Guess who is flying high atop the NFC East, after scalping the Redskins on their own happy hunting ground? The long-suffering Philadelphia Eagles (first game on October 15, 1933, at 2:30 pm in New York), that’s who, with the ever-affable Andy Reid in command. The Eagles have overcome injuries and expectations to arrive in December in peak playoff form. They may not have the finesse of the Vikings or the speed of the Rams, but they are getting the job done with unforgiving defense and a dashing boy-wonder at quarterback.

Head Coach Andy Reid

In his second season at flight control, head coach Andy Reid has emerged as a true contender. A jovial Pisces, born March 19, 1958, at 7:07 am PST in Los Angeles, Reid has maintained his optimism and sense of humor in this very stressful position. He obviously loves the game, loves his players and loves to win.

A big man with big dreams, the influence of the planet Jupiter is unmistakable in Reid’s birth chart. The largest, luckiest and most expansive of the planets, Coach Reid’s Jupiter resides in the very public Seventh House for all the world to see.  In the Seventh House, we reach out of ourselves and interact with others, and Reid’s Seventh House Jupiter gives him a positive, enthusiastic way of expressing himself and bringing people together.

With a master’s degree in professional leadership from Brigham Young University, Reid is a master motivator and team builder. While he possesses an intimidating arsenal of skills and qualifications, his disarming Piscean personality keeps everything warm and real. You sense the unabashed urgency and competitiveness of his fiery Aries Ascendant, but he is neither haughty nor proud. This jolly, avuncular Pisces is always the first to laugh at himself and his own foibles, and this helps others to loosen up and excel under his guidance.

The Eagles’ Planetary Lineup

As the Eagles head into the home stretch, transiting Jupiter in Gemini will be casting some helpful light their way. Jupiter is currently moving backward in retrograde motion, and will continue to back up to 1 degree Gemini during the playoffs. It will slow down and station there, spending most of January at 1 degree Gemini, before it turns direct and begins moving forward again on January 26, 2001.

Coach Reid’s natal Mars is at 1 degree Aquarius, which is an air sign like Gemini. Transiting Jupiter will be forming a supportive 120-degree trine angle to Reid’s Mars throughout January.

Because Mars is the ruler of Coach Reid’s Aries Ascendant, this trine could be especially significant. He is already being mentioned as a candidate for “Coach of the Year” honors, and I expect the Eagles to present a serious challenge to the other NFC hopefuls during this time.

Another astrological factor in the Eagles’ advantage is the upcoming Jupiter-Neptune trine. Transiting Jupiter will reach 4 degrees Gemini in December, where it will form a 120-degree trine to transiting Neptune at 4 degrees Aquarius on Dec. 9. This fortunate combination tends to cast down the mighty from their thrones and lift up the lowly. Coach Reid was born with a Jupiter-Neptune conjunction, so he should be pretty comfortable with that kind of energy. Santa will come early to Philadelphia, bringing the Eagles a cushy end-of-season schedule, consisting of a bye-week and games against the Cleveland Clowns and the Cincinnati Bungles, easily the two worst teams in the league. The Eagles could also inadvertently benefit from losses among the other NFC leaders.

Quarterback Donovan McNabb

Coach Reid proved himself an excellent judge of horseflesh in drafting the dazzling Donovan McNabb at quarterback. A talented Sagittarius, born November 25, 1976 in Chicago, McNabb is a perfect fit for the Eagles’ team and has developed rapidly in his second season in Coach Reid’s system. With his tight Sun-Mars conjunction in Sagittarius, McNabb possesses a brilliant combination of physical and mental skills. He is one smart and fearless quarterback, a real spark plug for his team.

McNabb’s leadership has evolved quickly and naturally, because he fits the team chart like a glove. His natal Sun-Mars is conjunct the team’s Mars and Midheaven, making him the perfect player to energize the ranks and inspire his teammates to play at their highest level. In occupying this very visible and public point in the team’s chart, McNabb also serves as a team lightning rod, attracting media attention to the Eagles. Reporters laud his daring on-field exploits, and then marvel at his intelligence and maturity in interviews.

On November 26, the day before the Eagles’ crucial victory over the Redskins, the New Moon occurred at 4 degrees Sagittarius, uniting McNabb and his team in the spotlight. This could mark a new beginning and a new public image for a team that has labored too long in obscurity. The Eagles are on time and on track for their best season in recent memory. The NFC has some great teams, and the playoff competition will be tough, but the Eagles should be right in the thick of it this time.