Pluto

A PERSONAL NOTE FROM ME TO YOU

I initially thought this post would be a two-week research and writing project. Alas, it turned out to be a twelve-week research and writing project.

If you’re expecting to skim through this post in 30 seconds while at a stoplight and find out who wins the 2020 US presidential election, you’ll be sorely disappointed.

Analyzing the astrology of a presidential election requires multiple layers of interpretation; in preparation for this post, I analyzed over twenty charts (the complete list is below).

To make it an easier read, I have divided this post into many smaller sub-headings. Reading ease aside, I also don’t expect most people to read this 8,000-word post in one sitting (with sub-headings, you can read it piecemeal and easily remember where you left off).

This has been, hands down, the most time-consuming blog post I’ve shared so far. If you find it interesting or insightful, I would be very appreciative if you shared it with anyone else who you think would appreciate this content.

Here we go.

PART 1: A PREFACE, IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS & DISCLAIMERS

An Exercise in Objectivity

I am often asked if I read my own chart. I technically can. While I am aware of transits, progressions, and solar arcs that affect my chart at any given time, I have my chart read by another astrologer roughly every 18 months.

In the same way that psychotherapists can’t analyze themselves, it is difficult for astrologers to remain objective when studying their own charts. It’s too easy to project your fears, hopes, and anxieties when reading your chart. For that reason, I prefer that someone with no vested interest in my life take a look instead.

If there’s one thing that is highly subjective, it’s politics. We all have an opinion — whether that ranges from staunchly supporting a party or abstaining from voting because “it’s all bullshit; both major political parties are the same.” Even saying “I don’t care about politics” is a subjective opinion. I have yet to meet someone who, when it comes to politics, says “I have no opinion.”

This project was an exercise in objectivity. I am not a computer program spitting out scripted astrological analysis. I am a registered Democrat and I will vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. And, by virtue of being human, it’s only logical that my initial lens would be one that purposefully looks for everything that supports my desired outcome. That, however, is not my role as an astrologer.

In a minute, we’ll look at the 2016 election (there’s an important reason why). Four years ago, almost every astrologer’s analysis of the 2016 election forecast a “landslide win” by Hillary Clinton. At the time, I didn’t bother to do my own astrological analysis on the 2016 election. What these astrologers pointed to as the reasons for their conclusions made sense to me, so I went with it.

Now that I’ve analyzed those charts, I don’t know how anyone concluded a “landslide win” by Hillary Clinton — other than bias. That is, of course, one of the pitfalls of astrology. If we go in with a pre-determined idea of what we want to see, we will find it at any cost. I’ve come across astrology articles and blog posts that will bring obscure asteroids into an astrological analysis to shoehorn one narrative.

For the sake of writing an insightful and informative piece, I tried my best to look at all of these charts as if I had no stake in the final outcome. I don’t know if I was a hundred percent successful, but please know I made a concerted effort.

Are Presidential Elections Fated and Predestined?

I can’t write a blog post on the astrology of a presidential election without addressing this. After all, if candidate “X” is guaranteed a cosmic win, then what’s the point of voting?

As I always say, I grimace at the notion of astrology being reduced to the equivalent of a fortune cookie or a “Zoltan the Great” machine.

Astrology systematically and carefully scrutinizes a plethora of factors to arrive at a well-informed conclusion, in the same way that meteorologists consider temperature, humidity, wind speed, and air pressure to come up with a weather forecast. If a forty percent chance of rain is forecast but it doesn’t end up raining, that doesn’t mean meteorologists “got it all wrong” or “don’t know what they are talking about” — or that meteorology “is a load of BS.” Astrology, like meteorology, also deals with percentages. Sometimes, those percentages are extremely high. Sometimes, they are low but still worth bringing up as an FYI.

As you’ll see when you make your way through this post, both candidates have challenges on the road to the White House as well as certain aspects they can tap into that can help grant them an edge.

What is determined are the themes and issues that will arise during a presidency. This is why your vote matters; it determines who is in the driver’s seat as we collectively navigate the next stretch of road.

The Problem with Forecasting Presidential Elections in the United States

In many countries, votes in a federal election are cast in-person on one day (usually a federal holiday). In that scenario, we can rely on that day’s astrological aspects — and transits to each candidate’s chart — to get a more dialed-in story.

While the United States technically has a nationally recognized election day, tens of millions of citizens can vote several weeks early (here in Nevada, I can cast a vote as early as October 17).

This muddies the waters and brings up important questions. Should the date and time that the first ever vote is cast (which I don’t think anyone knows) be used to create the birth chart of the election? Should we use the day of the national election to cast a birth chart? What about mail-in votes? What about United States citizen who live abroad and mail their vote up to six weeks before the election?

It doesn’t hurt to cast a chart for the official date of the election (that analysis is included in this post), but the presence of so many variables adds a significant handicap.

There is another confounding factor: in the United States, the winner of the popular vote is not always the candidate who becomes president. While winning the popular vote “doesn’t count” like winning the electorate does, it’s still an achievement (so, transits and progressions associated with success in one candidate’s chart may simply point to their victory in the popular vote).

I hope you that helps explain why this isn’t as simple as taking a look at where the planets will be on November 3, 2020 and, after five minutes of analysis, declaring “Oh, CLEARLY candidate ‘X’ is winning!”

