US Election Astrology: Introduction
US election astrology is fast becoming ‘a thing’, especially as this is going to be one of the most bitterly fought campaigns with the two oldest candidates ever and an extremely polarised electorate. There is a lot at stake – and a lot of feeling that Joe Biden in particular is now too old to fight the campaign, or lead the country. Trump is also old – only two and a half years Biden’s junior. The Republican Party is unlikely to replace Donald Trump as their candidate (for obvious reasons), but how realistic is Joe Biden’s candidacy for the Democrats?
All of those questions seemed to come to a head following the candidates televised debate, as the issues with President Biden’s age seemed the most notable thing about the encounter. So, as the political pundits are engaged in ‘reading the runes’ and casting about for potential alternatives to Joe Biden, I thought I would look at this from an astrological perspective and see if the stars are going to give us a steer on who is likely to be the most realistic alternative presidential election candidate. It’s a long read so make yourself comfortable…
US Election Astrology: The Joe Biden Issue
First things first: was I surprised by the reaction to the TV debate? The answer is no. Last November I posted Joe Biden’s solar return report for 2024. In that report, there was a lot of doubt that he would be the candidate going into November’s election. The link to that report is here, but briefly: his age was going to be against him (Saturn in the 7th house of open enemies), Neptune (8th house) was going to undermine his power and Uranus on the Midheaven was going to result in an unexpected change in his life direction.
That said, at that time I felt that if he was expected to win, that he was unlikely to, with the opposite also being true. However, my biggest takeaway from my earlier encounter with US election astrology was this:
The new POTUS may not be Biden, but it may not be Trump either.
Sara Shipman, November 2023.
That was my conclusion in November 2023 and I think I’m going to stick with it – for now. Of course, this may be a hypothetical situation. At the time of writing, Joe Biden shows no signs of quitting, even if there are numerous voices in the public domain saying he should go. And who knows? There may be some private voices in there too. And he may not quit – in my November 2023 solar return report I noted that he would be fighting hard for his position.
So, if it does turn out that President Biden decides not to stand – or circumstances bring that situation about – who would the alternative contenders be? For the record, I’m not a US citizen, I live in the UK, I’m not familiar with your other politicians – so I’ve had to make a shortlist from what I’ve read in the press over the past few days. Forgive me if I’ve missed anyone who would be an obvious choice. What I’m going to do is – briefly – look at the transits and solar return charts of each individual and see if anything obvious leaps out. Thankfully, birth times are recorded in the US – and that makes US election astrology a lot easier!
US Election Astrology: The Alternative Candidates
If Joe Biden steps aside, Then according to the political pundits, the following politicians seem the most likely to take his place:
- Kamala Harris – the current Vice President
- Gavin Newsom – Governor of California
- Gretchen Whitmer – Governor of Michigan
- JB Pritzker – Governor of Illinois
There are probably many other Democrat politicians who would also throw their hats into the ring – other names that have been suggested are Josh Shapiro, Pete Buttigieg – and even Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama. From what I’ve observed, the above list contains the names of those who are considered most likely to do so – should the situation arise. So, lets take a look at what US election astrology has to say about their prospects. I have prepared all of the charts on the following basis:
- I have used Topocentric houses
- I have assumed all prospective candidates were at their place of work on their solar return dates, i.e. Washington DC or their respective state capitals.
US Election Astrology: Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris is the current VP. Born in Oakland CA, on October 20th 1964 (09:28PM). She has the Sun in Libra, Moon in Aries, Ascendant in Gemini and Midheaven in Pisces. She has a hardworking ambitious Saturn close to the MC on the 9th house side and a powerful stellium of Venus, Uranus and Pluto in the 4th house. I’m going to look at the current transits to her natal chart and her current solar return chart.
The current transits chart:
- Mars is about to transit her 12th house – that’s a lot of energy going into reflection and maybe frustration at being in the background.
- Uranus is conjunct natal Jupiter also in the 12th house. There is the potential for unexpected or exciting possibilities, but that has to be kept under wraps – for now.
