Morning Joe - Giving Up on Trickle Down?!? - video

March 8, 2016: glad that Thom Hartmann is talking about what Joe Scarborough said about the trouble with the Republican Party though I'd like to tell Mr. Scarborough that this isn't all:

Possibly Related: Obamaism vs Reaganism: Jupiter-Neptune and Pluto-Chiron. Note that both Cruz and Rubio were born with major Jupiter-Neptune signatures though Rubio's conjunction is closest with Jupiter in its own sign of Sagittarius (relates to others as a Sagittarian) unlike Ted Cruz whose Jupiter is in corporate-minded Scorpio (relates to others as a Scorpion, an Eagle, and/or a Serpent. Both have grand plans and ideas but are not necessarily reliable.

Now Pluto-Chiron plutocrats drench the place. You know, the two bodies last conjoined at the end of 1999 and their combined energies ushered in the New Millennium as much as any other cosmic factor shoved the Collective into the 21st century. And that's even if you consider the New Millennium to have started on January 1, 2001, not 2000.

At 12 Sag (which is often used as the US natal Ascendant (our rebel nation), the Sabian Symbol for the 1999 Pluto-Chiron conjunction is: "ADJUSTMENT" "A Flag That Turns into an Eagle That Crows" which could refer to any of the 2016 candidates, agreed? In political realms, the symbol sounds the most like crowing Cruz or bellowing Trump to me, but you must decide for yourself. The karmic degree just before is 11 Sag: "The Lamp of Physical Enlightenment at the Left Temple" with the keyword, RECONCILIATION." (The Sabian Symbols in Astrology, Marc Edmund Jones.) Wouldn't that be good? And yet...

The Pluto-Chiron cycle lasts about 60 years from conjunction to conjunction and has to do with transformation of mass consciousness and the deepest levels of reality. (Nolle). Among other things, the September 1, 2016 Solar Eclipse resonates with Pluto-Chiron concepts and suggests conditions of the 1930s within the Collective Unconscious (to those who have eyes to read, ears to hear). America's Inauguration Ascendant (the Oath of Office, the Presidency) at '14 Taurus' (noon, January 20, Capitol Building Washington DC) rises with difficult star Menkar, of the Cetus the Whale constellation, and relates closely to the president as mouthpiece, saying what must be said. As you know, it was Teddy Roosevelt who turned the White House soapbox into a "bully pulpit" though the adjective "bully" might obviously refer to Taurus the Bull, and is not necessarily a synonym for 'great, handy, efficient,' or, 'groovy' pulpit from which to preach. Anyway, the exploits of Jonah in the whale's belly for three days are indicated even though it was FDR who changed our Inaugurations from early March (Cancer rising, 1933) to January 20th in 1937 with Taurus rising. The 1930s again.

Ancient ones among us remember that George H. W. Bush, in his quest for more power, called trickle down policies 'Vood Doo Economics' which tells you the level of realism involved. And with the September 2016 Solar Eclipse themes of 'realism, coming down to earth, seeing old situations for what they really are, not what you thought they were' (Brady's Predictive Astrology), we can only note that candidates Bernie Sanders and possibly Donald Trump are the only ones who come close to filling that bill in Campaign 2016. The congressional record of Bernie Sanders can be and has been fact-checked while Mr. Trump's business and tax records are more elusive to public scrutiny, his resume inconclusive. Mob ties may be in the wings.

There are other candidates to be wary of for the simple fact that (according to my mother), we should, "Never trust a man who says, Trust Me." Great advice. Because you can't.

Democrats please don't stay home on November 8, 2016.

DC Horoscope: Spring Equinox 2016 w/ Mars Rising

A Political and Societal Consideration of the Spring Equinox 2016 Horoscope

by Jude Cowell

Image below: Horoscope of Spring Equinox (aka, Aries Ingress--Sun to Aries Point) March 20, 2016 Sunday 12:30:31 am EDT Washington DC; Hour of the Sun; chart-ruler Jupiter at Midheaven but retrograde; warrior Mars rising @4Sag35 and Saturn @16Sag22. Two malevolent planets in 1st house, plus, chart-ruler Jupiter Rx indicate potentials for: conflicts, aggression, delays, obstacles, and setbacks (ex: veterans' issues) during the Spring 2016 season; conditions may affect the entire year until next Spring unless and until other planetary factors intervene or mitigate the ones you see, below.

Please enlarge the image to read notes, some of which are not mentioned in the following text but should be kept in mind:

At the most visible angle of the chart we see Jupiter-North-Node at MC which shows someone increasing in public popularity, recognition, and status though NN conjoins star Denebola (to go against society, or, out of the mainstream which may describe any of the 'outsiders' still struggling for their respective nominations in Campaign 2016--or, malevolence toward society. Actually, the transiting Jupiter-NN of late has benefited the natal NN (22Virgo) and Neptune (26Vir58) of Senator Bernie Sanders and for Spring Equinox 2016, Sanders' natal Sun (15Vir36) shines at the Midheaven of this chart (Aspirations; The Goal.) However, the Equinox MC is at a critical or dangerous degree (17Virgo) as is the IC (17Pisces) which has the 18 South March 8, 2016 Solar Eclipse @18Pis55 conjoining it with themes of: endings, separations, partings, but with positive outcomes. (Brady.) The eclipse themes may describe candidates leaving the race or staffers leaving campaigns (though a loss through death cannot be ruled out at the IC = Endings, The HOW? Point, or the Foundation of the Matter.)

