Preface
If your birthday does not fall during the Gemini timeframe for the year you were born, this DOES NOT mean that you do not experience the energy of Gemini, 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 Gemini on May 20, 2013 at 2:09 p.m. PDT.
Gemini Energy at a Glance
| v Dual-natured | v Changeable | v Congenial |
| v Talkative | v Literary | v Provocative |
| v Curious | v Scattered | v Adaptable |
| v Restless | v Expressive | v Restless |
| v Quick-witted | v Inventive | v Clever |
Geminis Speak
Mary Robinson
Gemini and first woman President of Ireland (1990-1997) and former U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights
Born May 21, 1944
“We need more women leaders, and we need more connection between the women who reach the top [levels of] leadership and the women who are coping with these problems on the ground.”
Source:
http://theelders.org/article/we-need-more-women-leaders-mary-robinson-calls-greater-role-women-peace-buildingJohnny Depp
Gemini actor
Born June 9, 1963
“My body is my journal, and my tattoos are my story.”
Isadora Duncan
Gemini and innovative dancer
Born May 27, 1877
“It has taken me years of struggle, hard work, and research to learn to make one simple gesture, and I know enough about the art of writing to realize that it would take as many years of concentrated effort to write one simple, beautiful sentence.”
Cornel West
Gemini Writer, Philosopher, Academic, and Activist
Born June 2, 1953
“I have tried to be a man of letters in love with ideas in order to be a wiser and more loving person, hoping to leave the world just a little better than I found it.”
Russell Brand
Gemini actor, comedian, writer
Born June 4, 1974
“I couldn't possibly have sex with someone with such a slender grasp on grammar!”
Gemini Symbolism and Rulerships
The name for the third sign of the zodiac, Gemini, means “twins” in Latin. The symbolism of the twins is often associated with the myth of Castor and Pollux, which tells the story of one twin fathered by a god and the other twin fathered by a mortal. This myth, says astrologer Bruce Nevin, reflects a duality that requires the reconciliation of the higher (cardinal quality) and lower natures (fixed quality) into a third force (mutable quality). Nevin observes that out of the archetypal polarity of Aries as subject, and Taurus as object, emerges the relationship between them, personified by Gemini, who embodies the airy quality of perception and communication.[1]
The planet Mercury rules the sign of Gemini. In mythology, Mercury serves as a messenger to the gods, exchanging information, gossip, and often mischief between them. Bruce Nevin says that this closest planet to the Sun is an intermediary between the wisdom of the heart to the intellect and the senses. In alchemy, this planet corresponds to the metal mercury, or quicksilver, the universal solvent that reconciles opposites.[2]
In the body, Gemini rules those parts of the anatomy that are paired, explains Nevin. These include the shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, and the metabolism of the subtle energy force referred to as Prana in Eastern philosophy.[3] In fact, the glyph for Gemini, shown immediately below, is simply the Roman numeral for “2.” More esoteric interpretations might view the glyph as representing the duality between the material sphere and the spiritual realm, which in mythology, are bridged by Mercury, the ruler of Gemini. On the earthly plane, Gemini often acts as an intermediary, or a go-between two opposing forces. In the glyph, the horizontal lines at the top and the bottom connect the two vertical lines.
As a mutable air sign, Gemini says, “I think.” This sign corresponds to the third house of the astrological chart, which represents personal communication and communication style, one’s local environment, day trips, siblings, and social connections in the local network.
How Gemini Energy Is Expressed
Gemini is a sign that one might erroneously trivialize with descriptors such as quick, scattered, social, and superficial. If one contemplates the motivations of a Gemini and its reason for existence, one can understand that Gemini is far more complex than meets the eye.
Astrology and mythology are deeply intertwined in symbolism and in the portrayal of human personality. Western astrology draws upon works originating from Egypt, Babylonia, Greece, and Rome, but similar themes can be found in the mythology of other cultures. Even within Western mythologies, various versions of the same story abound.
