Astroworld

There are two reasons why the recall has gotten this far, and both have little to do with Gray Davis, his personality or his politics. First, the dot com industry, and stock market explosion, that was so promising a few years ago has all but evaporated, turning the largess of that gravy train to dust. A once thriving business expansion has quickly gone sour, and along with it a sizable source of revenue that formerly swelled the state coffers.

Washington, read: George W. Bush, has slashed funds that previously went to the states saying the bulk of financing various projects, like education and health care, should be done at the state level. Thus the giant sucking sound of California's surplus turning into a whopping deficit. Less revenue from within and diminishing funds from without does not make for a very secure financial picture. Kind of like losing your income from your job, AND your allotment from your rich Aunt Harriet, while your expenses are rising.

Along comes car alarm entrepreneur, and joy ride fugitive, conservative Darrell Issa, who bankrolled the recall drive mostly out of his own pocket, to the tune of about 3 million dollars. Issa actually PAID signature gatherers to pester shoppers outside malls and grocery stores into signing petitions by provoking voter's frustrations over high energy bills (thanks to the shenigans of Enron, covered in the April 2001 and May 2002 issues of the OP, available in archives), tax increases, and a shrinking job market. Before Issa provided disillusioned job seekers--some who had exhausted their unemployment benefits--with a, albeit temporary, paid position, getting signatures on recall petitions, the whole process was nearly dead in the water.

The other situation is more insidious, and has to do with the unfortunate timing of the vehicle license fees, dubed a "tax increase" by the GOP, with their typical disingenuous talent for weasel word double-talk. In actuality this is no increase, but merely a proviso put into the original vehicle tax reduction bill of 1998. This measure included a trigger that would return the fee to the original level if there is insufficient revenue in the state treasury due to the loss of proceeds from the reduction.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that would be the case with several industries key to California's economy on the skids, along with a sharp diminishing of funds available from Washington. The governor reinstated the vehicle license fee at its pre-1998 level, which generated nearly 5 billion dollars in the state treasury, but not nearly enough to cover the raging hole of over 38 billion.

And Gray Davis hasn't helped himself any by being such an easy target for his detractors. It seems that what was once said of political foes Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan could apply to Gray as well. The quip was that if Carter and Reagan both went through a car wash, only Carter would get wet---Reagan being the "Teflon President" and all.

Davis, it seems, despite much of his innocence, is the unlucky scape goat for all kinds of plagues tormenting the state. Like the damage done by deregulating the energy companies, which was the ill-conceived darling of his Republican predecessor, Pete Wilson, and the state GOP consituency. The Enron debacle that raped the states budget surplus, the vehicle license fees being reinstated back to the higher 1998 levels, and a public perception that Davis is boring and lackluster all conspire together to undermine the one man, among all 247 candidates, who is the best qualified, and experienced, to hang on to the position he now holds.

I'm sure you'll agree that the ONLY fair way we can determine, astrologically, just who has the best chance to be the next governor, is to examine ALL 247 charts. So, with that in mind, put on a pot of coffee, or pop a couple of Bennies and let's get down to business, this is going to be a looooong night!

I can hear you all saying, "What?? Huh? Omigod, NO one can examine 247 astrological charts in one sitting! Has she gone insane??"

Nooo, silly. I'm pulling your leg. Although I do personally know a couple of clinical psychologists who would gladly affirm that "insane" description. (ahem) But, even I'm not neurotic enough to attempt to analyze all 247 potential gubernatorial candidates!

Solar Chart for California Governor Gray Davis

Before you get your knickers in a knot, I'll be narrowing, considerably, the charts for examination down to a more reasonable four. Those would be Gray Davis' natals, the Ingress for California encompassing the October 7th recall election, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger's natal chart, as well as the same for Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante. Those three candidates appear to be the front runners. Although I'm curiously perplexed as to how the media can declare that Bustamante is the "ONLY" viable Democrat in the running, when over 60 candidates, in that party alone, have declared and filed papers to run.

Or do they wish to convey the false image that the Democrats only have Cruz or Gray to choose from, thus implying our lack of imagination and diversity? Funny, because that limitation is nothing compared to the one-note wonders coming out of the Republican Camp. Has anyone else figured out that Schwarzenegger is little more than the John Wayne of his time? Think about it. John Wayne was an icon, yes, but with very little real acting ability. As long as he was playing roles that depicted extentions of his own personality, like military heroes, Indian fighter, or crusty misanthrope, he did ok. Otherwise he was way out of his league.

