At 12:05 in the afternoon on January 20, 2009 Barack Obama completed the oath of office and became the 44th President of the United States. Like any other “birth,” an astrological chart can be drawn up to record the moment that his administration began. The exact timing of this event allows us to astrologically look into the personality of the upcoming Obama administration and make predictions about what is to transpire over the next four years.
Every regularly-scheduled presidential inauguration begins on January 20 and inevitably has the Sun, ruler of the human ego, at the very beginning of Aquarius, zodiac sign of “We The People.” In the 1930s, the Inaugural date was changed to early Aquarius from the original Mid-Pisces March 4. Since that time, the president has done less “presiding” over affairs (a tendency of service-oriented Pisces) and has become the active leader of the American people (Aquarian energy unites groups, often under one figurehead). Taking the oath in the middle of the day places practical Taurus on the eastern horizon of the astrological chart. When Taurus is rising, pragmatism is the tendency.
Meaning: Obama will represent the American people at home and abroad, and will be practical about his decision-making process.
The Moon was leaving Scorpio and entering Sagittarius when the oath was taken. Approximately 45% of the Moon had already entered Sagittarius, but the center of Earth’s satellite was still in Scorpio. This is a powerful combination of remaining firm to commitments (a hallmark of Scorpio) but having a boundless optimism (the Sagittarian outlook). This cusp is a tender point in the zodiac and the Moon rules human emotions, therefore the Obama administration will be marked by balancing stability with a seeking out of possibilities. The problems may arise in one of these tendencies not balancing with the other and creating needless conflict, but the flexibility this rare and exciting lunar position offers is invaluable to the nation.
Meaning: A rare chance to create new opportunity will arise after a strong foundation has been built.
The final planetary interaction of the Bush administration was Mercury and the Sun occupying exactly the same space of the zodiac and this remained so close that it will impact the Obama administration. Mercury rules communication. This is the most honest aspect in astrology. Jupiter, the planet of expansion, was very near the Sun’s location on the astrological belt in the sky. When the Sun and Jupiter combine, success is the goal from the outset and is often achieved.
Meaning: The Obama administration will succeed relative to its candid policies. Secretive behavior in forming solutions must be followed with exuberant transparency if policies are to succeed.
When Mercury is retrograde, going over the past is the inevitable result. The Obama administration will not be as successful at bold, new initiatives as it will be in cleaning up the messes that existed before taking power. New challenges that arise in 2009 and 2010 could, in fact, sink the popularity of this presidency. Bold action to reverse the country’s current course, though, will be the hallmark and legacy of President Obama and his cabinet.
Meaning: Fixing what is broken will lead to success. New starts are troubling.
Venus is the planet of love, art and beauty. Pisces is the sign of service. The arts will be seen as serving and healing communities.
Meaning: The Obama administration will not support art for art’s sake there must be a tangible reward to those who experience culture for it to matter to this administration.
The planet of love, art and beauty getting together with the planet that rules surprises is one of the luckiest aspects in all of astrology. This administration may luck into a new era, much like George H.W. Bush just happened to be sitting in the seat of power when the Berlin Wall came down. Of course, it will be up to the president and his advisors to take advantage of fortuitous situations, but the challenges of good luck are always more pleasant for the country than the challenges of bad luck.
Meaning: Good times are ahead with no effort! Consider an additional aspect the planet Saturn is opposing the union of these two planets in the administration’s chart. Saturn is the planet of limitations, but in its awe-inspiring seriousness, Saturn is the planet that signals the beginning of new eras. Look for President Obama to be seen, historically, as lifting the curtain on an age of American peace and prosperity. Like Eisenhower’s approval of the Interstate Highway System, we might not see it as we are living it, but some of the policies of this administration will be affecting the lives of our grandchildren.
Mars is the planet of action. Capricorn is the zodiac sign of established traditions. This is an excellent placement for the red planet in a presidential administration’s chart. The presidency is a branch of the government with a rich tradition and is symbolic of American power. To have Mars here allows the officeholder to capture the authority of that tradition and use it to advance his policies.
Meaning: President Obama will be taken seriously as President.
Action oriented Mars is harmonizing with Saturn in the administration’s chart. Saturn is the planet of limitations. This is a presidency that will be good at knowing when to take action and when to hold off. Success in establishing historic boundaries is especially blessed.
Meaning: Obama will be in the right place at the right time to make a difference.
To sum it up, Barack Obama’s administration is poised to clean up a big mess, benefit from historical shifts that no one even suspects at the dawn of the new presidency and can use the presidency to establish a strong foundation for American values at home and abroad. While his campaign slogans were Hope and Change, his presidency will be remembered as Honest and Cleansing.
