8/11/73: The Night That Changed The World: The Birth Chart of Hip Hop

One of the ideas surrounding Astrology is that everything has a birth.Whether it’s a person or an event, the placement of the planets at any given moment in time reflects the nature of that moment and whatever is born will embody the qualities of that particular time.

To say that August 11, 1973 changed the world would be a gross understatement.

What initially began as Cindy Campbell’s end of summer/back to school Jam for a few children in a rec room at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, turned into her brother, Clive Campbell, better known as Kool Herc, hot wiring the base of a street lamp to juice up his Herculoid speakers for three thousand people. The party eventually had to be moved from Sedgwick to Cedar Park. (Source: Joe Conzo)

Since this time, a large number of us have witnessed hip hop expand into a culture of mythic proportions.

There are very few parts of the world or avenues of expression which hip hop hasn’t affected and we see it’s influence alive and well every day as we board the subway trains, listen to our radios, turn on our ipods, or flip the channels on the television remote.

All of this being said, the questions are: how has hip hop handled this massive growth and transition? What’s next for the culture?  Will the jam at Sedgwick ave always have a place in its heart?

Hip hop was born on August 11, 1973 at 9:00 pm in the Bronx, NY (the birth time came from a flyer advertising the party).

With it’s charts’ hemispheric emphasis being in the west, there’s the necessity to interact with others.

Hip Hop culture is about participation. It’s subject to what individuals have to contribute to it via their unique style and flavor.

Also, with some planets in the east, the life of hip hop culture is conditioned by ego justification: not only is it about participation, but also who’s the baddest, freshest, dopest and illest.

 With the blend of the Sun in Leo and the Moon in Capricorn, hip hop’s life force is fueled by creative self-expression,  ego acknowledgement and validation of it’s identity.

It desires to be noticed as a shining and authoritative force in the world. This is reflected in a personality form which has a reigning need for status and recognition. It’s nourished by it’s influence over the masses, it’s ambition and the ability to make things happen. 

The Pisces Ascendant suggest that it’s thrust into the world is a unitive one. Seeking to dissolve boundaries and barriers between individuals and link into the oneness of the collective.

However, in many instances, there is an element of camouflage and some of the energy surrounding the culture isn’t as it appears to be.

The Sun’s placement in the 6th house indicates that the self-expressive and stylistic renderings of Leo would be best served in a field of experience which promotes service to others. Furthermore, the pursuance of becoming master of one’s craft and offering that as one’s work is highly pronounced.

Mercury in Leo’s communication needs center around oratorical flamboyance and the unquestioning self-assurance which makes heroes and heroines.

Mercury is trine Neptune which suggests a free flowing infusion of idealism, creative visualization and lyrical flow. There’s a solid strength in the ability to paint pictures with words. 

However, this can easily escape into the world of fantasy, smokescreens and delusion. The direct opposite of the “keep it real” mentality that has pervaded the culture for so many years. Additionally, Mercury’s wide opposition to Jupiter further enhances the vibe of persuasive, yet grandiose and excessive verbal messages.

Continuing along the lines of communication, Uranus, Pluto and Venus in the Mercury ruled 7th house suggests that the manner in which hip hop relates to the public has the potential to be highly artistic and creative with shockingly transformative overtones.

Venus in Virgo’s tight square to the Sagittarius Midheaven is indicitave of developmental tension between the purity of culture which hip hop seeks to preserve and the universal face it wishes to present to the world as it’s crowning achievement.

There are regular and sometimes volatile discussions about what staying true to “pure” hip hop culture actually means. So, this might result in the dynamic of large scale striving in the world with less thought of hip hop’s efficient functioning or competence when placed in a social and relational context.

Jupiter’s placement in Aquarius outlines that the rewards for hip hop come through it’s innovation and thinking outside the box.

The ability to push the envelope when it comes to convention and to assert it’s “voice” with courage and emotional fervor as the Moon square to Mars indicates.

However, the flip side of the coin is to strike the balance between it’s obvious business needs (Moon in Capricorn) and it’s desire to apply energy in the world aggressively and sometimes without caution (Mars in Aries).

Tying up the chart, the nodal axis in Capricorn/Cancer means that a balance must be achieved between the deep attunement to roots,culture and security (Cancer) and it’s potential to affect progress and span a broader base of influence (Capricorn).

The difficult questions continue to remain about how hip hop becoming more corporate and commercial has effected the familial environment it was birthed in on Sedgwick Avenue.

