American basketball small forward/ shooting guard who played for the Carolina Cougars (1974-1975) and Spirits of St. Louis (1975-1976) of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the Buffalo Braves (1976–1977), Detroit Pistons (1977–1978), Kansas City Kings (1978–1980) and San Antonio Spurs (1981) of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Gerards ABA and NBA careers were hampered by drug problems; after leaving professional basketball Gerard became a licensed chemical dependency counsellor and was involved in a program called Bouncing Back, in which athletes like himself, former Spirits of St. Louis teammate Marvin Barnes and former NBA player Dirk Minniefield travel to schools and businesses, sharing their stories about addiction and recovery. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less
In Vedic astrology, having the natal lagna (ascendant) in the Virgo sign suggests a personality that is analytical, detail-oriented, and methodical. Virgo, ruled by Mercury, is an earth sign symbolizing practicality and a strong inclination towards service and helping others. Individuals with this ascendant are often health-conscious, intelligent, and possess a natural ability for organization and problem-solving. The placement of the lagna in the Uttar Phalguni nakshatra adds another layer to this personality. Uttar Phalguni is ruled by the Sun and is associated with themes of leadership, generosity, and partnerships. This nakshatra instills qualities of warmth, kindness, and a sense of responsibility. People with this placement tend to be reliable, supportive, and are often seen as pillars of strength in their communities. The ascendant lord, Mercury, being placed in the 11th house in the Cancer sign and Pusya nakshatra, further influences the native's life. The 11th house represents gains, friendships, aspirations, and social networks. When Mercury occupies this house, it typically indicates a strong intellectual network and the ability to communicate effectively within social circles. The individual is likely to have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and may also find success through collaborative endeavors. Mercury in Cancer imbues the native with emotional intelligence and a nurturing communication style. This can manifest as a caring and understanding approach in interactions, making the person appear empathetic and sensitive to others' needs. The Pusya nakshatra, ruled by Saturn, is considered highly auspicious and is associated with nourishment, growth, and spirituality. With Mercury in Pusya, there is a natural inclination towards wisdom, learning, and a disciplined approach to fulfilling one's desires and ambitions. Overall, this astrological configuration suggests a balanced individual who combines analytical skills with emotional depth, making them adaptable and adept in both personal and professional realms. Their ability to blend logic with empathy can lead to success in areas involving communication, teaching, counseling, or any field that requires a harmonious interaction with others.
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