The public mood is playfully Leonine as you see: Moon @23Leo16 in 9th house chugs along as lead planet in a Locomotive line-up of planets, plus, the Moon (Hillary?) is also a member of a Fire Grand Trine with status quo Saturn and progressive Uranus, a closed circuit of energies where 'she' (Luna) is privileged, insulated, and hopes to be protected from outside interference and frustration (though nervous tension is involved). In the creative Fire element, this pattern shows a Moon full of self-pride, personal significance, and egotism. Fire is the royal element which provides much inner strength and self-confidence (humility need not apply!) along with demands for recognition (and nomination!) though such demands may be expressed in subtle or indirect ways. A reserved or stilted manner may be noticed. Yet this leading Moon might also describe the SCOTUS nomination process with Jupiter and Saturn square (obstacles; blockages) and both societal planets relating to the legal system and to the much-touted 'checks and balances' between the three branches of the US government.

But Bernie Sanders isn't the only 2016 candidate with significant planetary contacts to the Spring Equinox 2016 chart for Hillary Clinton's natal Jupiter @00Sag30 also rises in the above chart and her Saturn (authority, authenticity) is spotlighted by the Leo Moon. On the Republican side, the Leo Moon shines upon Jeb Bush's dictatorial Sun-Pluto opposition which for me denotes his war hawk/neocon past (Jeb signed on to the Iraq War via PNAC even before brother George did). As for Cruz and Rubio, stellar links to the equinox chart congregate mainly via their Jupiter-Neptune conjunctions rising indicating great hopes but little to build upon with shifty Neptune at IC (Cruz's Jupiter is in Scorpio, however, not Sagittarius like Rubio's.)

Before the 2016 General Election in November, Donald Trump's Sun Gemini-Moon Sagittarius opposition will be visited by transit Mars, the activator, in September 2016 while transit Saturn will take his own time getting there beginning in late December 2016 though restrictive effects may be felt earlier. Saturn to natal Moon is a squelcher emotionally as is Saturn opposite natal Sun which tends to cause endless delays, missed goals, challenges to authority, and hurt pride. Promises not lived up to come back to haunt, vitality may be missing, and health can be somehow impaired especially if there are chronic conditions.

Well, we haven't talked much about the recent Justice Antonin Scalia vacancy on The Bench (may he R.I.P.) but it's early days yet for that situation to gel though both sides are making noises. Suffice it to say that the Jupiter-Saturn square and Jupiter Rx already noted will provide plenty of delay tactics and blockages that we all expect to witness during the matinee performances of the Capitol Hill Political Theater that annoys We the People who are paying the tab for their half-hearted efforts as they 'govern' in breach of the public contract. One threat is another expensive Cruz 'filibuster' and unless someone stops him from again making a mockery of the US Senate, I wonder what he'll ham-ishly read this time?!? Testy Mars rising supplies plenty of conflict and tension.

Now a quick mention must be made of wealthy manipulator Pluto @17Cap16 in the 2nd house of the National Treasury, an indicator of foreign banking interests directing our financial system through the Fed and centered in the City of London, last I heard. Here Pluto triggers the 1993 Great Conjunction/s of Age of Reason planets, enlightened Uranus and Neptune, as we've discussed many times before. Transit Pluto hitting their midpoint creates a picture of "the big picture which must be followed, very little option to do otherwise" (Tyl) which always reminds me of an 'offer that can't be refused' made famous as plutonian Underworld Crime Syndicate dialogue in films such as The Godfather. Yet it also hints at the centuries-long Great Plan to crash civilization so that a 'new world order' or 'global government' can be built upon ruins, a larger version of how they did us on 9/11/01. A draconian control grid is, in fact, in place already for the most part. Can you feel it? Pluto as sub-ruler of corporate Scorpio rules the 12th house of Politics, Karma, Self-Undoing, and secret Back Room Deals in the Spring Equinox chart.

And yes, there is much more information to be found in the above chart but I can't type forever, so let's close with a few general notes concerning Spring Equinox 2016's fiery Sun Aries-Moon Leo blend if that's okay with you. Cautions are to watch out for those who exhibit a childish insistence on only seeing things their way (Ted Can Read!) or, those who move on to the next project before finishing the last (very Aries!) The emphasis is on such things as communications, support for causes, the concept or the actual demonstration of heroism, passionate idealism, inspired creativity, romance and entertainment.

Now if "passionate idealism" doesn't remind you of Bernie Sanders, maybe the blend's "Image for Integration" will: "After slaying the black dragon of sloth and greed, the young warrior is knighted by the one true king. He marries the maiden of purity and they live happily ever after." (Sun Sign-Moon Sign, Charles and Suzi Harvey.) Nice how 'the maiden of purity' is Virgo the Virgin and Senator Sanders' natal Sun, North Node of Public Contact, and idealistic Neptune are all in Virgo at the Aspiration Point of the Spring Equinox 2016 horoscope. Massive (Jupiter) audiences (NN) have so far been his during his campaign!

And last, on a curious note, one famous yet controversial person has turned up in the news during Campaign 2016 and perhaps she will again since she was born under the influences of the Sun Aries-Moon Leo blend. Her name? Feminist icon Gloria Steinem--with the Spring Equinox 2016 Moon spotlighting her Leo Midheaven!

