The Announcement of the Discovery of Insulin

Sometimes, the geometry of astrological synchronicity is a thing of beauty.

The untimed chart below represents the date that the discovery of insulin was formally announced to the rest of the world. This was a massive step forward for humanity as we finally found a solution to manage the chronic and deadly condition of diabetes. For millions across the world this was a life saver.

The beautiful symmetry of the relationships of the planetary bodies is only exceeded by the elegance of the improbability of their involved symbolism. These relationships form what is known as major configuration. An astrological configuration is a conglomeration of planets that are connected in such a manner that they work together towards some holistic purpose. Within this chart, two major configurations are identified. The blue lines represent a Kite while the green lines a Yod.

A Kite is a highly productive configuration because of the combination of both harmonious (trine and sextile) and challenging (opposition) aspects. With Kites, there is a clear problem that must be addressed or requires balance using the talent, resources, and momentum within the configuration. The planet at the apex (the planet receiving both sextile aspects) is at the top of the Kite shape and represent to focal point of the configuration’s energies.

A Yod is an interesting configuration in that it is comprised of a harmonious aspect (sextile) and two aspects that are slightly uncomfortable (quincunx). The sextile at the base often represents a degree of inspiration or motivation while the two quincunxes represent a solution that can be seen as surprising or unconventional. Some astrologers have referred to this configuration as representing “fated” or significant moments. While this may be debated, it is agreed that the focal planet at the top of this triangle (receiving both quincunx aspects) represents the focus of this configuration’s energy.

The wildly synchronistic dynamic of this chart is that both configurations are connected by the same focal planet: Jupiter. This is significant because Jupiter is the planet that has been historically seen as “ruling” or associated with the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for managing and balancing the blood sugars in the body that help it to sustain itself. With Jupiter in retrograde motion, the functions of this part of the body have been under review and studied. The retrograde status also infers that function of this planet is not operating in normal fashion.

One possible reason for the scrutiny of Jupiter can be found with the planet at the other end of the opposition: Chiron. Chiron is often associated with wounds, injuries or conditions that can be long term and debilitating. This opposition represents the problem of diabetes, but Jupiter’s alignment with the North Node also highlights opportunities for humanity to progress forward. It represents the opportunity for a solution. Saturn’s involvement at the North Node (looser in orb) symbolizes the scientists working to bring about this evolution as well.

Neptune offers a solution. It is the planet associated with drugs or medicine so it symbolizes insulin. The harmonious aspects it makes to either end of the opposition represents how this drug will be used to balance and manage this condition. It’s trine aspect to the Hygeia, the asteroid associated with general health and wellbeing, represents the overall benefit to health as a result of these relationships.

The Yod confirmation echoes some of the dynamics from the Kite, but also emphasizes the significance of this moment. The Sun is always one of the core bodies in any chart and the “center of attention,” so to speak. Uranus represents breakthroughs and radical change. The sextile between these two bodies shows the excitement to celebrate this discovery as a result of the problems (quincunx) with the pancreas (Jupiter again).

There is also a 2nd Yod configuration that is not identified within the chart. With this 2nd Yod, Uranus is at the apex with Jupiter and Neptune at the base. This 2nd Yod further underscores the historic importance of this moment while also specifically highlighting science’s innovation and breakthrough in the discovery of insulin. In fact, Uranus’ placement within the sign of Pisces which is ruled by both Jupiter (traditional) and Neptune (modern) reveals a fascinatingly literal manifestation of the type of breakthrough that occurred.

While there are other dynamics within this chart that help to reflect this moment, these three configurations offer some of the strongest symbolism for this watershed event that drastically improved the health of humanity. What is amazing is that this event can be accurately interpreted without house placements. If an exact time for this announcement were confirmed, a much more detailed delineation could be provided. Still, working without this information, we can obtain a fairly detailed delineation for the event.

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