A Final Look at the Nominations (12/21/07)
Republicans
John McCain may get a brief bump now, especially through Christmas with Jupiter on his Node (1Capricorn27), but he will begin to slide shortly after New Hampshire and never recover. He may get a brief lift in New Hampshire with Jupiter trine his Sun (6Virgo01) through January 15, but it won't do much overall. Progressed Moon will move to oppose his Saturn (20 Pisces) as of January 9 and then transiting Saturn will move to conjunct his Sun as of January 31 through February 13. Both aspects will be very strong for the first two weeks of February ending his quest for the nomination irrevocably.
Mitt Romney has been significantly constrained by Saturn, especially since mid-November when the Saturn station began its 6-week quincunx of his Venus (8Aquarius32), making him less and less appealing to the GOP base. This aspect will pass after December 27. The Jupiter transit quincunx his Node (5Gemini29) and sextile his Mars (6Pisces18) following the New Hampshire primary of January 8, suggest he may manage to win that one and possibly Michigan (January 15). His difficulties, however, will come with the later primaries, due to Saturn opposing his Mars from January 27 through February 11 and Saturn squaring his Node from February 7 through February 20. These suggest he does not win either in Florida (January 29) or enough of the February 5 primaries to make him viable for the nomination.
Mike Huckabee, folksy Christian leader and the new darling of the hyper-religious right-wing base, has recently surged in the polls. I attribute this to transiting Pluto currently trine his Venus/Mars/progressed Pluto conjunction (28 Leo) from November 2 through December 21. In addition, transiting Jupiter is trine his Sun (01 Virgo) for a few days through December 22. With transiting Mars (28 Gemini) sextile this same Venus/Mars/Pluto combination during the first 5 days of January, it seems likely he will win the January 3 Iowa caucus. His next big bump comes from the Mars station January 22 to February 7 conjunct his South Node/converse progressed Venus conjunction (23Gemini55), and helping him substantially in numerous primaries. Following this potential bonanza, Jupiter (13 Capricorn) will move to sesquiquadrate the Mars/Venus/progressed Pluto configuration from February 12 to February 20, suggesting he is extremely happy and surrounded by adoring crowds during that period. His chances for actually winning the GOP nomination are quite good.
Rudy Guiliani will continue to be handicapped by the long Saturn station square to his Sun (7Gemini16) through January 27. It is this aspect that has facilitated the cascade of negative news stories since early November that have seriously eroded his front-runner position. If the 2:30 PM birth time is correct, Pluto may also be transiting his IC from December 17 through January 20, suggesting an emotional meltdown of sorts. I see little to suggest a turnaround after his plummeting status in January.
Democrats
John Edwards has some contradictory aspects that make a clear reading difficult. Saturn has been hovering in very close proximity to the square of his Moon/Jupiter conjunction since early November, coming back into exact orb of Jupiter (7Gemini27) through January 27 and then into exact orb of the Moon (5Gemini10) from February 11 to February 24. While the Saturn/Jupiter aspect may slow his rise somewhat in January, it is the Saturn/Moon aspect of the second half of February that suggests loss and disappointment. On the other hand, his progressed Moon will be conjunct natal Jupiter from January 20 through February 17, suggesting some significant victories. In other words, there is the possibility of some optimism and possible victories during the first half of February that give way to a feeling of loss and disappointment during the second half. Nonetheless, Edwards’ very strong, multi-year Jupiter progression conjunct his natal Sun (19Gemini18), which peaks in May 2009 and will be triggered strongly by transiting Uranus in March, could manage to keep him in the running somehow.
Hillary Clinton also has some contradictory indicators in her chart for the primaries. On the one hand, Neptune will be square to her Mercury, opposite her Saturn, and possibly square her Ascendant for all of January and into early February. This indicates the possibility that an anticipated win in the early primaries ends up being more illusion than reality. From January 24 through February 14, however, transiting Uranus will be sesquiquadrate her natal Sun (2Scorpio18), currently receiving a square from progressed Venus. This aspect could generate feelings of being popular and feeling contented, what one would expect after at least some measure of victory during the first half of February. But in March, Neptune begins its year-long transit square to Clinton’s Node (23Taurus35) suggesting some confusion and possible loss of focus at that time.