Feb 4 and 6, 2016: R and D Candidates Debate as Saturn and Uranus Attend

February 4th and 6th: Democratic and Republican Candidates Engage Under Aquarius-Capricorn Vibes for it's a Sun Aquarius-Moon Capricorn blend of energies both nights with each sign ruled by Saturn, planet of government, the Establishment, the system, authority, accountability, responsibility, karma, and the status quo. And of course in modern astrology, Aquarius brings progressive Uranus to the debates--but the debates are weighted on the Saturnian side.

First, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders debate tonight February 4, 2016 (MSNBC 9:00 pm ET; Moon 00Cap) then Republican candidates will debate (aka, hurl insults at each other) this Saturday February 6, 2016 beginning at 8:00 pm ET (Moon 27Cap).

Since both debates come under the influence of the Spartan, steadfast, aloof blend of Sun AQ-Moon Capricorn, an *Image for Integration seems appropriate--simply apply to any of the 2016 presidential candidates as you wish!

Sun AQ-Moon Cap: "A revolutionary is elected president."

~:~

Image from Sun Sign-Moon Sign, Charles and Suzi Harvey.

Jupiter-Neptune's Marco Rubio "the boy in the bubble" - video

This video clip of 2016 candidate Chris Christie (R-NJ) labeling 2016 candidate Marco Rubio "the boy in the bubble" perks up my ears since I basically mentioned the same quality in Senator Rubio due to his natal Jupiter-Neptune conjunction which tends to inflate, bubble up, over promise, and cause its owner to dream grandly. Trouble is, there must be other planetary factors in the character to give flighty visions a basis for practical manifestation such as a strong Saturn, well aspected. In this situation, Saturn could represent the older corporate types who are financially backing Rubio for president and making his grand dream possible. He does seem quite young, inexperienced, and vulnerable to being bossed around by those who paid his way though you may disagree, of course.

In his critique, Governor Christie is talking about Rubio not answering questions, following a script, and being protected by his handlers during the campaign via his reference to a famous 1976 film, The Boy in the Plastic Bubble which was remade in 2011, plus, PBS' American Experience did a feature on it.

But Jupiter-Neptune has more to say about Senator Rubio due to past questions about a corporate credit card of the GOP and his 'creative' finances with charges like living beyond his means--a very Jupiter-Neptune way of financing which may not always be on the up-and-up. But then, we are talking about politicians so let's not get our Jupiterian hopes bubbling too frothily for all bubbles must burst!

For more details see Jupiter-Neptune: the Financial Travails of Marco Rubio from November 2015.

Note to Readers: My earnest pre-apology if MSNBC removes this clip at some point (though a Share button was made handy for Blogger). That's okay because, as he'd hoped, the bubbly critique is a news highlight this week for the New Jersey Governor!

Trump Brings Out Mysogynists in Fox Debate Feud - Thom Hartmann reports

Misogyny has long been apparent within some political circles and here we are in 2016 having issues with rude slurs cast upon women by 2016 candidate Donald Trump who's in a snit over being asked a pointed question by a--gasp!-- female FOX News anchor (in a previous debate)! What will tonight's GOP debate/s bring? Will Mr. Trump take his prejudices to another stage and skip the debate hosted by FOX in order to dodge being put on the spot by inconvenient questions? Oh deary me! Let's be anxious together, shall we? But I'll manage tonight's anxiety by watching NBC's The Blacklist at 9:00 pm and give nary a thought to the blacklist of Donald Trump:

Of course, without Mr. Trump, the GOP debate mojo falls upon other candidates, most notably senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz who, unlike real estate mogul Donald Trump, actually know how to debate issues and policies.

12.15.15 GOP debate in Las Vegas: 5 Plutos Rising

A Republican Las Vegas Debate with Pluto Rising in Leo and Virgo

by Jude Cowell

The fifth and last of 2015, tonight's Republican debate in Las Vegas, Nevada should be interesting if you're in the mood for campaign promises on a national stage and perhaps some entertaining political fireworks which the networks and pundits are longing for. CNN and Facebook will host; follow the link for more details.

Astrologically it seems curious to me that in the natal charts of five candidates: Trump, Carson, Bush, Cruz, and Rubio--all have their natal Plutos rising or just risen as the show begins! Pluto's power principle is of course a major part of Politics and the stealthy one's manipulation tendencies are vital for propaganda purposes, publicity included. Pluto in dramatic Leo naturally expects to rule by force while Pluto in Virgo possesses zealous and fanatical tendencies for whatever is acquired. It's generational as Baby Boomers Meet...whatever you call Cruz and Rubio's 1970s generation...X?

Thing is, it isn't only their Plutos appearing tonight it's natal Pluto's condition in each chart so, with my blogging time brief today, I've taken a tiny peek to see what baggage their Plutos bring along. In chronological order of birth:

Donald Trump (June 14, 1946) was born in the Pluto in Leo generation as was Jeb Bush. Trump's natal Pluto @10Leo 'leads the pack' by degree (though it's his quirky 10th house Uranus that leads actually his natal planets in a Bowl shape making him a wild card candidate who tends to disruptively say out loud what others won't say.) His Pluto is unaspected, however, so his power principle knows no interference, thank you, and this we've seen during his campaign. It is apex in a midpoint picture which we've also seen and it's a difficult one: Mars-Saturn (the death axis) = Pluto: the need to take control; forcing an issue; strong anger (Tyl); brutality (Ebertin.) Sound familiar?

