A Newsmaker's Chart from

...as presented on www.astrodatabank.com

U.S.A.

  
It is time that we astrologers came to a consensus on the birth chart of the United States. There are seven proposed dates for the birth of the USA.

Sagittarius rising chart (Sibly)
Date: 07/04/1776 (July 4, 1776)
Time: 17:10 (5:10 PM) LMT (+5:00:39)
Place: Philadelphia, PA (Lat: 39 N 57; Lng: 75 W 9)
USA Chart - Sagittarius rising (Sibly)
Source Notes: Date of the signature of the Declaration of Independence, from the Library of Congress, The Philadelphia Historic Society. Thomas Jefferson, when an old man, said it was "late afternoon" when the document was signed. John Adams and John Quincy Adams said they signed "late in the day."
Sibly, an 18th century British astrologer, published the first known horoscope of the U.S. for 10:00 PM GMT which equals 5:00 PM, LMT, Philadelphia. John B. Early, an American astrologer, had written on the margin of his contemporary Raphael's ephemeris, "Declaration signed 10:10 PM." on the July page of his almanac of 1776. (Sibly's chart, by 1785 was variously quoted as 5:00 PM, 4:50 PM and 5:15 PM; apparently rectified by different astrologers.)
In Astrology Bulletina July 1931, Lomax quotes Jefferson's records, "Debates having taken up the greater parts of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th days of July, were in the evening of the last day, closed. The Declaration was reported by the committee agreed to by the House and signed by every member present, except Mr. Dickinson."
BJA (British Journal of Astrology) May/1932 gives 12:10 PM as "generally accepted," adding that 3:30 AM is "traditional hearsay."
AFA (American Federation of Astrology) Feb/1965 gives 2:17 AM as "most frequently seen," adding that J. Hazelrigg gives 12:10 PM, Clement Hay gives 3:02 AM, and G. Hunt gives 2:00 PM LMT.
Vivian Bradford gives 2:40:18 PM LMT, quoted by Woods in Mercury Hour Apr/1980. Manly P. Hall, after visiting the Library of Congress, said that he found writings that supported "between 4:30 and 6:00 PM" but without noting his source of information. Dane Rudhyar gave a time of 5:14 PM in an article "The Astrology of America's Destiny."
Biography: Herbert S. Alan, "John Hancock, Patriot in Purple," 1940, p.228, "At last, about 2 o'clock in the afternoon of the 4th, the great white paper was reported ... and immediately ratified." John Clark Ridpath, A.M. Professor of Belles-Lettres and History in Indiana Asbury University, "History of the United States from the Discovery of America to the Present Time" states on p.309, "The discussion was resumed on the morning of the 4th, and at two o'clock on the afternoon of that memorable day the Declaration of American Independence was adopted by a unanimous vote."

Gemini rising chart
Date: 07/04/1776 (July 4, 1776)
Time: 03:10 (3:10 AM) LMT (+5:00:39)
Place: Philadelphia, PA (Lat: 39 N 57; Lng: 75 W 9)
USA Chart - Gemini rising (traditional)
Source Notes: R.A. Billington, B.J. Loewenborg and S.H. Bruckunier, "The United States," published by Rinehart and Co. Inc, New York and Toronto, 1947: the Introduction, p.15, "The symbolic first breath, or birth hour, of the nation occurred in the early morning hours of July 4, 1776. The writer has figured this to be just after 3:00 AM, however no documentary evidence exists to verify this early morning birth hour (or any other hour), so long a part of the tradition of the national chart."
Laurie Efrein rectified the time to 2:52 AM LMT.
American Astrology, January 1995 wrote, "The earliest reference we could find to the Gemini-rising chart (2:17 AM LMT), was that the chart was rectified by H.V. Herndon. We are quite certain that the story of Ben Franklin arranging an early morning signing is apocryphal then passed on as fact. It is untraceable to historic sources."
R.A. Billington, B.J. Loewenborg and S.H. Bruckunier, "The United States," published by Rinehart and Co. Inc, New York and Toronto, 1947: the Introduction, p.15, "The symbolic first breath, or birth hour, of the nation occurred in the early morning hours of July 4, 1776. The writer has figured this to be just after 3:00 AM, however no documentary evidence exists to verify this early morning birth hour (or any other hour), so long a part of the tradition of the national chart."
Laurie Efrein rectified the time to 2:52 AM LMT.
American Astrology, January 1995 wrote, "The earliest reference we could find to the Gemini-rising chart (2:17 AM LMT), was that the chart was rectified by H.V. Herndon. We are quite certain that the story of Ben Franklin arranging an early morning signing is apocryphal then passed on as fact. It is untraceable to historic sources."
Jayj Jacobs states, "This is the chart Evangeline Adams used (2:13:32 am LMT). In the immensely popular 'Horoscopes of the US Cities & States', Dodson uses 2:13:32 & 7 Gem 14. Jim Lewis in his Mundane Maps, and in his ACG Certification Course, illustrates the 7 & 1/2 Gemini Ascendant (& Saj). Dean, in "Recent Advances in Natal Astrology" references the 2:17 & 2:14 am times, and Rudhyar's pm chart, and no others. Don 'Moby Dick The Astrologer' Jacobs – my dad – and I, and all my subsequent partners, in presenting the Annual Prediction Seminars have used 7 Gemini 35 for the US Ascendant on July 4, 1776, since 1971. Our media measured accuracy rate of >95% validates that chart & Asc. As do my recent Afghan-Special Ops predictions. Moby (with my assistance) predicted the entire Watergate scenario before the fact and to the day, week after week in a nationally syndicated column. For that he got a place on Nixon's Enemies list & an FBI file."

