Dear Friend and Reader:
Last night, Donald Trump said something that has become the lead story out of the third presidential debate: he might not accept the election results if he loses. All week long he’s been bleating about rigged elections — as if there’s some conspiracy between black people, The New York Times, Hillary Clinton, 50 state Boards of Election and the Electoral College.
Trump is right — voting is rigged, but in the direction opposite of what he’s saying. It’s stacked against minorities, who are blocked in many places by requirements for identification, distance to the polling location and the now-gutted Voter Rights Act.
It was most famously rigged during the 2000 election, when Al Gore won and George W. Bush took office. I’ll come back to that in a moment.
In case you missed last night’s impressive face-off between Trump and Chris Wallace of Fox News, here’s the now-famous exchange.
TRUMP: If you look — excuse me, Chris — if you look at your voter rolls, you will see millions of people that are registered to vote — millions, this isn’t coming from me — this is coming from Pew Report and other places — millions of people that are registered to vote that shouldn’t be registered to vote.
So let me just give you one other thing. So I talk about the corrupt media. I talk about the millions of people — tell you one other thing. She shouldn’t be allowed to run. It’s crooked — she’s — she’s guilty of a very, very serious crime. She should not be allowed to run.
And just in that respect, I say it’s rigged, because she should never…
WALLACE: But…
TRUMP: Chris, she should never have been allowed to run for the presidency based on what she did with e-mails and so many other things.
WALLACE: But, sir, there is a tradition in this country — in fact, one of the prides of this country — is the peaceful transition of power and that no matter how hard-fought a campaign is, that at the end of the campaign that the loser concedes to the winner. Not saying that you’re necessarily going to be the loser or the winner, but that the loser concedes to the winner and that the country comes together in part for the good of the country. Are you saying you’re not prepared now to commit to that principle?
TRUMP: What I’m saying is that I will tell you at the time. I’ll keep you in suspense. OK?
Yes, just like a reality TV host would. Leave them hanging. That’s the whole problem with the Trump campaign: he thinks it’s a television hallucination.
Clinton pointed out that every time Trump loses something, he cries foul — such as the Emmy awards or the Iowa caucus. And if there’s something wrong with him, that same something is always more wrong with someone else. Trump is the Great American Shadow rising before us. Anyway, he’s basically implied that he’s not going to accept the election results when he loses, which at this stage seems inevitable. If so, that would cause a significant problem; generally the election is over when the loser concedes.
After tracking this discussion, I am now certain that the reason Al Gore gave up with only a minimal fight was because he knew that the continuity of government was more important than him becoming president. Trump, however, has no investment in the Republic.
He is now a cornered, wounded animal: the most dangerous kind. This election seems to be a done deal, barring any catastrophes. Trump is having his worst secrets exposed to the world, and he’s being humiliated — very difficult for someone with no humility. He can therefore do anything; we haven’t seen the worst of him yet.
Mercury and the 2000 Election
There was some extraordinary astrology the night of the 2000 election: Mercury stationed direct (that is, the retrograde ended) as the polls were closing. The place where Mercury stationed was 29 Libra 56 — right in the last arc minutes of the very last degree of Libra.
This is why you want to wait until Mercury is direct to start new things. The changing direction indicates a reversal of some kind. You want to get that variable out of the way if you can; nearly all cautions about Mercury retrograde come back to this one idea.
Most of the retrograde during the last three weeks of the 2000 campaign was in Scorpio. Then, just before the polls closed, Mercury dipped back into Libra, the sign of the scales, where things hang in the balance. Here’s how that works in mundane astrology.
Jim Shawvan, one of the wise old birds in our profession, made the following proposal, written Oct. 29, 2000, and published about a week before the election on StarIQ.com:
I will hazard the following guesses:
1. The election may be so close in some states that it may be several days before the actual electoral college votes can be tallied with accuracy. This could involve the counting of absentee ballots, and possible charges of fraud or irregularities in some places.
2. As of election night, it may look very much like a Bush victory, but uncertainty may develop as the count goes on.
3. As of a week or so after the election, when most of the Virgo detail stuff has been sorted out, Gore may have the edge in electoral votes — but it may not be certain even then.
We all agree Shawvan is a pretty good astrologer, but that was stunning. It was like he was reading the pages of USA Today weeks in advance. This one forecast woke me up to the power of mundane astrology.
With Trump essentially promising to be a sore loser (can you imagine — Donald Trump losing to…a woman!?) the question is, do we see any such disaster unfolding on election night 2016? Generally, the election is over when the loser concedes. That’s an important formality, and it’s why so many people are so stunned at Trump’s refusal to admit he would accept the election results. Mike Pence said he would. Hillary Clinton said she would. Al Gore did. Even old Dick Nixon conceded to John F. Kennedy in a ridiculously close election.
