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Steelers have edge in the stars

Favorable astrological signs point to Cowher getting best of Holmgren

Image: RoethlisbergerReuters
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger could receive recognition because he is experiencing a positive Saturn cycle, NBCSports.com contributor Andrea Mallis writes.

Mike Holmgren, Seahawks coach
Born:
June 15, 1948, in San Francisco
For Holmgren, the mercurial Gemini, life is met with curiosity. Communication is vital, and he has a strong need for knowledge and expression. Variety is the spice of life for Geminis, and this former history teacher was also in a band called “Big Bop and the Choppers.” An air sign that is concerned with the intellect, Gemini must be mindful of scattering energies. The busy bee of the zodiac, Holmgren is blessed with a mind that is bright, alert, flexible, and always eager for new experience. Unlike his more conservative Taurus counterpart Cowher, Holmgren is more of a rebel — a reformer, an iconoclast. Restless and easily bored, Holmgren might exaggerate and misjudge through over-optimism.

Currently there’s an effective synchronicity of a Gemini team being coached by a Gemini. Holmgren has taken complete control and turned the Seahawks into a NFC powerhouse. Possessing a blend of enthusiasm and self-control, he doesn’t allow himself to be either overly restricted or expansive. A rebel but also a leader, Holmgren is innovative and original — a rather odd personality, with the urge to express himself in an erratic fashion. He may defy convention.

On Super Bowl Sunday, Pluto (planet of power) makes an opposition in Holmgren's forecast chart. Oppositions in astrology foreshadow challenges from others. He is confronted with a dominant strategist on the other side of the field. Look for power struggles to ensue, with Holmgren stubbornly attached to his own agenda. During this period of added pressure and obligation, patience and tolerance is needed. As planetary aspects do not occur in a vacuum, another Pluto aspect to Jupiter appears more favorable. With goals larger than usual, Holmgren is feeling more feisty and determined, trying to become the only coach to win a Super Bowl with more than one team.

Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks quarterback
Born:
Sept 25, 1975, in Westwood, Mass.
A gracious sun sign Libra, Hasselbeck is no Mr. Nice Guy. A powerful Pluto aspect at birth intensifies his persona, imbuing strength of mind, body and will. Inwardly Hasselbeck is zealous and fanatical, though he may hide his forceful feelings behind his pleasant Libran facade. Driven by a profound sense of destiny and mission, and a compulsive desire for personal recognition, Hasselbeck is obsessed by power. Incredibly willful and fixated on achieving greatness, he has great self-discipline, concentration and perseverance. He’s obviously in the right line of work, thriving in unpredictable atmospheres where flexibility and quick response are needed. He has an elusive quality and has been known to break out and run when under pressure.

Hasselbeck is currently experiencing his Saturn return, an auspicious astrological rite of passage that occurs around age 30. This karmic cycle heralds endings and new beginnings, thereby increasing ambition. The joy of competing, especially winning, runs deep in Hasselbeck's soul. Although he’s a bit under the radar, expect him to not back down and keep stretching limits.

Some final thoughts
A word of caution: This is a small sample size without accurate birth times. But with numerous baffling planetary alignments in the sky on Super Bowl Sunday, the Steelers may have the edge, since their defense can bewilder you with different coverages, especially at the last second. Good defense wins championships. The Seahawks need to stay as focused and clear as possible, amidst a sea of “terrible towels” since they do not have their “12th man advantage.”

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The coaches, both possessing 14 years experience, appear locked in. Cowher’s forecast looks encouraging as he tries to win the big one, yet there are annoyances that can undermine. And although Holmgren’s forecast seems to be rife with power struggles, perhaps something can be reclaimed in the nick of time.

The Seahawks had the best record in the NFC, but the AFC, where the Steelers play, is a tougher conference. Though they did not control their own destiny, the Steelers are on a roll, and once they get a lead, they look strong. In fact, when the Steelers get an 11-point or greater lead at halftime, they have only lost once with Cowher. If the Seahawks go down early, it will be that much harder to come back, especially when things get increasingly more planetarily confounding and vexing to the spirit as Super Bowl Sunday wears on.

As above, so below. I look forward to this mystical, rather surreal event, and hope I whet your cosmic appetite.

Andrea Mallis is a sports astrologer and writer, appearing on ESPN and writing for major league baseball magazines. To have Andrea guide you with your game, please visit http://www.virgoinservice.com/.

© 2011 NBC Sports.com


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