Boehrer/Dobyns Virgo chart
Date: 07/04/1776 (July 4, 1776)
Time: 09:36 (9:36 AM) LMT (+5:00:39)
Place: Philadelphia, PA (Lat: 39 N 57; Lng: 75 W 9)
USA Chart - Dobyns AM
Source Notes: Rectified by James Boehrer, published and copyrighted in the Stellium Quarterly, An Astrological Journal, Capricorn Issue, Vol. 1, Number 4, Winter 1975/1976.
Dr. Zip Dobyns arrived at the same time independently as well as corresponding with James Boehrer. She quotes Pauline Maier, "American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence," Alfred A Knopf, New York 1997, p.150, "Careful research has been devoted to determine when exactly the Declaration was approved - late morning, not evening, seems most likely." "Letters of Delegates to Congress, 1774-1789, Vol 1-!V" reads, "The Congress this morning, July 4, 1776, directed us to confer with the Committees of Safety and Inspection ...etc." Charles Thomson's journals of the Congress read, "This statement, that Congress 'this morning' directed the committee to confer with the several groups specified, provides the best evidence available for determining the approximate time at which the Declaration of Independence was adopted, a question that has long puzzled scholars and remained unanswered until the significance of this letter was discovered."
Congressional Records report it was the third order of business, completed before noon, and rectified by Dobyns to 9:36 AM.
ISAR, 2/06/2001, sent a message from associate Peter Tyrde, in regards to a source of data regarding the USA Independence chart: "Ted Gormick (of Hong Kong), who has studied the subject for over 50 years.... Ted said that his source was the Quarterly Magazine of Nov 1976, published by Princeton University, which made reference to a letter in the Thomas Jefferson library. From the letter there it appeared that the declaration could not pass on 2nd July, 1776 because of disagreement, but finally the town crier announced at noon on 4th July, 1776 that late that morning the declaration for independence had been officially adopted."

Armistead July 2 chart
Date: 07/02/1776 (July 2, 1776)
Time: 12:04 (12:04 PM) LMT (+5:00:39)
Place: Philadelphia, PA (Lat: 39 N 57; Lng: 75 W 9)
USA Chart - Armistead July 2
Source Notes: Julian Armistead quotes Allan Nevins and Henry Steel Commager, "A Pocket History of the United States." It reads, "Richard Henry Lee moved a resolution of independence ... which Congress adopted on July 2nd and proclaimed on July 4, 1776." Armistead cross referenced this in the official 1778 printing of the Journals of Congress. He spent the next three years researching historic events and placed the sun at the midheaven of the chart, resulting in a birth time of 12:04 PM EST.
LMR quotes an article in the San Bernardino Sun of 7/04/1995, written by Senator Serphin R. Maltese, New York State:
"It was on July 2, not July 4, that the Continental Congress passed a resolution initially declaring the independence of the colonies. Introduced on 6/07/1776 by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, the resolution states, 'Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.' This resolution paved the way for the Congress to adopt the final draft of the Declaration of Independence two days later, on July 4th."
AFA Feb/1965 writes that 7:00 PM is "based on a letter from John Adams to his wife, for July 2, 1776. Adams believed the nation should celebrate its independence not on July 4 but on July 2, the date of Lee's resolutions. David McCullough's biography 'John Adams', 2001, has extensive references to personal letters and documents and in regard to the Declaration of Independence, while Adams wrote passionately and in detail about the events of July 2, the only notation her made about July 4 is that he took time off to shop for ladies' gloves and a new thermometer. Adams wrote that on 7/02/1776, Congress convened its final discussion and reading of the Declaration. At about 11:00 AM the debate closed and a vote was taken. Twelve colonies voted affirmative, while John Dickinson of New York was absent. Congress ordered the document authenticated and printed but it was another month before it was actually signed by the delegates. On August 2, the actual signing took place by some of the delegates. The last delegate, Thomas McKean of Delaware, did not sign until January 1777."
Kathryn Hansler, Sun Staff Writer in the San Bernardino Sun of 7/04/1989 writes, "July 4 is the date on which someone rang the Liberty Bell in the Philadelphia State House, but citizens of the time made little of it. Congress, on July 2, 1776, passed two resolutions authored by Richard Henry Lee declaring the country's independence from England. The following day, two Pennsylvania newspapers wrote that Congress had declared the colonies free and independent states." Further, Hansler writes that it was not until August, when the document came back from the printers, that the entire committee signed it.
In 1776, George Washington was out fighting the British and it was not until July 4, 1777 that he added his signature.

