Preface
If your birthday does not fall during the Scorpio timeframe for the year you were born, this DOES NOT mean that you do not experience the energy of Scorpio, 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.
The Sun began its transit of the sign of Scorpio on October 22, 2013 at 11:00 p.m. PDT.
Scorpio Energy at a Glance
Here are some terms used to describe Scorpio characteristics:
| Ø Investigative | Ø Mystery Lover | Ø Shrewd | Ø Intense |
| Ø Introspective | Ø Moody | Ø Degenerative & Regenerative | Ø Penetrating |
| Ø Focused | Ø Secretive | Ø Temperamental | Ø Powerful |
| Ø Truth seeker | Ø Passionate | Ø Erotic | Ø Transformational |
Scorpios Speak
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Scorpio and Former U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Senator of New York
Born October 26, 1947
“Probably my worst quality is that I get very passionate about what I think is right.”
Source: http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/2012/1025/Hillary-Clinton-10-quotes-on-her-birthday/My-worst-quality
Leonardo DiCaprio
Scorpio Film Actor
Born November 11, 1974
“When I can't immediately define the character and there's an element of mystery to it and still a lot to be explored, that's when I say yes. I like those kinds of complicated characters…….. Portraying emotionally ill characters gives me the chance to really act.”
Diana Krall
Scorpio Jazz pianist and singer
Born November 16, 1964
“Sometimes I can't get out of the character because the story is very intense.”
Joni Mitchell
Scorpio Artist: Musician, Singer, Writer, and Painter
Born November 7, 1943
“To enjoy my music, you need depth and emotionality.”
Neil Young
Scorpio Musician and Singer-songwriter
Born November 12, 1945
“There's an edge to real rock 'n' roll. It's all that matters.”
What Astrologers Say About Scorpio
Scorpio Symbolism
Unique among the zodiac signs, Scorpio is frequently represented by three animals: the scorpion, the eagle, and the phoenix (or some say the dove). Each of these animals symbolizes a different aspect and a different stage of Scorpio regeneration. At the first level of Scorpio energy, symbolized by the scorpion, the raw energy is thrust forward for protection, as retaliation for some infringement. The scorpion “sting” is penetrating and deliberate. Sometimes, Scorpio is not conscious of its own power and the impact of its “stings.”
At the next level of regeneration is the eagle. In this manifestation, Scorpio harnesses power through perceptive observation, as opposed to physical force. Scorpios at the eagle stage analyze the power relationships operating in their environment.
In the third stage, Scorpio represents the energy of renewal. This stage is the firebird phoenix of mythology, which emerges from the remnants of the flames. Astrologer Caroline Casey explains the purpose of this last process: “Ideally, the transformation that occurs is one that purges them of their tendency to judge others while leaving their discernment intact. The phoenix represents the capacity for empathetic observation without judgment, and therefore the capacity for compassion.” Casey also explains that, unlike Taurus, which is concerned with personal possessions, stewardship, and personal power, Scorpio’s focus of attention is on the use and abuse of collective wealth and power. [1]
Scorpio’s glyph (shown above) resembles the letter M (similar to Virgo) with an upturned arrow. Some astrologers say the loops represent the coils of a serpent, and others say these are the intestines, which account for Scorpio’s ability to have “gut” reactions. There are also differing interpretations about the upward arrow, which some say mimics the scorpion’s stinger. Since Scorpio rules the urino-genital organs and the organs of elimination, some claim the upward arrow is a reminder of the role of sexual energy in the creation and regeneration process, similar to Mars symbolism.
In traditional astrology, Mars co-ruled Aries and Scorpio. Modern astrologers associate the planet Pluto as Scorpio’s ruler, with Mars as a sub-ruler, while others see them as co-rulers. I think the co-rulership model best explains the Scorpio personality. Since Scorpio is a fixed water sign, it does not make sense that it would be ruled solely by a planet with a very active, spontaneous type of energy. On the other hand, Mars rulership of the sign of Aries makes total sense. Scorpio’s energy is a deliberate, focused, and tenacious energy, and appears to be more reactive than proactive. However, Pluto may be too cold to be associated with the torrid passions of Scorpio. Pluto relates to that which must be purged in order for a new form of life to emerge, and this certainly meshes with Scorpio’s themes. Therefore, I believe that Scorpio is co-ruled by both these planets, each contributing qualities to this zodiac sign.