Barack Obama is under several planetary configurations that confer a great deal of popularity from 2007 through early 2009 and beyond. With progressed Venus conjunct progressed Node (26Leo55) melding into progressed Venus conjunct natal Node (27Leo19) by April 2008 and continuing through early 2009, Obama will continue his rise to political superstardom through the coming year. Certainly, one possibility is the nomination for president; another is the role of vice-presidential contender. In addition to the Venus/Node aspect, there will be Obama’s progressed Moon conjunct natal Jupiter during January through the 19th, suggesting significant success for him in the early primaries. It is quite possible he will win both Iowa and New Hampshire. There may be some contention around the Democratic South Carolina primary of January 26, given that it will occur on both a Mars and Mercury station. Recounts and delayed results are quite possible. As for the February 5 primaries, Obama seems likely to do well there as well, with transiting Jupiter sesquiquadrate his progressed Venus/progressed Node in the immediate aftermath, and transiting Jupiter quincunx his natal Sun coming into orb within a few days. In fact, it may be that all three top Democratic contenders make a strong showing on Tsunami Tuesday, increasing the significance of some of the later primaries. Obama is likely to benefit from this with several activations of his progressed Venus/progressed Node coming in the days after February 12.
Wedged in between the country’s rapidly diminishing euphoria over the Democratic takeover of Congress and its growing fear that nothing will hold back the insatiable insanity of the war-crazed Bush administration is a gathering fascination with the 2008 presidential election. Newly-declared candidates are popping up daily on the talk shows, subsequently dissected ad nauseum by the punditry. Now that 2006 is behind us, it seems timely for an astrological handicapping of the various candidates as well. I will address these in no particular order, posting the results on my blog as well as in article format for easy future reference.
HILLARY CLINTON
To much fanfare, Hillary Clinton has recently announced her run for the presidency in 2008. Her use of the internet is cutting edge; her fundraising machine is notoriously effective. As with many candidates at this juncture, there is no accurate birth time for Hillary (10/26/47 in Chicago). An 8 PM time is given by Astrodatabank with a huge qualifier that it could really be early in the morning. I have also heard 8 AM and 2:16 AM. For purposes here, I will use the 8 PM birth time but with great caution.
At present, Hillary is in the midst of her Saturn return, as well as transiting Saturn’s square to her Nodes and to her Mercury, from September 2006 through mid-July 2007. Criticism and obstacles are strong during this period, as well as meticulous hard work, laudable discipline, and caution. Hillary may seem stiff and unappealing at times, most particularly when transiting Saturn is exact in its square to either Mercury or the Nodes, from January 24 to February 16 and from June 11 to July 12. There may be some setbacks and difficulties for her campaign, including some fierce criticism of her positions.
Another important transit in Hillary’s chart begins in March 2007, when Neptune begins its square to the Senator’s Mercury and its opposition to her Saturn. Neptune may usher in a period of confusion or lack of clarity in Mrs. Clinton’s articulation of the issues, perhaps especially the war. It may also bring unrealistic expectations regarding her candidacy that are dashed when the transit passes in February 2008.
At this point, much depends on an accurate birth time. The 8 PM chart gives Hillary a 5 Pisces Midheaven, which means that Saturn will cross the chart IC in October 2007, February 2008, and late June, early July 2008. If this is the case, I think she will lose in the primaries. Saturn crossing the IC is a transit of self-doubt and feelings of failure. However, the 8 AM birth time gives her 5 Virgo on the Midheaven which would mean Saturn will be crossing the MC, rather than the IC, during those same three periods. Such a transit can give a concrete manifestation to one’s career plans. Dreams become reality, but with the many challenges that can imply. Being the winner of the primaries and becoming the candidate would change the equation in such a fashion.
