Star-Spangled Decisions: Ronald Reagan, Astrology, and America

In the annals of American political history, few stories are as intriguing as the intersection of astrology and the presidency of Ronald Reagan. At the Wilfred Hazelwood Clinic, we often explore how celestial wisdom can influence decision-making, and there's perhaps no better example than the 40th President of the United States.

The Reagans and Their Celestial Counsel

Ronald Reagan, known for his charismatic leadership and transformative policies, had a secret advisor that few knew about during his presidency: an astrologer named Joan Quigley. It was First Lady Nancy Reagan who first sought Quigley's guidance following the assassination attempt on her husband in 1981.

A Cosmic White House

What began as a personal consult for the First Lady soon evolved into a significant influence on the President's schedule. According to former Chief of Staff Donald Regan's memoirs, virtually every major move and decision the Reagans made during the presidency was cleared in advance with a woman in San Francisco who drew up horoscopes.

Astrological Influence on American Politics

The revelation of astrological consultations in the White House caused quite a stir when it came to light. However, it also opened up a broader conversation about the role of alternative wisdom in leadership.

Key Astrological Moments

1. The "Bear in the Woods" Ad: Reagan's famous 1984 campaign ad, which used the metaphor of a bear to represent the Soviet Union, was reportedly timed using astrological advice.
2. Summit Scheduling: The timing of Reagan's summits with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev was allegedly influenced by astrological considerations.
3. Iran-Contra Testimony: It's said that Reagan delayed his testimony on the Iran-Contra affair based on astrological guidance.

The Skeptics and the Believers

While many scoffed at the idea of astrology influencing national policy, others saw it as a testament to Reagan's openness to unconventional wisdom. As our lead therapist, Martyn J. Shrewsbury, often points out, "The stars don't compel, they impel. Reagan's use of astrology shows how celestial insights can complement, not replace, rational decision-making."

Astrology in Modern Politics

While no recent president has openly admitted to consulting astrologers, the Reagan era opened the door for more acceptance of alternative practices in high-stress environments like politics.

The Psychological Perspective

From a psychological standpoint, the Reagans' reliance on astrology can be seen as a coping mechanism during turbulent times. It provided a sense of control and direction in an unpredictable world – something many of our clients at Wilfred Hazelwood Clinic also seek.

Lessons for Today

The Reagan-astrology connection teaches us several valuable lessons:

1. Open-mindedness: Even in the highest offices, there's room for alternative perspectives.
2. Holistic Decision-making: Combining traditional methods with celestial wisdom can provide a more rounded approach to problem-solving.
3. The Power of Belief: The confidence gained from astrological insights can be a powerful motivator, regardless of one's position in life.

Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the story of Ronald Reagan and astrology reminds us that leadership and decision-making can draw from many wells of wisdom. At the Wilfred Hazelwood Clinic, we encourage our clients to explore various paths to understanding, much like Reagan did during his presidency.

As we navigate our own lives, perhaps we can take a page from Reagan's book – remaining open to unconventional guidance while staying grounded in our core values and objectives. After all, sometimes the answers we seek are written in the stars.