Super Bowl XL incarnates on an ethereal Feb. 5 in Detroit, with a yearly Sun/ Neptune aspect in unconventional Aquarius. It probably won’t be the usual Super Bowl blowout when the underdog Seattle Seahawks take on the favored Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers have a long history, dating back to July 8, 1933. According to their respective incorporation charts, Jupiter, the planet of good fortune, is currently making a complimentary aspect, propelling the Steelers into the Super Bowl. The emerging Seahawks were born June 4, 1974, and are thrilled to attend their first Super Bowl.

Astrology is about cycles and timing. Based on information at my disposal, perhaps Super Bowl XL’s outcome will be decided in the final few minutes of a close game, not unlike Adam Vinateri’s 41-yard field goal with four seconds remaining to beat the Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII. With a malevolent Moon/Mars aspect lurking, look for calls to be hotly disputed and anger to erupt. Momentum switches are likely to occur, especially with the moon void of course (after 4:01 p.m. EST till 2:33 a.m.). During this cycle, judgment’s not at its best and decision-making suffers. If we were perfectly attuned to life’s ebb and flow, we’d naturally be in harmony, doing the appropriate action at the appropriate time, staying in our spiritual center. But life and the Super Bowl cannot easily be micromanaged. This “vacation from normal” needs to be handled so it does not turn into Pandora’s Box. Actions produce unexpected results and misinformation. Delays and frustrations are common. Perhaps I should run charts on the officials? Remember, President Reagan was careful not to be inaugurated when the moon was void of course!

As for Super Bowl XL’s Neptune aspect, Neptune is the planet of illusion and glamour. Neptune might also cloak issues with vagueness, obscurity, intrigue and confusion. I accurately predicted before the infamous Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction at halftime of Super Bowl XXXVIII that “confusion can reign; perhaps a lot of replays may be needed when strange alignments occur.” Although it’s important to note that astrology’s forte is predicting energies rather than actual events, similar forces are active this year. Complete with the Rolling Stones interactive halftime show, with dramatic Leo, Mick Jagger, Neptune truly is the great masquerader, as reality morphs into a dreamscape.

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As a sports astrologer, it’s my pleasure to shed light utilizing this ancient, metaphysical science and bring a unique perspective to this year’s Super Bowl. I compare the birth chart (where planets are located at birth) and contrast it to where planets are currently, known as forecasting. It’s all about optimum timing, and timing is everything!

Let’s take a celestial peek at what planetary energies are in store for each Super Bowl Coach and Quarterback.

Bill Cowher, Steelers coach
Born: May 8, 1957, in Pittsfield, Pa.
Cowher is a Taurus, a fixed earth sign. He is a steadfast and patient soul, capable of tremendous devotion, endurance and constancy. He ranks ninth in NFL history for the longest head coaching tenure with one team. Cowher has been a model of consistency: in 13 seasons he has missed the playoffs only four times. The ability to follow through is one of his greatest assets. Once his course is set, he pursues tenaciously until completion, stubbornly resisting any attempt to sway his purpose.

The challenges Taurus face include obstinacy and an unwillingness to deviate from routine. Taurus rarely makes changes unless forced to. With Mercury (communication) also in Taurus, Cowher will operate in a deliberate and methodical manner. He’s extremely difficult to influence once his mind is made up. His ability to analyze the smallest details of any plan is highly developed. Cowher is meticulous, methodical, and problem solving, and his down-to-earth manner stands him in good stead.

Bill has positive Mars aspects for Super Bowl Sunday. Mars is an important planet in athletic competition; it represents energy, assertion and aggression. Constructive Mars aspects bestow confidence, creating successful attitudes and winning situations. In his quest to obtain that first Super Bowl ring, Cowher is on a crusade to reach a pinnacle in professional life.

A benevolent Jupiter (planet of expansion) aspect highlights strategic thinking, augmenting plans for control, especially ball control. This auspicious cycle of culmination occurs once every 12 years, and when it does, it’s time to go for the gold! Although this is a time of expanded opportunity, unrealistic hope may also be harbored, with possibilities exaggerated. While things look strong for the most part, Neptune (planet of nebulousness) is also in the mix. Things may be confused, or Cowher can be open to more creative ways of thinking. Neptune dissolves boundaries, and he has already loosened his approach with the offense during the playoffs, as the Steelers used to be more of a running team, playing their unique brand of “smash mouth” football. Now there is an uncharacteristic passing attack, enabling the Steelers to establish large leads early in the game. Cowher also decided to buck tradition and have the Steelers wear their white road uniforms instead of the more customary and imposing black variety. Not wanting to disturb the groove of seven consecutive victories and a trip to the Super Bowl, despite being the designated home team, white jerseys it is! As we all have free will, you can take the high road or the low in astrology.  Neptune can be a very ego-denying planet, so it will be interesting to see what road Cowher takes.

Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers quarterback
Born: March 2, 1982, in Lima, Ohio
Roethlisberger is a Pisces, an intuitive water sign, who is experiencing a positive Saturn (discipline) cycle, favorable for making progress. More purposeful, hard-working, and capable, Big Ben may receive recognition or promotion. A second-year player with four playoff wins under his belt — and only one interception — he has what it takes. With Uranus (the planet of individuality) in Pisces, connecting to his sun, this is one of the most revolutionary periods in his life. This historic event occurs once every 84 years, ushering in a cycle of dramatic change, inner awakening and innovation. The second-youngest quarterback to make the Super Bowl (Dan Marino was the youngest), Roethlisberger is aided by intuition. He’s more decisive and dynamic, experiencing flashes of insight. As Pisces rules the feet, that immaculate tackle he completed against the Indianapolis Colts highlights the intangible mojo that is pure Pisces. Not wanting to tinker with karma, Roethlisberger said he would not shave his beard until after the Super Bowl.

A potent Mars aspect at birth imparts a strong work ethic. Roethlisberger is capable of persistent effort and concentration on a single objective — he has the highest passing percentage after being touched. His superhuman powers of endurance set him apart, along with a dogged determination to achieve goals and meet obstacles stoically.