Signing of the Constitution
Date: 09/17/1787 (September 17, 1787)
Time: 11:29 (11:29 AM) LMT (+5:00:39)
Place: Philadelphia, PA (Lat: 39 N 57; Lng: 75 W 9)
USA Chart - Signing of the Constitution
Source Notes: The date of the signing of the Constitution with a time given in the CAO newsletter 1975, Al H. Morrison. The data is for the signature that finalized an adoption of the present U.S. Constitution subject to ratification by the individual States. The latter came to pass and the Constitution was declared effective as of March 4, 1789.
Jackie Goldstein quotes Shelagh Kendal in American Astrology Magazine July 1987, pp. 32, citing Records of the Federal Constitution by Max Ferraud for date and time of signing as 9/17/1787 16:00:00 LAT. (An inexplicable quote as fine clocks were in use and the New Style calendar was effective.)
LMR quotes an article in Time magazine, 7/06/1987, "How the Deed Was Done," p.61. "A long argument between the strong-government men and the states'-righters colored many other issues... On July 24, the convention named a five-man Committee of Detail to sort everything out and draft a coherent summary of all the votes. After nine days, they adjourned and Washington went fishing. The dwindling collection of delegates picked a five-man Committee of Style and Arrangement to undertake the actual writing of the Constitution.
"Although they were not supposed to change the substance of what the convention had so far decided ... all five were strong-government advocates. The actual writer was Gouverneur Morris, who re-wrote the original to read, 'We, the People of the United States ...'
"When the committee presented its constitution on Sept.12, the delegates eagerly began trying to change things all over again... (disagreements... voting...). The changing continued right up to the scheduled closing day, September 17, but three delegates ... refused to sign. Franklin still had doubts and reservations, saying 'I consent, sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better.'
"Still ahead was nine months of bitter debate before the necessary nine states ratified what had been written that summer in Philadelphia. Ahead lay the creation of the Bill of Rights... 13th Amendment ... 19th Amendment ... but it was on the 17th of September 1787 when Washington wrote in his journal, 'The business being closed, the members adjourned to the City Tavern to dine, after which... retire to meditate on the momentous work which had been executed.'"
An article in the Santa Fe NM paper, The New Mexican, 11/17/1976, discloses that Historian Paul H. Smith of the Library of Congress uncovered evidence that Jefferson's memory misled him. In notes that he made seven years after the adoption, Jefferson wrote, "The debates having taken up the greater parts of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th days of July were, in the evening of the last, closed. The declaration was reported by the committee, agreed to by the house, and signed by every member present except Mr. Dickinson." Historians were never comfortable with Jefferson's memory. There is near certainty that the declaration was not actually signed until it came back from the printer, sometime in August. As for the hour, the official journal indicated Congress convened at 9:00 AM, debated and quickly adopted the declaration and then went on to their other work.

