1787 - 4 Pisces 02 - U.S.
1803 - 21 Pisces 36 - Louisiana Purchase
1812 - 29 Pisces 43 - War of 1812
1823 - 10 Aries 46 - Monroe Doctrine
1846 - 2 Taurus 33 - Mexican War
1848 - 4 Taurus 10 - Gold discovered
1861 - 17 Taurus 07 - Civil War
1898 - 23 Gemini 55 - Spanish-American War
1917 - 13 Cancer 03 - World War I
1929 - 25 Cancer 47 - Stock Market Crash
1941 - 8 Leo 07 1- Pearl Harbor
1950 - 16 Leo 49 - Korean War
1963 - O Virgo 30 - Kennedy Assassination
1969 - 6 Virgo 16 - Moon Landing
1974 -11 Virgo 24 - Nixon Resignation
1979 - 16 Virgo 44 - American Hostages in Iran
Another interesting facet is to note when the Midheaven and
Ascendant change from one sign to another. This clearly
marks the ending of one manner of acting/reacting, and the
beginning of another. It also helps to explain the
divergent epochs in America's history.
MIDHEAVEN
1776-1791 (Leo)
1791-1822 (Virgo)
1822-1853 (Libra)
1853-1884 (Scorpio)
1884-1913 (Sagittarius)
1913-1943 (Capricorn)
1943-1972 (Aquarius)
1972-2001 (Pisces)
ASCENDANT
1776-1805 (Scorpio)
1805-1846 (Sagittarius)
1846-1876 (Capricorn)
1876-1897 (Aquarius)
1897-1913 (Pisces)
1913-1929 (Aries)
1929-1950 (Taurus)
1950-1979 (Gemini)
1979-2019 (Cancer)
BACK TO SUCCESS-SCOPES
-WHAT EVERY AMERICAN CONSIDERS TO BE THE BIRTHDAY OF THE U.S.A.,
AND IS BY THE MUNDANE ASTROLOGER
MARC HEEREN PENFIELD, FROM HIS BOOK:
HOROSCOPES OF THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE;
COPYRIGHT 1984, ACS PUBLICATIONS:
Source: Excerpts from the diaries of John Hancock, some of
which are illustrated in the book: Patriot in Purple.
Hancock states the document-the Declaration of Independence-
was "out of committee" shortly after 2 PM whereupon he signed
it.
Signed in Philadelphia, Pa., on July 4, 1776, at 2:20
PM LMT.
In the spring of 1776, the American
colonies were ready for complete independence from Britain, with
whom they had been fighting a war since April 19, 1775. In the
ensuing months, both North Carolina and Rhode Island had
issued their own respective "declarations of independence,"
but a united effort by all colonies was not forthcoming until
June 7. At that time, Richard Henry Lee proposed that all
colonies had the right to be free and to choose their own
destinies. Four days later, a committee composed of
Jefferson, Adams, Sherman, Franklin and Livingston was
nominated to draft a formal document. Jefferson did most of
the writing, and his first draft was completed by June 28.
Several items were deleted, such as reference to the King of
England and condemnation of the slave trade. Finally, on July
2, all colonies except New York (which had not been given
the authority to vote for independence) voted to adopt the
resolution. That night, John Adams wrote to his wife that:
"This day will be the most memorable epoch in the history of
America. I believe that it will be celebrated as the great
anniversary."
Congress convened at 9 AM on July 4, and,
according to Jefferson, it was a hot and muggy day. "Everyone
was running around with their shirts off or open. A livery
stable next door caused horseflies to come in and bite
people. I'm convinced that those flies helped to launch this
nation, for nobody paid much attention to what they were
signing." From page 228 of the book entitled: Patriot in
Purple, by Herbert S. Allan, it states: "For three days
impassioned oratory, pro and con, echoed through the
government chamber. At last, about two o'clock in the
afternoon of the 4th, the great white paper was reported out
of committee to the House with a recommendation for approval,
and was immediately ratified. Hancock and his secretary,
Charles Thomson, were then ordered to authenticate it with
their signatures in the customary manner of handling all
Congressional measures. They were also directed to have
copies printed for dispatching to the colonial assemblies and
to the army. The printing was done by next morning." The
author relied heavily on the diary of Hancock, among others,
to ascertain the time of signature. Congress then adjourned
at 4 PM, and the document was sent to John Dunlap who was
ordered to print it on broadsides.
