Merce Cunningham
drive and ambition

Once Merce Cunningham sets his mind on a goal, his dedication, determination, and commitment are extraordinary. Cunningham pursues his ambitions tenaciously and will stubbornly refuse to give up, let go, or be influenced in any way. Like Aesop's tortoise, Merce labors patiently and steadfastly until he achieves what he wants - or until it is clear beyond a shadow of a doubt that all is lost. He is a reliable, consistent and productive worker, and he often shoulders more of the workload than his co-workers, usually without complaint. He often ends up with the nitty-gritty work. He prefers a regular routine, with definite hours and clearly defined responsibilities and tasks. In fact, establishing a pattern or routine is very important to his success because once he gets started in a certain direction, it is easy for Merce Cunningham to kept to that path. Getting started is more difficult. Merce Cunningham has a lazy, comfort-loving side and there is often a good deal of inertia for him to overcome before Cunningham gets going; but once he gets a momentum going, his energy level is strong and steady.

He is interested in concrete results and solid, practical achievements. Merce Cunningham needs to have some tangible product or contribution to show for his efforts, and cannot be content with only intangible rewards (such as having a good time, learning, or spiritual enrichment). Material well-being and security is also a large factor in determining what he does. Merce's stamina and persistence are his greatest assets, but they can also work against him; he can get caught in a rut and refuse to seize new opportunities. Merce Cunningham also tends to play it safe, and to limit himself as a result.

Asserting himself and being direct and forceful about what he wants is very often difficult for Merce. Though he may have a great deal of energy and drive, Merce Cunningham lacks confidence or simply the desire to put himself and his interests first. Positively, Cunningham can be very unselfish, working more on behalf of others rather than for himself.

However, Merce Cunningham denies his own desires and needs too much, and he is likely to secretly become very angry, which will sabotage his finest efforts.

He enjoys risky, exciting activities and cannot tolerate too much routine, tedium, or inactivity. Unless other factors in his chart suggest staying power and the ability to follow through, Merce Cunningham may be the person who initiates a new venture but cannot happily participate in the ongoing, sustained effort it requires. "Independent" is Cunningham's middle name! Merce Cunningham needs to be a totally free agent, to run his own show. Merce likes to introduce new concepts to people, and then move on.

When Merce Cunningham wants something, he can be amazingly persistent and unrelenting, even a bit obsessed, although quiet about it. In fact Merce may hide his deep purposes and intentions even from friends. Whenever he does a thing, it is done wholeheartedly and thoroughly - and if Merce Cunningham does not want to do something that others wish him to do, somehow he will find a way out of it. Cunningham is strong, though subtle.

He is industrious and diligent and has the power to establish himself in the world. He is very ambitious and tends to strive for public recognition. Although he may not be looking for trouble, Merce Cunningham could easily get into disputes or quarrels.

To achieve his ambitions and long-range goals will require much stamina and self-reliance as well as a clearly defined strategy. Numerous setbacks, obstructions or delays can also be expected. A father figure, mentor, or authority in Cunningham's life may withdraw support at a crucial time. However, this will not stop Merce Cunningham and may ultimately be a blessing in disguise.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Mars in Taurus

Mars in 12th house

Mars Sextile Uranus

Mars Sextile Pluto

Mars Conjunct Sun/Asc.

Saturn Quincunx MC