Ben Carson (September 18, 1951) has natal Pluto @20Leo conjunct his Mars @19Leo, a major indicator of surgery or the surgeon that he was. As a pair they also describe one who makes excessive efforts to achieve goals. Unconscious anger, manipulation, and taking 'controlled action' (as in surgery) are denoted. Carson's natal Pluto conjoins his natal Psyche with both Pluto and the archetype involved in Psychology or Psychiatry. (That's Psyche, not 'psycho'.) His Mars and Pluto are apex of a midpoint: Sun-Uranus = Mars: combativeness; rash action. And with Pluto the independnt pair of Sun and Uranus give a strong drive for power (Tyl.) (

Jeb Bush (February 11, 1953) as stated was born with a Leonine Pluto opposing natal Sun in Aquarius,a natal Sun within range of US natal Moon (uh oh--this can be a presidential indicator.) Sun-Pluto people crave power and control and usually have ways of attaining this (Poppy Bush has been Jeb's ticket.)

Ted Cruz (December 22, 1970) is one of two with Pluto in Virgo conjoining his natal Sisyphus--and you know how determined that manifests. A descriptive midpoint picture involves the power planet--Sun-Pluto = Saturn @16Tau08 Rx ('17Tau' is the "swords vs torches" degree we discussed previously...... and this adds potentials for his wild tendencies to be blocked (ex: no, Ted, you cannot shut down the US government a second time and waste millions of taxpayer dollars) and restraining one's fanatical tendencies (Munkasey.) Note that this midpoint picture between Sun-Pluto-Saturn is formed by a Fist of God pattern, aka, Thor's Hammer.

The last candidate I'm considering here is Marco Rubio (May 28, 1971) with Pluto in Virgo and a Thor's Hammer pattern between Venus-Mars and Pluto which gives him potentials for passion, envy, and stealth. Using sex for power is also indicated though I know of no scandals of that nature, so far, only his financial troubles denoted by his Jupiter-Neptune conjunction in Sagittarius. (Mr. Cruz has the Jupiter-Neptune 'grand spirit' with over-promising and wastrel issues as well though his Jupiter is in corporate Scorpio, not Sag--both have Neptune @1Sag+). And perhaps Rubio's 'passion' is intensified by the asteroid conjunct his natal Pluto for it's sexy, glamorous Lilith who should feel right at home tonight as Senator Rubio debates his opponents in Sin City!

The Jupiter-Neptune Financial Travails of Marco Rubio

Astrology and the 2015 Campaign Pitfalls of Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)

by Jude Cowell

One of the stories that has gained traction in the news concerns 2016 candidate Senator Marco Rubio is his financial past deeds or misdeeds. It is told that he was in possession at one time of a party/corporate charge card which he used and when the bills came in if charges were his, he paid them (see video link, below) although, in spite of his opponents remarks, this is not an unusual arrangement. Helpfully a few hours ago, The New Yorker Magazine published a Guide to Marco Rubio's Messy Personal Finances for our consideration.

Yet without even a peek at their Guide, astrologers know that a man such as Marco Rubio, born May 28, 1971 in Miami, Florida, manifested upon the earthly plane under the speculative auspices of a Jupiter-Neptune conjunction which tends in one realm to provide its native with grand plans and possibly a grand spirit. Before we thud to the earthly plane for Jupiter and Neptune, let's note the year 1971 and the three great Conjunctions of money planet Jupiter and nebulous if not fraudulent Neptune:

1. February 1, 1971 @2Sag47

2. May 22, 1971 @1Sag44

3, September 16, 1971 @00Sag37

As you see, 00-3 Sagittarius is where Saturn has recently trod and is still within orb--Saturn to Rubio's natal Jupiter (00Sag55) is the 'time to give back' transit; Saturn to natal Neptune is the 'dream come true vs grim face of reality' transit--perhaps both, if you're running for president.

Also note that the last and current cycle of Jupiter and Neptune, the one we're now influenced by, began in 2009 and is imprinted upon the presidency of Barack Obama and the American public because the dreamy, unrealistic pair conjoined upon US natal Moon (We the People) in the range of 24--27 Aquarius and describes such events and conditions that year and the next as: a new "yes we can" presidency and its glowing promises, financial fall out from Crash 2007/08, the corporate welfare of bank bailouts, the ACA (Obamacare), the SCOTUS ruling of Citizens United in which corporations--Jupiter--are people, too. Therefore, they must be jailable, right? Puh! Year 2009 was full of a lack of realism and fluffy illusions on steroids! Anyway...back to Marco's Jupiter-Neptune...

With a natal Jupiter-Neptune conjunction, excess and inflation are key concepts and as you know, Saturn is a karmic planet that insists we reap what we've sown. So as transiting Saturn (today @4Sag47) has hit Rubio's natal Jupiter-Saturn conjunction there have been accountability issues to deal with, potentials for false hopes to be stomped, loss, disappointment, and plans which come to nothing. If Senator Rubio drops out of Campaign 2016 it probably has much to do with the establishment (Saturn) restricting his grand plan for higher office. Actually I've already heard pundits flying the 'he's not ready' flag, haven't you?