The VP’s current solar return chart has the following:
- Sun in the house of getting the message out and long distance travel. It’s a campaign year.
- A stellium (Moon, Mars Venus)in the tenth house of ambition indicates an ambition to be re-elected, or it could go further than that in a personal sense. Connecting with the public is important, public relationships are important – and personal ambition is up there too.
- Pluto on the IC indicates a transformational shift in her power base. A profoundly life changing decision is going to be made this year and – potentially – external events will alter her life in some way.
- Pluto exactly opposite the solar return MC transforms her domestic and living situation permanently.
With an October birthday, Kamala Harris’s new solar return chart will take effect before the November 5th election. As a new solar return chart can make its presence felt a couple of months ahead of the solar return date, here are updated charts to reflect that. I’ve looked at the transits for November 5th too. What does that update reveal?
First, the transits:
- Uranus in departing conjunction to natal Jupiter, 12th house: as before, but it also suggests a sudden change in fortune that may be psychologically beneficial. Humility, wisdom and grace will be needed at this time.
- Saturn is conjunct natal Chiron in the 10th house – dealing with the pain of rejection will be a big issue and may be used to foster a healing process. And it will be in the public domain. It shows strength, determination and compassion will be important this year – and a need to be realistic and grounded – whatever happens.
And now the solar return for 2024-2025:
- Sun in the 9th house is the apex planet in a t-square with the Mars (7th) – Pluto (1st) opposition. It concerns the law, diplomacy, international relations and long distance travel – and the Mars-Pluto opposition indicates having to be uncompromising with your enemies – and defending your friends.
- Yod (finger of fate) pointing at the Sun (9th) with Uranus (4th) and Neptune (2nd) at the base. Uranus indicates making a rapid adjustment to a new way of life, and Neptune here is concerned with loss – and that may be a loss of something Kamala Harris holds dear.
- Pluto (1st) shows a year of appearing focused, determined, a survivor and powerful. The opposition to Mars (7th) shows initiative and leadership in establishing relationships. Mars here also takes the fight to her opponents.
- Mars square Chiron (3rd) suggests a lot of vitriolic and painful exchanges.
- Mercury (10th) suggests having to make important decisions and communications – and having the responsibility for doing so. It suggests mental focus is directed towards an important job.
So, if Joe Biden steps down, will Kamala Harris take his place? Regardless of what happens (or the electoral outcome), the charts suggest that she is going to maintain a high public profile, so it may be a possibility that she would compete for the Democratic nomination – if that situation arose.
US Election Astrology: Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom is the governor of California. Born in San Francisco, CA on October 10th 1967 (05:13AM). He also has the Sun in cardinal Libra, the Moon in Capricorn, Virgo rising and the Midheaven in Gemini. Venus conjunct Jupiter in the 12th house gives him charm and mass appeal, and Pluto conjunct the AC (together with Uranus and the Sun in the 1st house) shows no lack of confidence, charisma, willpower or dynamism. Mars is opposite the MC and suggests a drive to dominate that could be insensitive. Let’s look at the charts to see how they shape up currently:
At the moment, the transits are quiet – apart from Saturn in an approaching opposition to the Ascendant. This suggests a process of constructing alliances is underway – and that Gavin Newsom is probably working hard to do so. The current year’s solar return chart has more detail – and I’m going to relate it directly to the natal chart, as there are some notable connections between the two charts. I have worked on the basis that Sacramento CA is the solar return location.
- Midheaven in solidly ambitious Capricorn (conjunct GH’s natal 4th house Moon) shows that this is the year to work hard for success. The alignment of solar return MC with the natal Moon, suggests Newsom feels ‘at home’ with this; ambition is connected with homeland – or being the ‘homeland boss’.
- Pluto retrograde in the 10th house shows an intense focus on a career transformation. It’s the kind of focus that lets nothing get in its way.
- The solar return AC in cardinal Aries suggests a desire for a fresh start and to present oneself as a dynamic, active leader. The solar return AC is conjunct the natal north node in 8th house; is this Newsom’s destiny, or does he simply regard his ambitions in that way?