Again, as hip hop’s Pisces Ascendant suggests, it presents itself to the world in an inspirational fashion, but the actual reality appears to be much more nebulous and something which can’t be readily grasped at this time. Only time will tell which direction the culture is headed.

©2014 by Sagittarian Mind Consulting

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Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon

Emotional honesty is your pathway to internal security.

You possess massive potential to provide an unassailable haven for others to heal. It’s one of your callings to be the purveyor of the message that it may take “death” to sustain life.

There’s a tremendous gift of psychological insight contained within this solar/lunar blend. Also, an astounding responsibility in handling human emotional resources .

For those of us who view the Cancerian vibe as strictly “meek and mild”, we should think again.

This crab has a stinger.

It may be skillfully concealed, but when activated,  you will know doubt feel the potency of its existence. The “water” of which this combination is comprised of isn’t tepid from the tap, but rather supercharged H2O infused with minerals of intensity and passion.

Your combination suggests that an intimate connection to people and situations is a priority, even if the feeling isn’t reminiscent of the “clean cut” sound of a barber shop quartet. For you, the sincere acknowledgement and authentic expression of emotion looms large.

Your life force is fueled through creating a sense of safety in the world. Having confidence in your chosen method of self-protection which you use to intuitively navigate the undercurrents of human feeling. This is reflected in a personality that needs to eliminate any internal patterns of toxicity which may put you “under siege”, or activate fears of having your vulnerability exploited.

You must control through knowing; through keen, instinctual awareness of the human condition. Probably better than anyone, you realize that although it’s bright and sunny, life can also be murky, cloudy- and as dark as midnight.

Release is a central theme in your life. Burning within is the hunger for an avenue to channel the conundrum of volcanic emotional energy.

Serving others as a trusted agent in their process of transformation certainly qualifies as a productive use of your powers.

Dysfunctionally, you indiscriminately strip others “butt naked” and flip open the gates of exposure and call it “truth”, ignoring the enormous subjectivity of your lenses. Realize that this can cause not only harm to the person (or people) involved, but also to YOU.

Understand that in those precious moments, you may have betrayed your heart’s natural sense of empathy and the innate sensitivity which draws other people to you like a magnet. Preserving those gifts is an absolute key to your well being.

Acute and penetrating perception can forever be your ally. How you choose to wield a sword that cuts both ways will ultimately help write your life script.

Tender and caring incisions at the precise point of pain may be a strategy that’s well worth considering.

Your theme song is “Bloodstream” by Stateless. You can listen to it right here:

Aries Sun, Scorpio Moon

When an Aries Sun is blended with a Scorpio Moon in an individuals birth chart, the nucleus of the person’s life energy consists of  making a significant impact in the world by way of an assertive thrust of personal identity.

The sun’s placement here suggests that the motivating stimulus is to be recognized as number one, a leader and a pioneer who thrives on tests of internal fortitude and the grasping of challenges which allow them to “sharpen their warrior steel”.

The Scorpio Moon uses the sun’s light to reflect a personality who needs to pursue this dominance through emotional depth, knowing things and passionate penetration of anything in life which may be considered buried, hidden or taboo.

For this combination, the way to the heights of the top is through the depths of the bottom. There’s a high energy exertion contained in this blend in both the physical and the emotional worlds, so it stands to reason that extremes are something which need to be regulated. Although there’s a strong statement from the Aries Sun saying: “this is who I am”, there’s also a deep need to conserve emotional resources, as to delay full disclosure to the world.

The internal question is: if I reveal ALL that I have, what will be left for me? This combination also holds the potential for a considerable degree of personal magnetism. It suggests the ability to “hold” others whether through sheer force of  presence, or the passionate pulling of heart strings.

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Aquarius Sun, Scorpio Moon

Your aspirations are geared toward individuating, and becoming who YOU truly think you need to be, irrespective of societal norms or cultural conditioning.

You’re ignited by the restless, rebellious journey you’re traveling. All in the name of “breaking up” with the status quo. Even if you chose not to do that, chances are, it would be quite a tumultuous marriage.

One of your keys to self-actualization is to realize that you must continuously transform yourself, and undergo a series of deaths and re-births in order to have the potent impact on humanity that you desire.

Revolutionary and radical change is your fuel, and there’s an emotional need to plumb the depths of yourself and whatever else you’re passionate about.

You may find, that in order to grasp the entirety of who you are, you’ll have to travel down a crisis filled labyrinth.

The understanding that you will need to be intrepid while facing these “turning points” is essential.

After all, there’s such a thing as growth opportunities which hold their share of danger and uncertainty.

