Alex's Asteroid Astrology

You know Dasher and Dancer, and Prancer and Vixen, but do you recall that there are asteroids named Rudolf, Santa and Yule? Though none of these were designated for the holiday they have come to represent, they function very well as markers of its importance in the lives of those who have made Christmas a central focus of their biographies.

In the past, AAA has profiled asteroid Santa in the lives of such figures central to the creation and dissemination of the Santa Claus myth (ooops! coal in my stocking this year for sure, in dissing the jolly old elf’s existence!) as Clement Clarke Moore (author of “A Visit From Saint Nicholas”); Thomas Nast (nineteenth-century cartoonist who grew Santa from Elfin to Human proportion and gave us many of the elements of Santa’s story, including his North Pole locale); Haddon Sundblom (the Coca-Cola adman who standardized his red-and-white-suited look); and several actors like Edmund Gwen (“Miracle on 34^th Street”) and Tim Allen (“The Santa Clause”) who have famously portrayed the yuletide gift-giver on the silver screen.

Santa already has his celestial connection in his magical power of flight, but his stellar counterpart fills in the gaps for mere mortals as well

We’ve also looked at asteroid Rudolf in the lives of those instrumental in the development of the Red-Nosed Reindeer, from Robert L. May, who wrote the first story poem and brought Rudolph into the world; to Johnny Marks, who composed the popular song; Gene Autry, the “Singing Cowboy” who first recorded it; and the Rankin-Bass team who brought us the beloved animated TV special, still aired annually.

Asteroid Rudolf appears prominently in the charts of those who were pivotal in the creation of the red-noised reindeer so beloved of holiday enthusiasts

Curious readers are encouraged to check out the links above for further details.

But these asteroids aren’t just visible in birth charts, they are ever-present in the skies today, continuing to provide clues to the cosmic forecast for the current holiday season.

Asteroid Santa makes the boldest showing; with remarkable timing it comes to its retrograde station on Christmas Day itself! The jolly old elf may be slowing down with age, ready to turn inward and take his own “long winter’s nap” after his holiday exertions, and who can blame him after this annual gift-giving debauch? But asteroid Santa’s slowing status is also a signal to us: we’ve done the work to prepare for the holiday, now it’s time to relax and enjoy it! At 2 Virgo, Santa may be hinting that practical gifts are a good choice for this season, things which affect everyday life and routines, or health. Perhaps a Fitbit? Clothes, especially work uniforms, would be another option, as are exercise equipment, kitchen gadgets, and toys with a military or service theme, as doctors and nurses.

Further insights into appropriate presents can be gleaned from Santa’s inclusion in a T-Square, squaring both asteroid Yule at 1 Gemini and Jupiter at 10 Sagittarius. Yule in Gemini says it’s an info-holiday! Books, electronic or paper, are favored, as are phones and other communication devices. How about a DNA ancestry test kit? Jupiter of course says, whatever you choose, make it BIG! Over-the-Top extravagance and conspicuous consumption or generosity are the order of the day, with travel a prime gift option. Educational toys or imported items with an exotic flair will be well-received, as would sporting or outdoor gear.

Which leaves us with Rudolf. Though named for a 16^th Century Habsburg emperor, Rudolf resonates very well with his latter-day ruddy-beaked ruminant counterpart. As such, he can be seen as an image of enforced alienation, of not fitting in, of “misfitism”, rejection by the group. Until we realize that the one thing which sets us apart and seemingly isolated us from others, is actually our saving grace, the thing which we uniquely offer that can meet the needs of the society and provide an essential solution to a vexing problem.

At 24 Aries on Christmas Day, asteroid Rudolf conjoins Uranus at 28 Aries, highlighting his sense of differentness or alienation (and also alluding to his power of flight). Squared the Nodes at 27 Cancer and Capricorn, Rudolf challenges us to rethink what we have always considered a limitation or hindrance, and see it in the light of the karmic gift it truly is. A square to Pluto at 20 Cap suggests that in our difference and apparent brokenness lays our power, our ability to transform the present circumstances and move into a more empowered future.

Whatever holiday you celebrate at this time of year, may the Season of Light enfold and inform you with Love, Hope and Peace!