- A Yod aspect pattern focuses on the solar return Moon in 5th house; Gavin Newsom feels confident. Intense, determined Pluto (10th) and idealistic Neptune (12th) form the base of the Yod, and this suggests he can see no reason not to feel that way.
- The solar return Moon is conjunct the cusp of natal 12th house; it suggests being tuned in to political undercurrents. The 12th house is an important one in politics, as it often indicates political success. However, self-undoing or hidden enemies may be an issue.
- Mars (7th): shows initiative and leadership in establishing relationships. Mars here also takes the fight to his opponents.
Like Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom’s October birthday means a new solar return chart will be in force by the US election day, so here are the updated charts for that day:
The most eye catching transit is Jupiter exactly conjunct the natal Midheaven. It’s the no.1 indicator of professional opportunity and success – or it brings you to the attention of the public in a big way. Opportunities for professional growth and expansion are associated with this moment. But so is overreaching ambition. So, what does the 2024 – 2025 solar return chart say?
And that depends on the location. A Sacramento solar return chart suggests the following:
- Chiron (10th) indicates vulnerability in connection with reputation together with a suggestion of ‘impostor syndrome’, as questions may arise about defining a sense of purpose. That may sound surprising, but Newsom may need to work out exactly what he stands for.
- Sun (4th) suggests establishing a base is important, as is connecting with national pride. In connection with Mercury, that needs to be communicated.
- Mars (12th) puts energy at the service of something greater than the individual. It’s potentially a useful placement for a politician, but it does also imply that energy is frustrated – especially if it’s directed towards personal ambitions.
The above assumptions regarding the solar return chart will, of course, be overturned if Newsom is elsewhere on his birthday. Incidentally, I also cast a solar return chart for him based in Washington DC – that chart placed Uranus exactly conjunct the MC and Jupiter (retrograde) in the 10th house. Jupiter retrograde (10th) suggests a ‘course correction’ and Uranus signifies a rapid and unexpected change of status – so watch this space…
In the event of Joe Biden stepping aside, I think it’s a nailed on certainty that Gavin Newsom would enter the race to replace him – he has too much drive and serious ambition in his natal chart to not do so. Of the charts I have seen so far, he appears to be to candidate most likely to succeed, should this hypothetical situation arise.
US Election Astrology: JB Pritzker
Jay Robert Pritzker is the Governor of Illinois. Born in Palo Alto CA on January 19th 1965 (01:01PM). He has the Sun in cardinal Capricorn, the Moon in Virgo, Ascendant in Gemini and MC in Aquarius. Saturn in well placed in the 10th house and is opposed by the 4th house Moon. Like the other two potential candidates above, he also has Jupiter in the 12th house. What do his current transits and solar return chart say?
The most important and obvious transits are:
- Pluto conjunct the natal Sun (9th) on the anaretic degree (29˚)in Capricorn. Pluto is going to make a long pass over this degree from the beginning of September through to mid-November before making its final ingress in to Aquarius. That is a critical moment – indicating a now or never decision.
- Pluto conjunct the natal Sun brings about a radical change – and it may represent a leap into the unknown – and that may be related to the following…
- Transiting Pluto makes an exact inconjunct aspect to the natal Moon suggesting something changes – irrevocably – in respect of home and homeland and whatever it is, it’s deeply uncomfortable.
- Mars conjuncts natal Jupiter (12th) and activates the natal chart grand trine, suggesting a moral obligation to take action – but when the time is right,
The solar return chart is based in Springfield IL, the state capital, and it contains the following:
- Sun conjunct Pluto (4th) puts the focus on the home – and homeland. The Sun signifies this as the overriding concern this solar return year. There is a deep concern with profound changes that could affect the country – something is existential for him.
- Moon conjunct Uranus (8th) indicates volatile emotions and a potential crisis – and that may be related to Neptune (6th) which points towards confusion about what to do about a certain situation.
