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let’s take a walk on the wild side…….
So, what does it mean for a planet to be OOB? When we cast an astrological chart we use a precise locality (birth place) on the earth and from this observation point we take note of the position of the planets in the sky at the time of birth and this enables us to calculate the angles that the planets form to the given locality. Another point of reference however is the celestial equator (which is the terrestrial equator elongated into space). When planets travel beyond 23°27’ either side of the celestial equator, be it North or South, they are referred to as “out of bounds”.
OOB planets can also be found in birth charts and special attention should be paid to them since they are considered “stronger” and capable of expressing their characteristics in a more explicit and exaggerated manner.
Back to Mars.
The late KT Boehrer (one of the greatest experts in declinations and OOB planets) describes an out-of-bounds Mars: “…is a fighter, daring, energetic, courageous, venture-some, often attracted to a career that is associated with an element of danger. The negative side may show in furious temper, anger and/or violence.”
On the 21st March the fiery planet of action will find itself at 10°11’ Gemini in longitude and will start its adventure into the wild beyond. The OOB period will last until 24th May when Mars will be at 19°10’ Cancer in longitude, the antiscion of its starting point. The maximum declination OOB North will take place on 22nd April when Mars will be at 29°39’ Gemini in longitude. The 21st March also finds the Moon OOB at 29°46’ Gemini exact to the degree in longitude of Mars’s maximum declination suggesting that the 21st March might be a very emotionally charged day for many.
OOB planets are a bit like “wild cards” you never really know how they will react.
Let’s briefly recap: Mars in Gemini: Mars is now ready for mental rationality, quick thinking, dexterity and perhaps even some maverick moves. Mars in Gemini is rather unleashed and free to prank around as and if he pleases, Gemini is, after all, a smart-ass sign that nearly always manages to have the last word, well, sometimes, all the words, since the gift of the gab certainly is part of this socialite sign.
Mars in Gemini can lend itself to glib remarks and extreme sarcasm when provoked so if your chart is involved during this transit in Gemini careful how you respond ‘cos it could cause a back-lash.
Mars in Cancer: Cancer is the sign of fall for the planet Mars, where he least feels welcome. He becomes imaginative and creative pursuing interests independently and ambitiously, but not directly. After all Mars is the ruler of the Cardinal sign Aries and Cancer is also a Cardinal sign but both go about taking the initiative in a very different manner. Mars could also become a caring lover in the sign of nurturing and super-protective of his tribe. Negatively, he adds fuel to Cancer’s natural high sensitivity and moodiness becoming easily insulted and very emotional in his reactions.
Another twist could be the passive-aggressive behaviour since Mars in Cancer is unable to express anger directly preferring to go into a bad mood, sulk or worse, accuse others by playing on their feelings of guilt and thus giving them a bad conscious.
People most affected by this OOB planet will be those having planets or angles between 10° Gemini and 20° Cancer and relative aspect points in the Mutable and Cardinal signs.
The Sabian symbol for 11° Gemini: “Newly opened lands offer the pioneer new opportunities for experience.” Indicating the power and joy of new beginnings.
For its antiscion at 20° Cancer: “Venetian gondoliers giving a serenade.” Indicating happiness as an overtone of social integration and conformity to custom.
“You were once wild here. Don’t let them tame you.” Isadora Duncan
Is your chart affected by this OOB Mars? Are you ready and willing to tame it? Tell me!
Bibliography
Boehrer KT (1994) “Declination, the other dimension”, ‘Cycles and psychological patterns’ pp 24-30, American Federation of Astrologers, Inc, Tempe AZ, USA
Rudhyar D. (1974) “An Astrological Mandala: the cycles of transformations and its 360 symbolic phases”. p 96, 122, Vintage Books Edition, Random House Inc., New York, USA
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