ARTICLES FROM CURRENT ASTROLOGERS

With Chiron at 5 Pisces retrograde in the First House, Obama presents himself as a peacemaker and healer, but also as a maverick outsider who can turn the Washington establishment on its head. Exactly conjoined a Quasar, this element of his personality is very forceful and apparent, but whether he can truly make a difference remains to be seen.

Natal Uranus at 25 Leo opposes the Quasar at 24 Aquarius and the USA Moon, representing the public, at 26 Aquarius. This Quasar contact promotes a “modern,” even “hip” feel to the candidacy, and assures the support of the liberal progressive base, as well as lending technical proficiency to the campaign, probably the first truly innovative, post-internet political venture in the US, able to fully integrate and capitalize on current technology in its pursuit of victory. The contrast between the rival camps was glaringly exemplified in early June when the McCain campaign formally hand-delivered a letter challenging Obama to a series of Town Hall debates; the Obama camp expressed themselves mystified as to why it hadn’t simply been emailed. The opposition to the USA Moon is useful in stirring up the electorate, and particularly young people, but it may also indicate an image of Obama as elitist or somehow too exotic to be a comfortable match for the American public. Ironically, it is the genetic and cultural background identifying him as a living exemplar of America’s “melting pot” which may cause voters to reject him as too alien.

Uranus tied with Saturn by inconjunct and the USA Moon by opposition indicates that Obama also runs the risk of being interpreted by the populace not so much as a political individual but as a social movement, something one has to “join.” The USA Moon conjoins a Black Hole at 28 Aquarius, one of the sources of the notoriously fickle moods of the American electorate; they are changeable and prize a common touch, a sense that their president is “one of us.” Obama may have difficulty achieving this image if what he represents overwhelms who he is.