Mythology tales relevant to Gemini center on the story of Castor and Pollux, who in some versions, were the sons of Zeus, and in other accounts were descended from the Queen and King of Sparta. Their origin is complex. One twin, Castor, is born as a mortal and has the gifts of ingenuity and logic. The other twin, Pollux, is immortal and has the gift of great physical strength. They progress through life facing choices in pairs, such as marrying twin sisters. The lives of Castor and Pollux are so intertwined and symbiotic, that separation becomes difficult. Their lives reflect themes of entanglements, dependence, and rivalry. Eventually the two engage in battle, and the mortal Castor is killed by Pollux’s spear. The immortal Pollux is left to grieve, feeling that something is missing without his brother. The feelings of emptiness are so great that Pollux implores Zeus to make him mortal so that he can join his brother in death. In another version of this story, the twins make a pact to share immortality by living alternating lives in Heaven and on Earth.
Astrologer Brian Clark says that the Gemini myth reveals themes of duality, sacrifice, separateness, loss, and searching for the other. Clark says that in the stage of Gemini, separation awakens consciousness, and the consciousness of being separate is painful. Clark posits that this sense of a loss of connection becomes embodied in the nervous system as anxiety or the lack of concentration, hence the fidgety quality we often associate with the sign of Gemini. Clark states that dodging commitment is one way that a fear of loss is manifested.[4]
This Gemini journey brings to mind the metaphysical process of the “perennial philosophy,” where spirit manifests into the separate selves of earthly existence, and then our selves once again merge back into spirit. While on earth, humans often seek “the other” to feel a spiritual completion. This is a primary concern of Gemini energy.
The Gemini’s exploration of duality reminds me of the quote from writer F. Scott Fitzgerald: “Before I go on with this short history, let me make a general observation - the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise.”[5] People with an emphasis of Gemini energy seem to have this inclination, and perhaps this ability to see multiple perspectives is one reason the sign is labeled as “fickle.”
Astrologer Deborah Houlding notes that Gemini takes its name from the two bright stars that dominate the astronomical constellation. Duality is a central feature of its symbolism, and consistent with Hermetic principle, contradictory forces must be brought together and recognized as mutually dependent upon each other. Houlding explains: “The sign of Gemini can indicate acute polarization of the spiritual and material and alternation between the extremes of rational logic and instinctive belief, although its symbolic theme is development of the ability to reconcile all contradictions in a central threshold where reason and belief, intellect and emotion, masculinity and femininity merge into one.” She observes that contrary to the typical image of Gemini as “light and flighty,” Geminis have their brooding moods. Houlding continues: “This integration of opposites never allows one half of the dualistic experience of life to be fully separated from the other.” Houlding posits that the Gemini propensity to be inconsistent and changeable can be viewed as a virtue because Gemini must remain responsive to the environment and address contradictory demands simultaneously. Therefore, the mark of this sign, Houlding says, is mental agility and bridge-building.[6]
Gemini’s ruler, Mercury, has infused this sign with its mojo, including the ability to serve as an intermediary. Astrologer Dana Gerhardt says that Aries initiates, Taurus stabilizes, and Gemini connects.[7] Mercury’s energy, as it is manifested in Gemini, has made its mark in this era of online social networking. When you are “doing” Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, you are utilizing your Gemini (and Aquarius) energy.
Dana Gerhardt advises her astrology clients that where Gemini appears in their charts, they might consider doing “two.” For example, if you have Gemini on the cusp of the tenth house of career and social standing, you might do well having two careers. If you are knowledgeable about the meaning of all twelve houses, you might take some time to find where Gemini is in your chart, and think how this advice might affect your life. Gerhardt’s adage stems from the desire by Gemini to avoid boredom with daily activities. One way of keeping life interesting is to do more than one activity.
