2009, August 8). What Did The White House Know About the PhRMA Deal? ABC News. Retrieved from http://www. blogs.abcnews.com/.../what-did-the-white-house-know-about-the-phrma-deal.html -

4. Casey, Caroline W. (1998). Making the Gods Work for You. New York: Harmony Books.

5. Scott, Janny (2008, March 9). “The Long Run,” The New York Times. Retrieved from topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/people/s/janny.../index.htm

6. For FDR, I utilized Koch houses and the birth time of January 30, 1882, 7:45 pm in Hyde Park, New York as referenced in the astrodatabank at the website http://www.astro.com

7. The Associated Press (2010, June 3). Newsmax.com Retrieved from http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/US-Obama-Polls

8. The Tavis Smiley Show (2010, January 18) Interview with Harry Belafonte. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archives