There are some progressions and transits, two that are specific to the 8 PM chart, that suggest increasing popularity and public exposure during 2008. Progressed Venus will be square Hillary’s Sun, and converse Mercury will be conjunct converse Venus. Both aspects imply growing public approval and attraction and may be found in either chart. In addition, transiting Pluto will be opposite the Ascendant and square the Moon in the 8 PM chart, suggesting the intensified public exposure and scrutiny one would expect in an election year. But, it is noteworthy that all of these aspects are rapidly diminishing by December 2008. Moreover, there is little in Hillary’s chart for 2009 and beyond to suggest an increase in power or the dynamism one would expect if one were to take on the presidential mantle. Another reading of these aspects would be a defeat in the primaries (Saturn conjunct the IC, Neptune moving to square the Node by March 2008) but resurgence as a campaigner and fundraiser for others, with growing appreciation and popularity as a result. (posted 2/5/07)
ADDENDUM ON HILLARY:
Regarding Hillary’s candidacy, a look at husband Bill’s chart (8/19/46; 8:51 AM; Hope, Arkansas) is most informative. All of the big Jupiter and Venus action, what you would expect to see during an active campaign, happens before mid-February 2008, and, in fact, most of it stops around February 6. This suggests lots of that infamous Clintonian charisma exuded prior to the big round of primaries on February 5, and very little thereafter. Surely, if Hillary were to win the bulk of the primaries, we would see an upsurge in expansive (Jupiter) and charming (Venus) activity in her husband’s chart over the following several months, especially in the fall of 2008. Nothing of the sort appears. Instead, we see the Mars station semisquare the former president’s Sun and square his Venus in November 2007 and the Jupiter transit conjunct his IC, square his Ascendant, square his Mars, and square his Venus in January 2008, right up to the February 5 primaries. These aspects imply the heightened level of social interaction and fund raising implicit in his role in the campaign. Their timing indicates that Bill Clinton will stop actively campaigning for his wife’s presidential bid in early February 2008. (posted 3/11/07)
JOHN EDWARDS
Although John Edwards (6/10/53, Seneca, SC, 7:02 AM) currently is under the energetic and forceful transit of Pluto opposite his natal Mars through November 2007 , lending him an air of strength and political courage, his planetary picture at the time of the 2008 primaries and the November election suggest difficulties and a time of burden. From October 2007 through July 2008, Saturn will square Edwards’ Moon and Jupiter, activating a natal sesquiquadrate. This suggests a more somber and constricted time than usual and is not likely to bring a victory at the polls. The Moon /Saturn aspect will be particularly strong from February 11 through February 24, just as a big and decisive chunk of primaries concludes. Should Edwards manage to win despite these difficult planets, the Saturn station in November and December 2008 will also be causing problems, square to his Sun and sesquiquadrate his Venus, and would not likely bring him success at that juncture either. (posted 5/19/07)
BARACK OBAMA
At the moment, Senator Barack Obama is the shining new star on the horizon of presidential politics. The big question, of course, is whether his extraordinary magic will last through the 2008 election and beyond. In a word, yes, it will. At present, Obama’s (8/4/61, Honolulu, 1:06 PM) converse progressed Venus has just moved into a square with his natal Sun (12Leo18), peaking in strength in January 2008. This Sun/Venus aspect will magnify his charisma throughout the coming year and increase the devotion and strength of his following. The transiting Jupiter quincunx to his natal Sun, triggering this progression from February 7 through February 12, 2008, will cap this progression with an exceptionally positive period immediately after the large cluster of primaries on February 5. It is hard not to imagine some significant victories at this point.
In addition, beginning in January 2008 and continuing to wax through February 2009, Obama’s progressed Venus will be conjunct first his progressed Node (1/08 to 10/20/08) and then his natal 10th house Node (4/08 to 2/09). These aspects, much like the Sun/Venus progression, also suggest intense popularity and an extraordinary period of success and satisfaction, particularly in the career area of the 10th house. It is also worth pointing out that Obama’s Node is 27Leo18, within minutes of an exact opposition to the US Moon (27Aquairus12). So this progressed Venus/Node activity (also augmented by a stationary quincunx from progressed Jupiter for several years) resonates profoundly with the American public. It makes Obama seem like the man for the times, the one who brings buoyancy and good feeling to the people (the Moon). Moreover, the strong mood of caring and popularity represented by so much Venus activity continues throughout 2009, with transiting Pluto opposite Obama’s Venus, as well as his progressed Venus conjunct progressed Uranus.