Same with Arnold, who can't convincingly act in anything calling for a range of believable emotions, unless he's portraying the action hero or wind-up demolitionist. Both Wayne and Schwarzenegger were/are physically big men, with larger-than-life screen personas, and both have speech quirks that make them easy targets for parody. And both are also brain-dead Republicans. Color me surprised!

As for Gray Davis, and his potential to retain his governership in the October recall election, the planetary line-up is not promising. Interesting that among the three top contenders, with name recognition, experience, and financial backing to pull it off, Davis and Bustamante are both Capricorns, and Schwarzenegger is a Leo. All of them are experiencing challenging aspects from transiting Saturn, the planet most associated with the harsh thud of reality.

Unfortunately, I'm limited in the predictions I can safely make concerning Davis, and Bustamante's chances, since birth times for both gentleman are unavailable. This means exact Moon position, and subsequent aspects, as well as the signs and ruling planets for the Ascendant and Mid-heaven remain unknown. Davis' time of birth is now at the top of the list of astrological information I covet. Anyone who has it, cares to share, and can show reliable proof of their source, please e-mail me.

What I am able to analyze shows little joy for Davis. I am totally opposed to this recall drive, feeling it is nothing more than a way for a bunch of sore losers (the same epithet fired at the Dems when the Presidency was stolen from Al Gore in 2000), who want to use the recall method to remove a duly elected public servant from his rightful position. However, even I, loyal Liberal Democrat that I am, cannot overlook Davis' dismal 21% approval rating, and a cluster of potentially ominous planetary aspects that could signal his removal from office.

Davis' scraper, street-fighter (Mars), down and dirty campaign reputation (Saturn) is depicted by the tight opposition between his natal Mars and Saturn. A typical manifestation of this Mars/Saturn opposition can be seen in Davis' classic bad timing in the case of the restortation of the vehicle registration fee, as well as his overly deliberate slow action when it came to standing up to the state regulatory board.

Meanwhile, on October 7, along comes transiting Jupiter and turns that opposition into a nearly exact T-Square. The square to Mars exaggerates (Jupiter) an impatient tendency to be overly aggressive (Mars) and headstrong. A "win at all cost" objective may come off as being cocky and domineering. Davis may be heading for a fall due to this aspect's over confidence and arrogance. Jupiter in square to natal Saturn indicates an inability to face unpleasant, hard facts, and to overstate the optimistic side. Ambition (Saturn) and advancements (Jupiter) are thwarted with frustrating loss (Saturn) and setbacks.

The dynamics of this T-Square are bad enough for Davis, but his progressed Sun has moved to nearly 6 Pisces, which is just starting to aspect the natal Mars/Saturn opposition, and signals the start of his troubles as a political liability, which should continue with a loss of public support and removal from office, unfortunately. The inclusion of progressed Sun at the mid-point of the opposition between Mars and Saturn points to the perception of Davis' weakened public vitality and political impotence. And again, here comes trans Jupiter to exaggerate and magnify this very condition. Now what was a T-Square with an open area for release has become a locked-in Mutable Cross with no potential for resolve.

Note also that Davis has little water in his chart, meaning he can come across as impersonal and lacking empathy, seemingly out of touch with the needs of the people. Although he may be approaching the problems of the state in a organized and systematic fashion, working hard and taking his obligations seriously, as we'd expect from a Capricorn, he lacks the common touch that people crave from public leaders. This stiffness and lack of warmth will be overstated by the opposition of transiting Saturn to Davis' Capricorn Venus, further exaggerating a depressed and burdensome condition.

Chart for California State Ingress September 23, 2003


Moving on to the Ingress chart for the time period of the recall election, first we take a look at the planets in and ruling the tenth house, which represents the leader of the state, in this case the governor. 14 Taurus appears on the cusp of this sector, with ruler Venus strong in home sign Libra. Venus is involved in two major aspects, one being the square to Saturn, another indication of loss in a political forum. Public opinion, right or wrong, emphasizes Davis' stand-offish and cold image. He just doesn't seem to have the empathy of kindred spirits that resonates with voters.

