February 2, 2004

The U.S. Moon and Presidential Astrology

Many NewsScope readers have asked for more details about the connection between the presidential candidates and the U.S. Moon. The theory goes like this: since the U.S. Moon, located at 25 degrees Aquarius and 28 minutes (25AQ28), represents the people and their security needs, a national politician needs a personal astrological connection to the Moon in order to find popular approval.

The connection can come from a natal placement or a progressed planet during the election cycle, and the closer, the better. The historical record reflects the accuracy of this single measurement. Both Jimmy Carter and the elder George Bush have natal Mars at 25 degrees Aquarius (25AQ53 and 25AQ28 respectively), while Ronald Reagan had his progressed Mars at 25AQ23 when he was elected in 1980.

Bill Clinton's Sun at 26LE00 is &Mac184; degree from opposing the U.S. Moon, and his Juno (representing his wife) at 25LI47 is trine the Moon. He was first elected when his progressed Mercury was at 25LI19, and re-elected when his progressed Venus and Chiron were both at 25 degrees. The younger George Bush and Al Gore both had the link in the disputed 2000 campaign.

The last president to be elected without this connection was Richard Nixon in 1968. However, his Ascendant had progressed to 7 degrees Scorpio, conjunct the U.S. Scorpio Ascendant. Lyndon Johnson, JFK, and Eisenhower all had the precise link to the U.S. Moon. The further back one goes into the record, the less strong is the connection, likely reflecting the rise of mass media, and the accelerated feedback loop between the public perception and a candidate's campaign efforts.

The 2004 Election Cycle

George W. Bush is fortunate to have two planets progressed into the 25 degree zone. Venus and Jupiter are currently at 25 degrees Libra (25LI04 and 25LI30) and form a very favorable trine to the U.S. Moon. None of his potential opponents can match these placements for their electability in 2004, though transiting Saturn could undermine even these extremely auspicious planets.

The top four Democratic candidates all have either a natal or progressed planet at 25 degrees, accounting for the tightness of the race. Howard Dean's Sun (25SC35) and his progressed Pallas (25TA54) connect him to the American people, though his progressed Pallas is moving out of range. Wesley Clark's progressed Jupiter (25VI09) is retrograde and also moving out of range, while his progressed Mercury (24AQ49) is gaining strength.

John Edwards (June 10, 1953; 7:02 am; Seneca, SC*) has his progressed Venus at the right spot (25GE37), which trines the U.S. Moon. But the power of his Venus, reflecting his good looks and positive campaign message, is waning. John Kerry has no natal planets at 25 degrees, but his progressed Moon (24LE48) is rapidly entering the winner's zone.

Kerry's progressed Moon reaches maximum power, that is, reaches its closest connection to the U.S. Moon, on February 20. After that, it begins to fade rapidly over the next month and he becomes vulnerable. The only question is, can he lock up the nomination before his celestial tide ebbs? The other candidates still in the race - Joseph Lieberman, Dennis Kucinich, and Al Sharpton, have no natal or progressed planetary connection to the U.S. Moon, nor do they have any chance of becoming the nominee.

Charlize Theron Metamorphs

Actress Charlize Theron's portrayal of a frumpy, vagabond serial killer in "Monster" stood in sharp contrast to her svelte, goddess-like appearance at the recent Golden Globe Awards ceremony. Theron appeared in an ultrafeminine, ruffled gown with the handsome Irish actor Stuart Townsend on her arm. After winning a Golden Globe, her amazing transformation was also honored with an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

Charlize Theron was born during the New Moon in Leo (August 7, 1975; Benoni, South Africa; time unknown), and also has Mercury placed in this melodramatic sign. Mercury squares feisty Mars, giving her a sharp tongue and a boldness that comes across in her various film roles as well as in her personal life. Mars has played a key role in her love life too.

Long time boyfriend rocker Stephen Jenkins (September 27, 1964) has Venus in Leo, which forms a square to her Mars. Venus-Mars connections make great sexual chemistry, but generally it's the man's Mars and the woman's Venus that are linked. In this match, Charlize's Mars is the aggressor in the relationship, which began in 1997 when she invited herself backstage to meet him after a concert.

Current boyfriend Stuart Townsend (December 15, 1972) has Venus in Scorpio, exactly opposite Charlize's Mars. Again, she's the one who initiates activities, both socially and sexually. On February 29 when the Oscars take place, transiting Venus will be on her Jupiter, and transiting Jupiter is heading for her Venus. This double blessing makes her the odds-on favorite to win Best Actress.


* Edwards birth data comes from secondhand sources, and is questionable. The other candidates' data can be found in recent NewsScope articles.