By Resti H. Santiago
The narrative of a modern nation-state is not complete without a retelling of the sacrifices of its heroes, especially around its birth. Some stories were written in blood and these should not be forgotten by each succeeding generation. The film "Heneral Luna" is one such effort -- a brilliant, entertaining and moving one.
In medieval society, the distinction between classes is clear-cut and this is astrologically defined as well. Some are meant to write or to teach (Mercury), some are meant to lead (Sun), some are meant to take care of others (Moon),some are meant to bring about prosperity (Jupiter), some are meant to bring honor to the country using their God-given talents (Venus) but in times of conflict, war or the fight for freedom, we turn to Mars to bring out heroism among the populace. In Philippine's war with America at the turn of the 20th century, one man stood out -- Heneral Antonio Luna.
According to astrologer-translator Robert Hand, the best expression of Mars energy is by fighting for a cause, especially with the objective of protecting one's loved ones. Heneral Antonio Luna was one such warrior who expressed this Mars energy to the fullest. To him, as with other heroes, it is not enough to protect one's family and loved ones. One must be willing to sacrifice even one's blood for the country. The team behind the movie, led by Jerrold Tarog, promotes it with this question:"Bayan o sarili?" These words together with "Negosyo o kalayaan?" were at the heart of the story of Heneral Luna. A glance at the astrological map when the Philippine's ablest general was born will reveal that he was co-ruled by Mars. He got a sharp mind and a sharp tongue who asked tough questions that called for immediate decision and corresponding action.
The concept of fate is seldom discussed now; but in the movie, Luna's mother asked whether it was his will or whether it was his fate that made him a general, deeply involved in the war. Astrology provides an answer. Despite having been trained as a doctor, it was Antonio Luna's fate to become a leader in the army. Of course, free will must align with fate. It is in the process of finding one's fate and accepting it that heroes are made. While in Belgium, Luna studied military strategy and upon his return to his motherland, he set up a fencing school. These are also expressions of Mars energy. And when he was called to join the revolution, he knew that he was needed, he knew it was his calling, he knew what to do and what it takes. Luna knew his fate.
Mars is prominent on the chart of the leaders of KKK (Kataastaasng Katipunan ng mga anak ng Bayan). Andres Bonifacio himself, the Supremo and is now considered as the first President of the Philippines, [click here for more details on Bonifacio's chart] is ruled by Mars in the secretive sign of Scorpio. Another general, Emilio Aguinaldo, has Sun in Aries, which is ruled by none other than Mars (in kingly Leo). The lives of these three men were thus intertwined with Mars.
Mars by itself is considered a malefic, or bad planet. In the table correspondence between the planets and things, Mars is said to rule the bolo, the revolver, and the sword. In the table of correspondence between planets and people, Mars is the rebels, the army, and the generals. But one problem with Mars is that it is despotic and in the case of Aguinaldo, also dictatorial. One might argue that Luna has the same tendencies.
Being ruled by the red planet, which is also associated with blood and anger, these men have a fiery temper. This character flaw is considered to have led to the death/assassination of both Bonifacio and Luna. There were; of course, a variety of reasons, the most important of which is that generally, the higher octave of Mars, brings about a highly-principled warrior. In the astro charts of both Bonifacio and Luna, Mars is dignified. Unfortunately, these traits were used by their enemies to justify the need to have them eliminated. It was all about competition, pride and power struggle. As the movie showed, the responsibility for their deaths falls into the hands of Aguinaldo. As Luna aptly observed, our first real enemy is ourselves.
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