Boyd Declaration of War
Date: 07/06/1775 (July 6, 1775)
Time: 11:00 (11:00 AM) LMT (+5:00:39)
Place: Philadelphia, PA (Lat: 39 N 57; Lng: 75 W 9)
USA Chart - Boyd Declaration of War
Source Notes: Ken Irving quotes Helen Boyd's "The True Horoscope of the United States," ASI Publishers, Inc., New York, 1975. "In the introduction, dated October 1973, Boyd says: "It is hoped that the documented evidence here will accomplish the purpose for which it is intended; namely, to establish the correct map for the United States. At 11:00 A.M. LMT, on July 6, 1775, through a DECLARATION OF WAR, the United Colonies became an independent STATE, severing all political and governmental ties with Great Britain. Never again since has the United States paid allegiance to any foreign power or ruler."
The caps are Boyd's. Firebrace's contribution to the book is a set of studies charting the 1775 chart and the 12:20 pm July 4 1776 contenders against an overlapping, though not identical, series of events such as Pearl Harbor, victory over Germany and Japan, Hiroshima, etc. Firebrace had tested several July 4 contenders against each other and the 12:20 pm July 4th scored better than the others, which is why it was used here.
Boyd, by the way, says the session convened at 9 am and that the declaration was ratified between 10 am and 11:30 am, though she gives no reference for that latter time span."
Prior to the publication of the book, Helen Boyd in an article, "The True Horoscope of the United States," Spica Vol II April 1963, copy in hand has the time of 10:30 AM LMT. She credits Brigadier Firebrace for considerable work rectifying the hour from a proposed two-hour span after the opening of the morning session, drawing a conclusion with which Boyd agrees without reservation.
For her conclusion and quotations, Boyd quotes:
The Journals of the Continental Congress, Vol 1, 1774-1776, Washington 1823
U.S. Continental Congress Secret Journals, Vol 1, Boston 1820
The Journals of the Continental Congress, Voo.1, II, III, 1774-1776, Washington 1905
R.M. Ketchum, "The Revolution," American Heritage Co. Inc, and C. Wood, A.B.L.L.B. "A Complete History of the United States."
She quotes, "July 6, 1775, Congress convened 9:00 AM, Thursday. The business of the day was disposed of first – after which the Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole and:
'Unanimously approved by the Congress: A Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of North America at Philadelphia, setting forth the Causes and Necessity of their taking up arms.'"
Helen Boyd, "True Chart of the U.S." the Declaration of War by the Colonies to the Crown, given as 11:00 AM LMT with a time rectified by Firebrace.
The Second Continental Congress assembled on 5/10/1775, naming George Washington as their commander. On 4/12/1775, 4:30 AM, as the Union ships sailed into the harbor, a Confederate battery sent the first shot of the conflict. At Bunker Hill in June 1775, the first standup fight broke out between raw New England militia and British regulars. On 7/06/1775, Congress ratified the Declaration on the Causes of Taking up Arms, considered by some as the moment when the colonies severed ties with England. They declared that they would not submit to unconstitutional tyranny and would resist by force in order to protect the freedoms which they believed to be their birthright.
Jim Lewis, The Astro*Carto*Graphy Book of Maps," 1989, p.277, presents July 6, 1775, 11:00 AM LMT as one of three speculative charts for the USA.

David Solte 1777 chart
Date: 11/15/1777 (Nov 15, 1777)
Time: 12:46 (12:46 PM) LMT (+5:00:39)
Place: York, PA (Lat: 39 N 57; Lng: 76 W 43)
USA Chart - David Solte 1777 chart
Source Notes: David Solte's Presentation of the U.S. chart, data given in San Diego Astrological Society "The Uranian," May 1993, time rectified. He used the minutes of the Continental Congress to narrow down the passage of the Articles of Confederation to a few hours between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on Nov. 15, 1777, when they were meeting in York, PA. Solte then rectified the chart to 12:46 pm Local Mean Time for the date and time when the Articles of Confederation became effective. The Declaration of Independence had declared that America was a separate entity from Great Britain, but it was not until the Confederation was established that the U.S. became a group of states united under one government.
Quite a few astrologers find that this chart works well for following the fortunes of the US government and the nation as a whole.

Ratification of the Articles of Confederation (Grimes)
Date: 03/01/1781 (Mar 1, 1781)
Time: 15:19 (3:19 PM) LMT (+5:00:39)
Place: Philadelphia, PA (Lat: 39 N 57; Lng: 75 W 9)
USA Chart - Ratification of the Articles of Confederation (Grimes)
Source Notes: 

Source: Articles of Confederation (See www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/artconf.htm for complete text). The date is clearly set by the document itself. The time was rectified, in 1996, by Ron Grimes using historical events.