Potential Problems in the 2016 Election Chart
It’s difficult to chart the election. Early voting starts months in advance. The polls all close at different times and in different time zones across our great nation. To do this analysis, I’ve used the Dixville Notch, NH, chart for the first reported results [see recent issue for full discussion]; and I’ve checked the charts for the polls closing in California and Hawaii (where the polls close last).
Of these charts, Dixville Notch is the most telling; it’s also the most concrete chart: the very first locale to report final results. To me there are three troubling elements about this chart, though I don’t get imagery lending itself to anything like Mercury changing directions in the last arc minutes of Libra.
First, the chart has Virgo rising. That says: look at Mercury as the main significator in this chart, and when we do, we find Mercury right on the 4th house cusp — as low as it can be, and in Scorpio. This suggests a low point. It also suggests secrecy, and a kind of vindictiveness of the “hell hath no fury” type. As the general significator for the question, it’s not a positive sign.
Mercury is in a pretty close aspect to the Uranus-Eris conjunction — a quincunx. We have seen the kinds of chaos that can come with quincunxes to Uranus-Eris. The Aquarius Moon is about to square that Mercury. This looks like the public interest clashing with whatever this dark item is.
I consider the 4th house to be that of shadow government. This manifests beautifully in the chart for the Sept. 11 incident. There are two governments in operation: the one we hear about all the time (10th house and its ruler) and the other one, the shadow government, funded by something called the Black Budget (4th house and its ruler).
What Mercury here suggests is that we’re really seeing the selection of the shadow president, or that’s where the influence is coming from.
Second, Mars is in the last degree of Capricorn. Anything in the last degree of a sign can be a sticking point. It’s like a loose cannon, something with unpredictable consequences.
Anyone who studies the Sabian symbols recognizes this degree: A secret meeting of men responsible for executive decisions in world affairs.
I’m not one of those astrologers who is hypnotized by the Sabian symbols, but sometimes they really jump out. This is one of those cases. It’s describing the election being a kind of back-room deal.
No, this is not going to be stolen by inner-city people as Trump is implying.
It looks more like the wealthy cabal of elites who operate behind the scenes of corporations and governments. These people actually exist. It’s not some fantasy. This chart gives us a glimpse into the cabal-like quality of American elections. What is interesting is how many people are suggesting that this whole thing was decided in advance, and that Trump was set up as a stooge to lose to Clinton. The leaked emails from her campaign seem to confirm this.
Mercury is in Scorpio, so Mars (the traditional ruler of Scorpio) is what’s called the dispositor of Mercury. Whatever Mercury represents is tied into Mars having its secret meeting.
Mars, the planet of war, is the planet in that degree. My take is that whoever decides this election is doing so on the basis of the military interests involved. The topic of war was one of two major issues that were not seriously discussed during any of the debates (the other being global warming), and which is being lost in the tide of lurid news about groping and sexual assault.
Third, Venus is conjunct Pholus. In this chart Taurus is on the 10th house of the presidency. So Venus represents the big prize; and that big prize is conjunct the centaur of things going out of control (small cause, big effect; pressurized release; unexpected consequences). This resonates with Mars in the last degree of Capricorn, which also has an out-of-control feeling.
Last, Neptune is all over these charts. Neptune is mystical, magical and given to psychic chaos and confusion.
When the election begins, the Moon is in Aquarius, nice and tidy conjunct Pallas, the goddess of law and politics. That looks pretty good, like it belongs there.
When the election ends a day later, the Moon is in Pisces, conjunct Neptune. Whatever may be happening, it becomes clear that everything seems like a scam. There’s an odor of deceit in the air.
It’s just not the scam that Trump is talking about — and that’s only going to confuse matters. With so many accusations of lying going around, the often hapless public may have a hard time figuring out who is telling the truth and who is lying.
The Day After: Mars Enters Aquarius
After the election is over, Mars enters Aquarius, and that to me looks like public outrage. Aquarius is the most likely sign representing the internet, and it’s going to be an interesting few days in the digital environment as the fog burns off.
The public has a lot to be angry about. Elections are indeed set up by relatively few people, and the public is shielded from any reasonable access to information — such as having smaller-party candidates on the debate stage. In any sane system, we could have both Sanders and Clinton on the ballot; Sanders certainly had enough support to warrant giving the whole population a choice.
Many viewpoints are excluded to the point of being marginalized, and the secret cabal of the two-party system is preserved. It’s time for a student uprising on the Electoral College campus, and we just might get one.
w/love
Weekly Horoscope for Oct. 20, 2016, #1122 | By Amy Elliott
Aries (March 20-April 19) — If in the past week or so you’ve experienced anything from minor turbulence to a full-on tempest, you’ll be relieved to feel the weather clearing up. You might also be glad to find there was a purpose to the boat-rocking. This involves letting go of an old habit. Something has been holding you back from living life to the fullest. Now you are beginning to see how to distance yourself from it, and the potential healing in that process. If you still need a key to the riddle, fun, artistic endeavors or sheer relaxation may provide it. — by Amy Elliott.