The first public reading of the Declaration took place on
the steps of Independence Hall at high noon on July 8, 1776,
by John Nixon. On the 19th, Congress resolved that the
document should be placed on parchment. Finally, on August 2,
delegates from all the colonies began to sign. Many who
affixed their signatures that day were not present the previous July 4th
when independence was voted upon, for they had been replaced
by their respective colonial assemblies. The final signature,
that of Thomas McKean, wasn't affixed until 1781.
Because of a $2500 reward offered by Britain to learn the
names of the signers, formal publication was withheld until
January, 1777. You see, all those present that July day were
traitors, and the British offense for treason was hanging.
In his book: The Great Seal of the United States of
America, Paul Foster Case also uses a time of "shortly after
2 p.m.: Scorpio being representative of the seal of our
country. Case used 13 deg. of Scorpio rising, however, which
makes the Ascendant trine the Sun. Case also pointed out
that many who signed the Declaration were Masons, members of
a very highminded and philosophical organization who held
their meetings in secret. Many were also practicing
Rosicrucians, like Franklin. The sign of Scorpio on the
eastern horizon seems to fit nicely with the birth of
America, doesn't it? The U.S. State Department also vouches
for the 2 p.m. time, as illustrated on July 4, 1976, when
President Ford was instructed to ring the Liberty Bell at that
precise moment.
Other horoscopes "floating around" of the USA are
obviously inaccurate. Let me illustrate. A chart with Virgo
rising (for about 9 a.m.) was for the moment Congress
convened, and too early for the final vote. Likewise for the
Libra rising chart (about 12:15 p.m.) with Saturn rising.
The vote hadn't yet taken place. And the Sagittarius rising
chart is too late, as Congress had already adjourned. In
recent years, this chart, however, has been given some
measure of credibility due to a notation found in one of
Sibley's notebooks. Sibley was an English astrologer of the
late 18th Century, but he gives the time as 10:15 p.m.,
London time. Why he chose to use a chart with five hours'
difference is anybody's guess. This is the chart Dane Rudhyar
used in his book, The Astrology of America's Destiny.
The Gemini rising chart (about 2:13 a.m.) is so obviously
false that one wonders where it came from. Seems that some
early 20th Century astrologer started using it, and soon
after, it became quite popular. To my knowledge, the only
chart ever used in the 19th Century (after viewing hundreds
of old magazines, etc.) was the Sagittarius chart. This
Gemini chart is a fabrication pure and simple, and even the
Library of Congress is at a loss to explain how it might have
happened. If you are in the habit of using the time when an
event is proclaimed, then you will have to use July 8, 1776,
at noon. This is the chart that possibly got confused with
the earlier Libra-rising chart for July 4, but remember that
on the 8th of July, the Moon (ruler of the MC) had moved into
the sign of Aries, and was placed in the 7th house.
One of the best ways, I feel, to approximate a birthtime
is to use the progressed Moon. Secondary placements are shown
in the illustrations, but the Radix (Solar Arc) positions are
somewhat less familiar. In order of major events, the Radix
Moon is as follows:
Constitution approaching trine to Jupiter (Law and Justice) and
became exact after Washington's inauguration
Separating square from Mars (Napoleon sold it to
America on threat of war with Spain) and an
approaching opposition to Neptune (Barbary pirates
threatened the seas)
Approaching sesquare to the MC and semi-square
to the Nadir. Within two years, both the capitol
building (MC) and the White House (Nadir) were burned.
Semi-square her own position. Moon rules 9th.
Foreign powers had aggravated America enough
that the foreign powers were told to stay out of the
Western Hemisphere.
Sextile Venus, ruler of 7th house of war. We easily
grabbed much of Mexico's territory.
Sextile Jupiter/Venus midpoint, sextile Jupiter exactly
when the '49ers trekked to California.
Approaching semi-square to Venus, ruler of 7th
house of war, and the 12th, which rules slavery.
Semi-square and sesquare the Nodes (which are in
the 3rd/9th houses), as well as the ASC/DESC axis.
Almost conjunct the natal Sun in
the 9th house. Was approaching a square to Saturn when the
Armistice was signed.
Inconjunct her own position (as it would be in any
horoscope used).
Just past the conjunction of the North Node in the
9th house and approaching a square to the ASC.
Eight months earlier, the Moon had semi-squared
Neptune, ruler of the dependencies fifth house.
About one degree past a conjunction of the
MC, within the year, it would semisquare natal Venus, ruler
of the 7th house of war.
Semi-square Saturn ruler of the 3rd which (Kennedy's assassination)
includes Cuba, and traditional ruler of the Chief Executive.
