Welcome to the Astrology Food for Thought Blog

This blog presents my interpretation of astrological symbolism as it pertains to the unfolding of individual lives and the events occurring in our world. I welcome you to present your own views and to challenge my thinking. Although I attempt to rely on accurate sources of information, I encourage you to do your own fact-checking, since any resource may at times be flawed.



Tuesday, August 21, 2012

VIRGO THE MAIDEN




Preface

If your birthday does not fall during the Virgo timeframe for the year you were born, this DOES NOT mean that you do not experience the energy of Virgo, 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 may be tested in life to experience the meaning of your Sun sign’s energy.

The Sun transits the sign of Virgo beginning August 22, 2012 at 10:07 am PDT. 


Virgos Speak!

Lance Armstrong







“Cycling is so hard, the suffering is so intense, that it’s absolutely cleansing. The pain is so deep and strong that a curtain descends over your brain….Once; someone asked me what pleasure I took in riding for so long. ‘PLEASURE???? I said.’ ‘I don’t understand the question.’ I didn’t do it for the pleasure; I did it for the pain.” 
Lance Armstrong
Virgo Professional Cyclist and Philanthropist
Born September 18, 1971


Kobe Bryant







“I'm chasing perfection.”
Kobe Bryant
Virgo All-Star Pro Basketball Player
Born August 23, 1978


Lily Tomlin









“Sometimes I worry about being a success in a mediocre world.”

Lily Tomlin
Virgo Comedian and Actor
Born September 1, 1939



Mother Theresa







“Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely, and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.”
Mother Theresa
Virgo Activist Catholic Nun
Born August 27, 1910

Jane Addams







"In his own way each man must struggle, lest the normal law become a far-off abstraction utterly separated from his active life."
Jane Addams
Virgo International and Chicago Social Activist
Born September 6, 1860

Molly Ivins







“What stuns me most about contemporary politics is not even that the system has been so badly corrupted by money. It is that so few people get the connection between their lives and what the bozos do in Washington and our state capitols….Politics is not a picture on a wall or a television sitcom that you can decide you don't much care for.”
Molly Ivins
Virgo Journalist, Social Commentator, and Humorist
Born August 30, 1944

Leonard Cohen







“Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.”
Leonard Cohen
Virgo Singer and Songwriter
Born September 21, 1934


The Transition from Leo to Virgo

The Sun’s transit of the sign of Virgo occurs in late summer, when daylight still predominates, but is waning. The weather is still warm, and sometimes hot, but changes are perceptible. With respect to astrological personalities, we have experienced the bravado of sunny, creative Leo, displaying talents for all in a reciprocal exchange of love. Time, as expressed in the zodiac wheel, moves on, and we embark upon a new stage of development. As the signs proceed around the zodiac, the succeeding sign shows a tendency to display behavior in “reaction” to characteristics of the previous sign. Whereas Leo was a showcase for a personality on exhibit, Virgo’s energy turns inward, desiring a little more modesty. Those of us who have strong streaks of self-involvement know that such a perspective can get boring, and that we can quell that through identification with a greater purpose. Virgo represents the beginning of that stage in the zodiac. Virgo taps into the need for personal growth and humility through service.

I am now more cognizant of looking at what a sign “retains” from the previous sign. Virgo is intent upon taking risks, just as Leo was, but in a different style and with a different purpose. At the beginning of his book’s section on Virgo, astrologer Steven Forrest has a wonderful quote from author James Baldwin: “One can give nothing whatever without giving oneself—that is to say, risking oneself. If one cannot risk oneself, then one is simply incapable of giving.” [i] Leo took risks to perform and to love, and Virgo carries on, but with a different perspective and focus. Virgo is intent on discovering, perfecting, and transforming herself through being of service. Steven Forrest clarifies that Virgo is not about the servitude that astrologers of other centuries described, but rather about the desire to be of service as a form of self-expression. By perfecting herself, Forrest says, Virgo serves the principle of service. [ii]

Virgo Symbolism, Rulerships, and Personality

The symbol of Virgo is the maiden or virgin (like the medieval painting shown at the beginning of this article). In modern times, the term virgin has a sexual connotation of inexperience, but that is a distorted view of the symbol. Astrologer Catherine Auman says the name Virgo derives from the Latin word “virgo” meaning unmarried, and the term virginal means that she belongs to no man, that she cannot be possessed.[iii] The maiden, or virgin, in simplest terms, refers to the state of purity.

Glyph of Virgo

Bruce Nevin, an astrologer living in the Rockport colony of Massachusetts, explains that the sign’s glyph (shown above) suggests virginity by its self-contained final curve. The loops of the symbol resemble the loops of the intestines, which are ruled by Virgo. The “M” of the symbol stands for the Mind, which facilitates the talent for discrimination, like sorting the wheat from the chaff, metaphorically speaking.[iv]

Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac, ruling the sixth house of work, servants, health, diet, and daily routines. This house covers the terrain of skill building and competence, so that we can meet our responsibilities as adults and contribute to society. It is the place where we are apprentices in the development of a trade. Conversely, it can also be the realm where we serve as mentors to others. Steven Forrest observes that modern astrologers have a gap in meaning for the sixth house. He notes that the western side of the chart has to do with various forms of relationships, but modern astrology leaves out the discussion of relationships for the sixth house. Forrest posits that the sixth house is about relationships, but ones that are no longer prevalent in our nuclear family constellation. These are the relationships that we traditionally had with aunts and uncles. These relatives cared about us, but they had the “emotional distance” to assist us with developmental issues that young people find difficult talking to their parents about. In our modern society, we may have mentoring relationships that substitute for the traditional ones, and in that case, the sixth house is where we might expect to find that activity.[v]

Virgo is a mutable earth sign. Mutable signs are often in motion, says astrologer Lynn Bell, but they are not about action in the way that cardinal signs are. Instead, mutable signs move between the realms of the cardinal signs and the fixed signs. Bell uses the analogy of the Tao, what the Chinese refer to as the one constant in the world. This is the center between creative and receptive energy. When this mutable energy is disregarded, Bell continues, a culture (or person) may be uncomfortably caught between the need for constant action (the cardinal principle) and the desire for permanence (the fixed principle).[vi]

Because Virgo is an earthly manifestation of Mercury, the planet of the rational mind, it is characterized by both the urge to produce and the urge to analyze. This makes Virgo an excellent craftsperson, and someone who may be attracted to gardening, and to the practice of herbalism or other forms of healing. Interestingly enough, the earth signs are not viewed as particularly fruitful in childbearing.

