Monica Starr and I were discussing on AstroChatter Radio that Biden could be the Saturn (older statesman, corporate connections from Delaware) to Obama’s Uranus influence (change, upstart) with the Saturn/Uranus opposition in the sky around the election. But since he is declared with this energy around him activating his natal horoscope, it seems Biden may somehow attract discord. He may not be the cause of it, but the results could be the same.

He is not a stranger to debate and controversy involving what comes out of his mouth. Obama may in the end project a more temperate presidential image, with Biden as his Scorpionic pit bull.  With all the buzz about the Clintons planning a coup at the DNC, Biden was born with a Scorpio stellium and can go the distance (ideally Obama will be able to let him know when to let go of the bone).

Since Hillary’s birthtime is not verified, Uranus could be hovering near her Moon in Pisces. This promises to be an interesting few days; let’s hope in the end it’s for the best interest of the country and not a “who does Mommy love best!” tantrum.

For more in-depth reflection, check out Monica’s take on Biden.

The earlier date with a noon chart puts the Moon at 0 Libra conjunct the North Node, which is on the world axis. There is no question that she is an icon burned into the world psyche. I remember seeing her on a misty dawn coming home from college in England while on a Russian ship (cheap passage for a student).  I was stirred with strong connections to my Ellis Island ancestors always before abstract, until that morning.

The Cleveland date has a Moon in Scorpio, which seems fitting since on that day and ever after, politicians have tried to manipulate her symbolism for their own grandstanding. But the Moon represents the people in an event chart, and since it is conjunct Mercury and trine Saturn it seems to speak of an inherent understanding of Liberty and the responsibility that comes with it. Yet the opposition to Neptune/Pluto suggests resistance and an attraction to agendas and idealism, which can confuse and derail the basic impulse.

In plainer English, freedom comes with responsibility, which demands at times a release of part of the dream. 

Looking at the “birth chart” (her arrival on US shores), the South Node is in Aries, which represents her head (the crown). To grow we move beyond the habit of the South Node, to step into the destiny of the North Node. Europeans have learned in order to preserve their beloved buildings and artifacts to limit the wear and tear on them. Americans need to learn that to work in partnership with Liberty’s longevity she needs to keep her head clear. 

It is sobering to note that Liberty’s Saturn is 27 Gemini, less than 1 degree away from the World Trade Towers Saturn. It is well-documented that their destruction was during their Saturn return. Liberty also was going through hers at the time, which in her case led to confinement to protect.

Since Saturn returns demand growth, responsibility and can bring endings (and beginnings), it seems especially ill-conceived to spend any time at all trying to re-open her crown. Better the funding and research go to establishing a compelling museum complete with a docudrama of how claustrophobic and disappointing the actual ascent to her crown really was. I remember seeing the bubble gum lining her windows which was all I could see since I was about 10 and not tall enough to look out. Not exactly the best image for a Libra North Node. She is infinitely more beautiful outside than within.

Another interesting point, Alfred Hitchcock’s “Saboteur” was released in 1942, a year before Liberty’s Saturn return.

Mars trine Pluto at 6:53 pm EDT today could symbolize a powerful alert for the California fires, or it could signal an incendiary nightmare. This is highly volatile energy which can be directed with laser-like intensity to achieve goals. The less conscious one is about its presence, the less likely to use it effectively. That doesn’t mean someone needs to know astrology, but it does mean that to be comfortable and aware when channeling force is essential for using it wisely. 

The California fires symbolically capture Mars (fire) trine Pluto (death, rebirth, transformation) energy, because fire caused by lightning is earth’s natural way to replenish the soil. Mars is in Leo and this time the fires are threatening some of the most dramatic landscape of Big Sur, as well as land of the wealthy and famous. Pluto has been traveling through California’s 2nd house (values, possessions) and with Mars racing through the 10th (status, visibility), this is a critical juncture.  The spiritual retreat center, Esalen is surrounded by the burning. The odds are they have an astrologer looking at Esalen’s horoscope and advising accordingly.

As an individual, you can look to where the trine of Mars 29 Leo and Pluto 29 Sagittarius falls in your chart. What is your natal relationship with Mars/Pluto energy? In the case of California, using Penfield’s data of 9/9/1850, San Jose at 9:38 am, Pluto and Mars make no direct relationship. Looking further, there is an unconscious relationship because the planetary rulers are in the 12th house.

This could be why California works so well as a “dream-maker” for the world… but not always pleasant dreams! It suggests the antidote for the fires isn’t necessarily the sole responsibility of firefighters… but perhaps in the powerful manifestations of the mind. This goes with the philosophy that California would have fallen into the sea long ago, if not for the many minds who fervently stop it from happening.

For each of us, Mars trine Pluto is an opportunity to stoke the engine of desire and propel forth with an intention. The clearer you are about the outcome and the more directly you’re using it’s power, the better the results. By all means, remain calm, remain conscious and remain clear. When you think of it, send some positive thoughts to California, because whatever the outcome, it is beautiful land deserving resurrection.