Scorpio rules the 8th House of the astrological chart, which some astrologers summarize as being concerned with “other people’s resources.” This may mean the resources we share with someone with whom we are intimate. It can also signify the stewardship we have for managing the resources of a corporation, an organization, or the resources of individuals. Some say that having a planet in the 8th house may represent an inheritance one receives, often times because someone else has died. Keywords for the 8th House include sex, death, taxes, and transformation. Is there any doubt that Scorpio is a profound sign?
The Transition from Libra to Scorpio
While Libra begins at a time of equal day and equal night, Scorpio begins in mid-Autumn, where the dark has overtaken the light. We see clear evidence of changes in the trees and plants that grace our environments, and we humans may have already altered our day-to-day habits around the light and temperature changes. Libra represented a significant shift in the development of the personality, becoming aware of the need to develop harmonious relationships with others. In the progression of personality development, Scorpio expands upon the need for collectivism and the desire for intimate union.
In his work, The Pulse of Life, astrologer Dane Rudhyar explains that the three autumnal zodiac signs symbolize humanity’s growth in social consciousness. He says that Libra, as the initiating force, presents the concept of social interchange as an ideal, still struggling with the unstable equilibrium between conflicting individual and collective needs. Scorpio’s task is to deepen the commitment to the social forces. Rudhyar views sex as serving both a procreational purpose (as symbolized by Taurus in the Day Force) and a social role in the sign of Scorpio, representing the Night Force. Scorpio, he says, has reached a stage where separate individualism is being overwhelmed with dramatic intensity by the need to merge in self-forgetfulness and union through another in the transcendent aspect of sex.[2]
How Scorpio Energy Manifests in the Personality
As a fixed water sign, Scorpio is not inclined to initiate an attack, but instead will wait until the most opportune time to strike in defense. The sign’s fixity allows individuals born under this sign to wait patiently, using time to strategize and calculate their next move. Astrologer Deborah Houlding says that these qualities make Scorpio excellent candidates for military leadership, boardroom politics, and the courtroom.[3] I would add that they would do well in various forms of research, investigative work, the occult, and psychology.
The feeling mode predominates in this sign, and these are not mild feelings. Intensity characterizes Scorpio’s emotions. No other sign dares to delve into the depths of emotions or information like Scorpio. What they uncover in their examination is often not pretty. Scorpio has an adversity to superficiality and blasé attitudes. This sign seeks to uncover the truth, and if it is upsetting to others, Scorpio says, “so be it.”
Water signs are adept at exploring the psyche, and in the case of Scorpio, sign natives will undertake this task with great depth. Houlding says that Scorpio’s lack of conscious direction makes it susceptible to “a life full of highs and lows, passion and pain, with the zenith and nadir of experience expanding with each successive turn. There is no doubt that that this full exposure to experience involves pain, suffering, hardship, distress, and agonized emotions.”[4]
No other sign elicits the degree of negative reactions as Scorpio does. About a year ago, I viewed in a theater the documentary The Waiting Room (which will be broadcast on PBS television this season). This film leads us through a day in the lives of patients who come for emergency and urgent care at Oakland, California’s Highland Hospital, the public health center that cares for low-income and uninsured residents of Alameda County. In a scene in the documentary, a patient blurts out a profanity while talking to the medical worker who is conducting the intake process. She sternly asks the patient, “Are you a Scorpio?” Clearly, this woman associates intensity with Scorpio. Should any of us need to seek services at an overcrowded, complex health system, the experience might well cause us to get in touch with this intensity in our own personality.