Astrologer Deborah Houlding says that ancient and traditional sources cite “the benefits of Virgo as bestowing purity, diplomacy, a mastery of words, a discriminating intellect, a propensity for study, a talent for investigation and analysis, skillful creativity, and a keen appreciation of the mysteries of nature.” [vii] The more difficult sides to Virgo are pickiness, extreme criticism, skepticism, hypochondria, self-deprecation, and overly self-sacrificing.[viii] Forrest says that in order for Virgo’s self-criticism not to be self-destructive, there must be self-acceptance.[ix]

Debunking the Virgo Stereotypes

The Virgo need to improve or perfect is often misunderstood or exaggerated. Any personality characteristic can be taken to an extreme, but this is true of any sign. With a Virgo Sun and Pisces Moon, Jan Posse, editor of The Mountain Astrologer, observes, “Virgo knows only too well that we live in an imperfect world. She doesn’t expect to be perfect—only beyond reproach.” Posse also notes that astrologer Stephanie Austin often substitutes the word impeccability for perfection.[x]

I have known many people with Virgo Suns in my lifetime. As with any sun sign, you will see variations in personalities because of the various combinations of energies in an astrological birth chart. I sometimes read that Virgos are very neat, clean, and orderly. Now, this certainly may be true of many Virgos, but it is not the common thread I see running through the personalities of Virgos. I have observed that Virgos seem to share a gift of knowing how to implement a concept in earthly reality, and the ability to articulate the steps one might take to resolve a problem. This does relate to orderliness, but it is the orderliness of the mind. It is analytical. It is the meshing of air and earth energy of the planet Mercury (Virgo’s ruler), which needs to utilize the rational mind, but in the context of earthly manifestation.

At her most balanced, Virgo has the powers of discrimination and discernment. She uses her analytic abilities to determine where to put her energy. This reminds me of the discussions I used to hear in the 1980’s among working women with children about how to have a balanced life with so many demands. The concept I most remember hearing is that priorities change from day to day. What was a priority yesterday is not necessarily a priority today. This to me reflects Virgo energy, i.e. knowing where and for what to devote one’s energy.

Popular western astrology often paints a picture of Virgos as demure, prudish, and perhaps sexually uninterested. Vedic astrologer Kenneth Johnson points out that jyotish (Hindu) astrology views Virgo as passionate and sensual with a soft, relaxed, languid, erotic quality.[xi] Even if we use the western astrology framework, Virgo is an earth sign, in touch with carnality. I do not know how this western astrology image came to be, but it may surprise many to know that Virgo is associated with the sacred prostitutes in the ancient cultures of Egypt, Babylonia, Sumer, and Rome. The concept of sacred prostitution may be foreign to us in our present-day culture. In the Pre-Christian times of goddess worship, sex with sacred prostitutes was viewed as a sacred act. They were teachers of the mysteries, and of the healing, restorative, and transforming power of sexual energy.[xii]


Profiles of Two Sun Sign Virgos












Agatha Christie
Mystery Author
Born September 15, 1890

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the late British mystery writer, Agatha Christie, remains the most translated author in history, even exceeding the translated works of William Shakespeare! Some sources claim that with 4 billion copies of her works sold, she is also the best-selling author of all time. One of her novels, And Then There Were None, purportedly sold 100 million books, which puts her in the top ten for best-selling single works. The London production of her play, The Mousetrap, is the longest continuously running play in the country to this day.

Born Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller in Torquay, Devon, England, she was the youngest of three children. She was home schooled and she later reminisced that her childhood was a very happy period. Others observed her to be a highly imaginative child who frequently made up stories with a wide range of characters.

In World War I, Agatha Miller became a member of the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) that provided nursing services at a hospital in her hometown. Not surprising for a service-oriented Sun Sign Virgo, she enjoyed her duties, referring to nursing as “one of the most rewarding professions that anyone can follow.” As part of her assignment, she worked at the hospital pharmacy, where she learned extensively about medicines and poisons, appropriate subject matter for the first detective story that she wrote during this period.

At the age of 24, Agatha Miller married Archibald (Archie) Christie, an aviator enlisted in Britain’s Royal Flying Corp. The marriage produced only one child, a daughter named Rosalind Hicks. Mr. Christie’s assignments called for travel, and Agatha accompanied him, leaving their child with family. The couple traveled to Hawaii, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. Agatha and her husband became avid surfers.

Early in her marriage, Agatha wrote her first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles. Although it was completed in 1916, it was not published until 1920 in the United States. Set in a large isolated country manor, it introduces her soon-to-be famous character, Hercule Poirot, an Inspector of Belgian origin. The novel, similar to her future works, successfully presents meticulous details about the scene of the murder, possible motives, red herrings, and surprise plot twists. She later revealed that she did not care for her character Hercule Poirot, whom she considered pompous and arrogant. Agatha Christie expressed greater fondness for her elderly sleuth protagonist, Miss Marple.

The year 1926 became a tumultuous one for Agatha Christie. First, her mother passed away. Later that year, Archie asked her for a divorce, explaining that he had fallen in love with another woman, Nancy Neele. After a quarrel in early December, Agatha Christie left a note saying she was headed to Yorkshire, but she could not be located for 11 days. In Yorkshire, Agatha Christie had checked into a hotel registered under the last name of her husband’s mistress. Accounts for her disappearance ranged from speculation that she had suffered a nervous breakdown to reactions that she had planned this event as a publicity stunt or to embarrass her husband. The couple divorced in 1928 after 14 years of marriage.