The Jupiter-Neptune influence also tends toward political conflicts, scandals, idealism, and a tendency to make the wrong diagnosis (Ebertin.) Facing hard realities is not a strong suit with a Jupiter-Neptune conjunction and Senator Rubio would do well to take heed of those who promise too much, pitch 'get rich quick' schemes to him (or 'get elected easily' schemes?), and who prove to be unworthy of his overly trusting nature.

On the positive side, he possesses a spiritual understanding of his social obligations and that is a missing trait in most self-serving politicians of our day. And with natal Saturn in late Taurus, there is fear of not gaining enough resources and possessions, plus, his Saturn widely conjoins natal Sun (6 Gemini) which gives him the capacity to handle responsibility. It also indicates that Marco Rubio learns from experience and has had to mature quickly. His Sun-Saturn conjunction shows in his recent answers to financial questions when he complains about wealthy candidates making a big deal about his financial struggles--struggles that all Americans have faced. Well, he's correct about that!

Now in case you missed it, ABC News' GMA recently conducted an interview with the candidate in which he answers his opponents' charges.

Before I close this Jupiter-Neptune post, let's add Rubio's natal Sun-Jupiter and Sun-Neptune oppositions for they have something to say about his current travails.

A natal Sun-Jupiter opposition denotes one who is enthusiastic and is able to put his best foot forward in his search for recognition and achievement, a good aspect to have in public relations. Charm is noticeable though there may be a certain lack of honesty that others detect--probably because he isn't always honest with himself. Jupiter expands and Sun is ego so a tendency to make glowing promises may become a problem when others end up feeling let down and this outcome may be more pronounced due to his inflationary, bubbly Jupiter-Neptune conjunction. Pomposity and overindulgence may also be a personal issues for the senator in various departments of life ("living beyond his means," said Donald Trump); weight gain may be a challenge.

Marco Rubio's Sun-Neptune opposition indicates strains in relationships caused by an inability to perceive genuine obstacles so that misdiagnosis can occur and solutions are off the mark (as with Jupiter-Neptune, noted above.) A misunderstanding of authority in his early years may continue to haunt him now and I believe this is seen in his Republican charge card/personal liability situation--were proper boundaries honored? Plus, he may not always see obstacles as opportunities as quickly as others do (ex: Donald Trump who won't take No for an answer) and more awareness of his talents has been necessary in order to achieve his goals.

With a Sun-Neptune opposition Senator Rubio may bring out the best or the worst in other people. Possessing a suspicious nature, his level of maturity and a determination to face reality will aid him in his search for authority, recognition, and approval--and he'll need that aid if what even half of this Ring of Fire report from May 20, 2015 says is true!

An untimed natal horoscope may be seen at astro.com with Sun in Taurus and Moon in either Cancer or Leo. One obvious trait of a Leo Moon is the 'reigning need' (Tyl) for approval and applause which may suggest more closely a political career than with a subjective, self-protective Cancer Moon.

The 'Freedom Caucus' is the 'Koch Caucus'! - video (plus, Venus)

Here Thom Hartmann explains what the Koch brothers have against continuing the Import-Export Bank and speaks to the genesis of the Tea Party which has morphed into the "Freedom Cause" in Congress:

Tonight "Freedom Caucus" values will be promoted during another Republican Debate (CNBC 8:00 pm edt) in the form of Koch-funded candidates like Senator Marco Rubio who, in spite of the two exceptions to the rule, could just be the 'someone different' that the Venus Cycle predicts for the election of November 8, 2016, plus, he satisfies the implied Hidalgo flavor (a social climber) noted in the election horoscope.

The Venus Cycle and US Presidential Election 2016

First Vote 2016, Venus, and the Election of a US President

by Jude Cowell

In September 2008 in her Visual Astrology Newsletter, Bernadette Brady published an intriguing article titled Standing in the Radiance of Venus: A Visual Astrology view of the US presidential election and its self-imposed union with Venus using the 8-year cycle of planet Venus as a predictive guide. With the 2016 campaign season already percolating thanks to interested billionaires and an overeager corporate media industry (using it to divert from other matters), let's take a peek at Election Day November 8, 2016 and focus primarily on the position and condition of Venus who radiates the candidate and ruling party she favors with success, or empowers the challenger she favors, while appearing in her cosmic role as either Morning Star or Evening Star.

Venus Must Have Her Way

Now as Morning Star, Venus favors the incumbent candidate or ruling party (even if 2 terms--8 years--have been served by one president)--aka, the "one who wears the crown" as it was termed in the olden days of Mundane Astrology. The Morning Star status of Venus occurs in November (2nd through 8th, when presidential elections are held) when the lady is in the early degrees of Libra, one of the signs Venus rules. Since our elections are on a 4-year cycle, Venus is Evening Star in alternate elections since Venus returns to her same position every 8 years. As Evening Star her position is the mid-to-later degrees of Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius, sign of the stranger or foreigner---someone different or 'other' who acts as the challenger to the throne -- such as a non-politician, or an Independent (neither Republican nor Democrat).