Reasoning: The date associated with the ratification of the Articles of Confederation is, in my view, the only date that can be used, for the following reasons:

  1. The Declaration of Independence is clearly a "divorce" decree that our founding fathers handed mother England. It lays out very well a list of our grievances against England, along with a statement that we are now a free and independent people. However, no where does it address the formation of a new nation, nor the laws by which it would operate. There is no more wisdom in using the Declaration of Independence as the birth of our nation than there would be in using a divorce date as the birth of a subsequent marriage.
  2. Nor can we properly use a date related to the forming of the Constitution of the United States. As it clearly states, its purpose was to "form a more perfect union", not to create a new union. The union, or nation, had already been officially formed when the Articles of Confederation were ratified. But, the articles were flawed, so the Constitution was a mere rewriting of our rules of operation, but it did not attempt to create a nation. That had already been done on March 1st 1781.
  3. We also cannot use the date of the approval of the wording of the Articles of Confederation. Agreement, by concerned parties, on the proper wording of a legal document does not put it into effect. No legal document becomes legally binding until the concerned parties have all signed it. That did not happen until March 1st 1781.

Rectification Events (Using Vedic Astrology)

April 12th 1861 - Gunfire at Fort Sumter, marking beginning of Civil War

The nation was in a Mercury-Sun period. This is quite striking as the sub-period lord is the natural ruler of the government, residing natally in the house of death-like situations (8th house). Transit-wise, the nodes were approaching the equal bhava madhya (midpoint of the arc) of the 6/12 house axis, causing an increase in tensions, conflicts, and loss of life. The 6th lord, Jupiter, was in opposition aspect with natal Venus, afflicting the ruler of the 4th house, governing domestic peace, assets, and infrastructure.

October 25th 1929 - Great Crash

The nation was in a Rahu-Mercury period. Rahu represents sudden gains that are eventually torn away. Such was the case in our country. Exuberance was seen and people were making a lot of money in trading until this date. Mercury's rulership of the sub-period is equally relevant as the natural ruler of commerce and trade. Transit-wise, the malefic 6th lord, Jupiter was casting an opposition aspect on the equal bhava madhya of the 5th house, ruling speculative gains. Also, this placed Jupiter in affliction of natal Mars within the 5th house, creating a sudden blow to the market.

December 7th 1941 - Bombing of Pearl Harbor

The nation was in a Jupiter Saturn period. This is significant as Saturn is the lord of the 8th house, ruling death-like situations. He also has the ruler of government, the Sun, posited in his house as well. So, this speaks to deadly situations befalling the nation. Once again, transit-wise, the nodes were approaching the equal bhava madhya of the 2/8 house axis, causing an increase in problems to the nations status and wealth through war situations. Transit 8th lord, Saturn was at Taurus 00:26 in close conjunction with the natal ascendant lord, bring destruction to the protective forces of our nation.

1960's and 70's - Two decades fraught with anti-war sentiment, women's issues and civil rights issues, peace and sexual freedom.

The nation was in a Saturn period that ran from 1955 through 1974. This is relevant as Saturn is ruler of the 8th house, containing Aquarius, but residing in the mystical sign of Scorpio, in the 5th house. This clearly speaks to our involvement in a prolonged war, investigation of alternative lifestyles, interest in eastern meditation techniques, exploration of sexuality, and fighting for rights for the average person.

September 11th 2001 - Terrorist Attack on WTC and Pentagon

The country was in a Venus-Venus period. Natally, Venus is the ruler of domesticity (4th house lord), infrastructure, buildings, etc. Venus is natally afflicted closely by the lord of death, Saturn, from the secretive sign of Scorpio. Transit-wise, Saturn and Jupiter, ruling the 8th and 6th houses, respectively, were in close afflicting aspect to the natal lord of government, the Sun. In addition, Saturn afflicted the equal bhava madhya of the 1st, 5th, 8th, and 11th houses, while Jupiter afflicted the 4th, 6th, 8th, and 12th houses.

Predictions: In my view, accurate predictions MUST be made against a proposed USA chart, or the whole process has no validity. In light of this, I offer the following proof that this chart holds up under such criteria and scrutiny. All predictions are backed up by documents that are available to the public and which I have referenced.

ACVA (American Council of Vedic Astrology) Journal - July 1997

What was Predicted (by Ron Grimes): 
Predicted that the stock market would crash in Fall 1997 prior to end of November.