On one of her travels, Agatha Christie met archaeologist Max Mallowan, many years her junior. The two became romantically involved as she accompanied him on archaeological digs. They married in 1930, and their marriage remained a happy one until her death. Because of her husband’s frequent travels to exotic locales, these sites became settings in her stories.

During World War II, Agatha Christie once again worked at a hospital pharmacy in London, expanding her pharmaceutical knowledge that she later applied to post-war literary works. Her 1961 novel, The Pale Horse, was credited with helping doctors solve a baffling medical case, which they discovered was caused by thallium poisoning, described in detail in the Agatha Christie’s book.

Agatha Christie attained much acclaim for her literary works, and her country bestowed honors such as the Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and later the Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. With her health failing, the successful author signed over the rights to her literary legacy to her grandson. Mathew Prichard assumed the position of Chairman of Agatha Christie Limited in 1970, which now oversees the late author’s estate following her death at age 86 in 1976.

Some Observations about the Natal Chart of Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie’s natal chart appears toward the end of this section. Sometimes when I view someone’s chart, I devote significant time to understand why someone engaged in his or her life pursuits. From my vantage point, this is not the case with Agatha Christie. My eye naturally went to the author’s 10th house of career, which contains the sign of Gemini, although the MC (the cusp of the 10th house) is in the late degrees of Taurus. Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the planet representing the mental processes and communication. This indicates that any of the communication processes, speaking and writing, would incline the native to use these talents in a career. The planets Neptune, representing imagination, and Pluto, the motive to purge and transform, as well as to explore deep mysteries in life, are drives impelling Agatha Christie to express these in writing. Moreover, the ruler of Gemini, Mercury, is in the writer’s second house of personal resources. No doubt, Christie used her communication resources in her career, and in turn, her career brought her tremendous financial resources. Furthermore, Jupiter in air sign Aquarius, the planet of abundance and good fortune (and sometimes overindulgence) trines (flowing compatible energy) both Neptune and Pluto from the fifth house of creativity and fun.

Agatha Christie’s Mercury is in the air sign of Libra, a sign that strives for harmony in relationships and other aspects of life. I have also seen Libra associated with various aspects of the arts, including literature. Libra is also the sign on the cusp of Christie’s third house, the area of life associated with one’s local environment and the sphere of communication. The third house is naturally associated with Gemini, which, once again, is ruled by Mercury. The planet of innovation and uniqueness, Uranus, resides in Christie’s third house, conjunct (fused with) her Mercury in the second house. Bringing a new style to mysteries, Christie ushered in the golden age of detective fiction. Furthermore, the planet Venus can be found in Christie’s third house of communication. Venus, ruling relating, the arts, and resources, is in the intense and passionate sign of Scorpio. This zodiac sign is driven to dig for the truth, to delve deeply into the psyche, and to uncover life’s mysteries. The modern day ruler of Scorpio is Pluto, the planet appearing in Christie’s 10th house of career and social standing.

Agatha Christie’s ascendant, or rising, sign is in the sign of Virgo, the zodiac sign often associated with the processes of perfecting, attention to detail, a sense of service to a cause, health and purification. Needless to say, Christie earned the reputation of being meticulous in her detail of fictionalized crime. Although an earth sign, Virgo is ruled by the planet Mercury. During two world wars, Christie served her country in the medical field, becoming adept in the knowledge of medications. The sign of Virgo is often involved in the healing professions.

With so much Mercury influence, through Gemini and Virgo, it is no wonder that Agatha Christie had the capability for prolific literary production in terms of quantity, as well as in the brief span of time in which she produced her mysteries. By the end of her life, Christie had written over 100 literary works in the genres of romance, detective, crime fiction, thriller, and murder mystery.

Saturn, the planet associated with Father Time and boundaries, resides in Christie’s first house of identity, personality, and physical self. Saturn squares (a relationship of tension) Christie’s Neptune and Pluto in the 10th house of career. This relationship between the planets reflects the need for Christie to display discipline in order to bring manifestation to her creative imagination and her ability to delve deep into the human psyche and into the realm of murder.

Sagittarius, the sign often symbolizing the urge to travel and to understand and be immersed in other cultures, thereby exploring a wide variety of subjects, takes up the good part of Christie’s fourth house of residences and roots, which fits with Christie’s wanderlust and lifestyle of traveling extensively with her husbands.

Despite her travels to countries with cultures much different from her own, Christie displayed considerable cultural snobbery, racism, and anti-Semitism. Considering her works have been translated into so many different languages and enjoyed by readers representing the whole spectrum of political thought, the author herself was tremendously intolerant of people who were not of the white upper crust. Her descriptions of characters of non-white origin are less than appealing in her pre-World War II works.

Writing for Inside Story, Dennis Altman says British journalist Johann Hari posited that Christie held a conservative Burkean worldview that possesses a deep desire for order (Virgo!) and a suspicion of radical change. Altman contends that this is giving her too much credit for having a coherent political position. Nevertheless, continues Altman, “we read Christie despite her prejudices, not because of them, just as one might enjoy James Bond as entertainment but deplore Fleming’s sexism and love of violence.” Furthermore, observes Altman, “When I am falling ill one of the early signs is a desire to reread Agatha: even if I remember who did it, there is still pleasure in watching how cunningly she leads us to the eventual denouement.”





Sources:

























Oliver Stone
Virgo Film Director and Screenwriter
Born September 15, 1946

Oliver Stone rose to prominence in the cinematic world in the late 1970s as a screenwriter, and since then has expanded into filmmaking as a director and producer. His screenwriting and directing credits now span over 20 full-length feature films, many that have earned him critical acclaim and awards.

Born in New York City on September 15, 1946, Oliver Stone was the only son of a French-born mother, Jacqueline Goddet and an American stockbroker father, Louis Stone. Growing up in affluence, Stone spent significant time in his early years in France with his maternal grandparents. He was educated at the Trinity School on the west side of Manhattan, followed by four years at The Hill boarding school in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Accepted at Yale University, Stone dropped out after a year.