But in her Evening Star role, Venus bestows favor upon the incumbent party's rival as if she's wielding influence in the court of a king and 'the crown' may be given to the opponent of the king who rules. Yet there have been two notable exceptions to this predictive guide--the successful election of Democrat Franklin Roosevelt in the election of 1932 when he whisked away 'the crown' from the head of one-term Republican Hoover, and the election of Republican Ronald Reagan in 1980 who finagled 'the crown' from one-term Democrat Jimmy Carter. Both elections occurred with Venus as Morning Star yet upsets were somehow allowed due in part to both candidates' tendencies to hastily give favors to others and/or make advantageous backroom deals (Iran hostages for Reagan; for Hoover, his tide of popularity had turned due to economics after 1929.) Let's not use the word 'cheating' though I will say that cheating isn't winning, it's stealing. Plus, a fed up American public makes a difference as well--if we show up and vote.

So setting aside the two exceptions of 1932 and 1980 while remembering that 'dirty tricks' are typically used by power elites to skew election results their way, we look ahead to a horoscope of Election Day 2016 in the form of a symbolic chart of the Dixville Notch, New Hampshire 'first vote' in America which traditionally is cast between 12:00 am and 12:01 am by the small yet representative population of Dixville Notch:

Horoscope: Dixville Notch, NH 'First Vote' November 8, 2016 12:01 am EST; 1st quarter lunar phase = crisis in action

Hour of the Sun; Venus out-of-bounds (OOBs); Venus rules 3rd and 10th houses; ASC 1Vir00 with royal Regulus rising; MC (The Goal) @24Tau08 with golden Midas Rx and trickster Pan Rx in Gemini, 10th h; 3rd house Sun @16Sco13 conjunct voter Mercury which has just crossed the IC (one minute of voting and it's over!); 6th house Moon @20AQ47...'21AQ' = "A Woman Disappointed and Disillusioned" may be significant to our 2016 Venusian election tale.

As you see, Venus @25Sag13 has sashayed past austere (conservative) Saturn in mid-Sagittarius in the 4th house of Domestic Security, the Foundation of the Matter, and she glances back as the Evening Star and radiates her favor upon conservative Saturn, planet of law, government, business--and the US Congress (lawmakers, senators, and such.) Plus, evaluating attracter Venus is disposited by political and banking planet Jupiter in 2nd house of Money and Values. Additionally, Venus and Jupiter are in a Mutual Reception of friendliness with Jupiter prominent as lead planet of a Locomotive pattern (high powered executive ability and a drive to success.) Jupiter approaches US natal Saturn (14Lib48) so we may expect a conservative slant to the proceedings on Election Day 2016 with optimist Jupiter bringing US Saturn hard work structured toward reaching goals, an increase of responsibility, a deeper awareness of needed changes, and a chance to turn ideas and ideals into reality as a long-held ambition is achieved.

For the hidden manipulator, wealthy Pluto @15Cap22 here he's posited in the 5th house of Speculation, Risk-Taking, and Creative Pursuits along with activist Mars, the warrior, @29Cap14, a critical 29th degree which has a revealing Sabian Symbol considering foreign investors set freer than ever by SCOTUS' Citizens United ruling of 2010: "Directors of a Large Firm Meet in Secret Conference." For certain they do! This could easily be seen as a reference to plutocrats, transnational bankers, and even the pope (Pluto) meddling secretly from on high and utilizing testy actor Mars to instigate his schemes to control outcomes in business, law, and government (Capricorn.) Plus, with Mercury in big business Scorpio, we know that Mars and Pluto have a lot to say about what Mercury plans to do.

Mercury: the Voter, the Ballot, and our Thinking Processes

As chart-ruler and planet of voters and ballot-casting, Mercury @23Sco10 is near the Sun (6S56) and may not see issues as objectively as needed. Mercury rises on November 8th with starry Ras Alhague with its imperative to 'create balance' so we may assume that American voters may attempt balance of our political system in our traditional way--but switching parties in the White House lest our country lean too far from 'center' after 8 years of a Democratic White House. Venus in Sagittarius supports a change to someone 'different' though this may describe several of the varied 2016 candidates--even Donald Trump, if his nontraditional campaign style gets him all the way to November 8, 2016 (ed: Senator Bernie Sanders is also 'someone different'.) Plus, one of the asteroids of transition and change, Proserpina, is rising on the Mutable (thus, changeable) Virgoan horizon so a different style and/or political party seems to be exactly what Dixville Notch voters prefer in 2016...and the rest of America as well.

As for chart-ruler Mercury's major applying aspects, there are none but there is a square from the Moon (the public) in 6th house (Military, Police, Civil Service) in America's natal Moon sign, Aquarius. Moon-Mercury square indicates blockage between head (logic) and heart (emotions) which is a time-tested political tactic to confuse the public. This horoscope leans toward Fixed-Earth energies and we think of stubborn, possessive Taurus, sign of the Bull of Wall Street which seems to favor GOP candidates more than progressive Democrats (not that Hillary Clinton is a genuine progressive! That would be Senator Bernie Sanders), and of course, what planet rules greedy Taurus?

Even for all that, it is tempting to say that the cyclical Venus Effect on US Presidential Election 2016 must obviously favor a female victor, unless dirty tricks and arm-twisting backroom deals skew results. But as you see, Venus here plays the role of Evening Star and points toward a change of ruling party in the White House in 2016, a portent which can be satisfied by a Republican victor--and doubly so with one such as former CEO Carly Fiorina, a lady Republican and corporatist.