Taurus (April 19-May 20) — This time of year usually involves a focus on your relationships in some way. This year, however, it seems there’s an intensifying quality to the spotlight. This could manifest as a soulful deepening of commitments, or possibly a search for fresh meaning and connection. Remember that you have the ultimate power to give meaning and impetus to your life. The great gift of your lasting devotion is best applied to whatever is truest to your principles. Therefore, do not allow anyone to hurry you into any commitment before you are ready. — by Amy Elliott.
Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Everyone is a work in progress to some extent, and it appears progress is what you’re currently making. If life is a detective novel, you’ve either just found an important clue or are about to come across one. Your present mission may involve digging deeper than you usually like to go. Yet, there is every indication that it’s worthwhile, to say the least. If you feel inclined to back away rather than face possible discomfort, here are two thoughts that might help: firstly, talk to someone you love and trust; secondly, think of this as a puzzle, and you’ll get on splendidly. — by Amy Elliott.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) — If you need a little breathing space, go ahead and take it. I’d recommend spending at least some time this week consciously doing things that help you relax. In particular, whatever sustains or improves your wellbeing would make excellent priorities. Your sign has a rather beautiful reputation of caring for others; just now, you will almost certainly maximize your effectiveness in that regard by taking care of yourself first. When you are in the place you need to be, your calmness ripples out to soothe others without effort or exertion. — by Amy Elliott.
Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You’ve always been, to some extent, a beacon to guide those around you; and just now you are blazing perhaps brighter than ever before. If there’s anything you feel you really could do with more of in your life, it may well start coming to you. Check in with your heart: does opening or relaxing into that space begin to let in what you desire? If any challenges arise, check that you have given out the clearest message possible to anyone involved. Finally, as far as you can, be the example you would most wish to set if you knew people would watch, listen and follow. — by Amy Elliott.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — At last you have the opportunity to make those deep-seated changes you’ve been planning. There is a force stirring in some hidden part of your psyche that is longing to emerge, if only you will allow it to. If you’re worried there may be unforeseen difficulties, remember that you are actually a lot stronger than you think. Those who love you best understand this well: mutable sign you may be, but when it comes to what truly matters, you might as well be made of titanium. Take heart. — by Amy Elliott.
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You have permission from the cosmos to believe in yourself. In fact, you might even choose to foster such belief actively. If needs be, you could (for example) find a convenient mirror and compliment yourself to your face. Alternatively, you may have some idea of how to make life better for people in your community — whether by charitable work, activism or in other ways. If that’s something you would be happy doing, then by all means forge ahead. Your community loves you, and they are only waiting for an opportunity to show it. — by Amy Elliott.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — The Sun is about to enter your sign, beginning the season in which (so they say) the veil between the worlds is thinnest. Born into this moment, you are likely to understand this concept intuitively, and you know of its rich potential for growth. That is true whichever hemisphere you happen to live in; and this year, your strong instincts or your subconscious could provide much of the fuel you need to boost your most significant ambitions. I suggest you pay attention to your inner voice, and also record your dreams. — by Amy Elliott.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Some of your core philosophy appears to be undergoing a change. It’s possible that recent new experiences, perhaps involving getting to know someone better, have widened your perspective considerably. You can now begin to reap the benefits of this alteration, starting with giving your new ideas a good airing. As long as you are not judgmental or severe in your communications, you’re likely to find more sympathy and goodwill than you might have expected. This is a moment you’ve been preparing for; now it seems you’re ready. — by Amy Elliott.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — The world is not your burden to carry, although I am sure you feel that way sometimes. You need to take it easy. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, and that your living space is as comfortable as it can be. This might also be a good time to cultivate your inner life as well as your dealings with what is outside: your imagination is richer than many suspect, as you may have discovered lately. When you’ve had sufficient time and space to refresh yourself, you will be better equipped to proceed with being an asset to the entire planet. — by Amy Elliott.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — If your Saturnian side has come uppermost of late, you might feel in need of some fun. I’m sure you know not to take any careless risks. That caveat in place, I suggest you indulge. Gather your posse and sally forth into the streets (or possibly the shopping mall, the funfair or the nearest quirky bar). Let your inner child loose; bring them into consultation if needs be. This should make it a good deal easier for you to be the person you’re required to be in the more serious areas of life. After all, everyone needs a bit of playtime. — by Amy Elliott.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Don’t get too distracted or lose sight of the inspiration you’ve had. I realize that in today’s environment this is easier said than done. However, it would probably be useful just now to ensure that you follow through with commitments as well as you can. There will be plenty of time to explore all the fascinating side paths you’re presently noticing, as long as you take steps not to get lost in them. Your long-term plan is much too important for you to get waylaid. I suggest you keep your notes in order and muster your powers of concentration. — by Amy Elliott.