Richard Nixon Announces His Resignation (August 8, 1974)

On This Day in 1974: U.S. president Richard Nixon announces his resignation following the Watergate scandal.

It’s hard to believe that this event was 48 years ago. Sometimes, it feels like yesterday.

The timing is excellent. And that Yod pointing at the Pisces Ascendant is significant. Having Mars opposing the Ascendant makes it obvious that Nixon had to act when he did. Also the inconjunct between the Sun and Jupiter is echoed in his words: “I have never been a quitter…but as president I must put the interest of America first.”

Sun Inconjunct Jupiter

This can be an extremely useful aspect, if you learn to have more self-control in what you do. Jupiter is always high-spirited, wanting to do and encounter everything and enjoy life thoroughly. Yet in some combinations, it means that you are unwilling to work for what you want. You may feel that you are such a fine person that you deserve to have everything done for you. Certainly you are worthwhile in your own way, but that doesn’t give you a right to be taken care of without contributing your share. As with all Sun-Jupiter energies, if you learn to support others, to make them feel good and happy in your presence, you will get their support as well. Then there will always be someone to help you when you need it. But if you act arrogant towards others, they may not stay around to support you.

Mercury Inconjunct Ascendant

You are likely to have some problems, but not serious ones, in communicating with others. The problem is that people’s first impression of you may not fit in with what you say or your manner of thinking and speaking. People tend to hear what they expect to hear, and they may not listen to you as carefully as they should. So you will have to be as clear as possible and insist that others listen to what you are really saying. If others do not understand you, it is up to you to set them straight.

Pluto Inconjunct Ascendant

This can be an indication that through experiences with others, you will be forced to undergo many significant changes in life. At times the crises may be quite unpleasant, but for the most part the results will be very positive, although for some people, they may be less constructive. But you must be very careful about the kind of people you get involved with. Choose your friends with great care and try to find people who have a healthy outlook on life and who seem reasonably well balanced. People who are driven to extreme behavior or who act compulsively, as if they could not plan anything in advance, are not very good for you. They will get you into difficult situations that you do not need.

(This reminds me that Nixon’s White House staff may have planned Watergate without Nixon’s knowledge or approval, but in the end he was left holding the Plumbers’ bag.)

Hmm.