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Who could have predicted the
stunning turnaround in the NFL standings? The 1999 regular season
is shattering all expectations with the dramatic collapse of both
reigning conference champions, the Denver Broncos and the Atlanta
Falcons, and the surprising emergence of dark horse darlings like
the St. Louis Rams and the Tennessee Titans. Certainly, injuries,
retirement, trades and the draft all play a role in creating this
renewed sense of parity, but there are powerful astrological factors
at work as well. An understanding of the signs of the times can
not only improve your ability to predict the seemingly unpredictable,
but also deepen your appreciation of the game and its personalities.
Jupiter, the largest planet, has a very special relationship to
football, exerting an unmistakable influence in the changing fortunes
within the league. Jupiter is a beneficial planet, expanding all
that it touches. Its larger-than-life influence includes good luck,
winning, sports and outdoor activities. Its ever changing position
can show which coaches and players are likely to win or to lose.
While there is no substitute for hard work and discipline (symbolized
by Saturn), winning, especially winning consistently, takes some
luck and a positive attitude, and that is Jupiter's domain.
Jupiter's influence is a bit distorted right now due to an adversarial
relationship with the planet Neptune, one that astrologers call
a square aspect. (A square is a 90 degree angle that represents
challenges.) Neptune is associated with the oppressed and helpless;
or, in football terms, the underdogs or losers. Neptune clouds the
issues and creates sympathy for hard-luck cases. Jupiter and Neptune
are going through a crucial attitude adjustment that makes it hard
to tell the Davids from the Goliaths, but it won't last forever.
We've seen the worst of it already, and by the end of October, the
new order will have settled in.
Most professional coaches and players have some type of helpful
Jupiter influence in their birth charts, or they couldn't succeed
in football. However, those whose birth charts are most influenced
by Jupiter's and Neptune's positions now best reflect the prevailing
trends of success born from defeat, or vice versa, as both the giants
and the giant-killers redefine their respective positions.
Consider Dick Vermeil, head coach
of the St. Louis Rams, a truly sad team until this September. The
Rams seemed doomed before it even started, after losing newly acquired
starting quarterback Trent Green to injury in the preseason. In
desperation, he turned to unknown arena bowl quarterback, Kurt Warner;
a choice that was rudely second-guessed at the time, but has since
proven to be inspired. The once hapless Rams shocked the league
with a dominant offense and a 6-1 start. Jupiter has been in a tight
alignment with both the Sun and the Moon in Coach Vermiel's birth
chart throughout this period.
Norv Turner of the Washington Redskins
is another coach who has benefited from Jupiter's largess this season.
Jupiter's current position puts it in close contact with important
planets in Turner's birth chart. Under the gun from the team's aggressive
new ownership, his job security has long been a subject for speculation.
The Redskins have been on a scoring spree since starting former
Viking quarterback, Brad Johnson, racking up more points than any
other team in the league. Their potent offense has already garnered
new respect for this formerly lack-luster team.
And what of poor Bobby Ross, head
coach of the Detroit Lions, rudely stiffed by the "retirement" of
running back Barry Sanders at the start of training camp? Jupiter
has been lending its support to both the Sun and Moon in Ross's
birth chart. Instead of the predicted collapse, Jupiter's influence
has the Lions playing stronger than ever, seemingly turning a negative
into a positive.
Jupiter will move on, and by the end of the season his favor will
likely fall in a different direction as the new leadership of the
NFL emerges. Meanwhile, the influence of the current Jupiter-Neptune
stand-off has put a whole new face on the league, raising up the
lowly and bringing the mighty to their knees.
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