Needless to say, all is not sweetness and light in the Land of Obama. It never is in politics. At present, Saturn is moving in to station very close to Obama’s Midheaven (19Leo29) from late February through May 2007. This aspect is clearly introducing him to the hard, cold realities of political battle, most recently expressed in the sniping between the Obama and the Clinton camps. But Saturn is most at home on the chart Midheaven, whereas Hillary is in the midst of a very difficult Saturn transit: conjunct her Saturn and square to her Nodes and Mercury. Obama is likely to come out of this little squabble strengthened and toned; Hillary is more likely to sustain self-inflicted wounds.
Finally, expect to see a far more aggressive Obama from May 2008 onward. It is quite possible he will lock in the nomination in March 2008, with both Uranus and Jupiter in aspect to his Midheaven. By May, transiting Uranus will move to oppose his natal Mars (22Virgo25) and the gloves will come off. Venus and its attendant charisma will still be strong (Venus/Node), but in addition we will see a formidable warrior. This aspect continues through March 2009 and is then quickly succeeded by converse progressed Mars conjunct converse progressed Uranus through mid 2011. These aspects suggest the strength and courage necessary to secure the nomination and then the presidency. At this point, I see no other candidate who comes close to this potent combination of aspects, unless Al Gore decides to run. He also shows colossal popularity and strength in 2008 and 2009, and should he choose to enter the fray, all bets are off. (posted 2/22/07)
RUDY GUILIANI
Affectionately known as “America’s Mayor” after 9/11, Rudy Guiliani is more accurately known among New Yorkers who have lived under his care as a thin-skinned bully. Surely 8 years under the swagger of the despotic and touchy Junior Bush is enough. Nonetheless, we must explore Rudy’s horoscope for indications about his future, since he is currently the front-runner in the GOP line-up.
Rudy Guiliani (5/28/44, 11:52 AM, Brooklyn, NY) is currently enjoying the feeling of power and popularity that comes with numerous Pluto transits: trine the Ascendant, quincunx Venus, and quincunx the Node. As the last of this energy wanes around mid-May 2007, numerous Saturn aspects will take over and rapidly diminish his rock star status. Some are brief, some are more prolonged, but, cumulatively, they speak of ongoing difficulties and frustrations as well as declining poll numbers from late May onward. In order of appearance, these aspects are: Saturn conjunct Jupiter, Pluto opposite Saturn, Saturn conjunct the Moon, Saturn conjunct the Ascendant, Saturn square Venus, and, beginning in late October 2007 continuing through July 2008, Saturn square the Sun. Given these aspects, it seems likely that Rudy’s current popularity is short-lived. It will decline after May 2007 and continue its downward spiral as the year progresses. It seems quite improbable that he will get his party’s nomination, despite the return of some Plutonian popularity by July 2008. (posted 5/19/07)
MIKE HUCKABEE
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is perhaps best known for losing over 110 pounds in the past few years and triumphing over his obesity. He is an evangelical Baptist and a strong supporter of right-wing social issues including the teaching of creationism. He is also known to be very concerned with both the environment and health care and is generally considered more of a “pragmatist” than an ideologue. With his very appealing personality, he could be a very strong GOP candidate in 2008, if he runs, and would be likely to resonate strongly with the Bush-wearied right-wing base.