In 1965, Stone traveled to Viet Nam to teach at a Catholic high school in Saigon. A year later, he joined the U.S. Merchant Marine, where he worked below deck on several ships. These voyages took him around Asia, back to the U.S., and Mexico. During this period, he began writing, penning a large manuscript that he entitled “A Child’s Night Dream,” a work that was later consolidated and published three decades later. In 1967, Stone enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served in active duty in Cambodia and Vietnam. Wounded twice, Stone later received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service.

After returning from Vietnam, Stone enrolled in New York University and began the study of filmmaking, with a faculty comprised of such teachers as Martin Scorsese. After attaining his Fine Arts degree in 1971, Stone worked many jobs that supported his screenwriting pursuits. Stone’s first breakthrough came with his 1978 low-budget film, Midnight Express, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. In succeeding years, he wrote The Hand, Conan the Barbarian, Scarface, and Year of the Dragon. His directed and co-wrote the screenplay for the film Salvador, which explored the political complexities in Central America.

In the first of his Vietnam trilogy films, Stone received international acclaim for the 1986 release, Platoon, for which he won Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture. Stone’s second Vietnam movie, Born on the Fourth of July, released in 1989, told the poignant story of the struggle of veteran Ron Kovic, played by Tom Cruise. Receiving critical acclaim, Stone won a second Oscar for Best Director and Cruise was voted Best Actor. He completed his Vietnam trilogy in 1993, with the release of Heaven and Earth, which recounted war as experienced by a Vietnamese woman. Oliver Stone became known for his realistic approach to war storytelling through these three films.

Other successes in Oliver Stone’s filmography include Wall Street, the highly successful 1987 film about financial greed and corruption. A sequel, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, debuted in 2010. Stone ventured into historical and biographical filmmaking beginning in the 1990s with JFK, The Doors, and Nixon. In 2008, Stone released W, the story of President George W. Bush, while the Chief Executive was still in office.

Oliver Stone has increasingly been associated with political filmmaking, releasing a documentary on Fidel Castro, Comandante in 2003. That same year, he addressed the Palestinian and Israeli conflict in his documentary entitled Persona Non Grata. In 2010, he released, South of the Border, which journeys to South America to observe the political changes that have occurred under the leadership of new mavericks. More such controversial works are expected toward the end of 2012.

Stone has had run-ins with the law for his alcohol and drug habits, which began at least as far back as his Vietnam days and have continued into this past decade. The prolific writer and director loosely based the Scarface movie script on his own addiction to cocaine.

Some Observations about the Natal Chart of Oliver Stone

The vast majority of planets in Oliver Stone’s natal chart (shown at the bottom of this section) are above the horizon, signifying that he finds purpose, meaning, and fulfillment through his relationships with others and activity in the social world (represented by houses seven through 12). Only Venus lies beneath the horizon, but even this planet of relating and resources is in his first house, conjunct the Ascendant. Indeed, through filmmaking, Stone tells stories about historical figures and international conflicts that influence all of our lives. Unlike some other filmmakers, Oliver Stone has very clear opinions about what is going on in the broader world.

With Mercury conjunct his Sun, Oliver Stone will be known for his thinking and ideas, appropriately in the arena of community with like-minded individuals (the 11th house). With Sun and Mercury at the same degree, the planets are “combust,” which inclines these individuals to take an active role in communications. Individuals with this astrological aspect are expressive and need to be heard, and often do so in an animated manner. They may find it difficult to passively listen and absorb information. These people may be better speakers than listeners. In the case of Oliver Stone, this tendency for restlessness may be even more pronounced because the planet of sudden and revolutionary changes, quirky Uranus in Gemini, squares (reflecting tension) his Mercury in Virgo (a sign ruled by Mercury). Uranus in Gemini can spark out of the box thinking and behavior that might upend the Virgo qualities of systematic and methodical approaches.

Stone’s Moon trines (flowing, compatible energy) his Mercury and Sun, which indicates that he is comfortable talking about feelings. He probably trusts his instincts, and he may be inclined to use both his perceptions and mental faculties in compatible ways.

Stone’s Venus in Scorpio brings a tendency for intensity and secretiveness in relating, the only planet below the horizon in his chart. Venus opposes (bringing awareness of the other) the Moon in Taurus. Venus likes to go deep in exploring the processes of the psyche and the motives of others, whereas much more light-hearted Taurus is satisfied with hugs and other sensual activities that do not necessarily involve the profound. The modern-day ruler of the sign of Scorpio is Pluto, which is at the top of Stone’s chart. Pluto is the apex planet of the t-square between Venus and the Moon. Since Pluto is in Stone’s house of career, this may represent a tension between his relationships with others (business partners, marriages) and his career and his autonomy. Pluto facilitates purging in order for the soul to grow. Although I do not have a clear sense of the nature of his business relationships, I am aware that he has been married three times. Stone is no stranger to exploring the unsavory aspects of life, such as violence, war, and drug dependence. Going into these realms must certainly raise issues with both business partners (Hollywood studios) and intimate relationships. However, Saturn, the planet of timely restraints and boundaries, conjuncts Pluto, which may provide a “reality-check” (not to mention nice contracts and royalties) on how Oliver Stone explores these taboo aspects of life.

The planet Jupiter urges people to dream “big,” and often brings benefits. On the other hand, Jupiter often represents too much of a good thing, something that has been taken to excess. In Oliver Stone’s chart, Jupiter is conjunct his Ascendant, which governs his personality. This can indicate a self-confident and optimistic individual, but taken to an extreme they can be arrogant and proselytizing, sometimes viewed as fanatics or zealots. Certainly, Oliver Stone is a larger than life personality, with many successes.

Jupiter may also activate benefactor tendencies in his personality. He actively pursues (Mars conjunct Jupiter and the Ascendant) what he wants. Stone is clearly a powerful figure.




