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Solar Eclipse at 29° Cancer
Marks 40th Anniversary of 1969 Moon Landing,
Walter Cronkite, Anchorman Who Defined TV News, Dies Days Before;
Bronx-Born Jurist Sonia Sotomayor Aces Hearings,
Telling President Obama Where to Go - For His Birthday!
SHELLEY ACKERMAN
Photo: Rich Press
On the Horizon: Astrological Signatures of 1969 Milestones
We all know where we were on the morning of September 11, 2001, on the cold December 1980 night that John Lennon was killed, and for those over the age of 45, exactly where we were when we learned from CBS newsman Walter Cronkite (click here for video) that President Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas on Friday, November 22, 1963:
Cronkite reports the death of JFK
I was a fifth grader, just dismissed for the day and outside of my elementary school on the corner of Avenue B and 8th Street in Manhattan when the shocking news was heard on someone’s transistor radio. I ran back inside to tell my mother who was speaking with my brother’s teacher. At first, neither believed me.
The Moon Landing
Along the same lines, if you were around in the wild Summer of 1969, you undoubtedly recall the mind-blowing footage of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong taking those first steps on the Moon. To this day, many naysayers question whether the moon-landing actually happened and insist that it was staged. Hundreds if not thousands of people, including the honorable Walter Cronkite, would have had to have been in on the hoax to make it work, and most agree that someone would have leaked the fraud by now. This morning, MSN.com posted brand-new July 2009 photos of 1969 astronaut-footprints on the moon to discredit the debunkers.
1969 was really something: In addition to the moon landing, there were the riots at Stonewall, which marked the beginning of the gay rights movement; Sen. Ted Kennedy’s tragic accident at Chappaquiddick in which the drowning death of Mary Jo Kopechne (who eight days shy of her 29th birthday was in her Saturn-return) drowned out Kennedy’s future as President; Woodstock, the three day rock concert to end all rock concerts all but defined the turbulent decade; the Charles Manson murders of young, gorgeous, and pregnant actress Sharon Tate and several of her glamorous friends terrorized Hollywood; the first ATM in the US was installed (in Rockeville Centre, NY); and miracle of miracles, the NY Mets won the World Series.
Cronkite on TIME MAGAZINE
All in all, 1969 was a year that rocked the world and one in which the consciousness of the masses shifted enormously, and the man who defined the role of TV anchor, Walter Cronkite, reported it all, every night, on CBS.
Cronkite, born November 4, 1916, was a Scorpio with the Moon in Pisces. The mutual reception between his Mars in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Aries proved to be a tremendous asset for his unparalleled career in journalism. Cronkite died on July 17, just three days before the 40th anniversary of the moon landing at the age of 92. The television tributes, specials, and remembrances from those who knew him, worked with him, and were in awe of him are pouring in. The news icon’s death and coverage is a sharp contrast to that of Michael Jackson’s in the past three weeks. Cronkite lived a long, admirable and honorable life. Not that Jackson didn’t, but Cronkite’s dedication, wisdom, and impeccable professionalism reminds us of a time when quality, gravitas, and merit were far more valued than they are today. “Approachable Authority” is how Alessandra Stanley writes of Cronkite’s “signature”. And here is Cronkite’s priceless 1990 NYT “Classic Op-Ed” piece describing his 1968 visit with Senator Robert F. Kennedy before his decision to run for President was announced; Kennedy’s request for Cronkite to run for Senator, and the misunderstanding that followed.
But back to 1969 for a moment: Astrologically, correlating the zeitgeist of July 1969, were the planets Jupiter (expansion) and Uranus (unexpected advancement affecting the masses) conjoined at 0-1 degree of Libra, on the “cardinal world axis”.
As was the case in 1927 when Jupiter and Uranus conjoined at 1 degree of Aries and the world was changed forever by the stunning shift from silent movies to talking pictures, as 2010 approaches, we’re poised for an unexpected technological advancement, one that will change the world as we know it. The question is, have we the maturity and wisdom to handle it, whatever it turns out to be, in a way that isn’t destructive?
The Solar Eclipse this week, visible and already making its mark in China with the destructive July 10th earthquake, takes place at the powerful and poignant last degree of the sign of Cancer, the sign of family, home, motherhood and tribalism: One message of this eclipse is to examine all aspects of one’s sense of pride regarding one’s roots. Is it well founded? If not, some soul-searching is in order to improve ourselves, better our behavior, and heal our ancestors’ wounds and missteps so that going forward we have good reason to be proud.
Sonia Sotomayor
Here Come Da Judge:
“Both the Right and Left” are disappointed in the hearings, writes Manu Raju on Politico.com, but Bronx-born Latina “Wise-Woman” Jurist, Sonia Sotomayor made it through the oft painful to watch grilling by the Senate Judiciary Committee and is poised to be the first U.S. Hispanic Supreme Court justice in the Fall. GOP Senators John Cornyn, Jeff Sessions, and Jon Kyl were particularly offensive in their questioning and attitude, but at the end, even Sen. Lindsey Graham said that he’d vote for her and expected her to be seated.