By maintaining emotional honesty within yourself, you can shine as the eccentric…….

Your Theme song is : “Unorthodox” by Joey Badass

Take a listen:

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Scorpio Sun, Cancer Moon

There’s a swirling of interior, self-protective energies contained in this Sun-Moon blend. I call it an “emotional powerhouse”.

A need for emotional security and to connect to others as a biological or ideological “family” is reflected in the personality. One is fulfilled through belonging to that which supplies acceptance and nurturing. There’s a nourishment derived from people and situations which foster growth.

The individual’s vitality is maintained through a desire to plumb the depths of their own existence as a gateway to burning away any debris which is outmoded or could possible muzzle their creativity and self expression.

I also call this blend the “therapist’s therapist” because of the combination of the empathizing, absorbing lunar energy and the penetrative, incisive solar thrust . One thing this Sun-moon blend won’t allow YOU to do is be dishonest with YOURSELF, so imagine the upheaval when they try to play that game with THEMSELVES.

Within this blend, there’s a strong need to give and receive emotional support. When one feels as if they’ve gone above and beyond to be there for another person, and the same sentiments aren’t reciprocated, you will most likely be informed in a way that will stir the depths of your very soul.

The same penetrative powers of analysis which feels to you as if it has “the script” to your heart can be used to dissect you in a language which unmistakably shreds that same script into little pieces.

One of the challenges for this combination will be to direct that energy toward their own self-care and well being:

“Healer: Heal Thyself!!” is the call.

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Capricorn Sun, Scorpio Moon

In an individual birth chart, when the Sun is in Capricorn and the Moon in Scorpio, there’s the potential unfolding of an authoritative administrator in the material world synthesized with an emotional strategist. This combination suggests that playing the cards close to the vest is the order of the day.

There’s an astute way in which adversity, crisis and danger can be faced, both as an unflappable stoic and a reliable “rock”. The challenge with this combination is to keep the channels of flow and experience open, as not to become too tightly bound with rigid  and static controls which can lead to repressed elements, which may emerge as projections on others.

The optimal type of fuel for this individual to operate on is one of ever increasing opportunities to achieve status and become recognized for hard work and ambition; to embark on developmental tasks which lead to the concretization of ideals.

This fuel is blended with a personality form which needs to plumb the depths of it’s emotional body; to grasp its interior world and psyche at very profound levels with the hopes of severely minimizing superficial experiences.

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Pisces Sun, Scorpio Moon : “Depth Perception”

Depth \’depth\ : (1) a part that is far from the outside or surface. (2) a profound or intense state (as in thought or feeling)

Perception [per-sep-shuhn] : immediate, or intuitive recognition or appreciation, as of moral, psychological or aesthetic qualities; insight; intuition; discernment.

Let’s face it: There’s a language which exists in this world that mere words and logic can’t quite encompass. In fact, this orientation views what’s spoken as somewhat of a limited dimension.

Those who are severely critical of or deny this realm altogether would like nothing better than to have everything conveyed to them in a nice, neat verbal package. However, the inhabitants of this world notice the nuances;  the simple gestures. Maybe a glance, or a shift of the eyes, a tightening of the brow, or a halfhearted grin.

Welcome to planet intuition.

In a birth chart, when the Sun is placed in Pisces and the Moon in Scorpio, we have a combination which exudes depth perception at it’s finest hour.

The core life energy of the Pisces Sun consists of the desire to transcend the earthly plane and return to it’s source of divinity. To unify, merge and dissolve the barriers which restrict our connection to the all that is.

 Within this placement there’s a psychological need to reach a more elevated state of being. However, this “high” can be reached by anything ranging  from transcendental meditation to hallucinogens and alcohol.

The suggestion here is to let go and detach the ego from the life expectations and outcomes which leave some of us tightly wound and stiff as a board.

The Piscean question is: If we’re already one with the universe, and have what we need, why do we strive to gain dominance in this dense material world?

This fluidity allows Pisces to readily assume the shape of it’s container, but if this inclination is left unchecked, one’s own identity development can be severely impaired.

Because of this universal identification to humanity, the Pisces Sun exudes a compassion and empathy which seems as if it’s pervaded the bloodstream of the collective. There’s  a delicate sensitivity present which ranges from the heights of human nobility and victory to the lows of tragedy and suffering. Pisces sees life in terms of an expanding sphere as opposed a straight line.

The Moon in Scorpio uses the Sun’s energy to reflect a personality whose reigning emotional needs consist of  deep and profound contact with life’s regenerative forces. Passionate involvement with anything which will aid in self-transformation is the “food” which nourishes the lunar scorpion.