What Can Help Guide our Analysis?

Here’s what I looked at to provide the most complete astrological picture.

• The transits and progressions to to Donald Trump’s chart on November 3
• The transits and progressions to Michael Pence’s chart on November 3
• The transits and progressions to Joe Biden’s chart on November 3
• The transits and progressions to Kamala Harris’ chart on November 3
• The birth chart for Donald Trump’s official nomination at the Republican National Convention
• The birth chart for Joe Biden’s official nomination at the Democratic National Convention
• The synastry between (chart comparison of) Donald Trump and the United States
• The synastry between (chart comparison of) Joe Biden and the United States
• The composite chart (“relationship chart”) of Donald Trump and the United States
• The composite chart (“relationship chart”) of Joe Biden and the United States
• Transits to the United States chart
• The birth chart of the federal election
• The birth chart of the first votes that are cast in New Hampshire on the day of the federal election
• The 2021 inauguration chart
• The 2025 inauguration chart (I’ll explain why when we get there)

Before we begin, let’s briefly go back in time.

PART 2: THE 2016 ELECTION

What Was the Astrology of the 2016 Election?

Before we get to this year’s election, let’s take a quick trip back to 2016.

Almost everyone (pollsters, pundits, journalists, political analysts, historians, political scientists, astrologers) predicted Hillary Clinton would win the electoral vote and become the forty-fifth president of the United States.

That didn’t happen.

I decided to look at the 2016 election charts (I hadn’t before) so I could see what was happening astrologically; and, specifically whether Donald Trump’s chances really seemed that bleak.

One crucial forecasting mistake I often see when birth charts are analyzed is solely focusing on astrological transits. While important, they don’t tell the whole tale. It’s also crucial to consider astrological progressions, which tell us about the components operating in the background. The analogy I often use is that if you think of astrological forecasting as a live theater production, the transits are the actors on stage delivering the lines (it’s where the action is), while the progressions represent the music, lighting, scenery, props, costumes, etc. While not the main feature, they provide ambience and a backdrop.

When we consider transits and progressions to Donald Trump’s and Hillary Clinton’s birth charts, the story becomes pretty clear.

Hillary’s chart had three very supportive transits in the fall of 2016 that, at first glance, seem extremely helpful for something like winning a national election:

Transit Pluto trine natal Venus: a once-in-a-lifetime, if ever, transit that massively increases popularity.

Transit Uranus trine natal Saturn: a transit that occurs about two times in our lifetime; here, there can be sudden events (Uranus) that allow us to solidify (Saturn) our status and lay down a revolutionary (Uranus) foundation (Saturn). It would make sense that a country’s first-ever female president would have this transit during a national election.

Transit Saturn trine natal Pluto: During this transit, a significant milestone can be established and cemented.

We can’t only look at transits; progressions are key (at least that is what my two decades of experience analyzing birth charts has repeatedly shown). In fact, I believe progressions can be more influential than transits. In other words: very positive progressions can mitigate challenging transits; similarly, very positive transits are somewhat stifled if they take place during challenging progressions.

Hillary Clinton had two significant progressions at the time of the 2016 national election.

• Progressed sun square natal Neptune
• Progressed moon conjunct natal Neptune

Therein lies our answer. The two progressed luminaries — sun and moon — are involved with Neptune. The progressed sun’s square to Neptune is a once-in-a-lifetime progression (which is not universal; some people never have it), while the progressed moon’s conjunction to Neptune happens roughly every 28 and a half years.

These kinds of progressions stir up Neptune’s more negative qualities: confusion, disappointment, disillusionment, denial, and not facing reality.

Remember how Hillary Clinton’s campaign didn’t campaign in certain states because their data determined those were clearly blue districts? Well, in true form when Neptune is involved in progressions with the sun and moon, that data wasn’t accurate and the rose-colored glasses got in the way of reality. To me, these progressions impeded those three auspicious transits from coming to their full potential. Think of it like having a freezer that doesn’t freeze very well. You could make the most delicious frozen dessert, but it won’t set properly in that freezer, so the end result won’t be what it could be.

Donald Trump, by contrast, had very different energies in his transits and progressions in the fall of 2016.

His main transits:

Transit Uranus sextile natal sun: Uranus electrifies and brings unexpected events. Since this is a sextile (a supportive aspect; planets are sixty degrees apart), it usually indicates unexpected events we like or that charge us.

Transit Uranus square natal Saturn: If Saturn is a tower, Uranus is the lightning bolt that breaks it in half. While not an “easy transit”, it brings major unexpected changes one doesn’t see coming (like being a presidential candidate that most people thought wouldn’t make it past the first primary debate and then winning a national election)

Transit Neptune trine natal Mercury: Here, Neptune is involved in a trine (a very supportive aspect; planets are 120 degrees apart). When in a supportive aspect, Neptune embodies inspiration. Mercury embodies how we communicate. This transit (which happens once in a lifetime) essentially infused Trump’s speech and communications (Mercury) with what many people perceived as illuminating and inspiring rhetoric. Neptune-Mercury aspects are often described like “a siren’s song.”

In addition (and this is what almost every astrological analysis I read at the time left out), Trump had two major progressions in the fall of 2016:

Progressed sun conjunct natal ascendant: This is the epitome of a “power transit.” This once-in-a-lifetime (if ever!) progression is one in which we experience heightened popularity and are thrust into the world.