Others may not always understand the dimensions of Scorpio’s nature. Scorpio’s panoply of life experience make this sign inclined to understand intimately the cycles of life, death, transformation, and rebirth. Their life experience may take them on the path of the forbidden and taboo. Consequently, this sign’s encounters with life’s harsh realities instill a propensity for authenticity. They have an intense dislike for pretense and superficiality, and they surround themselves with people with whom they can engage in meaningful relationships. Although their passions are strong, Scorpios may not express these feelings easily. They value their privacy, and they prefer not to be the center of attention for extended periods.
More about Scorpio’s Nature and Gift
In his brilliant article entitled “In Defense of Scorpio’s Dark Side,” astrologer Bill Herbst contends that Scorpio’s sensitivity to the dark side offers a path to the truth. He says that this sign “ferrets out the hidden truth that apparent good often contains seeds of evil, and gross evil may at times spark profound goodness.”[5]
Leaving Libra’s realm of idealism, Scorpio instead values pragmatism. Herbst says that because the concept of morality is subject to hypocrisy and knowing that good and evil too often morph into each other, Scorpio is more comfortable with an amoral perspective. Rather than to operate from a framework of right and wrong, Scorpio adheres to an ethic of effectiveness. Herbst observes: “Scorpio wants to gather power, conserve, and concentrate it, then use that intensified power to maximum effect. Morality has nothing to do with it.”[6]
In Scorpio’s realm, we have the opportunity to become more honest about humanity and about ourselves. Scorpio’s process can take us on a journey of truth. Herbst observes that “Scorpio digs relentlessly to unearth whatever is buried, including conscience, reminding us finally of our commonality with others through the revelation that we are indeed capable of anything, that we contain within our psyches the entire pantheon of human potential, from profound love and respect for dignity to utter depravity and raw belligerence…We are all monsters. That is to say, we all contain within us the innate potential to become monstrous in thought, feeling, and action. That assumption is part of the core experience of Scorpio…All the levels of Scorpio know that good and evil dance together in each of us, intertwining not just as light and dark, but as infinite shades of gray.”[7]
Astrologer Steven Forrest reminds us that humans experience happiness when we successfully obtain what we want. He says that Scorpio knows that we FEEL what we want, and therefore, this sign proceeds by aligning feelings and actions. To achieve this, says Forrest, Scorpio breaks down any barrier to feelings, no matter how terrifying the experience. Forrest contends that Scorpio employs a process whereby there is full acceptance of the reality of one’s inescapable death. Forrest claims that this understanding of mortality enables Scorpio to focus in on what is most meaningful and important, thereby concentrating their energies in these areas.[8] Perhaps Forrest’s reasoning explains why many perceive Scorpio as living life so intensely.
Caroline Casey explains that Scorpio, with a Mars rulership (or co-rulership), must follow the path of desire. Unlike its opposite sign of Taurus, which serves as a steward for earthly resources, Scorpio embarks on a developmental journey in pursuit of metaphysical alchemical desire, i.e. the transformation of selfish desire to a purer desire. At its highest level of incarnation, Casey continues, Scorpio beckons us to ask: “What is my Phoenix’s song and in what way will I sing it? If all of creation would listen to my song, on what would I have us all focus?”[9]
[1] Caroline Casey. (1998). Making the Gods Work for You. New York: Harmony Books, pp.43-45.
[2] Dane Rudhyar. (1943). The Pulse of Life: New Dynamics in Astrology. Part Two: Twelve Phases of Human Experience. Retrieved from: w.khaldea.com/rudhyar/pofl/pofl_p2s8p1.shtml
[3] Deborah Houlding (October/November 2006). “Scorpio the Scorpion.” The Mountain Astrologer, (Issue #129), pp.37-43.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Bill Herbst (October/November 2006). “In Defense of Scorpio’s Dark Side.” The Mountain Astrologer, (Issue #129), pp.29-34.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Steven Forrest. (1988). The Inner Sky. San Diego: ACS Publications, pp. 70-75.
[9] Caroline Casey, Op Cit.