Yet if a Fiorina victory is too disconcerting for you (and hard to believe), there is at least one other possibility shown for "the other" to be favored by Venus in the person of Senator Marco Rubio for on November 8, 2016 the 'social ladder climber' power asteroid Hidalgo @00AQ03 conjoins the January 20, 2017 US Inaugural Sun, mundane significator of The President. This factor supports the potential for a Republican--perhaps a member of Congress--taking the White House throne in 2016 since the 'king star' Regulus @00Virgo rises and is the starry representative of the Capitol Building in L'Enfant's original plan for the construction of Washington DC's *Federal Triangle (see below.) Regulus may also signify a candidate who has held office on Capitol Hill--even VP Biden fulfills that role.

Actually, the Cycle of Venus timing 'the other' as victor in 2016 possibly may be satisfied by someone like Senator Bernie Sanders, a self-described socialist of a democratic persuasion. Is he different enough for Venus with his political views quite apart from establishment politicians--those we may call "the old guard" as denoted by status quo Saturn? Or will it take a change of political party to satisfy Lady Venus?

Update Oct 15th: after watching the Oct 13th Democratic debate, the performance of Hillary Clinton now identifies her as one who could possibly satisfy 'the other' imperative of Venus in Sagittarius as "someone different" (as pundits are saying)--the first female president of the United States. Yet I dread the Clinton baggage she'd carry for the Republicans would never shut up about it and let the issues of the American people take precedence over partisan politics. Republicans are so very very tiresome and Democrats only somewhat better for both have played large roles in the weakening of our democracy and the undermining of our Constitution.

Now if these considerations seem arbitrary or too iffy for you, perhaps it's because you know that many more events will occur between today (July 23, 2015) and Election 2016 and circumstances will change. On the cosmic list are Solar and Lunar Eclipses, and New and Full Moons which can affect matters in similar fashion to 'wild card' eclipses. Or does Astrology have nothing valuable to offer Politics as far as you're concerned?

Be that as it may, Election Day 2016 Astrology and Politics will again be a topic here on Stars Over Washington in the future and my hope is that you'll think to return to SO'W soon in case new information turns up or new perspectives become necessary to discuss. More natal planet info of Republican and Democratic candidates is to be added as well though not all exact birth times are to be found online. Here are a few I've posted so far, in no particular order:

Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Hillary Clinton here and here (includes her Fist of God or Thor's Hammer pattern), Senator Bernie Sanders, and Donald Trump here and here and--uh oh!--he was born with Regulus rising!

Related reading: Solar and Lunar Eclipses of 2015--2017.

~:~

*Federal Triangle: The White House = Arcturus (a different approach), the Washington Monument = Spica (the spike), and the Capitol Building = Regulus (success if revenge is avoided) for it's As Above, So Below, as the Founders and Builders of Washington DC well knew as their plan for the District reflected the stars above upon the earth below.

A Jupiter-Saturn Astro-Note: in Mundane Astrology Saturn and Jupiter, the societal planets, can handily represent the Democrats and the Republicans in various circumstances since both parties tend to alternate wearing restriction-and-expansion caps at will. Most often it's the Republican Party that insists on austerity measures (miserly Saturn) even though they are members of the Grand (Jupiter) Old (Saturn) Party. Of course, they spend lavishly like Jupiterians when they're in the White House or when the largess is for themselves or for the military, weaponry, and other things that make them mega-bucks via their stock portfolios and bribes from lobbyists and billionaire donors. It's that Saturn urge that wants to 'shrink the US government small enough so we can drown it in a bathtub', said Grover Norquist whose noon Natal Chart with details may be viewed here.

Note that Mr. Norquist is the midst of a Saturn Return and that his natal Jupiter in Virgo (planet of money, corporations, funding, investment, growth, politicians, preachers, teachers, mentors, military generals, etc) conjoins fixed star Denebola, keywords: to go against society.

Yet as the older of the two parties, Democrats also play Saturnian roles in US politics while playing generous Jupiter when it comes to Social Safety Net Programs, and promoting investment, development, and growth. Naturally, humankind needs the concepts of both Jupiter and Saturn to balance one another and thus, moderation is achieved. Too bad restriction and investment are so often used as cynical talking points to stall opponents' advancement while keeping any progress whatsoever from moving ahead which might benefit the American people. jc

Marco Rubio’s RNC Spending Spree - video (Jupiter-Neptune)

MarcoRubio #RepublicanParty #GOP #Campaign2016 #spendthrift

Hmmm...must check out the planets that signify spend-thriftiness and illusion in Marco Rubio's natal chart--Jupiter and Neptune, the inflationary pair of speculation, grandness, and potential fraud. And it seems quite appropriate now considering his questionable spending that within a few days of the time that a very thirsty Senator Rubio gave the Republican response to President Obama's 2013 SOTU address, expansive Jupiter, planet of money, greed, 'sprees', and overspending, stationed upon Rubio's natal Sun, planet of ego, a transit denoting increases in the political and financial realms along with a lack of boundaries and a perhaps ill-advised sense of importance.

Senator Marco Rubio to give SOTU 2013 response

Senator Marco Rubio: Sun trine Uranus

by Jude Cowell

Marco Rubio was born in Miami, Florida on May 28, 1971 with Sun in early Gemini--6Gem40 at noon. His opportunity to deliver the Republican response to President Obama's SOTU Address on February 12, 2013 is denoted by transit Jupiter, planet of grand opportunities, and the Great Benefic's Direct Station at 6Gem19 which was exact on January 30th--and occurred precisely upon his natal Sun.