Progressed moon conjunct natal Saturn: This one occurs every 28 and a half years and aligns with added responsibilities and a huge dose of seriousness.

This unique combination of progressions (which, by the way, is extremely rare) literally embodies: “an increase in popularity related to, or that leads to, an increase in responsibilities.”

It is not surprising to me that Hillary won the popular vote; her transits indicated that. To be clear: had I looked at these charts back in 2016, I would not have said “Donald Trump is clearly going to win.” However, my analysis at the time would have been that Donald Trump’s chances weren’t as low as pundits and political experts thought.

PART 3: ASTROLOGICAL TRANSITS AND PROGRESSIONS AFFECTING THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL AND VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

Donald Trump: Transits and Progressions

There is significant activity in Donald Trump’s chart over the next six weeks that I can best describe as “a mixed bag.”

Let’s begin with the transits:

Transit Pluto opposite natal Saturn: this is a once-in-a-lifetime transit. Saturn represents structures and things that seem solid and secure. Pluto, when in opposition, demolishes them and requires that we build new ones. I would put this transit in the “does not suggest a win” column; to me, it represents that what was once a secure base (Saturn) of votes is no longer a sure thing.

Transit Saturn opposite natal Venus: This transit happens roughly every 29 years; it’s another one I am putting in the “does not suggest a win” column. Venus has to do with popularity. When our Venus is positively aspected by, say, Jupiter, our charisma is through the roof and it’s almost like we can gain admirers without making much effort. When Saturn supports our Venus by transit, we are taken seriously and people hang on to our every word. When Saturn opposes Venus, however, we temporarily lose “the magic touch.”

Transit Saturn trine natal Midheaven: the Midheaven is a very sensitive angle that relates to career, vocation, and public life. Saturn is involved here in a supportive trine, meaning that it solidifies and crystallizes. I place this transit in the “suggests a win” column.

Transit Pluto trine natal Midheaven: Pluto is also trining Donald Trump’s Midheaven. I consider this a “power transit”, and am also putting it in the “suggests a win” column.

Transit-wise, then, Donald Trump has a 50-50 chance.

What about his progressions? There are two to keep an eye on.

Progressed moon square natal Uranus: classic astrology textbooks often refer to this as “a sudden reversal of fortune.” Uranus squares are known for upsets and unexpected events that we aren’t expecting. In 2016, Trump had transiting Uranus sextiling (supporting) his sun — a surprising, but favorable, outcome. Now, his progressed moon is challenging Uranus. I’m going to put this progression under the “does not suggest a win” column because it suggests surprises that are destabilizing.

Progressed Mercury sextile natal Uranus: Ah, and then here we have a progression that suggests a possibility of a surprising turn of events that can result in one’s favor. In a way, this progression and the one right before it potentially cancel each other out. I’m placing this one in the “suggests a win” column.

There’s one more important thing to keep in mind. On December 14, there is a new moon solar eclipse at 23 degrees of Sagittarius that conjuncts Donald Trump’s moon and opposes his sun. This is significant.

As a reminder, solar eclipses are “supercharged” new moons. If an eclipse closely aspects your sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, or a sensitive angle, it indicates a significant shift taking place around the date of the eclipse and up until six months after.

Interestingly, this eclipse opposes Trump’s tenth-house sun (the tenth house relates to career, vocation, and the public). I’m going to put this in the “does not suggest a win” column because this eclipse, in my eyes, could put an end to his career as president.

By the way, if Donald Trump were to win this election, I want to point out that from March 2021 to December of 2022, he will have transiting Neptune square his sun and moon. This is an extremely debilitating, confusing, and disorienting transit. When in a square, Neptune dissolves. I would imagine that the first half of a potential second term will make him feel like he has lost control of the ship.

In addition, Donald Trump will have transiting Neptune square his North and South node during that time. This adds to the theme of dissolution, although in this way in regards to his destiny and life path. That is a lot of “‘Neptune pressure” to have in a chart at one time.

Michael Pence: Transits and Progressions

There are two transits and one progression in Michael Pence’s chart worth mentioning, none of which look promising.

Of course, this could all be for naught because a vice-president is very much a “behind the scenes” position. Very few people cast their presidential vote based strictly on who the vice-presidential candidate is. However, since Michael Pence is part of a presidential ticket, I think his chart warrants analysis.

Transit Saturn opposite natal Venus and natal Mars (in December and January): Saturn oppositions bring somber reality checks and, usually, endings. The timing of this, to me, suggests that during those two months Pence may be wrapping up his tenure as vice-president of the United States and closing out that cycle. Now, of course, this could have other manifestations in his personal life — especially since Venus and Mars are personal planets. But, Saturn opposing your Venus and Mars (a transit that happens roughly every 29 years) is never a joyous and effervescent time. I put both of these transits in the “does not suggest a win” column.

Transit Saturn will also square Michael Pence’s natal Neptune in January and February. I think of this transit (which happens roughly every 14 years) as the one that has you crashing down to earth. Neptune can represent living in a fantasy world where there are no consequences. Saturn turns on the lights, pulls out a bullhorn, and says: “party’s over!” This is another one that I am putting in the “does not suggest a win” column.

He also has progressed Venus square natal sun. While squares involving Venus aren’t as problematic as those involving Mars, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune or Pluto, I still see this as a sign of a wane in popularity. I am also putting this in the “does not suggest a win” column.