Sources:



Sources for Quotations

Lance Armstrong. Retrieved on 7/30/12 from: http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/1544.Lance_Armstrong

Kobe Bryant. Retrieved on 7/30/12 from: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/k/kobe_bryant.html

Lily Tomlin. From Becoming Myself: Reflections on Growing Up Female. Retrieved on 8/5/12 from: http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/219212-becoming-myself-reflections-on-growing-up-female


Jane Addams. Retrieved on 8/5/12 from: http://womenshistory.about.com/od/quotes/a/jane_addams.htm

Molly Ivins. Retrieved on 8/5/12 from: http://womenshistory.about.com/od/quotes/a/molly_ivins.htm

Leonard Cohen. From the song Anthem on The Future album. Retrieved from: http://www.cduniverse.com


ENDNOTES



[i] Forrest, Steven. (1988). The Inner Sky. San Diego: ACS Publications, pp.61-66.

[ii] Ibid.

[iii] Aumen, Catherine. (June/July 2002). Virgo, Sexuality, and the Sacred Prostitute. The Mountain Astrologer, #103, pp.17-21.

[iv] Nevin, Bruce. (1982). Astrology Inside Out. Rockport, Massachusettes, Para Research Publishers, p.89.

[v] Forrest, Steven. (June/July 2002). The Case of the Disappearing 6th House. The Mountain Astrologer, #103, pp.9-16.

[vi] Bell, Lynn. (August/September 2004). Virgo’s Wings and Other Musings on the Mutable Signs. The Mountain Astrologer, #116, pp.36-41.

[vii] Houlding, Deborah. (August/September 2007). Virgo the Maiden. The Mountain Astrologer, #134, pp.25-31.

[viii] Nevin, Bruce. (1982). Astrology Inside Out. Rockport, Massachusettes, Para Research Publishers, p. 147

[ix] Forrest, Steven. The Inner Sky. Op. Cit.

[x] Posse, Jan. (August/September 2004). A Letter from the Managing Editor. The Mountain Astrologer, Issue #116, p.5.

[xi] Johnson, Kenneth (August/September 2004).  A Vedic Perspective on Virgo and Pisces 8/04 116 Vedic (Hindu) Astrology. The Mountain Astrologer, #116, pp.77-83.

[xii] Aumen, Catherine. Op. Cit.



Please note that sources for the two profiles are presented after each section.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

LEO THE LION








PREFACE 

If your birthday does not fall during the Leo timeframe for the year you were born, this DOES NOT mean that you do not experience the energy of Leo, 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 may be tested in life to experience the meaning of your Sun sign’s energy.

The Sun transits the sign of Leo beginning July 22, 2012 at 3:01 am PDT. 


LEOS SPEAK!



“If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance.”[1]

George Bernard Shaw
Leo Playwright
Born July 26, 1856





Poem: “The Romantic Age”

This one is entering her teens,
Ripe for sentimental scenes,
Has picked a gangling unripe male,
Sees herself in bridal veil,
Presses lips and tosses head,
Declares she's not too young to wed,
Informs you pertly you forget
Romeo and Juliet.
Do not argue, do not shout;
Remind her how that one turned out.[2] 

Ogden Nash
Leo Poet and Humorist
Born August 19, 1902





"I may not have been the greatest president, but I've had the most fun eight years."[3]

Bill Clinton
Leo U.S. President
Born August 19, 1946




“Cooking is like love; it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.”[4] 
Leo Chef and Television Personality
Born August 15, 1912





“Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait. The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas.”[5]

Henry Ford
Leo Business Executive – Ford Motor Company
Born July 30, 1863




“Heart is what drives us and determines our fate. That is what I need for my characters in my books: a passionate heart. I need mavericks, dissidents, adventurers, outsiders and rebels, who ask questions, bend the rules and take risks.”[6]

Isabel Allende
Leo Novelist and Essayist
Born August 2, 1942


Leo’s Rulership, Symbols, and Characteristics

The Sun has completed its transit of Cancer at the beginning of summer, and now enters the midsummer, when the climate is hot and steamy, and ripe for the passions to ignite. Cancer withdrew inward to explore its realm of feelings. Now, in midsummer, the feelings are turned outward, and this display is open, quite public, and there is no concern for privacy or protection. The name of the game in the sign of Leo is shameless performance from the heart.

The lion is the symbol of the sign of Leo. This sign’s glyph resembles a flowing mane or a curling tail of a lion. Astrologer Bruce Nevin says that Leo and its animal lion can be associated with the kundalini, the source of physical animal energy.[7] The sign’s glyph, shown directly below the Leo the Lion image at the beginning of the article, resembles the curving mane and tail.

The Sun is the ruler of Leo, and it rules no other sign. Just as the Sun is the heart or center of our solar system, so Leo identifies with a need for being a focus of attention and, and some might say, a motivation to rise above the ordinary. The Sun symbolizes power and command, asserts astrologer Deborah Houlding. In traditional astrology, Leo was associated with royalty, and its personality can take on a persona of grandeur. Houlding claims that Leos perceive themselves as the royal center of activity. In the wild, lions develop boundaries for their territory, and they must have an area where they rule. Similarly, Leos must have their own “kingdoms” where they can be in control, and where they can shine. [8]

Like Aries and Sagittarius, fire sign Leo demonstrates spontaneity, high energy levels, quick responses, expressiveness, and high spiritedness. The passionate natures of fire signs can inspire others, and they are attracted to the dramatic and the risky. These signs are comfortable with attention, particularly in the case of Leo. Astrologer Nevin adds that the Leonine personality also demonstrates courage, heartiness, pride, and strong personal will.[9]

As a fixed sign, Leo will tend to moderate any tendency for impulsive actions. They take their time to formulate an opinion. Leos tend to take a broad view of situations, rather than delving deeply into a subject area. This expansive viewpoint, along with a positive nature, tends to make Leos “executive material.”

Houlding elaborates on the darker side of Leo. When Leo is confident about his territory, he can be the warm, sunny, and the generous personality that the sign’s stereotype promotes. If Leo is less secure and feels threatened, the traits can be quite bestial, with acts of destruction and savagery. Less extreme traits might include airs of superiority, conceit, and a bullying nature.[10]

Some obvious examples of the Leo personality in the entertainment industry are Madonna, Mick Jagger, Sean Penn, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. These are hardly shrinking violets! Leos in other walks of life include Fidel Castro, Napoleon, and Barack Obama.

