Exploring the U.S. Natal and Transit Astrological Chart (an Overview)

The world turned upside down

Functional Astrology || AstroGnosis

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tl;dr:

You only *really* learn astrology by living it.

Like it or not, your country’s chart sets the tone for your environment & culture. It’s the prism through which your astrological weather gets formed.

How you engage with that weather is reflected in your own chart.

Wanna listen instead? Delores has you covered, here:

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The US’s is - to say the very least - a complex chart that I am WAY oversimplifying here. And, by planetary transit, it’s an extremely complex time in our nation’s history. I think we can all feel that… though we might not be able to define exactly what it is we feel. Or what’s causing that feeling.

This is precisely where astrology can help.

So the purpose in exploring this chart is two-fold: first, to get a feel for what to expect on a day-to-day practical level. So if diving into the deep, esoteric underpinnings of astrology is not your jam, you’ll for sure want to hang around for the predictions.

Secondly, if you DO want to learn astrology - I mean *really* learn astrology - there is no better way to do so than by *living* it.

And I can’t think of a better chart to use in that learning process. Because there is SO much going on here that is absolutely thick as soup.

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In October 1781, as British forces surrendered to the American revolutionaries at Yorktown, legend has it that the defeated Redcoats sang the British protest song, “The World Turned Upside Down”. A fitting symbol for the monumental transfer of power that had just taken place, and the birth of a nation that would go on to challenge the global order.

Now, nearly 250 years later, the United States is face-to-face with another profound moment of transformation, one punctuated astrologically by its first-ever Pluto return. And just as the Revolutionary War upended existing world power dynamics, the nation today is again being called to confront deep-rooted structures of power, wealth, and identity.

This time, however, the nation will be forced to look in the mirror to find its oppressor.

The U.S. Pluto return - alongside a host of other significant transit alignments - signals a time of reckoning, where the old must give way to the new. As astrology continually verifies, history does indeed repeat in cycles. Cycles that - if we are able to accurately read the stars - we can both predict and prepare for. And we find ourselves once again in a period where the world, indeed, will be turned upside down.

The United States is at just such a pivotal moment, and its astrological chart reflects as much. .

Today, let’s consider an overview of the U.S. natal chart, focusing on the key planetary transits that are currently shaping the nation's journey. Major events such as Pluto's return, Neptune's opposition, Chiron's return, and the interplay between Uranus and Mars are creating intense energies of transformation. Through these celestial movements, we can see the deeper lessons the U.S. is navigating—restructuring, healing, and redefining its future.

And, in considering these positions and transits in the US’s chart, we can then, too, examine our own charts and see how these alignments affect us personally. Because we are indeed under tremendous influence from our immediate culture and environment.

Why the July 4th, 1776, 6:30 PM Chart?
The short answer is, this is the actual *birth* of the nation… in my opinion. It could be argued (and some astrologers do) that the birth actually occurred in 1781 at the signing of documents in Yorktown, Va that ended the Revolutionary War, along with Britain’s claim to the colonies. However, I still interpret July 4th, ‘76 as the actual birth of the nation, and the end of the Revolutionary War as the “babies first steps”.

That said, the July 4th, 1776, at 6:30 PM, in Philadelphia, gives the U.S. a Sagittarius rising at 9°, which aligns with the country’s philosophical and expansive nature. Sagittarius, the sign of the explorer, embodies the U.S.'s drive for growth, exploration, and the desire to project its values onto the global stage. This Sagittarius rising reflects the nation's deep-seated belief in freedom, expansion, and optimism—qualities that continue to define its identity.

Let’s keep in mind though that’s it’s *really* easy to create just-so stories after the fact. You earn your stripes as an astrologer by making accurate predictions. So here we go:

Major Natal Chart Positions:
These are not, of course, the only relevant natal positions in this chart. Nor are we considering any natal aspects here. But these particular placements do provide the scaffolding from which to craft a more comprehensive understanding of the nation’s chart.

It is my intent to dive deep into each of these specific natal positions, alignments and transits in future posts. That said, here are the bare bones basics.

Sun in Gemini (22° Gemini, 7th House):
The Sun in Gemini highlights the U.S.’s diplomatic nature, with its 7th house placement showing a strong emphasis on relationships with other nations. Gemini’s adaptable and communicative energy underlines how the U.S. thrives on trade, alliances, and partnerships. This placement also suggests that the U.S. defines its identity largely through its foreign relations and interactions on the world stage.

Moon in Aquarius (7° Aquarius, cusp of 3rd House):
The Moon in Aquarius speaks to the nation’s emotional connection to ideals of innovation, freedom, and humanitarianism. Its position on the cusp of the 3rd house reflects the U.S.'s deep investment in communication, technology, and education. The collective emotional pulse of the nation is often tied to its ideals around free speech and the media, which serve as key pillars of U.S. identity.

