July 4th, 1776: The Birth Chart of the United States

Kaitlyn Maura
Jul 9
12 min read

Introduction

Did you know that just humans have natal charts, nations do too? All events do! While the land itself, of course, has been around for much longer than this, along with its native peoples, making its true date of birth subject to some debate, this past Friday was still the day we, as a collective, celebrated the American government's 249th birthday. Whether we chose, as individuals, to take part in this party or not, the stars for this day will still remain an influence on the concept of "America" that the founding fathers birthed back in 1776.

So, let's see what the natal chart for the United States of America actually says. For the record, this is not the first time I have analyzed the chart for this country. You can find a former article I wrote here on Vocal back in 2020. However, while most of my analysis will indeed most likely be the same, my understanding of astrology has grown & changed since then, making the divergence in interpretation different enough to warrant writing a different article altogether instead of a simple copy & paste. In any case, however, I have attached a picture of the chart below:

The USA natal chart with transits, courtesy of astro.com

Sagittarius Rising & Gemini Setting

While astrologers still debate the correct time of the Declaration of Independence's signing, and we may very well never know the historical truth of the matter, I personally believe that the chart cast for 5:10 PM (as proposed by the English astrologer, Dr. Ebenezer Sibley) giving the nation a 12 degree Sagittarius Rising, from an astrological perspective, makes the most sense. The sign of the archer, half-man and half-horse, is ruled by Jupiter, planet of expansion and growth, and what is the United States of America, a very large country with a very large population, known for it not all things BIG? Big houses, big cars, big portions of food that give you big, big health problems and a big, big asshole (who happens to be a Sagittarius Moon!) running the government who just so happens to have passed what he calls his "big, beautiful, bill" (although from what I've heard, that beauty is no where to be seen). Essentially, the Sagittarius Rising gives the United States of America a very expansive character, for better or for worse.

On one hand, Jupiter is the great benefic, and having a Jupiter-ruled Ascendant effectively blesses the country with good luck, wealth and an abundance of opportunity. More than that, it is a planet of philosophy, and since Sagittarius Risings are a bit a bit like horses that just want to run free, they are libertarians in the truest (not necessarily political) sense of the word. Their freedom is important to them, which is fitting for a country built on the ideals of freedom and democracy. However, while Sagittarius Risings do love to have fun and often have a strong sense of humor, as mutable signs, there is a bit of a dual nature to them. The freedom that Sagittarius Risings cherish most of all tends to be their freedom of speech and they pride themselves on speaking the truth with blunt honesty. However, as fire signs, they are very passionate about what they believe, and as they are literally ruled by the planet of belief, this can sometimes manifest as loud dogmatism and even hypocrisy. It is here that the dark side of Jupiter's expansiveness gets expressed, as we can see most plainly through American imperialism, and through a lesser extent, with the pushy, preachy nature exhibited by the loudest mouths on both sides of its internal divide.

If the United States is indeed Sagittarius Rising, that places Gemini on the sign opposite its place on the 1st/7th house-cusp axis, at a place known as the Descendant (which I honestly really wish more of us would refer to as the "setting sign" so people would have an easier time understanding the concept of "houses" isn't something that astrologers simply pull out of thin air). While the Rising Sign represents you, as the sign facing you, the Descendant typically represents your partner, but more generally, I suppose, who you're attracted to and who you attract, and let's face it, some people attract more enemies than they do suitors. Since this is a national chart that we are discussing, if the United States is itself represented by the Sagittarius Rising, the Gemini Descendant describes the other nations it comes into contact with, face-to-face, most especially its allies and enemies. This is interesting because Gemini is itself a very dualistic sign, represented by the symbol of the twins, reflecting the ups and downs that the U.S.A has in its interactions with other countries, and the divided views & mixed feelings held about the nation from people throughout the world, including within it's own borders. This is probably the best argument for the degree of the 5:10 PM chart being accurate too, when you consider what planets are placed there.

Uranus, planet of change and spontaneity, is placed in the 7th house, almost exactly on the Descendant, indicating both a rebellious impulse found at the heart of the nation's character but also perhaps, a revolutionary approach to dealing with others, i.e. by seeking to change them or overthrow their existing structures. This aspect likewise suggests sudden, rapid and surprise changes in its relationship with other nations i.e. enemies quickly and shockingly turning into friends and vice versa, almost seemingly overnight. With Uranus in the chatty and sociable sign of Gemini, perhaps its fair to say the revolutionary impulse of the American dream is most often expressed through its use of communications & media - television, perhaps, being the best and fastest propaganda tool for spreading the American way of life throughout the globe. Of course, Mars is in Gemini, too, suggesting plenty of opponents and enemies, and perhaps, an aggressive or war-like approach to their relationship with other countries. The close relationship between Uranus and Mars in the 7th house of the United States chart serves as a good explanation as to why, historically, every time Uranus has re-entered the sign of Gemini (which it literally just happened again yesterday: expect an article soon), it has found itself at war.