Finally, Leo rules the fifth house, which is associated with fun, children, gambling, risk, and creativity. Leo also rules romance, often associated with the showy and fun expressions of courting.

Leo’s Purpose

What do astrologers view as Leo’s purpose at this developmental stage of the zodiac? Nevin posits that in the phase of Leo, humans are to learn dominion, not over others, but over one’s own internal forces, and this process can only be accomplished through love.[11] From another vantage point, astrologer Steven Forrest says that the endpoint for Leo is the development of personality, and the strategic behaviors used to this end are free expression, the celebration of life, and a positive attitude. Like other fire signs, Leo lives in the now. Being in the now is very much how children live, which is why Leo is seen as the sign of children. Children find it easy to be joyful and happy. Leo utilizes its childlike qualities to advantage, where spontaneity, innocence, and creativity are necessary ingredients in its growth process. Forrest believes that Leo is about the development of an ego, not its transcendence.[12] Forrest says that the self-dramatizing, present-tense spirit so universal among children that captures Leo’s essence.[13] Astrologer Caroline Casey offers a third perspective, observing that the fixed signs act as stewards of some resource, and that in the case of Leo it is creative energy that flows through them. In its grander form, says Casey, Leo’s creative energy goes beyond the struggling child ego to inspire others.[14]

I know that it takes me a while to understand in greater depth the meaning of an astrological sign. In contemplating the meaning of Leo, I asked myself how children, creativity, performance, courage, risk, and love are related. I settled on the theory that Leo is about passionately engaging the world through the path of creativity and romance. Leo passion is different from the fire sign Aires, which is more concerned about the self. Leos require an “audience,” even if it is a transitory relationship. The love for creative expression and the desire to be loved is a driving force for Leos. Diving into these processes require courage. It is a risk to perform creatively and to love. After taking risks, Leos may experience at least some success, and this builds courage. Even without success, there is a need to believe in the self and to do what we love, and this involves the development of ego strength.
 The development of a healthy ego is not an absolute guarantee of success. It does improve our chances of having the guts to play whatever game we are intent on playing, whether it is the love of a vocation or the love of another person.

The musical A Chorus Line epitomizes for me the Leonine process as it relates to vocation. Dancers and other types of performers have to maintain a certain Leo energy, in spite of the hard knocks of reality. The performance of “What I Did for Love” captures this “heartiness” of a performer. The musical number is in response to the question “What would you do if you couldn’t dance anymore. The character’s response is that she would have no regrets because she did this all for love.

PROFILES OF TWO SUN SIGN LEOS




Helen Thomas
Leo Journalist
Born August 4, 1920

Known for posing pointed questions to U.S. presidents, Helen Thomas advanced her career in journalism to become the first female member of the National Press Club and first female UPI White House Bureau Chief. Thomas retired as a columnist for the Hearst Newspapers at the age of 89 in 2010 after making controversial remarks about Israel within the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Helen Thomas was born in Winchester, Kentucky, the daughter of immigrants from Lebanon. Her family moved to Detroit, Michigan when Helen was only four, and there she spent her formative years. Taunted at school because of her ethnic background, Thomas nevertheless grew up with a strong identification as an American. By high school, she knew that she wanted to pursue a career in journalism. Thomas earned her Bachelor’s at Wayne State University.

Beginning as a copygirl for the Washington Daily News, layoffs at that newspaper led her to a position in 1943 with United Press (UP) at its radio wire service. At UP, Thomas later became a society columnist and then a reporter covering federal agencies. As the head of the Women’s National Press Club, she and other female reporters forced the National Press Club, which barred women from their membership, to open their doors to allow them to cover the address by Soviet Union head, Nikita Khrushchev.

After providing press coverage of John Kennedy in the 1960 presidential election, Thomas assumed the position in 1961 of UPI White House correspondent, becoming known as the “First Lady of the Press.” In the tradition of UPI reporter Merriman Smith who covered the FDR Administration, Thomas ended her questioning of the Chief Executive with “thank you Mr. President.” A fixture for many years, Thomas became the only member of the White House Press Corp to have her own seat. Additionally, her professional seniority earned her the honor of the first question.

As the UPI Washington Bureau Chief, Thomas assumed many visible journalistic roles. She accompanied President Nixon on his historic visit to China, the first female journalist to do so. In addition, Thomas covered other major policy events, including economic summits.

Thomas left UPI after it was acquired by the Unification Church, headed by Rev. Moon. She soon joined the Hearst Newspapers, which hired her as an opinion columnist. This was an ideal position for the forthright Thomas, who said she had censored herself as a reporter for 50 years.

During her journalistic career in Washington, D.C., Thomas covered 10 presidential administrations. Thomas called President George W. Bush the “worst President in American history,” and her comments were soon made public. Following those remarks, Bush and his Press Secretaries moved Helen Thomas to the back row. After three years of being passed over, Bush finally called upon her, and Thomas promptly asked him what his real reason was for going to war with Iraq, given that all his previously stated reasons proved erroneous. Thomas became one of the few prominent journalists who raised questions about the U.S. occupation of Iraq and about the actions of Israel.

Upon assuming the presidency, Barack Obama reassigned Thomas her old seat. Thomas, however, did not spare the new chief executive frank questions. To the contrary, she asked Obama what countries in the Middle East possessed nuclear weapons. Nevertheless, the President honored her with cupcakes on her 89th birthday, noting that the two were both born on August 4. Thomas later observed that the Obama Administration tried to control the press even more than the Nixon Administration.

Despite an apology for her 2010 remarks about Israel, the press and leaders condemned Thomas for her blunt opinions expressed in an interview with Rabbi David Nesenoff. About this incident, she commented:  "I hit the third rail. You cannot criticize Israel in this country and survive." She later added, “I paid a price, but it's worth it to speak the truth." Since the remarks that led to her resignation, many associations and schools have revoked prizes named in her honor.