What Happened: 
Fell a record 554 points on October 27th 1997

SATVA List
Nov 4th 1999 - groups.yahoo.com/group/satva/message/2731
Nov 30th 2000 - groups.yahoo.com/group/satva/message/11305
May 17th 2001 - groups.yahoo.com/group/satva/message/14495

What was Predicted (by Ron Grimes):
1) The market would crash in Spring 2000.
2) Year 2000 would be a bear market year.
3) The recovery would be slow
4) Markets would remain volatile until Spring 2001
5) After Spring 2001 low, markets would climb
6) Move to more conservative funds by 1st half of August 2001 as markets will have serious problems by late August.
7) USA will be in recession by late 2001.
8) By latter half of 2001, angst would affect economies worldwide, and there will be a considerable increase of problems to governments, natural resources, and conflicts.

What Happened:
Every single prediction above happened just as indicated.

SAMVA List
Sep 24th 2001 - groups.yahoo.com/group/SAMVA/message/748

What was Predicted (by Neville Lang):
USA would launch attacks against Afghanistan on October 7th 2001 at 12:10pm.

What Happened:
USA launched attacks on October 7th 2001 at 12:30pm

Ron Grimes
mailto:rongrimes@starband.net

Scorpio Rising chart (Penfield)
Date: 07/04/1776 (Jul 4, 1776)
Time: 14:21 (2:21 PM) LMT (+5:00:39)
Place: Philadelphia, PA (Lat: 39 N 57; Lng: 75 W 9)
USA Chart - Scorpio Rising (Penfield)
Source Notes: 

Source: Michael Wolfstar O'Reilly quotes Marc Penfield's "Horoscopes for the Western Hemisphere” in which he refers to the biography by Herbert S. Alan, "John Hancock, Patriot in Purple," 1940, p.228, "At last, about 2 o'clock in the afternoon of the 4th, the great white paper was reported ... and immediately ratified." From this, Penfield rectified the time to 2:20 PM which gives 8 degrees Scorpio Rising, rectified to one minute later by Wolfstar, who used it for his “Tomorrows News” column in American Astrology, 1992 to 2000.

The first edition of Campion's “Book of World Horoscopes” did not include a Scorpio Rising version, but the revised second edition did. (See page 410-412, chart #368.) In this account, and also published in American Astrology, is another great resource verifying a time of 2:00 PM: “The History of the Great Seal,” by Gaillard Hunt. Then see source #1027 in Campion's book which describes how President Gerald Ford decreed that the bicentennial celebration on 1976 would be held on July 4, 1976 and the ringing of the bells would occur at 2:00 PM.

Reasoning: (from Michael Wolfstar's web site www.homestead.com/politicalastrology/main.html)

Date of the Declaration of Independence, generally considered the chart of the U.S. The time has been open to debate for a number of years. One way to get a fix on the Ascendant is to identify the national image, the projected archetype onto the global stage. Benjamin Franklin wanted the national symbol to be the Wild Turkey. He was overruled when in 1782 the new Congress selected the Bald Eagle to be the national emblem, a symbol of fierce independence, and when strutting about in its mating ritual, a picture of pride, confidence, and regal beauty. The essence of the Bald Eagle is strength and courage. In ancient Sumer, Rome, and other warrior cultures, the eagle was the imperial symbol of command and control, and represented the ability to soar above all enemies. It's keen vision, powerful talons, and majestic appearance are further indications of moral superiority, of a divine or sacred mission. The eagle flies higher than any other bird, and thereby symbolizes the highest spiritual values.

On the United States national seal, the Bald Eagle is shown with its wings spread, holding an olive branch in one claw, and thirteen arrows in the other, representing the united thirteen original colonies. The nation's symbol, the Bald Eagle, is one of Scorpio's symbols. The most prominent national characteristics are symbolized by the Ascendant, so in a country known worldwide as the only remaining superpower, it makes sense that the United States should have Scorpio Rising, the sign directly associated with the eagle.

When the Scorpio Rising chart of 2:21 PM is progressed to April 12, 1861 Mars is at 16°06 Leo, exactly conjunct the MC! The beginning of the Civil War occurred 84 years after the Declaration was signed, and points directly to Uranus as the major significator by transit. Again, 84 years later, the United States was launching D-Day and fighting for the liberation of France during World War II. The prominence of Uranus in the natal horoscope is thus amply demonstrated. The Gemini Rising chart with Uranus on the Ascendant and the Sagittarius Rising chart with Uranus on the Descendant make good sense when considering this factor in isolation. In the Scorpio Rising chart, Uranus is exactly inconjunct (150°) the 8° Scorpio Ascendant. All three of these charts make sense when considering the importance of Uranus to America's cyclical war patterns.