Just past a sextile to Jupiter (ruler
of long [Moon Landing] journeys).
Two years prior, when
Watergate took place, the Moon was semi-square Mercury, in
the 9th, ret.
Solstice point to the natal Sun, which is in (Hostages in
Iran) the 9th house.
Tug of war between the Hamiltonians who desired a strong
central government (Leo MC) and the Jeffersonians who wanted
limited government control and individual states' rights
(Aquarius Nadir). During this period, all the original 13
colonies were admitted to the Union.
Conflicts with foreigners (sq. Sagittarius) involving
impressment of seamen and piracy (opp. Pisces).
Desire to maintain peace (Monroe Doctrine) and the time
of the Missouri Compromise of 1831 and 1850.
Necessity to take a stand and to fight, if needed. After
the Civil War, a period called Reconstruction took place in
the South. Great fortunes in steel, mining and banking were
made.
Periods of labor unrest (sq. Virgo) and massive foreign
immigration (opp. Gemini). This was the time of empire
building, when Roosevelt sent the Navy around the world.
Period of awakening and great activity. Also, a period of
depressions, both after the Great War and during
the 30's. Social programs instituted, and the government
begins to take on a larger role in daily life.
Entering into many international organizations such as
NATO, SEATO, ANZUS, OAS, etc, formed the United Nations and
started to meddle in the foreign affairs of other countries.
Also the period of the Civil Rights' Movement, Vietnam and
the Space Race. A great period of scientific advancement,
and individual alienation from society.
Started with Watergate, and the resignation of Nixon.
Arab oil embargoes caused havoc for awhile, and American
embassies became targets for terrorists. Return to religion
and spiritualism, plus increased aggravation over illegal
aliens (sq. Sagittarius). Minorities began to come out of
the closet, and feminism increased.
A time of survival against not only nature, but a time of
building a strong and united country. Americans just wanted
to be left alone to enjoy their newfound freedom.
Started with the explorations of
Lewis and Clark. Before long, the Santa Fe and Oregon trails
were sending settlers west. A time of increased interest in
foreign affairs (Monroe Doctrine) and religious persecution
(Mormons).
A time of strife and turmoil, beginning
with the Mexican War, continuing through the Civil War and
ending with Reconstruction. The country became stronger
during this period, and many fortunes increased, while the
Southern aristocracy passed away.
Begins with the nation's Centennial,
which introduced many new inventions to the world. During
this period Edison was making a name, giving Americans the
electric light, phonograph, motion picture camera, plus
Bell's new gadget: the telephone. This was the period of the
Gay 90's, rife with extravagance (opp. Leo) and excesses (sq.
Scorpio).
Began by taking responsibility for the former Spanish
colonies seized during the war. The period of the Belle
Epoque, or the Edwardian Era, a time when glamour reigned.
It ended with the sinking of the Titanic (ASC conj. malefic
fixed-star Scheat at 28 deg. Pisces), and America's world
would never again be so safe and secure. Our naivete and
ignorance were soon ended.
America started to take its rightful place in the world
arena by entering World War I. The Roaring 20's followed and
women were "emancipated" at long last by being given the
vote. This violent, but exciting, era ended with the Stock
Market crash.
Money, or the lack of it, was uppermost in the minds of
all Americans during this period. During the Depression,
steps were taken not only to employ millions of workers, but
to guarantee their security during old age. World War II
increased the economy, but another depression followed
afterward.
During this epoch, Americans were on the move. Millions
moved from farm to city, from state to state and even the
heavens could not contain them. The Vietnam War caused
thousands to burn their draft cards (opp. Sagittarius) and
drugs soon became a major problem to the nation's youth (sq.
Pisces). Many simply left the good life behind and returned
to the simple life (sq. Virgo) and began to grow their own
food, free of chemicals and pollutants.
Having just begun, we can already see the signs of a
return to family life and patriotism. Children will again
become welcome additions as Americans learn to become more
socially-oriented. Emotions will become more open (some
violence, too) and the destiny of the country will occupy
more time. Foreign alliances will be tested (sq. Libra) and
limitation of government will be sought (opp. Capricorn). The
only danger I see is that a major war will erupt during this
period (sq. Aries) just like the first time America had a
cardinal sign on the Ascendant (Civil War). We might see the
end of the single-family home and a dwindling of our food
supply, as erratic weather patterns play havoc with the
crops. Clearly, food, clothing and shelter will be the
keywords for the remainder of the century.