Joe Biden: Transits and Progressions

Seven transits affect Joe Biden’s chart on Election Day.

Transit Neptune conjunct natal IC: This transit was already in effect during the Democratic primaries. When Neptune is conjunct an angle, it is neither supporting it nor challenging it; rather, it is infusing its totality to that part of your chart. In true Neptune form, Neptune is hard to decipher. At its best, it’s an inspirational muse. At its worst, it completely dissolves something (think of putting an effervescent vitamin C tab into water).

We saw how this transit played out during the primaries. Almost overnight, Joe Biden became a beacon of hope for the Democratic Party.

I am putting this transit under both “suggests a win” and “does not suggest a win” because it’s too unpredictable. On the one hand, the IC is the soul of your chart. And, Neptune here can infuse you with Neptunian qualities that other people project onto you. You can be seen as a savior. However, I can’t let Neptune’s potential qualities of dissolution and disillusion go by unnoticed. We’ll have to see how this one plays out.

Transit Saturn sextile natal sun: When in a sextile, Saturn is supportive. Here, Biden’s sun (his sense of self, his identity, his astrological core) is boosted by the planet of authority and responsibility. I put this transit in the “suggests a win” column.

Transit Saturn trine natal Venus: Supportive Saturn aspects are significant because they suggest the laying down of a solid foundation that you can then build on. Saturn also rewards past work. This transit suggests a period of time where you are taken more seriously and radiate kind (Venus) authority (Saturn). I put this transit in the “suggests a win” column.

Transit Jupiter sextile natal Mercury: Jupiter, when in a sextile, hints at opportunities, expansion, and new starts. Mercury is our communication. Obviously, if one becomes president of the United States, one’s voice suddenly has a larger impact and is magnified. I put this transit in the “suggests a win” column.

Transit Pluto trine natal Mercury: Another sextile to Mercury — this time involving Pluto. This is the first time in Joe Biden’s life that he has had this transit. Pluto has to do with power, and Mercury is about communication. Considering all the other transits, this could point to him taking helm at the White House. I put this transit in the “suggests a win” column.

Transit Uranus opposite natal Mars: Uranus-Mars oppositions are unpredictable and erratic. This makes me wonder if the Biden-Harris ticket will either win a state they aren’t expected to win or lose a state they are expected to win.

It’s important to note that, on election day, Mercury stops retrograding (more on that later). Mercury comes to a halt at 25 degrees of Libra, which is exactly 90 degrees away from — and therefore “in a square aspect to” — Joe Biden’s Jupiter. One of the things Jupiter rules is luck and success. This has the potential to point to Joe Biden starting out losing the electoral map and then having a moment where things suddenly turn in his favor.

What about Joe Biden’s progressions? There are two.

First, progressed Mercury opposite natal Jupiter. Oppositions involving Jupiter are never “red alerts”, but Jupiter oppositions often point to things being blown out of proportion or exaggerated. Progressed Mercury relates to how we communicate. This could point to Joe Biden’s words being a problem. I put this progression both under “suggests a win” and “does not suggest a win” because while this can be about your communication being expanded, it can also mean that you talk too much.

Then, there’s progressed Midheaven opposite natal Saturn. This is a once-in-a-lifetime progression that involves that sensitive angle relating to career and vocation. Saturn, by opposition, brings challenges and endings. At its best, Saturn opposite the Midheaven represents a time when you take on significant responsibility and have many burdens placed upon you. It can, however, also signify a final nail in the coffin. For that reason, I am also putting this progression under both the “suggests a win” and “does not suggest a win.” This can very well line up with taking on the responsibilities of leading the United States, just as much as it can bring a permanent end to his political career.

Kamala Harris: Transits and Progressions

Much like Michael Pence, Kamala Harris has many challenging aspects at the time of the election. That further adds to the complexity and nuance of this analysis; neither ticket has two candidates with very promising transits and progressions.

Let’s start with Kamala Harris’ transits:

Transit Saturn square natal sun: those of you who were born the last five days of Aries or Libra will relate to this transit, since you’re experiencing it at the moment. You’ve likely felt a significant amount of pressure placed upon you. You likely feel stifled in some way, and you feel like you’re trying to fit twenty-four hours of work into an eight-hour workday. Without a doubt, Kamala Harris is feeling the effects of this transit, which can also deplete your vitality. Saturn brings endings. The question is: does this Saturn transit point to her bid as vice-president of the United States coming to an end or an end to her stint as senator since she will go on to become the country’s first female vice-president? For that reason, I am placing this in the “suggests a win” and “does not suggest a win” column.

Transit Saturn square natal moon: Alas, Saturn squares both of her luminaries. This is another transit that can go both ways. The moon represents our emotions; and, when Saturn squares our moon, we can often face emotional struggles (like, say, accepting defeat in a national election). I am placing this in the “does not suggest a win” column.

Transit Neptune opposite natal Venus: Neptune squares and oppositions always make me raise a red flag.

Kamala Harris has three progressions (by the way, the fact that all four of these candidates have important progressions does not escape me; it is very common to have no significant progressions for three, five, or even ten years in some cases… clearly, all four of these politicians are having a ‘moment’).