As she developed professionally, Helen Thomas became a fearless and intimidating journalist. In an article about the 2008 Helen Thomas documentary, “Thank You, Mr. President,” the Christian Science Monitor described the subject: “Thomas, a fixture in American politics, is outspoken, blunt, demanding, forceful and unrelenting. Not only does she command respect by the highest powers in the US, her reputation is known worldwide.” The irreverent Helen Thomas told journalist David Brancaccio, formerly of NOW on PBS, that the remarks by former Cuban President Fidel Castro (also a sun sign Leo) about her were the height of flattery. When Castro was queried about the differences between democracy in Cuba and democracy in the United States, Castro observed, “I don’t have to answer questions from Helen Thomas.”

Some Observations of the Natal Chart of Helen Thomas (Chart shown at the end of the section)

Helen Thomas’ natal chart is not one I would immediately associate with a journalist, because no planets are in air signs, the element associated with the mental and communication processes. However, Thomas’ Saturn (the planet of boundary definitions, commitment, and hard work) is in the sign of Virgo (which is ruled by Mercury, associated with communication). Virgo can be very detail-oriented and meticulous, orientations helpful in the research tasks of a journalist. Some astrologers speculate that when an individual lacks planets in a particular element, the individual may “overcompensate” for that quality.

An astrologer’s eye would certainly hone in on the Grand Trine in Helen Thomas’ chart. Three planets in the same element 120 degrees apart form a triangle, or a Grand Trine. This configuration is known to represent an easy flow of energy; trines often indicate a talent that comes naturally to the person. Although there are many benefits associated with trines, there are also negative aspects to this energy. The downside for the individual with a trine is that they may rely too heavily on their talent alone, thereby failing to put hard effort into an activity. However, if the chart of an individual with a Grand Trine also contains squares, there is tension to take action. This is the case in Helen Thomas’ chart where two planets that form the trine (Mars and Pluto) are squared by two planets (the Moon and the Sun).

Additionally, some astrologers see the Grand Trine as indicating a self-sufficiency and self-containment to the personality, which, once again, may have positive and negative consequences in the life. My sense is that any self-containment experienced by Thomas might be offset by the “I need other people to adore me” energy of the four planets in Leo.

Thomas’ Grand Trine is in water, the element associated with emotions and perception. It is indicative of someone for whom “gut feelings” may come easily. Individuals who have a heavy concentration of the water element may size up a situation using their feelings as opposed to simply reasoning. Because the world of feelings may predominate in their lives, the Grand Trine in water individual may be extremely compassionate. On the other hand, these individuals may also be extremely sensitive and may frequently experience hurt by the actions or words of others.

While one may think of soft and mild energy for the water element, the planets forming this trine in Helen Thomas’ natal chart are “hard-hitting” planets: Pluto, Mars, and Uranus. These three are the “don’t bullshit me” plants. Mars is the inner planet of action, representing the drive to pursue what you desire. Mars (conjuncting her North Node – her “Dharma”) in Scorpio could reflect her desire to get to the bottom of a subject through investigation in order to know the truth. Pluto and Uranus are two of the three outer planets that are considered “transpersonal.” They relate to generational themes and energies, as well as processes related to spiritual growth. Pluto is associated with power and transformational processes. Pluto uses its evolutionary energy to eliminate material that is no longer functional. In Thomas’ case, this may pertain to patriarchy. Thomas was at the forefront of the women’s movement, carving out important roles for women in journalism. Additionally, Thomas was assigned to cover topics of power —politics and governance. The other outer planet, Uranus, functions as an unpredictable catalyst for change, forging a path for innovative ideas that will replace archaic points of view. In my view, Mars, Pluto, and Uranus work together in Helen Thomas’ life to support her perceptions of when situations may be covering up abuses of power, and therefore require investigation and a need to bring authenticity to the surface. Thomas brought the talent of perception, normally associated with women, to the newspaper world.

Five planets in Helen Thomas’ natal chart are in fire signs, which reflect exuberance and inspiration. As previously mentioned, four of these fire sign planets are in Leo, including her Sun, Neptune, Venus, and Jupiter. In true Leo spirit, Thomas created a persona as a forthright journalist. Her script (“thank you Mr. President) and her assigned seat all gave her a “performance role” at the White House (except when she was dethroned by the Bush Administration). Leo is often associated with royalty and leadership, and Thomas was assigned to positions where she covered U.S. Presidents and leaders, as well as “high society.”

In her natal chart, Helen Thomas’ Sun (her essence, will, that which makes her feel alive) trines (easy flowing energy) her Moon (her emotions, habits, instinctive behavior, symbolic of the mother and women). The Moon and and the sign of Cancer serve very important roles in her chart. Pluto, the transformer, squares (creating action because of tension) the Moon (the feminine, the Mother, emotions, instinctual behavior). If the natal chart reflects the Universe’s operating instructions to the individual, then it seems that Helen Thomas was endowed with the energy to compel her (and propel her) to transform (Pluto square the Moon) the role of women and to bring more compassion to the world.





Sources:










Tony Bennett
Leo Singer of American Popular Music
Born August 3, 1926

Still maintaining an active career as a performer at the age of 86, Tony Bennett gained popularity as a singer in the 1950’s, and he has continued to make strong comebacks late in his career. His name has become synonymous with the song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” (The sign of Leo rules the heart!)

Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926 in the Queens borough of New York City, he was the son of an immigrant grocer from Italy and his Italian-American wife. His working-class family struggled through the Depression era. The family’s financial challenges became more severe when the elder Benedetto died when his son was nine years old. Bennett later helped his family by working as a singing waiter during his high school years. After graduating, Bennett joined the Army during World War II. Returning home after the war, Bennett utilized his G.I. bill to pay for vocal studies at the American Theater Wing.

Discovered by singer Pearl Bailey in New York’s Greenwich Village, Bennett was soon hired by comedian Bob Hope as part of his road show. It was Hope who suggested a stage name for the singer – Tony Bennett, rather than the “Joe Bari” name he used. During that period, he also began his recording career, signing with Columbia Records. His first hits included “Stranger in Paradise,” “Rags to Riches,” and “Because of You.” He won a Grammy in 1962 for “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” which was to become his signature song.