Pluto in Capricorn (6° Capricorn, cusp of 2nd House):
Pluto on the 2nd house cusp of finances and values reveals the U.S.'s transformative journey through economic systems and national resources. Pluto’s presence here drives a relentless push for transformation and restructuring in how the country manages its wealth—a theme that’s especially poignant during the current Pluto return.

Neptune in Virgo (1° Virgo, 9th House):
Neptune’s placement in the 9th house brings an aura of idealism and vision to the U.S.’s role in international affairs, law, and higher education. However, Neptune can also obscure clarity, leading to confusion or disillusionment around the U.S.’s global role, especially as it strives to balance its ideals with reality.

Chiron in Pisces (29° Pisces, 4th House):
Chiron’s placement suggests deep-rooted national wounds related to domestic issues, including inequality and racial injustice. The U.S. is called to confront its historical scars and seek healing, particularly in areas related to its identity, roots, and treatment of marginalized communities.

Jupiter (Chart Ruler) in Gemini (15° Gemini, 7th House):
As the ruler of the U.S. chart, Jupiter in Gemini reinforces the country’s emphasis on diplomacy and expansion through communication. The U.S. seeks growth through alliances, and its adaptable nature helps it navigate complex international relationships.

Now, the same idea applies. We’re not considering all the transits affecting this chart, just the major ones.

Key Current Transits (as of October 24, 2024):

Pluto Return (Transiting Pluto at 6° Capricorn):
The U.S. is experiencing its first-ever Pluto return, a rare and transformative event that occurs once every 248 years. As Pluto transits back and forth over its natal position, deep restructuring of national values, financial systems, and power dynamics are unfolding. This is a period of intense upheaval, but also the potential for profound renewal.

Neptune Opposition (Transiting Neptune at 3° Pisces):
Neptune's opposition to its natal placement brings a sense of disillusionment regarding the U.S.’s global role. This transit last occurred during the Civil War era, when the nation was forced to reckon with its ideals versus reality. Media, communication, and public perception may become areas of confusion or distortion during this time.

Chiron Return (Transiting Chiron at 27° Pisces):
The Chiron return marks a critical moment for addressing the nation’s core wounds. Issues related to racial tensions, inequality, and social justice are rising to the forefront, urging the U.S. to engage in deep healing and transformation at the roots of its identity. During the nation’s last Chiron return, it endured the Watergate scandal, the end of the Vietnam War, and the economic crisis known as “stagflation”.

Uranus Conjunct Algol (Transiting Uranus at 2° Taurus):
Uranus, known for sudden and unexpected change, aligns with Algol, a star often associated with intense or disruptive energy. This conjunction in the 6th house suggests potential shocks to public services, healthcare, or labor systems, especially as Uranus opposes the Blaze Star Eruption point in Scorpio, heightening the possibility of crises that challenge the status quo.

Mars-Pluto Opposition (Transiting Mars in Cancer Opposing Pluto in Capricorn): The Mars-Pluto opposition in the U.S. chart highlights a period of heightened tension and transformation, particularly around issues of power, control, and national security. With Mars debilitated in Cancer on the cusp of the 8th house, the nation faces emotional volatility, reactive aggression, and conflicts over shared resources. Pluto’s ongoing presence in the 2nd house emphasizes the deep restructuring of the U.S.’s financial systems and values. This opposition brings old wounds and unresolved power dynamics to the surface, offering a challenging but crucial opportunity for emotional empowerment and national renewal.

Transit Saturn conjunct Transit Neptune (cusp of the 4th):
This alignment (exact in June, 2025) signals a period of restructuring and dissolving old foundations within the collective identity and homeland of the United States. Saturn brings the energy of discipline, boundaries, and responsibility, while Neptune blurs these lines, introducing themes of confusion, spirituality, and idealism. On the cusp of the 4th house, which governs the nation’s core identity, home, and roots, this transit could manifest as a time when the U.S. must confront illusions or idealistic notions about its past, its sense of security, and the structures that uphold its domestic life. It suggests a need for reassessment and potential transformation in how the country nurtures and defines its inner life, with possible challenges to both physical and ideological stability. This conjunction may lead to dissolving old structures that no longer serve and building new foundations based on a more compassionate, yet realistic, vision of the future.

So, to say the least, the United States is undergoing a powerful period of transformation, punctuated - but certainly not limited to - the Pluto return, Neptune opposition, and Chiron return. These transits are forcing the nation to confront deep-rooted issues of power, identity, values and healing. As the U.S. navigates these challenging times, the opportunity for renewal and growth is present, though it requires a willingness to face its shadows and embrace a path of transformation.

And, by extension, the same is being asked of us personally.

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