The U.S.A's 7th house Mars in Gemini applies pretty closely to a square with Neptune, planet of illusion, in the sign of Virgo too. This suggests much mythology about the history of wars within the country, a way of looking through conflict with rose-colored glasses. It is possible, too, that this aspect might lead to projection: i.e. seeing other countries as villainous without realizing that from our opponent's perspective, the villain is us. I mean, literally too, that for US, the villain is often us, when viewed from the perspective of Mars ruling both the 5th (children) and 12th (self-undoing) houses. Mars in Gemini's opposition to the Sagittarius Ascendant reflects the conflict between the country's government and the people born & raised from, or otherwise living, within it.

An Expansive & Growing Cancer Stellium

We already mentioned how this chart gives the United States of America a Sagittarius Rising, a sign ruled by Jupiter, planet of abundance, faith, and grow. So, for an even better look into the nation's character, it is important to look at where this ruling planet is placed within the chart. It happens that the U.S.A. has its natal Jupiter in the sign of Cancer, in the 8th house, which. to keep things simple, is primarily the house of death and debt. This pretty directly speaks to how someone's gain (an exalted Jupiter, for a chart ruler) inevitably comes at another's loss (as, it is, situated the 8th house). This is fitting considering how, historically, the wealth of the United States was more than just a simple consequence of good luck, but something that even many of its own citizens (i.e. those drafted in the military, to name one example) had to pay for with the price of their own lives (i.e. through warfare, not to mention slavery). In other words, it is indicative of a ever-widening power imbalance, not just compared to other nations, but from within its own borders, as well. That said, even when placed in a traditionally "unfortunate" house, there is no questioning that Cancer is still the sign of Jupiter's exaltation and that the average American (granted, not all Americans) live a relatively safe and easy, even privileged, life compared to those in many other parts of the globe....or at least that's how many people throughout the world perceive it to be, given the stereotype of the spoiled & clueless American traveler.

Of course, this Jupiter is not the only placement in Cancer but part of a stellium that also includes Venus, Mercury (which, interestingly, is in its retrograde motion) and the Sun, the very star of our solar system. Cancer is, of course, the sign of the crab, a vulnerable animal known for hiding into its hard shell. This gives the sign an association with protection and defense, two keywords that many Americans take pride in. The crab is basically a homebody, and the sign of Cancer tends to be very family-focused. With such an abundance of planets in this cardinal water sign, the patriotic attitude associated with the United States makes a lot of sense. Given the vast land and insular attitude of the national character, as reflected by its natal chart, even those Americans who claim to dislike their country the most are unlikely to ever seriously considering leaving. Despite its caring nature, there is a self-involved quality to the sign of Cancer, as well, often lending itself to deep introspection but sometimes, the opposite, and I think this is seen in the American tendency to remain clueless to the rest of the world around them, despite (or maybe because of?) being known as world's "the melting pot." Similarly, Cancer is also a very nostalgic sign, with crabs themselves being known to walk backwards, which, I suppose, adds to the nation's love of its own history.

More specifically, the Sun is a symbol of identity, and ego, and Jupiter's conjunction to Earth's main source of light is a sign that if the United States were a person, it would have a very big one (and in Cancer, this would be a very emotional one too). In light of this, American exceptionalism and the country's focus on individualism makes a lot of sense, at least astrologically. With the Sun ruling the 9th house (and conjunct Jupiter as a 1st house ruler) of religion, philosophy and international travel, it makes (double) sense that so much of the nation's identity would be tied to the beliefs & ideologies of its citizens (which many of them are quite zealous about), and it likewise indicates that its identity was built on immigration.

Meanwhile, Jupiter's conjunction to Venus, planet of love and beauty, suggests that the country is known, also, for its great art (and this includes Hollywood movies, along with more traditional mediums) and picturesque landscapes, which may have helped add to the allure of its more romanticized image. Of course, this Venus placement is a double-edged sword, given the planet's shared rulership over both the 11th house (which, using whole sign houses, includes the American Midheaven in Libra), a place of friendship as well as success, and the 6th house of health or should, I say, illness. Considering the nature of both planets involved, this suggests that the abundance of consumer goods (particularly food but definitely not limited to it) has, rather ironically, led to a massive decline in its health. This is especially true when it comes to the over-consumption of sweet, pleasant things that are lacking in any real substance or nutritional value.

Last but not least, Mercury's Retrograde suggests some communication problems, and this is confirmed by its rulership over the 7th house. It rules the 10th house, as well, suggesting a particularly problematic influence on the communication between the people and their government. Of course, Mercury Retrograde is also associated with reflection on the past, too, especially when in a sign like Cancer. It is also interesting to note that Mercury, planet of communication, technology, and the mind, is opposite Pluto, planet of power, in the 2nd house of money & finances. This suggestions that much of the nation's communication & miscommunication is motivated, not just by the Cancerian drive for social & emotional safety and security, but also, by paranoia and fear, with misinformation-driven media unfortunately causing many Americans to feel on guard against people different than them, both in their interactions with other nations, and even amongst each other. On a related note, to quote from my previous article regarding the United States of America's recent Pluto Return (before it entered Aquarius):