The time may come when even celebrities keep this information close to the cuff. But I think we’ve arrived at the time when an astrologer’s ability to forecast an election will only be as good as his/her rectification (ability to estimate the birth-time through research) skills.

Looking ahead at the Inauguration 1/20/2009 chart set for noon (which has been the date/time since the 20th Amendment), many may view the Scorpio moon as “void of course”. This means the moon is making no geometric aspects in the sky to any planet before it leaves its sign. However, many astrological text, including some by the great William Lilly, suggest that if the moon is “applying” (heading toward) a planet soon after it enters the next sign, then the “VOC” does not hold. The reason astrologers avoid a “void of course” moon for an event is it is unlikely the outcome will be as desired.

Of perhaps greater concern is the fact the moon is in Scorpio on 1/20/09 at noon, which is said to be in its “fall” (Scorpio moon natives internalize their feelings and present a cool demeanor because it’s so difficult for them to trust). This would indicate the public would be wary of the new president.  If could also indicate loss and betrayal. If it is true that people with political power are paying attention more to astrologers, it’s possible for the inauguration to be delayed until 12:30 pm. I’m sure the spin-doctors can dream something up. The US would be much better served by a president who begins with a Sagittarius moon in place. Although it’s very unlikely the president elect would admit that was why the time was changed.

However, if the inauguration does occur at noon, the astrology indicates a presidency that will not fulfill its promise.

My take on the retrograde Mercury has always been to look below the surface. But maybe that’s because my natal Mercury is in a water house, which gives it a “below the surface” quality anyway. It’s good for psychic tuning, not so good for spelling bees.

When Mercury is retrograde, double check appointments, assume nothing and backup all files. Roughly 15% of the population breeze along when Mercury is retrograde because they were born with it, so they thrive when routes seem less direct. What’s arresting about May 26, 2008 is that the planet Neptune is also going retrograde. When this occurs, we are all invited to spend a period of time with our innate intuition, our soul’s evolution, our natural resources for inspiration, without caring as much what the fashion zines tell us.

It makes me think there is tremendous opportunity for reflection on Memorial Day 2008. It’s interesting to note it was first declared a national holiday on 5/5/1868 to take place yearly on the 30th of May. But the Confederates who had honored their dead by decorating the graves refused to be part of a national day declared by the Union government. It wasn’t until WWI when the revered dead expanded beyond the Civil War that the Southern states were willing to be a part of the US’s day of recognition.

At that time the Indy 500 was already utilizing Memorial Day for their races. The first time they did this was in 1911 when the Sun was in Taurus conjunct Pluto and in opposition to a Scorpio moon. Pluto/Sun in Taurus oppose Moon is very much about the earthbound engaging in the dance of mortality. Mars was in Aries conjunct Neptune, enhancing the illusion of the heroic warrior with a square from Uranus (revolution). This guaranteed that the races would be hallmarked by unexpected events (ensuring their popularity).

The 1868 inception chart of Memorial Day shows Neptune/Venus/Moon in Cancer opposing Uranus in Capricorn. The yin (passive) energy of Venus/Moon was supported by the nebulous quality of Neptune in the sign that symbolizes home/hearth. This placement is at continual odds with the cold decisions of the enterprising Uranus. Although the roots of Memorial Day were to remember the dead, the horoscope of its beginning points to an unwillingness to eschew aggression which can sometimes be at odds with real power (Neptune/Mars square Pluto).

With Neptune symbolizing the hidden, sacrifice, victims, it is sobering that the veterans of the Iraq War have a high rate of suicide attempts(reported over 12,000 a year)

Because of medical technology, more veterans are surviving, but with injuries that take a toll on their ability to cope with returning to civilian life, and in some cases, an inability to fund their care. Since Neptune will be retrograde through the beginning of November, we can expect questions about health care to continue to haunt the US presidential nominees.

This May 26, 2008 also has the planet Venus in hard aspect to Saturn in the sky, showing an emphasis on lack: lack of time, resources and love. Perhaps this Memorial Day juxtaposed with racing cars will emphasize the contrast of spewing oil for entertainment and soldiers losing their lives for a stake in the Middle East. Even veterans who enjoy the races may not want thunder stolen on the day designated to remember their fallen brothers and sisters. Only last week, the veterans’ plan passed to strengthen education benefits for US soldiers, not updated since 1984.

The opposition feared that soldiers would opt for education rather than a return to war. When I look at the chart of forging Memorial Day I see a fire Jupiter (expansion, education) in harmonious aspect with Saturn (the disciplinarian, limits). I’m wondering if educating the US military and all its citizens is the true honoring of the fallen on Memorial Day. Because the more educated the citizens and military, the better their decisions. Just a few things to reflect on this May 26,2008.