Venus is in trine to Neptune, affirming Davis' idealistic and principled feeling that his exemplary public service record will speak for itself and that he doesn't need to lose his dignity (VERY important for a Capricorn with a Leo Moon!) by playing into the rampant circus atmosphere that has become part and parcel of this recall election. He's not being impervious, but he may be simply naive or gullible not realizing, until too late, that he is not holding all the cards.

Sun in any Ingress chart also represents the conditions of the head of state. Interesting to note that Sun is in the second house indicating that the finances (Second) of the state are not in a secure condition. This is further supported by the inconjunct to Mars, showing a need to adjust, and with Mars in Pisces, a sacrifice will be made. Sad to see the indications point to Davis being the scape-goat who must be sacrificed in order to keep the ship afloat, even though the problems that are afflicting the state will not magically disappear with the new governor.

Pay attention here, residents of the grand and glorious State of California. You decided to recall Gray Davis because of his seemingly insensitive decision to impose a stiff "tax" that many feel is unfair? Although the increase in the vehicle registration fee is only a temporay measure. Well hang on to your hats because I'm telling you with Sun in the second house of finances, inconjunct Mars, and Venus in a trine to sneaky Neptune, which rules the Eighth House, of mutual resources, the next governor, whomever that may be, will have no choice but to raise taxes. With Mars co-ruling the 4th, I'd put my money (no pun intended) on property taxes. Look out, you may be going from the frying pan into the fire!

But, hey.....we can always recall THAT clown. Naturally I know MY readers are too smart and informed to fall for that.

What about the aspects for the other side? Eh (shrug)....screw 'um, they're all a bunch of assholes anyway. Ok, I'll go through the motions. The party out of power, in this case the California Republicans, are represented by the Fourth House, being the opposite from the Tenth. You all know this. Scorpio is on that cusp with Pluto posited in the fourth. Mars, also ruling Scorpio, is weakened by being in Pisces, not a happy spot for a fiery planet like Mars, and is also retrograde.

And since you all know this, then you know what a retrograde ruling planet symbolizes in an Ingress. Retrograde means "going back" or returning to a previous condition. Meaning the party out of power, the Republicans, could be returning to occupy the governor's seat in Sacramento. Fat lot of good it will do them with the legislature and the administration consisting overwhelmingly of Democrats.

Of course Pluto also rules the fourth and that planet is not retrograde, is also angular, and is not in an incompatible sign. Notice the square between Mercury, ruling the monetary Second, to Pluto ruling the Fourth, representing the opposing party? What does Pluto rule in the natural Zodiac? Yep, the Eighth....of taxes. No matter which way we look it seems that there is no escaping the obvious. Regardless of party, whoever captures the governor's office in California will be forced to raise taxes. And if I hear ONE word about "Tax and Spent Democrats", I'll dance on your graves!

Notice the rising planet, for this Ingress, is the Moon, the bastion of the people and barometer of public emotions. Moon is opposing Mars, showing the voters anger and dissatisfaction. That's pretty much a given, under the circumstances. But notice that Moon also opposes Uranus, indicating an unusual and even unexpected change at the capricious whim of the people. So anxious for change and a fresh face, they're willing to throw out the baby with the bathwater. Fitting that the Moon is ruling the Ingress Twelfth; the House of tragic circumstances and self-undoing.

Another way to gauge which party is in a favorable position is to examine their respective ruling planets; Jupiter for the Republicans and Saturn for the Democrats. Jupiter is angular, giving it strength, but is also in Virgo, the sign of its detriment. Jupiter is also Void, meaning it makes no significant aspects. This could mean, as we well know, one of three things: Nothing to worry about (this is from THEIR perspective, not mine!), nothing can be done about the situation, or nothing will come of it. Other than being angular, there doesn't seem to be much to shout about with Jupiter in this chart.

Saturn, on the other hand, is not angular, is in Cancer, also the sign of its detriment, but is making one applying aspect to Venus. Looks like the mutual strength of the two ruling planets, Jupiter and Saturn, are in a dead heat. Saturn is not Void, so does gain more power than simply being angular. I'd give the nod to Saturn as being the more strongly aspected planet. But remember this signifies the strength of the Democrats, which may not, necessarily, carry over to Gray Davis.