"As the god of the underworld, Pluto represents destruction and death, and with it, transformation or rebirth. In the sign of Capricorn, our social hierarchies, economic institutions, and systems of governance are being destroyed & transformed. It's interesting to think that Pluto was last found in the sign of Capricorn during the Revolutionary War, opposing the United States' Cancer Sun, leading to the foundation of the nation as we know it. Of course, the foundation of that nation was built on the destruction of native land & the death of thousands, if not millions, of indigenous people. Interestingly, in the United States' natal chart, Pluto is found in the 2nd house (ruling over resources) opposite Vertex conjunct Part of Fortune in the 8th (shared resources). Vertex is said to be a 'point of destiny' (as it Part of Fortune) symbolizing 'turning points' or unexpected twists of fate. This aspect, being in the U.S chart natally, suggests a dramatic twist of fate in relation to the countries' resources, as well as it's power dynamics. Interestingly, Pluto was transiting Cancer, opposite the U.S natal position, during the Great Depression in the 1930's."

Aquarius & Libra: Liberty and Justice for All?

The sign of Cancer, where the U.S.A's Sun and chart ruler, Jupiter, are located, is ruled by the Moon, the other of the two luminaries. The Moon is considered by many to be the most important part of a chart, representing the personal inner life of the subconscious mind. In mundane or political astrology, it is said to represent the people, and in the United States chart, the Moon is located in Aquarius, which is essentially the sign of the people. Furthermore, it is located in the 3rd house of communication and media, as well as short travels (which further explains the tendency of Americans to drive, rather than fly, everywhere and never leave their home state, let alone the country at large). With the Moon in Aquarius, the American people love their freedom, and in the 3rd house, the freedoms of speech and mobility are especially cherished. The Aquarian ideals of equality and democracy are near and dear to their hearts, as well. Essentially, the American idea of a country "for the people by the people" is very characteristic of the Moon in Aquarius, for the water-bearer is known as the humanitarian of the zodiac. With the Moon in Aquarius, a sign driven toward progress, innovation and change, the American people are a group that strives to make the country better and better as time goes on. Additionally, this placement may, perhaps, also highlight the role that technology plays in the lives of the American public, as well, especially given its placement in the 3rd house, showing the U.S.A's particular strides in technological innovations relating to communications & media (including the role of social media).

Meanwhile, the South Node of the Moon is also in Aquarius, while the North Node is placed in the opposite sign of Leo, in the 9th house, ruled by the 8th house Cancerian sign, as previously discussed. These karmic points emphasize the polarity or balance between the individual and their role in society at large. Interestingly, this is seen in the very structure of the nation through its unique quality of being a united entity (Aquarius Moon/South Node) divided into separate states (Leo North Node, etc.) each with their own government yet nevertheless comprising one state at large (i.e. the federal level). In other words, it is called the United States for a reason, showing an ability to simultaneously recognize both one's individual rights and one's social responsibilities to the public at large. On somewhat of a similar note, although the aspect is separating, the Moon in Aquarius's trine to Mars in Gemini, is suggestive of the role that the people themselves play in making their own decisions, and even fighting for what they want/need/feel/believe, as indicated by the democratic progress.

The Aquarian Moon is ruled by the planet Saturn, which is exalted in the sign of Libra, where the United States of America's Midheaven (the highest point of the chart) is placed. This continues to tell us a very similar story, at least at first glance. These are, after all, the scales of justice, and they proudly display the certain social ideals that Americans, as a nation of people, strive for: equality, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, & all that. It's place in the whole sign 11th house of friendship and community does show some degree of good luck and success with that (and perhaps, especially at the financial level, since Saturn rules the 2nd house of money, in addition to the 3rd, where the Aquarian Moon is placed). Meanwhile, a strongly placed Saturn in the sign of its exaltation shows an authoritative government & approach to judicial matters, as well as strength & cohesion as a nation. However, it is important to note the square Saturn makes to the Sun (and by extension, the other planets) in Cancer, suggesting that the behavior of the United States as a nation may not truly be so in line with these ideals. In fact, this square from Saturn to the Sun only further emphasizes the government's more authoritarian qualities.

Conclusion

It is difficult to write objectively about one's own country, especially when your home country is one as polarizing as the United States. I can already foresee in the stars that some people will probably read this and think I'm an ungrateful brat who hates America while others will accuse me of being too kind and generous to an imperial power. In truth, I really try to see, and tell, the truth of how things really are or how they look in the stars.

This, of course, got me thinking of the ways in which my own birth chart is similar, yet different, to the United States. In some conformity, I suppose, with democratic nature of the U.S.A's Aquarius Moon and Saturnian Libra Midheaven, my Sun's in Libra and my Midheaven in Aquarius, with Saturn, although in the early degrees of Pisces, the highest planet in my chart, causing me to seek balance, fairness, and honest impartiality. There's a contrast, however, in our opposing Rising Signs, with Gemini Rising ruled by the analytical fact-obsessed Mercury in the sign of the scales, highlighting my preference for objectivity, while the American Sagittarius Rising is ruled by Jupiter, planet of belief, in Cancer, a much more subjective sign, concerned with personal emotions. I don't know where I'm going with this, really, just that I think it's interesting. I guess, maybe, these similarities reflect both the things I love and the things I hate about my country.