Whether it’s an intimate relationship, or a cause that’s near or dear to their heart, immersing themselves wholeheartedly in a focused manner is a necessity. There’s a penetrating quality to this placement because of it’s commitment to the truth.

We’re not talking about the Bobby Mcferrin’ “don’t worry, be happy” version of the truth. More like grave, taboo, forbidden truths which resonate in our guts that we would rather not hear about. Scorpio knows that to live fully and authentically, they must embrace both the light AND the dark. As Astrologer Stephen Arroyo states:

“An inner confidence can often develop when they consciously realize that, if they can overcome excessive fear and paranoia, they can be guided by inner convictions and intuitions that often prove extraordinarily accurate.

In fact, many of the most successful people who have lots of Scorpio attunement reach their potential by increasingly allowing their“gut feelings” to guide them. A passionate sense of purpose or mission in life can then support a healthy positive self-confidence; and their mystique and charisma will reflect this inner certainty.”

When this sun-moon combination is operating in a dysfunctional manner, it manifests behaviorally as someone whose boundaries are so permeable that they’re not able to distinguish where they end and another person begins.

Someone who has spent an incredible amount of time shape shifting in ideas and identity that they lack a firm center or operational base for their individuality to be involved with the mundane affairs of the world.

In addition, the individual can be emotionally withholding because of fear that the world is an unsafe place. Using their insecurity as motivation and rationalization to control the thoughts and activities of others through emotionally manipulative tactics.

An optimum expression of this blend manifests as an acutely perceptive individual who uses psychological insight to heal others and assist in identification of deeply rooted patterns which may be stifling an otherwise rich life development.

Someone who uses the dark as a segue to the light. An individual who exudes their emotional reserves to engage with life at the deepest level while simultaneously flowing with the principle of unity which binds all things.

Your theme song is “Deep” by Elzhi

You can listen here:

Reference: “Person-to-Person Astrology: Energy Factors in Love, Sex and Compatibility” by Stephen Arroyo

 

Sagittarius Sun, Scorpio Moon

Freedom and passion.

Not at all an unlikely pairing of needs . However, one could easily see how there could be a challenge to integrate both when involved with another individual.

The two needs would definitely have to negotiate with one another and come to a reasonable agreement . At least for that moment, or day in time.

Let’s  explore for a moment how this blend of a Sagittarius Sun and Scorpio Moon could make a lifetime out of fusing the breadth and depth which is implied by these two requirements.

With the Sun in Sagittarius, the quest to unearth a truth which will highlight the vast cosmic order and provide you with an ever broadening life philosophy is what fuels you.

The adventures of intellectual influence: having a profound effect on the way others think, teaching, acquiring knowledge and wisdom and obtaining the foresight to predict outcomes based on what you’ve learned serves as a stimulus for your life energy.

Your Scorpio Moon borrows your shine and reflects it back creating a personality which needs to go deep.

Your reigning needs consist of a necessity to feel life’s experiences at their most profound levels. Piercing and penetrating the veils and leaving the surface levels of existence in the dust.

You’re nourished by immersing yourself in the transformative fires of conflict and intimacy so that you may emerge reborn, wiser and more powerful.

Once a Sagittarian has been bitten by the bug of truth, he or she can’t be stopped. In a style filled with missionary zeal, they aim their arrow at their targets straight and true hoping to capture what they need until their next quest.

This life thrust blends with the energy of the lunar Scorpion, who concentrates his/her emotional reserves in a very private and strategic way only to be released when it’s appropriate. So, whether you possess this planetary placement or you’re close to someone who does- know that the stakes are high and the goal is to live life as such.

Your theme song is : “Stakes is High” by De La Soul. You can listen here:

Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi from Pexels

Scorpio Sun, Scorpio Moon

In a birth chart, when the Sun and Moon are located in the same sign, the core needs of the personality reflect an energy similar to what stimulates the individuals life force.

We usually call people who possess this combination “doubles”.

In your birth chart, If the Sun and Moon are both located in Scorpio , you’re a double Scorpio.

This Scorpio Sun-Moon blend suggests that this person’s fuel consists of exercising self-control and depth relations with others through knowledge and information, using it as a weapon both to capitalize on and maximize life situations, as well as to avoid being taken advantage of.

There’s an amazing quality of self-protection insinuated by this Sun-Moon combination.

In addition, the desire to know others at their deepest levels, solving life’s mysteries, and unearthing what’s hidden below the surface, no matter how unpleasant it may be, is highly pronounced.

