I’ve been avoiding writing about the planetary particulars of the upcoming election ever since the campaigning began. For several months, I’ve wrestled with the challenge of how to understand the election from an astrological perspective that would steer clear of prediction. Many astrologers have been combing the charts of the candidates, the candidates’ wives, the day of the election, and Inauguration Day looking for celestial clues about who will win. I’m sure several astrologers will get it right – but I won’t be one of them.
My astral eyes cannot discern the outcome. As I’ve contemplated that lack of clarity, I have come to view this presidential election as a “Wheel Turning” event: It will decide the course of learning for the next four years. Whoever wins, the profound polarization that has been pulling us apart will persist until we arrive at an intelligent, compassionate renegotiation of our social contract, a contract that must include rather than exclude opposing points of view.
From an astrological perspective, the outcome of the election sets the tone for the next two and a half years of Uranus/Pluto squares. As I’ve written before, Uranus/Pluto contacts are historically the astral signature for all the movements for social justice, and you only need to glance at the headlines to confirm that women’s rights, civil rights, labor rights, and children’s rights are at the forefront of our current collective upset and upheaval. Uranus symbolizes revolution; it destabilizes stagnation and stimulates innovation. Uranus is currently in Aries, traditionally seen as the Sign of the pioneer, explorer, and warrior. In esoteric astrology, Aries is the Sign of volition: it is the will to be – to rise out of spiritual unity and individuate as a separate self.
Pluto, always found at the core of a paradigm shift, signifies the inexorable process of transformation that is best seen through the continuous cycles of death and rebirth. Pluto is currently in Capricorn, the Sign of authority, a category that includes governments and corporations.
Squares indicate an active process: Imagine two heads butting together at right angles. In the case of Uranus and Pluto, a ram, Aries, and a goat, Capricorn, horns locked in a dynamic challenge, each determined to win, and neither will let go. Aries and Capricorn are Cardinal Signs, which means neither comes to stasis easily. For the next several years, as these Uranus/Pluto squares continue, so will the struggle to define the relationship between the individual and the government.
Revolution is always about the power of individuals united by a common cause to effect a shift in existing conditions. But in order for that change to truly succeed, the opposition must be included in the new paradigm. If we are going to find answers, we must refuse to be polarized by those who would exploit ignorance and divide us by our differences. This election illuminates the depth and cynicism of that exploitation. And in that light, we’re being asked to consider the possibility of negotiating a social contract that serves everyone’s needs, even those we disagree with.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Refuse to be distracted from your goals. Be persistent in your efforts, and allow that perseverance, especially the resolve to stay focused on and grounded in the details, to be the key to your success.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Buddhism states that suffering has a cause. Use this wisdom to penetrate a persistent relationship pattern keeping you mired in self-judgment. While you won’t uncover every detail at once, you’ll definitely gain greater self-awareness.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Humility is a great quality – just don’t confuse it with being a doormat. Healthy self-respect always engenders the respect of others. Be clear about your situation and take a necessary and appropriate stand.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Contemplate recent events, and as you do, try to notice how the prevailing winds of opinion – yours or others’ – keep you mired in negativity. Then, ask yourself if this turbulence is necessary or just a bad habit.
Leo July 23-August 22
Yes…the bottom of your psychic pond is being disturbed and that makes it hard for you to feel safe and secure, inside or out. But this disruption is not without benefit. Use it to identify key areas in need of change, and then get to work.
Virgo August 23-September 22
You’re in unfamiliar territory, but that doesn’t mean that you’re lost. Pay close attention to your intuition and don’t doubt your ability to assess a difficult situation.
Libra September 23-October 22
Acknowledging your feelings is different from indulging them. Even if your heart restless, do your best to listen to the source of that agitation, and then do whatever it is you do to maintain your equilibrium.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
You could feel confined by all the work or simply exhausted by the load. Yet although your solutions seem limited, it’s important to remember that these circumstances are transitory and will eventually change.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
While there are indications that the whole story hasn’t been told, be careful not to let suspicions become projections that turn into assumptions. Honor your hunches, but try to listen with open ears.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
If you allow complacency to dull your awareness, you’ll find yourself vulnerable to shocking developments. There’s nothing to fear – you simply have to stay aware and awake.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Wear your success modestly, and you’ll inspire others by your example. This is not about denying your gladness; it’s about refusing to let ostentation spoil an otherwise perfect moment.
Pisces February 19-March 20
No matter how busy and involved you may be, make the time to replenish your reserves on every level – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. You’ll need all your resources to complete a multitude of projects.
Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-888-937-9264, write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit AquariumAge.com, or e-mail Ralfee@AquariumAge.com. Copyright © 2012 by Ralfee Finn