Becoming engaged in an interesting task wards off boredom, and Gerhardt presents a beautiful example in the storytelling of Scheherazade, of Arabian Nights (or One Thousand and One Nights) fame. The tale goes that King Shahryar was vengeful because of an unfaithful spouse, and he retaliated by setting out to marry a virgin each day, beheading the bride he had married the day before. The witty, wise, self-educated, and charming Scheherazade volunteered to read to the King for one night. She wove interesting stories with intricate and suspenseful plots until dawn, and stopped the storytelling, saying that she could not continue because it was a new day. The King, wanting to continue to hear the intriguing story spared her life, and asked her to read another story the following night. Because she cleverly avoided ending the story, and left each story with a cliffhanger, this continued for many nights, and during this period, Scheherazade bore the King children. Finally, there came a night when she finally ended a story, but the King by this time had fallen in love with her and asked her to be his Queen. Scheherazade incorporates many of Gemini’s qualities: the ability to understand her environment (the king), intelligence, cleverness, wit, and great storytelling (i.e. communication) skills.[8] May we all have access to Scheherazade’s skills when we need them the most!
ENDNOTES
[1] Bruce Nevin (1982). Astrology Inside Out. Rockport, Massachusetts: Para Research , Inc., p.88.
[2] Bruce Nevin, Op.Cit., p.60
[3] Bruce Nevin, Op.Cit., p88.
[4] Brian Clark. (June/July 2000). Astrosynthesis.com. Gemini: searching for the missing twin. (A longer version appeared in The Mountain Astrologer). Retrieved on May 20, 2012: http://www.astrosynthesis.com.au/articles/gemini-the_search_for_the_missing_twin.pdf
[5] F. Scott Fitzgerald. (February 1936). The Crack Up (essay). Retrieved: http://www.quoteland.com/share/F-Scott-Fitzgerald-Quotes/715/
[6] Deborah Houlding. (June/July 2008). Gemini the Twins. The Mountain Astrologer, Issue #139, pp.37-43.
[7] Gerhardt, Dana. (2010, June/July). The Hundred-Headed Dragon of Gemini. The Mountain Astrologer, Issue #151, pp. 13-17.
[8] Gerhardt, Dana. (2010, June/July). The Hundred-Headed Dragon of Gemini. The Mountain Astrologer, Issue #151, pp. 13-17.
A Brief Look at the Natal Chart of Roger Ebert:
A Bundle of Communications Talent
Roger Ebert
Film Critic, Writer, and Teacher
Born June 18, 1942 and died April 4, 2013
Known for many years as the most recognizable and influential film critic in our nation, Roger Ebert reviewed films in the Chicago Sun Times and on his TV programs. He was also a prolific author of books on films. His early articles earned him praise from prominent film critic Pauline Kael, who commented that his work was the best film criticism of the era. Apparently, others agreed, and Roger Ebert became the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975.
A native of Urbana, Illinois, Roger Ebert was born on June 18, 1942 as the only child of a Catholic couple of modest means. He loved writing from an early age, an interest he channeled by publishing his own newspaper called the Washington Street Times. Because of the influence of an aunt, he also cultivated an appreciation for movies. Ebert developed particular interests in science fiction and sports writing, even winning an Associated Press contest. While he pursued the study of journalism in high school and later at the University of Illinois, he gained practical experience by working on the school newspapers.
Ebert gained acceptance at the English Ph.D. program at the University of Chicago. To help pay his way through school, he sought a job in his field and he was eventually hired by the Chicago Sun Times to write for their Sunday magazine. Ebert found that maintaining a job and undertaking doctoral studies was overly demanding and he ultimately opted to pursue a newspaper career and forego the advanced degree. Soon thereafter, a reporter died at the newspaper, and Ebert was selected to fill her role, which included writing film reviews. A prolific columnist and hard worker, he excelled at his work, producing film reviews written with penetrating knowledge and gusto. In addition to writing film reviews, Ebert experimented in the early 1970s with screenwriting, co-writing the script with Russ Meyer for Beyond the Valley of the Dolls and for a few other works.