The main motives? Transformation of self and others.

The Scorpio Moon reflects a personality who needs to be significant and penetrative, thereby having an emotional effect on others. Like the Scorpion’s sting, the lunar Scorpio strives to release it’s psychological potency for the sake of healing through intense interactions.

There’s a tremendous amount of passion associated with this Sun-Moon blend, and typical Astrology seems to immediately point to Scorpio’s reputation as a SEX crazed maniac, but reality says that this hunger for emotional depth has the capacity to be channeled in countless directions.

One of the reasons for Scorpio’s highly sexual reputation is because they crave intimate contact with others at such a powerful level. However sex and intimacy are not always synonymous.

Using this combination constructively, one finds and entity which is greater than the self and is able to pursue it with unstoppable fervor , finding their life’s “healthy obsession“.

Ideally, this pursuit transforms the person through exposure to the deepest, gut-level truth which aligns with his/her intuition. The concern here is instinctive reality rather than social niceties.

The dysfunctional version of this Sun-Moon blend can manifest behaviorally as an individual who has the “I’ll get you, before you get me” mentality. Someone who strives to control their environment as a result of their inner turmoil and paranoia. There can be the wariness of a wounded animal when it comes to trusting the world. Sensible self-protection has now turned into an impenetrable fortress.

For this combination to operate efficiently, there must be the reciprocity of  “emotional and psychological nakedness”. It’s highly unrealistic for one to expect others to reveal their inner most selves while the Solar/Lunar Scorpion sits as the listener and observer.

They too, must experience the vulnerability which comes with being undressed. Staring out of the peephole and never leaving one’s emotional comfort zone will rarely provide the fuel or sustenance this combination requires.

If you’re a double Scorpio, your theme song is : “The Best Secret” by Pete Rock featuring Lords of the Underground.

You can listen right here:

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Scorpio Sun, Taurus Moon

When the Sun in Scorpio meets the Moon in Taurus in a natal chart, there’s immense potential for self-transformation and the healing of others, as well as a solid, satisfying sense of inner stability. There’s a natural polarity between these signs, which means that successful navigation of this sun-moon combination depends on the ability to synthesize the solar drives and lunar needs.

The Scorpio Sun’s life force is stimulated by a propensity for plumbing the depths.

There’s a hankering to penetrate situations and people to the core in order to ignite the vitality of the solar scorpion. Gaining control through the knowledge of psychological dynamics is the realm in which the 8th sign of the zodiac operates.

In order to continuously thrive in this sphere, an allowance must be made for considerable (and probably frequent) life changes. Consistent transformation implies the periodic shedding of a symbolic skin, which contains the contents of things outworn and obsolete. This ritual insinuates that Scorpio Sun’s have moved on to another level of development which now promises more challenges.

The Sun’s placement in Scorpio suggests that your intensity and depth of feeling, which sometimes manifests as internal turmoil, can be used, in it’s most constructive sense, as a healing agent.

You’ve walked the emotional tightrope and been scalded by the fires on life only to emerge from a symbolic “death” (or deaths) as a stronger person who has survived, and now vowed to LIVE. Through these experiences, you’re now certified by the cosmos to show others how to navigate the heat of the blaze if you will risk vulnerability and divulge your secrets.

Your Taurus Moon utilizes the Scorpio Sun’s energy to form a personality whose emotional needs center around steadiness, preserving the status quo, material stability and taking your time to enjoy all of the sensual pleasures life has to offer.

When we consider this sun-moon blend, we only need to think about the interaction between a scorpion and a bull.  The bull, symbolized by the Taurus Moon has an emotional investment in staying in it’s place. It’s comfortable and really sees no need to move. After all, it’s physical needs are being met and in most aspects, it FEELS good.

The Scorpion is small in size, but potent in power. It will not be ignored.

On a symbolic level, if the Bull is grazing and the scorpion appears,with it’s intent on changing the material conditions, the bull has the following choices : (a) re-vamp it’s options and consider a new locale to fulfill it’s needs or (b) become aggressively protective defending it’s territory and possibly suffer the fatal, paralyzing sting of the scorpion.

Sure, it might get lucky and step on it, but why take the risk, right?

One of the ultimate lessons of this sun-moon blend is that the only constant in life is change. Physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual change. By surrendering to this maxim, we’re able to gain inner peace because we can begin to take our time to “smell the roses” enjoy the sensual and material pleasures of living without feeling like we absolutely must POSSESS them.

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