First, her progressed sun is conjunct her natal descendant. The descendant (the sensitive angle where the seventh house of relationships begins) is especially significant here because it delineates the beginning of the top-half (more public) part of our chart. To me, this can definitely align with one’s status changing and becoming a more visible public figure on the global state. I’m putting this one in the “suggests a win” column.

Kamala’s progressed sun is also conjunct her natal South Node. When activated by progressions (especially the progressed sun), the nodes point to fated events. Keep in mind that both the South and North node exist on the same axis. So, Kamala’s progressed sun is conjunct the South and, simultaneously, opposite her North node. Her South Node in Sagittarius is triggered, which indicates that during this time she will be asked to assess her South node (the thinking that can be too “big picture” and hold her back) and make efforts to go more toward her North node (in Gemini, which asks that one focus more on day-to-day events). I am putting this in the “suggests a win” column.

Lastly, her progressed moon is trine natal Uranus and natal Pluto, which points to a time that is — and events that are — invigorating, exciting, and self-empowering. I put both of these in the “suggests a win” column.

PART FOUR: THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNITED STATES

In these cases, I think it helps to look at the synastry (chart comparison) and composite chart (‘relationship chart’) of a political leader and the country they preside over — or are in the running to preside over, as it helps us understand what it is this person brings up collectively. I never read this in an astrology textbook and was never taught this by another astrologer; it’s a theory I came up with several years ago when analyzing the charts of public figures. In my experience, it sheds light.

I decided to only look at the synastry of the two presidential candidates.

Donald Trump and the United States: Synastry (Chart Comparison)

Donald Trump’s sun is conjunct the United States’ Mars. In other words, he awakens the country’s collective Mars: anger and aggression. No matter what side of the Donald Trump “spectrum of support” someone falls on, anger is the commonality. People either staunchly dislike him (to the point where it induces anger), or support him because he speaks to the things that anger them.

Donald Trump’s Venus and Saturn both conjunct the United States’ Mercury. In a country’s birth chart, Mercury represents, among other things, what is newsworthy and ‘the talk of the town’. Mercury also rules the press and media. Here, we have two very energies. Venus loves, Saturn limits. This perfectly describes the love-hate relationship Donald Trump has with the media. He has courted them (Venus) for decades and loves (Venus) the attention of the media, and simultaneously has blacklisted (Saturn restricts and limits) certain journalists and news outlets from campaign events.

Lastly, his Neptune squares the United States’ Jupiter. Here, Jupiter blows up (not ‘explodes’, but enlarges) Neptune to twenty times the size. Neptune fantasizes, dreams, and thinks of all sorts of ideas. Alas, Neptune can have a hard time doing something about — or following through — with those grandiose ideas. This aspect shows that the United States provides a platform and multiple opportunities for Donald Trump’s wishful thinking.

Donald Trump and the United States: Composite (Relationship) Chart

In this chart, the moon (emotions) and Mars (anger) are in opposition. One of the purposes of this ‘relationship’ is to bring unresolved feelings to the surface. Donald Trump is a social reflection of the collective. He embodies a very primitive and instinctual (moon) collective sentiment that is steeped in anger and frustration (Mars). Many people don’t like what I am going to say next, but I have to point to the astrology and say what I see. Astrologically, this shows that he has played a pivotal role in United States history: he brought to light what lurked in the shadows for decades. That doesn’t mean you have to “send him love and light” or add him to your gratitude journal. But, astrological analysis requires context. Donald Trump’s presidency did not come out of nowhere.

In this relationship chart, the sun is also quincunx Pluto. This is a classic aspect of a relationship characterized by power struggles and what I can best describe as “heavy shit” (Pluto rules our shadow and the parts of ourselves that we don’t want to see). Remember, this is a chart of the relationship, so both parties are equally affected. As a result of his presidency, many of Donald Trump’s skeletons (Pluto) came to light (the sun) in a way that was unpleasant (quincunx). And, similarly, collective toxicity (Pluto) became visible (sun).

Lastly Saturn is square the sun. Saturn-sun squares in composite charts usually point to a relationship that takes a while to begin. You usually see this in composite charts of people who don’t begin to date until several years after meeting. This makes perfect sense considering that Donald Trump first ran for president in the year 2000 (for the Reform Party of the United States of America). A Saturn-sun square in a composite chart indicates a relationship that requires a significant amount of work (from both parties).

Donald Trump and the United States: Transits Affecting the Composite (Relationship) Chart on Election Day

Transit Mars square composite Mercury: If this transit happened in the composite chart of a relationship between two people, I would call this out as a brief period of irritability and annoyance with one another. I see this as potentially problematic for Donald Trump because it indicates tension, frustration, and trouble with communication.

Transit Pluto and Saturn opposite composite Mars: in a composite chart of two people, Mars represents passion, fire, and momentum. To have composite Mars opposed by the two heavy-hitters is like suddenly engaging the parking brake. This transit also indicates tension, frustration, and blockages.

If anything, these transits show that the United States, collectively, and Donald Trump are going through a rough patch (and, should he win this election, this rough patch is at play for another 16 months).

Joe Biden and the United States: Synastry (Chart Comparison)

The United States’ Mercury is affected in two ways by Joe Biden. Joe Biden’s Jupiter is conjunct the United States’ Mercury, while his sun is trine the United States Mercury. To me, this means that Joe Biden has the potential to bring hope and optimism (Jupiter) to the collective; the fact that his sun is trine the United States Mercury points to his core self “speaking” to people.