By 1975, Ebert was an acclaimed film critic with a Pulitzer Prize, and he was soon to become more widely known. A local producer approached Ebert with a proposal for a new TV film review program that would be hosted by critics from two competing newspapers, the Chicago Sun Times and the Chicago Tribune. Beginning as a local program featuring Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel, the program later became At the Movies, expanding into 180 PBS markets. The Walt Disney Company later purchased the successful program. After Siskel died in 2009, Ebert continued the program with film critic Richard Roeper. Viewers loved the format of debates between two critics and the “Two Thumbs Up” (or “Two Thumbs Down”) movie ratings.
Roger Ebert began experiencing serious health problems in 2002 when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. After recuperation, he returned to his newspaper job and TV program. However, a year later he returned to the hospital for surgery for a growth on his salivary glands. By 2006, cancer had spread to Ebert’s mouth, necessitating the removal of a part of his lower jaw. This surgery had serious repercussions, causing Ebert to lose his voice and ability to eat. His health situation ended his appearances on his TV show, but he continued writing for his newspaper and he developed a greater Internet presence. With the assistance of a computer-generated voice, he occasionally made personal appearances. His wife Chaz progressively assumed a more prominent role in his productions. Up until he neared the end of his life, Ebert continued to inform the movie-going public about recently released movies through his publications. His death on April 4, 2013 caused many of his fans to reminisce about how much a part of our lives he had become.
Commentary on the Natal Chart of Roger Ebert
The natal chart of Roger Ebert appears at the end of this section.
Blessed with a powerful mind and gifts of communication, it is not surprising to find that the late Roger Ebert had four planets in Gemini. These planets are Uranus and Saturn conjunct in the early degrees and Mercury and the Sun conjunct in the latter degrees of this air sign. Although in the second degree of Cancer, Jupiter is conjunct the Sun in Gemini. In contrast to the cerebral qualities of the four planets in Gemini, Ebert has three planets, plus Chiron, in the fire sign Leo. Certainly, this energy contributed to the quality of gusto in his writing and his outgoing TV presence. Providing more earthy energy is Venus in Taurus in a wide trine to Neptune in Virgo. All of the planets in his natal chart fall within a wide trine. In Volume 2 of their book The Only Way to Learn Astrology, writers March and McEvers define this concentration of planets as a Bundle chart pattern. These astrologers observe that persons with a Bundle chart pattern often make much with very little. I certainly would not say that Ebert started with very little because it is obvious he had talent at an early age, but his choices were perhaps confined within a highly defined area of talent or a particular skill set. (We should all be so lucky!) Persons with the bundle chart pattern are specialists whose focus is highly concentrated, and they may become geniuses in their field.
The planet Venus is about values, aesthetics, and what we attract to us. Neptune is about dissolving the boundaries of reality and calls us to use our power of imagination, which is certainly a necessary ingredient in filmmaking. Clearly, Roger Ebert loved (Venus) movies (which are associated with Neptune). Ebert’s Neptune is in the evaluative sign of Virgo (ruled by Mercury), which strives for discernment. What better personality makeup for a film critic! Furthermore, Ebert’s North Node is in Virgo, indicating that he could grow spiritually by embracing more Virgo qualities.
Ebert’s Uranus and Saturn also trine (harmonious relationship between energies) Neptune, perhaps suggesting that he had the capacity to appreciate both traditional (Saturn) as well as more avant-garde (Uranus) films. On the other hand, Ebert’s Mercury and Sun both square (energetic tension) Neptune. Although Ebert made it appear that analyzing and writing/speaking about films was easy, undoubtedly he worked hard to achieve his level of excellence and deliver his products in a timely manner. Yet, with Mercury sextiling (opportunities) the Moon (instinctive behaviors, habits, emotions), he may have felt that writing was a natural form of expression. Nonetheless, with his Mars (pursuing your desires/goals) sextiling Neptune (film career) he was capable of putting himself out in the world to fulfill his aspirations. And because he seized those opportunities, he undoubtedly fulfilled his passion, and in the process he brought enormous entertainment for the followers of his critical reviews.
Sources:
Marion D. March & Joan McEvers (Second Edition, 2003). The Only Way to Learn Astrology, Volume 2: Math and Interpretation Techniques. San Diego: ACS Publications, p. 120.
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