The Natal Chart of John Boehner: Taking Us to the Edge of the Cliff
Congressman John Boehner
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives since 2011
Born November 17, 1949
Introduction
In the autumn of 2013, viewers of both mainstream and alternative media saw John Boehner speak frequently about the standoff between the GOP and Democrats concerning the federal budget and the debt ceiling. On the eve (October 16) of the government’s impending default, Boehner finally allowed a vote on the Senate’s bill to reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling. Two reporters from Time magazine observed that his leadership style in this debacle was consistent with similar events in the past. Needing to placate the right-wing Tea Party faction of the GOP, Boehner first had to prove that he could lash out at Democrats. According to these reporters, “Boehner has long since realized he must be bloodied first before he can steer the country to safety. The process, ugly and messy and infuriating, ultimately works. The strategy of accommodation has repeatedly brought Congress to the brink of a dangerous deadline, but never truly over the cliff.”
Forbes Magazine ranks Boehner 65th in a list of the world’s most powerful people, two spots below the head trafficker of the Sinaloa Drug Cartel. In a world of about seven billion, number 65 is nothing to sneeze at.
The Astro-Databank natal chart for John Boehner appears at the end of this article. Please note that we do not know Boehner’s birth time, so the chart is calculated for 12:00 pm.
Brief Biography
Born in southwest Ohio, John Andrew Boehner was the second oldest in a blue-collar Catholic family of 12 children. His family owned a tavern, where John assisted in its maintenance. After graduating from high school, he held several jobs to help pay his way through Xavier College, from which he obtained a bachelor’s in business. He started his career managing a small business in the plastics and packaging industry.
Boehner became involved with his homeowners association and then the board of trustees of his township. These experiences in governance propelled him to seek higher office in the Ohio House of Representatives, to which he was elected in 1984. Six years later, he successfully won a congressional seat representing the eighth congressional district of Ohio. Along with Newt Gingrich, Boehner was instrumental in designing the “Contract With America,” a conservative legislative vision rolled out in 1994. After the GOP won a legislative majority, Boehner assumed greater responsibility in congressional activities and within the GOP. On what he termed his proudest legislative achievement, Boehner worked across the aisle with liberal Senator Ted Kennedy on the landmark “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.” In 2006, his congressional colleagues voted him the House Majority Leader. In January of 2011, he was sworn in as House Speaker of the 112th Congress, and he was re-elected to the post in January of 2013 in the 113th Congress.
Since becoming the titular head of the GOP in Congress, Boehner has led efforts to block key legislative initiatives from the Obama Administration. However, he did deviate in early 2013 from other GOP leadership in supporting a bipartisan effort to reduce the deficit by raising taxes on individuals earning over $400,000. Nevertheless, he has continued to lead GOP efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare).
Boehner is known to have strong financial ties to tobacco and banking industry lobbyists, about which he has been soundly criticized. His failure to pass disaster relief aid for Hurricane Sandy before adjourning Congress also led to strong opposition by many, including members of his own party, especially those who live in the Northeast.
Some Observations About the Natal Chart of John Boehner
In analyzing John Boehner’s natal chart, we cannot know where the planetary activity is taking place, since information about his time of birth is unavailable. Nevertheless, we can easily observe that the majority of planets in his chart are in the elements of earth and water. He appears to be an individual who goes by his gut feelings rather than a rational argument, although he has an appreciation for practicality. His planets are concentrated in seven houses, but we do not know which houses these are, due to the absence of birth time data. In terms of modalities, Boehner’s planets are almost evenly divided between cardinal signs and fixed signs. Therefore, he appears to have complementary talents for both initiating activity and seeing through on the implementation of goals.
