The race is on! Who will be the next President of the United States will be determined in November 2008, so we thought we'd take a look at the astrology charts of presidential hopefuls Senator John McCain (Republican) and Senator Barack Obama (Democrat) to get the inside scoop on what they're really like. We're not predicting who will win, mind you, but offering an insightful analysis of the character, motivation, strengths and weaknesses of each candidate.
Shooting star: Barack Obama
Not doubt about it - the man is precocious. Obama's meteoric rise to fame on the political scene is strikingly apparent in his chart. Born in Hawaii on August 4, 1961 at 7:24 p.m. (according to his birth certificate), Obama has Sun, Mercury and Uranus in Leo, the sign of leadership - Moon in eloquent Gemini, and ascendant in unconventional Aquarius. Aquarius is the sign of progress, brilliance and rebellion. People with this ascendant are usually early starters, impatient to fulfill their destiny. Also, you can certainly see Obama's Aquarius influence in his motto, "Change we can believe in." Aquarius is the revolutionary that demolishes the outmoded status quo and fights for the equal rights of others. Aquarius is, after all, the sign of brotherhood. The challenge for Obama is having patience with those who don't share his progressive vision.
Being a Leo, this Democrat is a natural born leader. Using his power creatively within a leadership role is his main motivation. Moreover, Leo is a passionate fire sign that usually feels right at home in the limelight, and Obama is no exception. He's often described as "presidential" (Leos aren't known for their humility). However, with Sun and Mercury in the 6th House of work and service, and Saturn in Capricorn, he's actually more humble, practical and hard-working than many Leos. He has a talent for details and analysis, which is strengthened by having Mars in Virgo. Health and service related endeavors are important to him.
Obama's most challenging influence has dogged his campaign from day one: a troubled Neptune, which afflicts his Sun and Mercury. Neptune is both the planet of divine inspiration and deception and confusion. This influence has been a magnet for misinformation about him, especially on the Internet. To battle his "Neptunian" detractors, his campaign created the website FightTheSmears.com. Additionally, his clear-thinking Gemini and Aquarius influences assist in communicating the truth of his intentions.
Best known for his soaring rhetoric, Obama can lift the roof off a stadium full of supporters. Air signs Gemini and Aquarius are known for their exceptional way with words. Having Moon in Gemini trine Jupiter in Aquarius makes Obama a master wordster. One interesting note about his Moon, which rules his upbringing: The symbol for Gemini is the twins. This influence points to Obama's double heritage of having a white mother from Kansas and a black father from Kenya. It can also make him somewhat changeable emotionally, a trait that can seem two-faced to the public.
As for his ambition for the presidency, Scorpio rules his 10th house of career, and Scorpio is all about power and influence (and may point to having a Scorpio vice president - like Hilary Clinton, perhaps?). However, with Scorpio's ruler, Pluto, in the 7th House of partnerships, Obama is quite capable of working in partnership with others while taking on the ultimate leadership role.
Staunch warrior: John McCain
Although known as a maverick within the Republican party, McCain is much more conventional than his opponent. He was born in Panama on August 29, 1936 at about 11 a.m. (according to his mother, who is featured in a campaign commercial, no less). He has Sun, Neptune and Venus in Virgo, Moon in Capricorn and ascendant in Scorpio. The Virgo influences give him a practical nature and the urge to be of service to others, which is his main motivator.
Moon in Cap strengthens his practical streak. It would normally indicate a love of tradition, but with Pluto directly opposing his Moon, he's had to break away from family patterns. The Scorpio influence gives him an intense focus and a desire for power. It can also indicate a vengeful streak - he doesn't forgive or forget easily. All in all, McCain is pragmatic, hard working, driven to succeed and highly analytical.
What McCain lacks is imagination and the power to inspire others. Still, his Mars in Leo gives him the drive to lead. Actually, Mars may be his most powerful influence because it's elevated in the 9th House of foreign affairs, and conjunct the 10th House of career. This strong placement is interesting because Mars is the planet of war, and McCain is well known for having served as a fighter pilot in Vietnam, where he was injured and captured as a prisoner of war. What's more, his Mars is afflicted by Uranus, giving him a short fuse (and a bit of a rebellious streak, much to his party's chagrin). He's definitely a fighter.
The challenge of having Mars in the 9th House, along with Pluto, will be working with other countries. Both planets are the antithesis of diplomacy. Uranus is the willful renegade, while Pluto is out for power. Fortunately, the Virgo placements assist in strengthening the senator's patience and desire to serve.
McCain's Sun is in the career sector of his chart, adding to his leadership ability and public acclaim. His Mercury in Libra helps him communicate clearly. He strives for a balanced perspective, weighing the pros and cons of all criteria before coming to a decision - which can appear indecisive. But with such a grounded approach to life because of an abundance of earth influences, he's seldom indecisive. If anything, he can be overly focused on what's in front of him without seeing the bigger picture. For Virgo it's all in the details.
Ambition and karma are under the domain of Saturn. With Saturn in Pisces, there's an element of sacrifice tied to McCain's destiny. One monumental sacrifice was being a prisoner of war, as indicated by Saturn opposing Neptune (sacrifice, again) and Venus. Moreover, since Pisces is also the sign of compassion, part of his karma, perhaps, is to realize that war isn't the answer.
On Election Day, the current planetary lineup will have changed dramatically. A threesome of Scorpio planets - the Sun, Mercury and Mars - indicates that voters will be concerned (to the point of obsession) with the economy and healthcare as they go to the polls. Conversly, Venus and Pluto in Sagittarius will inspire a rosier view of the future and prompt voters to expand beyond their personal concerns to consider the bigger picture of where the country should be heading.
Still in effect will be Uranus in Pisces, Saturn in Virgo and Jupiter in Capricorn. Saturn opposing Uranus will greatly accelerate the desire for healthcare changes, while optimistic Jupiter will offer an element of optimism about the country's overall foundation, especially pertaining to big business.
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