Joe Biden’s sun is also sextile the United States’ Pluto. This provides opportunities for Joe Biden to help the country transform and evolve.

His Jupiter is sextile the United States’ Neptune. Both Donald Trump and Joe Biden have a Jupiter-Neptune connection in their synastry with the United States. The difference is that Donald Trump’s is a square (which points to imbalance), whereas Joe Biden’s is easier to integrate. In this case, his Jupiter (sense of optimism and hope) emboldens the collective Neptune (ideals).

His Neptune is square the United States’ Venus. When involved in a square aspect, Neptune has fuzzy boundaries and be confusing because it’s “a little of this”, “a little of that”, but nothing concrete. It makes sense that this is about Joe Biden’s Neptune challenging the United States Venus because Joe Biden has often been described as “ideologically flexible” and a “wishy-washy moderate” (recall that he was open to selecting a Republican as a potential vice-president).

Joe Biden and the United States: Composite (Relationship) Chart

The sun and Mercury are conjunct. This is quite a positive aspect, since it indicates that this ‘relationship’ is one founded on healthy communication.

The moon and Neptune are in opposition. In a composite chart, this aspect points to nebulousness and a lack of clarity. I don’t find it at all surprising that this aspect is in Joe Biden’s and the United States’ relationship chart, considering that it took him three runs — over three decades — to be presidential nominee and that one common criticism of Joe Biden is his confusing (Neptune) stance on domestic (moon) issues that later need additional clarity.

Mars and Pluto are in a trine. This is quite a positive aspect to have in a composite chart. It’s what I call the “moving mountains” aspect. When two people have this, the world they create as a unit is like nothing they could have built individually. Perhaps this holds the potential of Joe Biden driving the country in a positive direction and rebuilding during his presidency?

Venus and Jupiter are in a sextile. While not a major aspect, this is one that denotes warmth and affection between two people. In this case, the entities are Joe Biden and a nation, but I am not surprised that a politician who is well-known for “reaching across the aisle” has this aspect in a composite chart with the country he has served.

Joe Biden and the United States: Transits Affecting the Composite (Relationship) Chart on Election Day

Transit Mars opposite composite Venus: This transit can go either way. On one hand, it can indicate an increase in passion (voters coming out in high numbers to vote for Joe Biden?). But, when Mars is involved in an opposition it also denotes fierce competition (a battle to the end).

Transit Neptune opposite composite sun: Of the five transits affecting Joe Biden’s and the United States’ composite chart on Election Day, this is the most problematic. Neptune, by opposition, dissolves. Often times, a relationship between two people that goes through this transit can see a temporary breakup, a period of disillusionment, or a period where things simply don’t feel very safe and secure.

Transit Neptune trine composite Jupiter: With that said, we have to look at transits holistically. And, this particular Neptune transit helps to balance out the opposition to the sun. When Neptune and Jupiter get along, the main outcomes are hope and optimism. We feel that we can dream again.

Transit Jupiter trine composite sun and composite Mercury: This is another encouraging transit, since the planet of opportunities, expansion, and growth is in a supportive angle to the sun (which, in a composite chart, is the central operating unit of the relationship) and Mercury (communication and media… if Joe Biden wins, he’ll obviously address the nation).

PART FIVE: OFFICIAL NOMINATION DATES

Another lens through which we can examine the astrology of a presidential election in the United States is to cast a chart for the presidential candidates’ official nominations.

Joe Biden’s Nomination at the Democratic National Convention (August 20, 2020)

I was not able to locate the exact time (as in, the exact minute) this happened. Regardless, this year presented a challenge since I don’t know what city to cast the chart for. Joe Biden accepted the nomination in Wilmington, Delaware, but the roll call was directed from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Nevertheless, we can still look at a few planetary aspects for the day as a whole and get some clues.

Mars trine sun Since Mars rules competition and drive, having it involved in a trine (positive) aspect with the sun bodes well. It gives this nomination “oomph.”

Neptune was well-aspected that day (it was only involved in sextile and trines). This is important because a “healthy” Neptune reduces debilitating energies.

Mars square Pluto and Saturn: Here we have two problematic aspects (that both presidential candidates had at the time of their announcements, so they are both equally affected). This combination evokes conflict, strife, and battles. It doesn’t surprise me that both presidential candidates in the 2020 election have this in their “official nomination” chart considering that they both have staunch detractors.

Sun quincunx Saturn: This aspect often points to a blind spot (quincunx) in seeing yourself (sun) objectively (Saturn) and recognizing faults or areas for improvement.

Moon trine Saturn and Pluto: Although Saturn and Pluto are square Mars, they have an ‘escape valve’ — this sextile with the moon. This provides laser focus (Saturn) and heightens persuasiveness (Pluto) over the masses (moon).

Donald Trump’s Nomination at the Republican National Convention (August 27, 2020)

As with Joe Biden, I did not cast a “location of birth” for this chart. We’re looking at the general planetary energies on that day.

Mercury trine Uranus: Mercury and Uranus, when in a positive aspect like a trine, point to surprising outcomes that turn out in our favor. Uranus is an electric charge and enhances communications.

