In the heart of Casper, standing tall outside the Natrona County Public Library, is a striking bronze statue of Prometheus, sculpted by the renowned artist Robert Russin. Prometheus, a titan from Greek mythology, was punished by the gods for stealing fire and giving it to humanity—a symbol of enlightenment, defiance, and progress. The statue, dedicated on February 8, 1975, is not just a piece of public art but a profound representation of knowledge and rebellion, themes that resonate deeply with the spirit of Casper. Over the years, it has become an iconic local landmark, sparking discussions about mythology, art, and even astrology.

The Case for Prometheus as Uranus

If any celestial body should bear the name Prometheus, it’s Uranus—not for the sky god of myth, but for the fire-bringer, the boundary-breaker, the one who defied the heavens to illuminate humankind. Renowned astrologer and historian Richard Tarnas has long pointed out how Prometheus, not Uranus, embodies the planet’s mythic archetype: rebellion, innovation, and the spark of genius stolen from the divine. And what better testament to this idea than Casper’s own statue of Prometheus, sculpted by Robert Russin, whose astrological imprint is as dramatic as the legend itself?

The Dedication Chart: February 8, 1975

The statue was dedicated on February 8, 1975, at 2 PM in Casper, Wyoming, and the cosmic alignment on that day speaks to its mythic significance.

A Sun-Mercury cazimi in Aquarius marked its moment of birth, endorsing this tribute to the titan who defied Zeus. This cazimi represents enlightenment and clear intellectual focus, fitting for a statue that embodies the illumination of humankind.
Jupiter and Venus were conjunct the Midheaven in Pisces in the 9th house, an astrological signature of wisdom, artistic beauty, and philosophy being publicly honored. The Midheaven placement suggests lasting visibility and importance.
Neptune and the North Node conjoined in Sagittarius, an omen of the Promethean struggle—the pursuit of enlightenment and the sacrifice that comes with it. This placement suggests a grand destiny, reinforcing the theme of Prometheus as a guiding figure of knowledge.

The Theft of the Flame: December 1999

Prometheus, by his very nature, is a figure of defiance, suffering, and trickery. And so it was in December of 1999, when vandals stole the flame from his hand, mirroring the theft of fire from Olympus. The sky reflected this deception:

Transiting Neptune in Aquarius was exactly square natal Uranus in Scorpio, symbolizing an illusion or theft (Neptune) targeting an icon of rebellion and technology (Uranus). This was an astrological reenactment of the Promethean myth, where deceit and transgression intertwined.
The event played out under an Aquarian transit, reinforcing themes of disruption, unexpected loss, and the shifting of ideals. If ever there was a transit to symbolize the “deception of the Promethean flame,” this was it.

The 50th Birthday Celebration: February 8, 2025

Fast forward fifty years, and the heavens conspired yet again. On February 8, 2025, as local community partners hosted a grand celebration of Prometheus’s birthday, the celestial echoes were undeniable.

Once more, a Sun-Mercury cazimi in Aquarius graced the sky, reaffirming Prometheus’s status as a beacon of knowledge. The recurrence of this cazimi suggests a cyclical reaffirmation of Prometheus’s symbolic role in enlightenment and discovery.
Neptune and the North Node again formed a conjunction—this time in Pisces, shifting the narrative toward mysticism, intuition, and sacrifice. While the 1975 conjunction in Sagittarius was about knowledge-seeking and expansion, this 2025 alignment in Pisces brings a more spiritual, reflective energy, highlighting the ways Prometheus continues to inspire on a deeper, more subconscious level.

The Astrology of Then vs. Now

Comparing the dedication chart (1975) to the 50th birthday (2025) reveals striking alignments:

Transiting Jupiter in Gemini opposed natal Neptune in Sagittarius, expanding the mythology and visibility of Prometheus’s tale. Jupiter’s role here amplifies the philosophical and cultural significance of the statue’s presence in the community.
Transiting North Node in Aries in the 6th house reflected a collective call toward independent action and responsibility—fitting for a symbol of defiance. The North Node in Aries points to a renewed emphasis on individual will and courage, qualities intrinsic to Prometheus’s myth.
Transiting Pluto in Aquarius (8th house) squared natal Uranus in Scorpio (5th house), bringing transformation, upheaval, and a reawakening of Promethean themes of defiance and consequence. This transit signals a deeper restructuring of the statue’s cultural meaning, possibly inviting a new generation to reinterpret its significance.

The Eternal Promethean Cycle

Prometheus refuses to be forgotten. His flame was stolen, his presence was honored, and the heavens have woven his story into time itself. Just as his myth transcends ages, his astrological imprint continues to mark moments of revelation, deception, and revolution. The alignments seen in 1975, 1999, and 2025 are not random—they are the echoes of a mythic narrative still unfolding.

It begs the question: are we, too, living out our own Promethean saga, forever seeking fire, knowledge, and the courage to defy the gods?

Stealing Fire, Marking Time: The Astrology of Casper’s Prometheus Statue