Governor Huckabee’s chart (8/24/55, Hope, Arkansas) suggests a man of incredible personal charisma due to his natal Sun/Venus/Mars/Pluto conjunction, all within 4 degrees. Currently, progressed Pluto is conjunct both natal Venus and natal Mars (28 Leo), and progressed Jupiter is conjunct natal Pluto (26Leo37). Both of these progressions will continue for several years. In addition, both are triggered repeatedly by transits during 2008, most notably by a sesquiquadrate from Jupiter, in January and, again during its station, from August through October 2008, and from Pluto, which will be trine to the Sun, Venus, Mars, or Jupiter, collectively, for most of the year. These aspects suggest that Huckabee will be extremely attractive to the electorate in 2008. Although there is nothing particularly strong to indicate a win in November or an Inauguration in January, there is also nothing to suggest a loss. Unfortunately, without an accurate birth time, a great deal of information is missing in these calculations. Nonetheless, Huckabee remains a very strong potential candidate for the upcoming presidential election. (posted 1/17/07)
JOHN McCAIN
Currently seen as the GOP’s frontrunner in 2008 and cleverly tied by candidate John Edwards to the “McCain Doctrine” synonymous with increasing troop levels in Iraq, Senator John McCain is an experienced conservative politician at the pinnacle of his career. Previously known for being somewhat of a maverick and speaking his mind instead of the daily talking points, McCain has more recently been seen kissing up to a beleaguered Commander-in-chief Bush, as well as to the GOP’s fundamentalist, cult-like base. At present, his political fortunes are inextricably linked to the dubious fate of the American escalation in Iraq. A significant victory could greatly increase his own bid for the presidency; failure could squash his ambitions forever.
McCain’s birth chart (8/29/36; Balboa Heights, Panama; 9 AM) suggests that his immense popularity of recent years may be on the wane. In 2005, transiting Pluto was square to his Venus, giving him an intense emotional appeal and charisma. In 2006, converse Mars was conjunct converse Venus, another aspect likely to confer a strong appeal and attractiveness. As of late January 2007, however, the Mars/Venus aspect begins to wane, while progressed Venus begins to move into a square with natal Saturn through October 2007. In his natal chart, McCain has a rather close Venus/Saturn opposition, and any progressed aspect between them will be felt quite strongly. It seems quite likely that this 2007 Venus/Saturn square will greatly diminish McCain’s popularity, as well as limit his political options significantly.
By late October 2007, transiting Saturn will move into the first of three conjunctions to McCain’s natal Sun (6Virgo02). The second will be in February 2008, and the third will be in July 2008. The addition of progressed Moon opposite natal Saturn from January 7 through February 7, 2008, suggests quite strongly that McCain will be unlikely to win his party’s nomination for president. Moreover, the transits of Uranus on his natal 6th house Saturn and Saturn opposite his natal Saturn (20Pisces09) at the end of 2008 and in early 2009 suggest he will not be happy with the results of the 2008 election and that he may be dealing with health problems (6th house) around that time as well. (posted 1/13/07)
MITT ROMNEY
It seems to me to be very clear that Mitt Romney’s candidacy is never going to take off. By year’s end, Saturn will move into an opposition to his Mars, and most troublesome, it will also be squaring his Nodes. These are not aspects of popularity. Both aspects run from October 2007 through July 2008. In addition, Uranus will make a station conjunct Romney’s Sun from April through August 2008, suggesting a total shift in his life and the possibility that an entirely new career will suddenly awaken in him. Moreover, there are no strong Venus progressions in 2008 to suggest the kind of popularity necessary to win an election. (posted 3/11/07)
FRED THOMPSON
Law and Order star Fred Thompson (8/19/42, Sheffield, Alabama) is commanding increasing interest in his potential run for the presidency. In our media-saturated age, who better than someone who looks presidential on TV? With his tall and imposing presence and conservative credentials, Thompson appeals to mainstream conservatives disappointed with the current dismal crop of GOP candidates. The progression of Venus conjunct progressed Mars is bringing him a certain attractiveness that will continue through 2007. On the other hand, there exist some significant deterrents to his candidacy in the form of Saturn progressions and transits.
Natally, Thompson has Saturn square to the Node, Mercury, and Mars which describes a very serious, cautious, and somewhat inflexible attitude. All three of these squares are being highlighted by either progressed Saturn or converse progressed Saturn for the next few years suggesting some major difficulties in his life, possibly including a recurrence of some of his recent health problems. The transit of Saturn square to his natal Node from late September 2007 through June 2008 will accentuate the converse Saturn square already in place and is likely to greatly weaken his appeal during the primary season. Saturn squaring the Node typically brings a feeling of isolation, as well as obstacles in successful collaboration with others. There is little to suggest Thompson will be the GOP’s Chosen One in the coming election. (posted 5/19/07)
More to come.