The CBC’s annual meat market for horny pols legislative conference starts today. I was curious about what the CBC's natal chart says about its organizational personality. Read on to find out why the CBC lacks the political clout that it could have.
The CBC was founded on February 2, 1971 (did you know that it was then-freshman Rep. Charlie Rangel who came up with the CBC's name?). Because we don't have the exact time that the meeting which formed the CBC was held, 12 noon
is
used as a stand-in midpoint "birth" time.
Driven By Issues Of Fairness & Justice, & Stability....
With its independent-minded Aquarius Sun, the CBC is driven by issues of fairness and justice. Aquarius gives the CBC an idealistic and rebellious streak. As CBC chairman Emanuel Cleaver II writes about the organization's mission: "Leading our communities and country with passion and commitment, the
Congressional Black Caucus continuously strives to be a voice for the
voiceless, earning the moniker 'the conscience of the Congress.'"
Its Moon in Taurus makes it security-minded and strong-willed. The CBC also has four planets in expansion-minded Sagittarius, which brings a lot of Sag flair to the CBC's core personality.
....But Also Pessimism & Rigid Thinking
Mercury (which represents thought) in ambition-minded Capricorn gives the CBC an ability to become a specialist within the field of politics. However, Capricorn's stability also puts the CBC at risk for being pessimistic and rigid-thinking in its thoughts. Its Mercury trines (harmonizes) its Moon (emotions), which makes the CBC an inquisitive and intelligent collective. Mercury trine its Saturn makes the CBC a collective that is direct in its communications and able to get its viewpoint across well. However, Mercury trine its Pluto (change) means that the CBC tends to have a Know-It-All attitude. In addition, the CBC's Moon is conjunct Saturn. This placement means that the CBC can be quick to bluntly criticize something, but nurse grudges about criticism (real or imagined) about itself.
Passionate, But Dependable
It's probably no surprise that four of the CBC's astrological planets (and its Chiron) are in Fire signs, which means that it's very passionate about its purpose and agenda. Another four planets are in Earth signs, which means that it's a dependable body. What Astrology-Numerology.com states about Fire/Earth types:
"The rapid-fire inspirations of Fire are grounded by the Earth so that energies can be conserved and focused. A problem with this combination is a degree of insensitivity that is usually present. When moving toward a goal there is little concern for anything or anyone that gets in your way. You may need to cultivate attention to ideals and your own inner life. In any event, the key words for the elements in your chart are steadiness, reliability, and productivity."
One thing that jumps out is that the CBC chart has zero planets in Water signs. As hard as this may be for critics to believe, the CBC isn't an emotional collective.
Why The CBC Lacks The Political Clout That It Could Have
For critics who have long been frustrated as to why the CBC is unable to flex its political muscles like other collective bodies, the natal chart suggests why: the CBC has few planets in Cardinal (leadership) signs! This means that it's hard for the CBC to start projects and carry them to completion. What Astrology-Numerology.com states about a lack of Cardinal signs: "A lack of cardinal signs suggests a lack in initiative and drive unless these attributes are shown elsewhere in the map. Not one to pursue desires actively, you sometimes look to others to satisfy them for you. You wait for opportunities rather than forcing the issue and making your own breaks."
With five planets in Mutable (change) signs, the CBC is highly adaptable...and also has a tendency to devote its energies to too many things. Astrology-Numerology.com writes about Mutable preponderance: "You are apt to find yourself going off in several directions at the same time as you have great difficulty focusing your attention to one thing. You are able to fit easily into most situations. You adapt yourself to all sorts of experiences in life, and like a chameleon, you are able to adjust. Personal and sentimental, you are concerned with people rather than ideals or personal ambitions. You have an inner desire for much personal freedom, though you may find decision-making and self-directed actions difficult. You learn from the past, and in fact, you may occasionally dwell in the past rather than concentrating on the future."
Mars (action) in expansive Sagittarius ensures that the Congressional Black Caucus will be motivated by its ideals and be direct in expressing those ideals. This is further reinforced by the CBC's Mars being conjunct both Neptune (dreaminess) and Jupiter (luck). These conjunctions enable the CBC to draw people into its agenda, and advocate causes on behalf of the underdog. However, Mars in Sagittarius also brings an impulsive tendency to take on too many projects, go off into different arena, and lack discipline in executing its goals. However, its Mars conjunct its Neptune (dreaminess) means that the CBC will be able to draw people to its agenda.
Political Astrology: Congressional Black Caucus