Mars square Saturn and Pluto: As mentioned above, this is also in Joe Biden’s official nomination chart. Once again: his combination evokes conflict, strife, and battles. It doesn’t surprise me that both presidential candidates in the 2020 election have this in their “official nomination” chart considering that they both have staunch detractors.

Moon trine sun: This gives very strong purpose, minimizes second-guessing, and adds clarity.

Venus trine Neptune: This aspect gives this chart a sense of idealism and inspiration (Neptune) that can be presented in a way that is palatable (Venus) to many.

PART SIX: THE ASTROLOGY OF ELECTION DAY

I still think it’s worth looking at the chart for federal Election Day. While I don’t use it as a harbinger of who may win, it provides valuable information about the overall energy of the day. And, yikes, we couldn’t have a more chaotic Election Day if we tried.

Mercury stations direct: You are familiar with the concept of Mercury retrograde (when Mercury appears to move backwards from our vantage point). Well, there is another concept where Mercury is at its most chaotic — stationary Mercury.

Stationary Mercury simply means that Mercury is standing still in preparation for changing directions (either from direct to retrograde or from retrograde to direct). Mercury stations direct (meaning it is standing still as it prepares to move in forward-direction) on November 3 at 12:50 PM Eastern Time.

When a planet is stationary, it is at its most unpredictable. And, since Mercury rules electronics (voting!), the mail (voting), and paperwork (voting), I expect there to be a significant amount of confusion and delays with voting.

In case you’re wondering — yes, Mercury was initially retrograde and then stationary direct in the 2000 United States presidential election (in which the state of Florida was initially called for Al Gore, then for George W. Bush, then “too close to call”, and ultimately led to a five-week legal and political battle involving recounts and the Supreme Court).

The astrological landscape is not a carbon copy of the 2000 election. It didn’t help that the moon was in nebulous Pisces on Election Day 2000 — and that Mercury (clarity, thought, communication) was debilitated by a square with Neptune (the ruler of Pisces, which added more confusion). Nevertheless, a stationary Mercury holds chaotic potential.

Moon square Neptune: When Neptune is involved in a square, you can think of fog, mist, optical illusions, and confusion. The moon sets the tone for the day, so the fact that it is disoriented by Neptune adds to the day’s confusion.

Mercury square Saturn and Pluto: Not only is Mercury retrograde *and* stationary direct on November 3 — it is also severely challenged by the two heavy-hitters. Saturn’s square to Mercury indicates delays and long lines at the polls, and Pluto’s square to Mercury heightens the potential for conflict (and even violence). I would not go to the polls looking to debate or start an argument; November 3rd has an explosive quality to it.

Sun opposite Uranus: And here’s the kicker. This is the epitome of an upset. Any time Uranus is involved, expect the unpredictable. We may see one presidential candidate win a state that hasn’t been won by their party in a while. Or we may see some stunning changes in how one particular state votes. Either way, Election Day 2020 will have many surprising moments.

Bonus (and theoretical) Election Day chart: Dixville Notch, NH

With my Virgo moon in overdrive, I decided to add another layer of interpretation and cast a chart for November 3, 2020 at midnight in Dixville Notch, NH. This small town has been allowed to vote at midnight on Election Day since the 1960 presidential election. I couldn’t help but wonder: perhaps this is the official “start” of Election Day?

The same aspects I discuss in the above section still apply to the Dixville Notch chart. But, one thing stood out to me. This chart’s rising sign is 27 degrees of Leo — which is less than a half of a degree from Donald Trump’s Mars. In other words, this particular election chart energizes Donald Trump’s sense of vitality and victory.

PART 7: THE BACKDROP — TRANSITS TO THE UNITED STATES’ CHART

As I explained in a June 3 blog post, the United States’ chart is about to begin deep-rooted transformation (like never before in its history) that wraps up by the end of 2023.

This relates to the United States’ Pluto return, which is exact on February 21, 2022 but will begin to be felt as early as January 2021.

A “Pluto return” is the term used to describe when Pluto returns to the exact place where it was when the United States was ‘born’ in 1776. Pluto is the slowest planet of all; it takes approximately 244 years to return to its original position (for comparison’s sake, Mars takes two years, Jupiter takes 12, and Uranus takes 84).

The United States’ Pluto return has four “peaks” (moments of high intensity):

• February 2022
• July 2022
• December 2022
• October 2023

After that final peak in October 2023, this begins to dissipate, but it will be in effect until January 2024.

A Pluto return forces a country to:

• Tear down structures and systems that are rotten at the core and start over.
• Forget band-aid solutions; identify foundational problems so you can come up with foundational solutions.
• Face all the “ugly things” that have been swept under the rug.
• Embrace sweeping and radical change. Pluto asks that something be laid to rest so something else can be born.

Pluto transits — whether you are a person or a country — demand that you shed skin, write a new chapter, and embrace a new identity. They only become problematic and challenging when we try to cling to to the status quo in hopes of avoiding change.

PART EIGHT: INAUGURATION CHARTS

Regardless of who wins, they will have to navigate the astrology of the inauguration chart, which is analyzed to provide clues as to what that 4-year presidency will bring. It’s essentially the “birth” of their presidency.

Since 1937, the presidential inauguration has taken place on January 20 (with a few exceptions: Harry S. Truman in 1945, Dwight Eisenhower in 1957, Lyndon B. Johnson in 1963, and Gerald Ford in 1974). Prior to 1937, almost every president was sworn in on March 4.

