2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

…was the subject of the AAStL October 12, 2008 meeting.  Our presenter was AAStL President AUDRIA GEBHARDT. 

Audria passed out printed handouts of charts illustrating a series of Election Day events as well as natal charts of the main candidates.  In order to show the mood of the electorate at the opening of the polls on the Eastern coast of the United States, she showed the place of Machias, Maine as it is the first area in the United States where the Sun rises.  With its Scorpio ascendant, Pluto is the ruling planet of the chart.  Pluto is known for its tearing down and building anew on the ashes of the old.  The chart has Mars in the first house at 21 degrees Scorpio square Neptune at 21 degrees Aquarius in the third house of communication, and this could indicate irregularities in the voting process.  Saturn in the 10th house of leadership opposite Uranus in the 4th house of home, end of the matter, describe irritable moods marking voters’ temperament.  Venus is out of bounds (beyond 23 degrees from the equator) and rules women.  It shows more power for development than expected and raises the women voters beyond what the placement normally describes.

The U. S. Sibly chart with its 12 degree Sagittarius Ascendant was discussed.  Neptune at 22 degrees Virgo is posited in the 9th house, relating to foreign affairs trade and politics.  Pluto rules big business and is now transiting the first house of the Sibly chart.  First house is our country’s appearance to others and the Pluto transit describes very well the upheaval of the financial system we are currently experiencing.  The 22 degrees Virgo is shown in both U.S. Presidential candidates’ natal charts, showing their direct connection with our nation and its history.

The legendary astrologer Marc Edmund Jones in his book The Sabian Symbols in Astrology writes, “Virgo 22 A royal coat of arms.  This is a symbol of the eternal authority implicit in the very fact of existence, and of the consequent dignification of experience through the laws and customs by which man organizes the conduct of his own affairs.”  The formula is:  sustaining-practical-efficient-generalizing-social-sensitive.

Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s chart was displayed.  Audria pointed out Pluto in his 10th house of leadership as being the planet closest to his M.C.  Pluto represents big business, group sources of power and the 10th house represents presidents, government and government service.  His Moon in Capricorn in the 4th house (home, family) shows his discipline, as he comes from a family of Navy admirals.  His natal Sun in Virgo shows he is picky, critical.  The 22 degree Virgo shows in his chart with Venus at exactly that degree in his 11th house of friends, hopes, and wishes.  It’s interesting to note he uses the phrase so frequently in his speeches to the public:  “My friends.”

Barak Obama, Democratic candidate for president, has his 22 degree Virgo placement with Mars in his 7th house.  Mars in the sign of Virgo gives energy and skill wherever work is concerned.  People with this Mars placement plan their actions carefully and execute them systematically.  His chart shows the final dispositor Sun in Leo and Saturn in Capricorn.  A planet is stronger when in its own sign.  Audria said, “He balances himself off with the western side of his chart having the majority of planets.  He listens to other people’s opinions.  His Moon in Gemini sextile Mercury in Leo points up his ability to connect with so many people.”

Audria Gebhardt said, “On November 4, 2008 Election Day, the Moon square Mercury adds to the tension.  Mercury changes signs from Libra (diplomacy, cooperation) to Scorpio (intensity).  The energy builds and excites.  The waxing quarter Moon the next day adds to the tension.  There will be voters unhappy with the outcome, as they voted for the losers.”