- Mercury (3rd) conjunct Mars (4th) often articulates deep anger – and a need to defend the self, family or homeland from threat – and ongoing power struggles.
Overall, I’m not seeing anything overt or major in Pritzker’s solar return chart that suggests a current ambition to become POTUS47 – other than he has a big decision to make whether or not to do so. For Pritzker, it may be much more than simply a matter of personal ambition – other deeper existential issues are at stake. With a January birthday, this solar return chart is current; any decision to replace Joe Biden would most likely be taken in August 2024 – and this solar return chart will remain current at that time.
US Election Astrology: Gretchen Whitmer
Gretchen Whitmer is the Governor of Michigan. She was born on August 23rd 1971 (08:51PM) in Lansing Michigan, She has the Sun in Virgo, Moon in Libra (conjunct Uranus in 7th house), Ascendant in Aries and Midheaven in Capricorn. What do her transits and solar return chart reveal?
There are few – if any – notable current transits to Whitmer’s natal chart – and that remains so for transits around the time of the Presidential Election. Her solar return chart has the following features:
- Pluto rising in the 1st house: Whitmer will have determined, focused and ruthless survival instincts this year. This is a year where she has to appear uncompromising.
- Sun in the 8th house suggests this is a turning point year – it’s about coming to terms with the death of one way of being – and accepting that things have changed. It’s also about the dynamics of power – and it represents crisis.
- Sun (8th is at the apex of a Yod (finger of fate) that has Pluto (1st) and Neptune (2nd) at its base. This year Whitmer may have to respond to a crisis caused by disillusion with established values – or the ‘establishment’ itself.
- A t-square with Venus (8th), Mars conjunct Jupiter (6th) and Saturn (2nd) suggests working hard to limit (Saturn, 2nd house) any attraction to extremism (Venus, 8th house).
- Uranus (4th) square Sun (8th) suggests that radicalism and revolution are deep concerns for Whitmer – and the trine form Uranus to Pluto rising shows here uncompromising response to it.
At this time, there appears to be little suggestion that Gretchen Whitmer would consider standing for Presidential office in the event of Joe Biden standing aside – though Pluto rising suggests she is going to be a passionate and focused during the year – qualities you would associate with a candidate. In addition, the Great American eclipse occurred close to her natal Aries ascendant. She is the only potential candidate to have this contact – and it suggests that, for Whitmer, everything has changed.
US Election Astrology: If Not Joe Biden, Then Who?
I’ll repeat what I said at the outset – all of this may be entirely hypothetical as Joe Biden may continue to run for the presidency. However, there are clearly some issues to be resolved in that direction. As I completed writing this post, the SCOTUS decision was announced – and that adds another dimension to the whole debate. However to answer the question posed above, ‘If not Joe Biden, then who?’ the charts suggest that any contest for the candidacy would be between Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom – should that situation arise.
On the further question – who would win any such contest – Newsom has the benefit of transiting Jupiter conjunct his Midheaven on election day, but Jupiter can go both ways: falling from a great height is also possible with Jupiter here. There’s one more thing to throw into the ring: on election day, Donald Trump has transiting Uranus conjunct his Midheaven and, by the end of the year, Jupiter retrograde will be passing over Trump’s natal tenth house Uranus – and will do so again in April 2025. One thing is certain – there are going to be a lot of shocks and surprises in store, regardless of whether Joe Biden stands – or not.
And I haven’t even started on that transiting Mars – Pluto opposition. That is the big one coming down the line. It’s not going to be over until it’s over…
Further Reading
Joe Biden: Solar Return Chart 2023
Donald Trump: Solar Return Chart 2024
Solar Eclipse in Aries: The Great American Eclipse 2024
The Big 2024 Horoscope: The Year Ahead
Mars Opposite Pluto 2024-2025: When Hell Breaks Loose
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© Sara Shipman 2024
Picture Credit: Image by Vilius Kukanauskas from Pixabay
Astrological charts from astro.com
Thank you so very much for sharing all of this work.