In perusing Boehner’s natal chart, my eye was first drawn to the opposition (orb of approximately 8 degrees) between Uranus in Cancer and Venus in Capricorn. The opposition represents polarized energies that seek integration within the individual. This Capricorn-Cancer axis deals with issues around security. Venus in Capricorn often reflects feelings of inadequacy, which individuals may seek to overcome by overcompensating in an activity. Because Venus in Capricorn gravitates toward accomplishment, this placement bodes well for success in business. In Boehner’s case, his Venus is trined by Saturn, a planet that rewards after hard work and perseverance. More than likely, this adds a degree of discipline to his efforts in business. However, with Uranus in Cancer, individuals may experience erratic emotions and an irrational temperament, which contrasts with the more stoic Venus in Capricorn. Individuals with Uranus in Cancer may need a lot of personal space. On the other hand, says astrologer Sue Tompkins, Uranus in Cancer natives have a high need for social and emotional excitement that may contribute to problems with drinking and other addictions. It has been reported that Boehner has quite a penchant for wine. Also observed by the press, and even the casual TV viewer, is that Boehner has episodes of spontaneous crying. I should note that Uranus forms only one aspect (if one allows an orb of 8 degrees) with another planet (Venus). Astrologers who do their calculations with tighter orbs may say that Uranus in Boehner’s chart is unaspected. An unaspected Uranus might exaggerate his tendency to act unpredictably and oddly.
Also noticeable in his chart are the three sets of two-planet conjunctions. The first set is the Sun in Scorpio conjunct Mercury in Scorpio, within three degrees. Traditionally, Mercury is considered “combust” or burned out by the Sun if it is positioned within five degrees, but not all astrologers see this as a weakness. Others view the Sun as giving power to a planet that is close in proximity. However, Sue Tompkins says the primary issue with this aspect is a difficulty in understanding the points of views of others. These individuals are known for their independent thinking. Tompkins says Sun-Mercury types have a healthy ability to talk about themselves and their goals. This is a beneficial quality for a politician, although with Boehner’s Sun and Mercury in Scorpio, he may not be too self-revealing. However, the sextile by Jupiter to Mercury and the Sun may present him with plenty of opportunities to talk, and perhaps exaggerate!
The second set of two-planet conjunctions is the Moon in Libra conjunct Neptune in Libra. According to Tompkins, individuals with this placement display weak boundaries between themselves and others. I would add that this might be particularly true with Libra, since there is a tendency to focus on the other. Furthermore, there is a tendency to see life through idealistic lenses and a difficulty being in realistic relationships with people. Idealism can be used as a defense mechanism. These individuals may be capable of feeling feelings but have difficulty in understanding or explaining them, unless there is a strong Mercury. Persons with this placement may avoid difficult issues. Instead, they may absorb what is going on in the environment. However, Moon-Neptune energy drives creative expression, and individuals with this placement are often gifted actors because they can portray a broad range of emotions and characters. I do not know enough about Boehner to understand exactly how this functions in his life, but I do get a sense of strong permeability about him.
The third set of two-planet conjunctions is Mars in Virgo conjunct Saturn in Virgo. Astrologers often describe this planet pair as analogous to a situation where one is trying to drive with the brakes on. Tompkins says that individuals with this placement may undergo tests of strength and courage. There may be a need to overcome the fear of fighting or the fear of competition. There may be battles against authority or domination. This may be a major theme in Boehner’s life. His North Node, suggesting energy that would be beneficial for growth, is in the sign of Aries, which engages in activities to learn courage. Like Aries, his Scorpio Sun is co-ruled by Mars, so it seems that Boehner’s development is tied to his need to follow a path of desire.
Bringing this all together in “non-astrological speak”, I would say that Boehner is challenged to be his own person and to learn leadership and courage. Yet, he must accomplish this within the realm of serving the public. He has a strong need to be liked and to be popular, which may cause him personal conflicts in situations where he might be better off not going along with his crowd, but rather pursuing a course that may be sounder. This is where his practical nature may assist him, perhaps grounding him so he can make better decisions. However, in certain situations, he becomes very emotional around matters. Boehner may experience a constant battle between keeping his guard up on the one hand, and losing his boundaries with others on the other. Alcohol may provide him with an “escape,” a temporary respite from conflicts. His multifaceted nature appears to cope well with crises, and perhaps even invite these situations. With the government on the brink of a financial crisis, John Boehner may relish this type of situational intensity. It is the realm where he can play hardball.
Sources for the article on John Boehner:
Sue Tompkins (2002). Aspects in Astrology: A Guide to Understanding Planetary Relationships in the Horoscope. Rochester, Vermont: Destiny Books.