Sonia Sotomayor was born June 25, 1954 (no birth time available yet). She has her Sun in Cancer, is opposed by a retrograde Mars in Capricorn, currently both her Sun and Mars are being pummeled by Pluto, hence the intense scrutiny and rise to power. In all probability Sotomayor's Moon is in Aries.
Liz Torres
But why is Sotomayor so threatening to the Good Ole Boy’s Club? The short answer is that she knows more than any of ‘em, and is a deeper person, more integrated as a human being, and sees through each and every one of ‘em. As usual, Maureen Dowd nailed it with her hysterical and biting White Man’s Last Stand. Sotomayor reminds me a little of my good friend, actress, comedienne and singer, Liz Torres. Both are warm, wise, witty and street-smart and both are at the top of their game.
The Eiffel Tower
Obama’s 48th Birthday: How’s About Paris?
Though President Obama and his media-genic family have been wowing them in Moscow, Italy, and in Ghana and are reported to be heading to Martha’s Vineyard for their late August Summer holiday, I have a suggestion for the best location for where President “O” should celebrate his 48th birthday: PARIS!!
The 44th President’s Solar-return chart (On August 4th and August 5th) is better there than it is in the US, and lord knows, he can use all the help he can get. So even though he and his family have been to the city of lights earlier this year, a return visit is strongly advised by this astrologer, who happens to be a fan.
Honorable Mention:
Check out Dick Cavett’s tasty “Who’s Afraid of Richard Burton?”.
ERRATA:
Two weeks ago, I reported in error the birthday of Michael Jackson’s second wife and mother of Prince Michael and Paris, Debbie Rowe was born on May 14, 1959. Not true! She was born on December 6, 1958 and has four planets in Sagittarius.
Chart: Solar Eclipse July 21, 2009
Click for larger view
July 16: Moon in Taurus, Mercury trine Uranus @ 3:33 am
July 17: Moon V/C @ 4:48 pm, enters Gemini @ 10:41 pm,
Mercury enters Leo @ 7:08 pm
July 18: Sun trine Uranus @ 8:36 pm
July 19: Moon V/C @ 6:12 pm, enters Cancer @ 11:51 pm
July 20: Mercury sextile Mars @ 7:32 pm
July 21: Venus Square Saturn @ 4:06 pm, Solar Eclipse,
then Moon V/C @ 10:35 pm
July 22: Sun enters Leo @ 12:36 pm
*Moon v/c = ‘void of course’, Best for spiritual not earthly pursuits
Bonus: 2009 Astro Crib Sheet
Mercury begins 09 @ 0˚Aquarius07’ & ends 2009 @ 19˚Capricorn29’ Rx
Mercury Retrogrades 2009:
Jan 11-Feb 1, May 6-30, Sept 6-29, & Dec 26-Jan 15, 2010
Venus begins 2009 @ 27˚Aquarius48’ and ends 2009 @ 7˚Capricorn13’
Venus Retrograde: March 6-April 17, 2009
Mars begins 2009 @ 3˚Capricorn57’ and ends 2009 @ 18˚Leo54’ (Retro)
Mars turns retrograde on December 20th (thru March 10, 2010)
Jupiter begins 2009 @ 29˚Capricorn02’ and ends 2009 @ 26˚Aquarius15’
Jupiter enters Aquarius on January 5, 2009
Jupiter Retrograde: June 15-Oct 13, 2009
Saturn begins 2009 @ 21˚Virgo46’ Retrograde and ends 2009 @ 4˚Libra30’
Saturn Retrograde: Dec 31, 2008-May 16, 2009
Saturn enters Libra on Oct 29, 2009 (will retrograde back into Virgo in 2010)
Uranus begins 2009 @ 19˚Pisces15’ and ends @ 23˚Pisces05’
Uranus Retrograde: July 1-December 1, 2009
Neptune begins 2009 @ 22˚Aquarius27’ and ends 2009 @ 24˚Aquarius34’
Neptune Retrograde: May 28-November 4, 2009
Pluto begins 2009 @ 1˚Capricorn16’ and ends 2009 @ 3˚Capricorn17’
Pluto Retrograde: April 4-September 11, 2009
ARIES:Though communication with siblings and neighbors improves, the days leading up to and including the Solar Eclipse may be financially frustrating: But these minor delays will serve you in the long run as what you might have spent now on nonsense will come in VERY handy for something you really need. The new Moon/Eclipse should mark the end of a draining sequence on the home front and pave the way for a month-long cycle of celebratory fun, creativity, and a little romance, if you can handle it.