With Scorpio Rising, the emphasis in the United States is on the accumulation of power itself, whether its financial, military, or ideological power. America's never-ending quest to be the world's richest, strongest, most righteous nation is its globally recognized signature. Scorpio, linked to the eighth house, is naturally associated with capitalism. When Scorpio was rising on July 4, 1776, there were four planets in the eighth house of capitalism, and of course Scorpio itself is intensely aware of where the finances are accumulating, and the natural power that these resources bring. Scorpio is naturally attuned to the cycles of death and rebirth, and through the process of democratic elections, the national political identity is transformed. Elections are usually held the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November, a date which puts the transiting Sun, and often Mercury and Venus, very near the U.S. Scorpio Ascendant. Following the attributes of Scorpio, the United States projects an image of unyielding power, and will use whatever means necessary to further its geopolitical agenda. Russia, born with the Sun in Scorpio, represents the other military superpower after World War II. These two Scorpionic nations were locked in a Cold War, very much resonating with the silent, deadly force embodied in the scorpion. The rest of the world was held hostage by Russia's and America's intense willingness to annihilate all humanity for the sake of national domination, much like the battle of two scorpions in a bottle.

Scorpio Rising defines the American national identity in many different ways. Scorpio is about power, about self control, and the control of the surrounding environment as much as possible. How could the United States become the world's reigning superpower without the driving intensity conferred with a Scorpio Ascendant? Scorpio is most interested in financial power, and America's identity is strongly connected to its capitalist system, an ideology which is now encompassing the entire global village. The emphasized eighth house is about power gained from pooling assets, and the financial clout that comes from corporate enterprises.

The United States government has been issuing official certificates for many years showing that the U.S. horoscope actually has Scorpio Rising. The certificates are in the form of the one hundred dollar bill, with founding father Benjamin Franklin on the face side, and the historic scene of Independence Hall, the location where the Declaration was signed, on the reverse side. The clock on the Independence Hall bell tower shows very clearly a time of 2:21 PM. Is this just a coincidence? Or is this acceptable evidence that the historic moment is being commemorated on the one hundred dollar bill?

Then, here's some numerological reasons why 2:21 PM makes sense. This time puts the Sun at 13°13' Cancer. The number 13 resonates powerfully through all of early America's history. Thirteen original colonies make up the foundation of this country. The Great Seal, inscribed on the back of the $1 bill, features the cosmic significance of 13 in many different ways, including: 13 stars above the Eagle, 13 stripes on the Eagle's shield, 13 olive branches in the Eagle's right claws, 13 arrows in the Eagle's left claws, 13 steps on the pyramid, and 13 letters in the motto E Pluribus Unum.

Howland chart
Date: 07/04/1776 (Jul 4, 1776)
Time: 11:00 (11:00 AM) LMT (+5:00:39)
Place: Philadelphia, PA (Lat: 39 N 57; Lng: 75 W 9)
USA Chart - Howland
View Comments on the Charts
Source Notes: 

Source: Ronald W. Howland in his "Chronology of American Charts," (Fig. D on pg. XII): 8 1/2 X 11, 215 pages, over 400 charts in a documented chronology of sequential historic events. (www.pozpublications.com) Page VII quotes the Journals of the Continental Congress to the effect that "the final debates on the declaration began very early in the proceedings of July 4. The delegates convened at 9am.... "

The scholarly Prologue goes on to related that Thomas Jefferson went shopping that day, most certainly after the meeting, for ladies' gloves for his wife.

The Appendix gives the transcript from the Journals 1774-1789, edited from the original records in the Library of Congress by Worthington Chauncey Ford, for July 2, July 3 and July 4, 1776 with documentation that affirms July 4, 1776 as the day that the Declaration of Independence was signed, most certainly after 9:00 AM and before noon, rectified to a speculative time by Ronald Howland to 11:00 AM.

Reasoning: Date of the Declaration of Independence, generally considered the chart of the U.S. The time has been open to debate for a number of years. "A Chronology of American Charts," written by Ron Howland represents the culmination of over 20 years of in-depth research into American history and astrology. Howland presents the key horoscopes that describe the American soul from the 1066 CE chart for England right through to the inauguration of President Clinton. Each chart has been carefully researched and full sources of the data used are included.

Howland's research into The Declaration of Independence brings new documentary evidence to light, and he makes a powerful case for a Virgo rising chart with Gemini on the Mc as the most effective chart for the USA.