All the inaugurations since 1937 (that have taken place on January 20) occurred between 11:56 AM and 12:55 PM Eastern Time. Interestingly, the last five presidents were sworn in just minutes before or after noon.

As a result of this standardization, recent inauguration charts have some commonalities:

• The sun is always in the first degree of Aquarius;
• The rising sign is Taurus;
• The Midheaven is in Capricorn;
• The sun is always in the tenth house (fitting, considering that the tenth house is the house of leadership and public visibility) and the sun is either in the first degree of Aquarius or the last degree of Capricorn.

Everything else about the chart shifts depending on the year. I was floored when I compared the 2021 inauguration chart with the 2025 inauguration chart because they could not be more different.

Again, in my opinion, the inauguration chart does not provide information about who is sworn in, but rather what that presidency will have to tackle.

The 2021 Inauguration Chart

The 2021 inauguration chart shows a four-year tenure that will have quite the uphill climb.

Pluto — the great transformer — is conjunct the Midheaven (the sensitive angle that delineates where the tenth house of vocation, career, and the public begins).

Whoever is leading the United States at this time will make decisions that will have a long-term impact on the direction of the country. Remember, Pluto has the capacity to create and also destroy. With Pluto so close to a sensitive angle, we are handing whoever is at the helm a tool that has the potential to inflict damage or be used for repairs and rebuilding. Pluto also rules secrets; when it’s this close to the Midheaven (the most visible part of our chart), I get the sense that surprising, explosive, and up-until-now confidential information will be revealed.

Alas, there are three very challenging aspects in this inauguration chart:

Mars square Saturn shows that this upcoming presidential period will face significant blockages and limitations have plenty of blockages and limitations. I always describe this aspect as “Sisyphus pushing the boulder up the hill, only to have it roll back down and have to start again.” To me, this also indicates ongoing stalemates involving Congress and the Senate.

Uranus square Saturn shows a battle (square) between the status quo (Saturn) and the next wave (Uranus). I believe that, over the next four years, an entire long-standing (Saturn) era of politics will be ushered out and replaced with new faces and new energy (Uranus). This applies to both parties, by the way. Whoever is running the country for the next four years will have to walk a very thin line between an old school and a new school.

Uranus conjunct Mars is an explosive aspect. In presidential inauguration charts, the condition of Mars is analyzed to get a sense of domestic and foreign conflict. Here, Mars’ dynamite sticks are electrified by unpredictable Uranus. Remember that Uranus is also the planet of revolutions, uprisings, and unpredictable energy. Mars, when in opposition, gets riled up and angry very easily. Whoever runs our country over the next four years will preside over a collective society that will increasingly show that it is fed up and demands systemic change. How explosive and disruptive this gets depends, of course, on how our leader handles that energy.

2025 Inauguration Chart

The 2025 inauguration chart, meanwhile, could not be more different.

Remember: the 2025 inauguration takes place after the United States has completed its first-ever Pluto return. It is only fitting, then, that whoever leads the country from 2025 – 2029 embodies and epitomizes the nation’s rebirth.

Take a look at the aspects in that inauguration chart.

Sun conjunct Pluto: This aspect is about rebirth and a brand new beginning. There has never been a presidential inauguration in the United States with this aspect. This indicates that the 2025 – 2029 presidency will play a major role in bringing a permanent end to structures and systems and beginning the transition to new ways (of allocating resources, redefining social institutions, and bringing new life to issues).

Uranus trine sun: This is an aspect the epitomizes innovation and progress. I would expect the United States to experience a technological and creative boom during these four years.

Mars sextile Uranus: This only boosts the Uranus-sun trine. When Mars and Uranus are involved in a harmonious aspect, there is great momentum and forward movement with technology. And, revolutionary (Uranus) ideas move society forward (Mars).

Mars trine Neptune: This is all about inspiration (Neptune) and action (Mars) in relation to social support networks and addressing inequality.

Saturn trine Venus: This is a very helpful aspect to have in an inauguration chart because it fosters cooperation, enhances (trine) financial (Venus) stability (Saturn), and hints at a presidency that isn’t highly divisive. Of course, no president will have a country’s full support, but a Saturn-Venus trine helps to cool down the tempers and anger that have become so prevalent in the political world.

Saturn trine Mercury: If Mercury is seen as the collective voice of a country on the global stage, a trine with Saturn indicates stability, focus, authority, and gravitas.

Moon quincunx Saturn and square Mercury: These are two only challenging aspect in the 2025 inauguration chart. In an inauguration chart, the moon represents the masses or general public. To me, a moon-Saturn quincunx indicates that whoever runs the country from 2025 – 2029 may have a hard time making an emotional connection with a significant portion of the population. The square with Mercury also gives me the sense that this president (while certainly a visionary) may lack charisma and/or simply have a very rational, “all-business, all-the-time” approach.

As much as I don’t like “doom and gloom” astrology, I also despise what I call “rainbows and unicorns” astrology. I do not intend to make the presidency that begins in 2025 seem like a “We Are the World” singalong. However, a lot of the overt anger and combativeness we see today will decrease significantly.

Alas, before we get to 2025, we need to see how the current election pans out. As you can see, Election 2020 promises to have surprises and, from where I sit, the final result is up in the air. Please vote and make your voice heard.