Excitement grows and Rubio's political future seems bright plus, he's made the current cover of TIME magazine as "The Republican Savior," a compliment which he himself smartly denies.

Yet astrologically this seems feasible with his natal Sun trining Uranus, the planet of bright ideas that save the day and an engaging way of expressing his many ideas. Plus, his chart also contains a Jupiter-Neptune conjunction in very early Sagittarius (00Sag55 Rx and 1Sag33 Rx) which gives him idealism to serve but which can be over-exploited by others. The conjunction may also give him a tendency to misplace his trust. ('1Sag' = "A Grand Army of the Republic Campfire"--Jones.)

His SOTU 2013 response will be delivered bilingually, in English and in Spanish, an astrological nod to his Sun trine Uranus. Natal Mercury conjunct Venus should make it a pleasant if critical speech (Mercury-Venus square Mars in Aquarius with contentious Mars in wide conjunction with natal NN 17AQ02...public encounters.)

And of course, as Jupiter moves forward in the Zodiac, it will again trine natal Uranus (9Lib36 Rx), a time when politics, finances, and social issues are favorable for him and new methods and technologies are successful.

So Senator Rubio's grand opportunity and the publicity he will receive for his SOTU response will resound well for his career though caution is advised when expansive Jupiter transits natal Sun (ego) and this is a strong influence since Jupiter stationed there. It describes a period when one must either move forward to a higher level of influence (as he will) or go on to something else. Projects or endeavors begun twelve years ago are particularly on the menu during this transit due to Jupiter's 12-year cycle, though getting carried away by ego satisfaction and over-optimism should be avoided for best use of this expansive energy.

(He began serving in the Florida House of Representatives in 2000.)

Now there are several other horoscope factors suitable for discussion concerning this complex man so I urge you to view Marco Rubio's natal chart if you haven't already. Other transits to his natal planets have recently been and will be in play as 2013 goes on so we may find ourselves remarking more in depth upon his natal chart and prospects in the near future.

Election Day 2010: Sun Scorpio-Moon Virgo

On Tuesday November 2, 2010 Americans will go to voting booths across the nation in hopes that each ballot will be counted honestly. But that's a post with a different theme than this one. This one is a result of taking a brief look at the chart (charts, actually, for all through the day) of Nov 2, 2010.

Blogging time is brief since I'm getting ready to go out of town for a couple of days (Saturday is Bloggers Day at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta!) so I want to make note here of one of the Images for Integration for the Sun Scorpio-Moon Virgo blend which is in effect for the entire 24-hour period. This is a Water-Earth combo that can be described as 'glorious mud' and I suspect the whole nation will be mired in it as the 2010 campaign proceeds.

The 'Image'? 'Billy Budd', Herman Melville's unfinished novella. 'Powerful war' is involved with Melville's
story and America's neocon masters are all about that, aren't they?

More Neoconism for You?

That Republicans expect the November elections to be a major route of the Democrats knocks me out considering the 8 years of the Bush-Cheney regime that brought us illegal war, out-of-control deficits (to hobble the government from being able to spend our tax money on behalf of American citizens), a weakened justice system, Wall Street thieving in hyper-drive, special interest corporate rule more than ever before, torture as a way of life, shooting lawyers in the face and lying about it, unitary executive power of a despot kind, and more anti-American reforms than we realize (yet.)

Of course, I tend to see our illusory two-party system as working together - class warfare fought against us and against US sovereignty, so it's 6 of one half dozen of another when it comes to Rs vs Ds...for me. Perhaps you still believe there's a difference but I see their supposed differences as ideology driven ego games with important consequences. The November elections are interesting on another level as Capitol Hill politicians strive to save their careers so they can jockey for position in the NWO - so their propaganda will prove even more vicious, diverting, and subtle than usual.

At the moment, C-SPAN is covering Florida Republican US Senate candidate Marco Rubio's speech and it seems he's their rising star who's expecting big things in November. He says the elections will be a "referendum on the very identity of our nation" and that conservatives must "stand up to this big government agenda and not be co-opted by it. The US Senate has one Arlen Specter too many."

Now I know he means the Obama presidency when he says, "big government agenda" but that's not what I hear. I hear, let us helm the one-world-government, not the Democrats. Either way, the people are screwed and the co-opting has been achieved - Congress has been co-opted by corporatism.

And I don't know about you, but I'm not ready to put anymore Bush-esque or Cheney-esque politicians in any seat on Capitol Hill unless it's a seat on the tar-and-feathers express out of town. And they can take the Dems with them with precious few exceptions. And I suppose Rep Ron Paul should stay, if he will.

It's proving a bit amusing to hear Republican rhetoric which shows an alarming lack of memory of how they handled those last 8 years of debt, lies, and the undermining of our freedoms while "exporting Democracy" to foreign lands at the point of a gun.

So it remains to be seen what 'Billy Budd' can have to do with November elections 2010 and I will be publishing the horoscope and writing more on it soon. Till then, it's swim-with-the-fishies time which will be blogged on (hopefully with photos) at my botanical fish drawing blog Dreamyfish Art in a feature on the wonderful Georgia Aquarium.

Oh, and I agree with Rubio about America's over-abundant supply of Arlen Specters.

~:~

Sun Sign-Moon Sign, Charles and Suzi Harvey.