Tony Bennett experienced a sense of artistic stagnation with his long-time contract with Columbia, which wanted Bennett to restrict his recording contract to his previous hits. Desiring more creativity and variety, Bennett ended his contract with the recording company after 20 years.

With the rise of rock music in the late 1960’s and 1970’s, the demand declined for Bennett’s brand of music. He had difficulties contending with the changing tastes of the public, and the fact that record industry marketed primarily to younger audiences. During this period, Bennett encountered his “dark night of the soul.” He succumbed to the influence of drugs, but a near-death experience helped turn his life around.

With the assistance of his son Danny, Tony Bennett thoroughly revamped his career. He resumed recording after a long break, creating his own label and performing for other labels. In 1986, he released his highly acclaimed album, “The Art of Excellence.” He renewed his contract with Columbia, with the company agreeing to refrain from input on the content of his works.

Tony Bennett was named a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2005. The following year, he earned the distinction of becoming an NEA Jazz Master, and the recipient of Billboard Magazine’s prestigious Century Award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to music.

In 2006, Tony Bennett marked his 80th birthday with the release of “Duets-An American Classic,” a work in which he collaborated with other major performers, like Elton John and Barbara Streisand. With the release of Duets II, Tony Bennett made music history as the oldest vocal artist to have his album reach the number one spot on the Billboard Album charts in 2011. Nominated for three Grammys, Bennett won his 16th and 17th Grammys for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with Amy Winehouse in their "Body and Soul" work; and, for the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

Throughout his career, Bennett has been involved in various humanitarian efforts. Beginning in the early days of the civil rights movement, Tony Bennett marched alongside Martin Luther King, assisting leaders in fighting discrimination and galvanizing resources for this work. The Martin Luther King Center in Atlanta later honored him for his contributions with its Salute to Greatness Award. The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation established a research fund in his name because Bennett has raised millions of dollars for this cause. Annually, his original paintings appear on the American Cancer Society’s holiday greeting cards, with sale proceeds earmarked for cancer research. Bennett also maintains interest in environmental projects, volunteering performances at fundraisers for the Walden Woods Foundation and the Save the Rainforest Foundation.

Tony Bennett has chronicled his life in two books. He named his 1996 work Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen. This work was designed as a coffee table book, which displayed his work as a painter, a serious avocation to which he is devoted. Bennett’s second book, The Good Life, serves as his autobiography.

Tony Bennett has been considerably successful in his second vocational passion, which is painting. The Kentucky Derby named him their official artist for 2001. The United Nations commissioned him for two paintings, including one for its 50th anniversary. Some of his paintings are permanently installed in art institutes. His oil painting, Central Park, has become part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.

Descriptions abound about the joy (a particularly Leo characteristic) and energy (fire sign) that Tony Bennett exudes. In its review of MTV Unplugged, the New York Times writer observed: “What accounts for the Bennett magic? Artistry certainly. The repertory is indeed classic… But perhaps more important is his ability to convey a sense of joy, of utter satisfaction, in what he is doing.” About Ian Gallagher’s tribute to the legend, Gallagher’s website remarks: “Experience the exuberance and joy of Tony Bennett. Ian Gallagher's tribute to one of the greatest singer's of the 20th century is a musical journey full of passion and remarkable songs.” In a profile of Tony Bennett, one of the artists appearing at the 55th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival, the event’s website ends its article with this praise: “As the world’s most boyish octogenarian, a vital musical artist at the peak of his powers, Tony Bennett is living proof that fairy tales can indeed come true when you’re young at heart.”

Some observations of the Natal Chart of Tony Bennett (Chart shown at the end of the section)

It is not surprising to see Tony Bennett’s natal Sun in Leo conjuncting Mercury and Neptune, the planets of communication and ethereal artistry (as well as compassion). The serious planet of worldly success, Saturn, plays a role similar to a symphony conductor, making sure (using the energy of the squares) that there is a balance between ease and effort. Saturn is part of a T-square configuration, indicating some key challenges the individual will need to face. I can almost hear Saturn say, “Just because you’re loaded with natural talent doesn’t mean you can sit by the pool all day.” Although Bennett may have occasional luck, Saturn is there to say that hard work will be tied to success. The square (tension) from Saturn to the Sun in Leo (conjunction Venus and Neptune) forces him to follow his passion and take care of business at the same time.

Venus (art, relationships, women, resources) is conjuncting the transformational planet of Pluto and the North Node (dharma). Saturn trines these planets, bringing an energy of ease to these areas of life, although these aspects of life may also not get adequate attention if insufficient work goes into them. Although Bennett lost his marketability, let go of his recording contract, lost money, lost his marriage, and perhaps temporary lost his purpose, he arose from the ashes to recoup his value, his resources and form new relationships. Pluto says to discard what no longer works for you in order to renew your soul.




Sources:





Astrodatabank (http://www.astro.com/astro-databank/Bennett,_Tony)



ENDNOTES


[1] George Bernard Shaw. Retrieved on 7/7/12 from: http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/2552.html
[2] Ogden Nash. Poem: The Romantic Age. Retrieved on 7/22/12 from: http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-romantic-age/.
[4] Julia Child. Retrieved on 7/7/12 from:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3465.JuliaChild
[7] Nevin, Bruce (1982). Astrology Inside Out. Rockport,MA: Pararesearch Publishers, pp.82-83.
[8] Houlding, Deborah. (June/July 2006). Leo the Lion. The Mountain Astrologer, Issue#127, pp.29-35; 105.
[9] Nevin,Bruce. Op Cit.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Nevin, Bruce. Op Cit.
[12] Forrest, Steven (1988). The Inner Sky. San Diego: ACS Publishers, pp.56-60.
[13] Ibid.
[14] Casey, Caroline. (1998). Making the Gods Work for You. New York: Harmony Books, p37.

Share |