TAURUS: The double messages that are coming at you from all sides are challenging you to find some comfortable middle ground in each: On the money front, a long-deserved indulgence may need to be put on hold due to either the needs of a child or a temporary stock market setback, but you end up spending it on something for the home (or your feeling of home) that gives you equal pleasure and adds value to your surroundings. Along the same lines, a dreaded conversation with a neighbor or sibling paves the way for peace where you live or where you need it most.
GEMINI: The Solar Eclipse in your 2nd house of income and values allows you to see and clear up once and for all a self-destructive financial habit so that you open the door to an ease you haven’t known in years. Your ruling planet, Mercury, does his best to negotiate on your behalf by: Providing you with the best timing and words to make your case to a higher up who is willing to take a chance on you, and secondly, by entering your 3rd house of creative self expression. Help your good fortune along and: Stop complaining, write things down as they come to you, and commit to making Summer ’09 work for you.
CANCER: When God- closes a door She opens a window: Are you ready to leave the roost, return to the nest to heal old wounds, or revisit and revise that which you took as gospel from your elders and ancestors? The Solar eclipse in the last degree of your sign closes a chapter and begins a new one that promises to rejuvenate and inspire you going forward. The key is to not look back any longer than you have to.
LEO: All work and no play make Jack a very dull boy, but all play and no work leaves you hungry and broke. I know, who needs that kind of advice as one’s birthday approaches? But Venus in your 11th house squaring Saturn in your house of income dictates that in order to respond to and partake in the multiple invites from friends who are clueless about your financial circumstances, you must let them know that your birthday is nigh and you’re up for being treated, thank you very much. You’d do the same for them, wouldn’t you?
VIRGO: “Choose This Day Whom Ye Will Serve” is a good one to keep in mind as you realize for the umpteenth time that you can’t serve two masters. What and who do you value and why? And though the relentless cycle of self-analysis has been taxing to say the least, this week’s Solar Eclipse in your communal 11th house may shift alliances and encourage you to be more selective, and that’s not a bad thing in the long run: Your ruler, Mercury, enters your hidden 12th house, making you the best Secret Agent of all. But be careful with whom your share that valuable info.
LIBRA: “Don’t let the past dictate your future”. Things are moving forward for you and despite the ever-present limitations of nasty Saturn, in your 12th house of unconscious guilty feelings, it is imperative that the memory of past losses, or of ancestral failures and limitations do not impede your ability to seize the day and do what’s best for you in the hear and now. The eclipse in your 10th house of career heralds the end of one professional era and the beginning of another. No need to write the whole script now, but do pay attention to all of the signs on the road.
SCORPIO: The Solar Eclipse in your 9th house of foreign affairs and philosophy of life is a reminder to reflect on where you were in the Summer of 1990, and what followed in the months after. How can you pick up on that cycle now, and implement what you learned in the past two decades and improve your lot? Even though it’s summertime, the Sun and Mercury are at the top of your chart and offer many opportunities for you to shine and to speak your truth. The vacation can and should wait.
SAGITTARIUS: Anytime anyone even tries to clip your wings, it’s hard for you to not respond. The same is true when a loved one or very close friend’s moves are limited by an unreasonable authority. But this week’s stumbling block is very temporary and it would be best to wait and not react at all. The Solar Eclipse in your 8th house of shared resources suggests that a financial arrangement needs reworking. After that’s taken care of, the Sun and Mercury’s transit in your 9th house opens the door to several weeks of thrilling exploration. Encourage a partner begins to see things in terms of the ‘bigger picture’.
CAPRICORN: Before the dramatic eclipse on the 21st, it’s important to not be too harsh with a female co-worker or subordinate who is having a rougher time than you realize and to give the stage (and microphone) to your better half, a spouse, or a working partner, who is better equipped to communicate with a local or a sibling than you are: After that’s out of the way, your more prurient, sensual self can and should get nurtured by way of some pampering. It may not be your thing but it should be.
AQUARIUS: An amusing holiday may have to wait a little while longer so that you can tend to a bundle of issues at work (or on the health front) that really can’t wait. Not to worry, the delay will not be a long one: As a matter of fact, things are turning on a dime, all over the place for you: Just after the eclipse the Sun enters your 7th house of partnership and it is a partner or BFF that insists and is willing to pay for a more elaborate getaway than you would have chosen for yourself. Be gracious and let someone else sit in the driver’s seat, it’s more fun that way sometimes.
PISCES: Teamwork, especially with a spouse, partner, or BFF, is crucial in getting through the challenges of the week and the rest of the Summer for that matter, so be prepared to be a help if you want the help. The Solar Eclipse in your 5th house of creative projects and love affairs sees a changing of the guard in those areas. But it paves the way for a new and inspired approach to your day to day tasks and makes going to work a joy. Also up for your attention is your health: What are you doing to insure that you go the distance with the vitality you need? Have your heart and spine checked to make sure all is as it should be.