Chronological History of The United States

In order to decide on the right chart we have provided over 30 significant dates in United States history:

Prelude: On August 3, 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail to find a westward route to the east. He set foot on the New World (in what is now the Dominican Republic) on Oct 12, 1492. On April 2, 1513, Juan Ponce DeLeon established the first colony in what is now the United States (St. Augustine, Florida). On May 24, 1607, British ships landed on American soil at Jamestown, VA and on May 14, the first permanent English settlement was established.

The Revolutionary War officially began with the Battles of Lexington and Concord on Apr 19, 1775. On Jun. 14, 1775 the Continental Army was established by the Continental Congress with George Washington as Commander-in-Chief.

(Sep 2, 1752: Britain and the colonies under its control adopted the Gregorian calendar.)

  1. Jul. 4, 1776: The United States declared its Independence from Britain by approving the Declaration of Independence.
  2. Aug. 8, 1786: The Continental Congress adopted the "dollar" and decimal coinage.
  3. Feb. 21, 1787: The Continental Congress adopted a resolution calling for a convention of state delegates to draw up a change to the Articles of Confederation. On Sept. 17, 1787, the delegates at the Philadelphia convention approved the Constitution and sent it to the Continental Congress, which on Sept 28, 1787, sent the new Constitution to the states for ratification.
  4. April 30, 1789: George Washington was inaugurated the first president of the United States.
  5. May 8, 1846: The Mexican War began with the Battle of Palo Alto and on May 13, the United States declared war on Mexico.
  6. March 1, 1861: Abe Lincoln was sworn in as President. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept 22, 1862.
  7. April 12, 1861: Gunfire opened at Fort Sumter, Charleston, SC: more Americans died in the Civil War than any war before or since.
  8. April 9, 1865, General Lee surrendered to General Grant.
  9. 1897-98: Economic rise began that lasted 22 years.
  10. Apr 20, 1898: The United States declared war on Spain. They signed an armistice on Aug 12, 1898 and on Dec. 10, 1898, the United States and Spain signed the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the Spanish-American War.
  11. Jul. 28, 1914: World War I began in Bosnia.
  12. April 6, 1917: America entered WW I.
  13. Nov 11, 1918: Armistice signed.
  14. 1920s: Boom time, growth and affluence.
  15. October 25, 1929: Stock market crash. By 1933, 1/4 of Americans were unemployed.
  16. December 07,1941: Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, HI: U.S. entered WW II the following day. On Dec. 11, 1941, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States.
  17. May 15, 1942: Women were allowed to serve in all branches of the armed services.
  18. April 30, 1945: Allied victory in Europe.
  19. Aug 06, 1945: U.S. dropped atom bomb on Hiroshima, three days later on Nagasaki.
  20. Sept 02,1945: Japan unconditionally surrendered to the United States, ending World War II.
  21. 1957: Sputnik went up.
  22. April 05,1961: Alan Shepard was the first American in space.
  23. Nov 1, 1963: American-Vietnamese forces staged a coup in Vietnam.
  24. Jul 2, 1964: Segregation was abolished in the United States.
  25. Aug 07,1964: President Johnson won resolution from Congress to allow Vietnam police action and the U.S. began its military presence in Vietnam.
  26. Jan. 27, 1973: The United States and Vietnam signed a peace treaty ending the Vietnam War and the last of American forces left Vietnam on Mar 29, 1973.
  27. 1960s, '70s: Two decades fraught with anti-war sentiment, women's issues and civil rights issues, peace and sexual freedom.
  28. Aug. 2, 1990: Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait.
  29. Jan. 16, 1991: A U.N. air strike is launched on Iraq and a ground force liberated Kuwait by Feb 23, 1991. The cease-fire was signed between the U.N. and Iraq on Feb 28, 1991.
  30. Feb. 1, 1992: The United States and Russia signed a treaty officially ending the Cold War.

Buildup of the present war against terrorism:

  1. Aug 30, 1995: Operation Deliberate Force, a sustained NATO air strike campaign against Bosnian Serb military targets, ending September 14, 1995, Bosnia.
  2. Aug. 20, 1998: American forces launch air strikes at two targets in retaliation for the American embassy bombings: a terrorist training facility in Afghanistan, and a chemical plant in Sudan.
  3. Dec. 16, 1998: American forces launch the first of three air strikes at targets in Iraq with the second and third on successive dates.
  4. Mar. 23, 1999: NATO begins launching air strikes against Yugoslavia.
  5. Sept. 11, 2001: Terrorists strikes were made against the U.S. with suicide aircraft striking three targets.