But this may bode well for a surprise dark-horse candidate, as shown by the Moon/Uranus opposition, to win in a surprise move; like maybe, Cruz Bustamante. Personally, I think the media and the pundits are totally overlooking the powerful and loyal Latino constituency of California who will support one of their own....Bustamante.

Natal Chart for Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger


Think how much different all this would be, for the already confused and misguided people of California, IF Republican Arnold, and his Democratic wife, Maria Shriver, had bothered to compose and sign a pre-nuptial agreement before they married. One vital proviso would read something like, "Mr. Schwarzenegger will NOT run for public office. If he does he must change his party affliation to Democrat." It's one thing for Maria to agree that her husband can run for political office, but look.....you can't serve two masters.

How can she, as a member of the American Liberal family dynasty, The Kennedys, work to support Democratic themes and causes, and, at the same time, appear with her Republican husband while he campaigns to become governor? Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall the first time Maria, as the state's First Lady, hosts a Republican Women's tea?! (evil, maniacal laughter) "More poison.....er, I mean tea, ladies?"

I have to assume those two have long ago agreed to disagree over their political differences, ala James Carville and Mary Matalin. But I have to say, to me, it's like sleeping with the enemy. I don't care how big his dic.....well, nevermind, that's just me! I think this can be easier explained by noting that transiting Neptune (sacrifice) is directly opposing Saturn in Arnold's natal chart. Notice Saturn rules his Seventh House of marriage partners, with Capricorn on the cusp. Maria is certainly making the sacrifice for Arnold's ambition.

So, just what chance does the Big Dick have to be worm his way into the governor's office? History shows a substantial number of voters in California have always been easily seduced by celebrity, and the novelty of having someone like "Ahnuld" as governor would be irresistable to most of the star-struck. I'm just hoping that those are the same people who don't bother to vote anyway, they can just stay home and let us intelligent people make an informed choice.

Remember what happened the last time a "movie star" became governor in California? Running a state government is not like it is in the movies, kids. Ronald Reagan is not going to ride through the middle of town on his horse, guns a-blazing, blowing away the bad guys. Ahnuld is not going to be able to use his bazooka to balance the state budget.

Take a lesson from the grevious mistakes made by the good people of Minnesota when they went against common sense and better judgment, and elected tough guy wrestler Jesse Ventura as governor of their state. About 6 months after Ventura was in office it was painfully clear that he was out of his depth and had no business in politics. But the state and the people had to suffer for the remainder of his term.

Lucky for us, astrologically, I have a complete chart for Schwarzenegger, including a birth time, which gives us a lot more options to examine. By progression Arnold's Sun, ruler of his progressed Asc, has moved to zero Libra, Sun's entrance into a new sign signifies a new chapter in life. Sun in this position may help to make him less stubborn and dogmatic. He can certainly use the well known Libran traits of balance and tact, to his advantage, if he has to negotiate with a covey of Democrats in the state legislature. He's already pouring on the charm and warmth to persuade voters to take a chance on him. The press certainly seems to be totally enchanted with him.

Arnold is now in a North Node Dasa/South Node Bhutki period until September 9, which is well ahead of the October 7 election day. On September 9th he enters a North Node Dasa and Venus Bhutki period. With that in mind the focus would be on NN and Venus for the period before the election. Arnold's progressed Libra Sun is in a tight trine to his natal North Node, indicating career advances and honors, in his Eleventh of achievements and goals.

Continuing the North Node theme, progressed NN opposes progressed Jupiter, both falling across the MC/IC axis, putting a positive and fortune outcome on career and public acclaim. But the real eye-opener is progressed Jupiter in a nearly exact trine to Arnold's natal Mid-heaven. That factor alone, I'd say, greatly increases his chances to pull this off. Mind you, I'm not happy about that myself....I'm just saying what the aspects indicate.

Arnold's progressed Mars has also moved to an exact conjunction with his natal Venus, his all-important Bhutki planet for this cycle. Mars is the ruler of Schwarzenegger's intercepted Mid-heaven, and Venus rules the same progressed sector, thus synthesizing the two rulers of the profession and status section of the chart, indicating a culmination of work (Mars), praise and approval (Venus) in a public arena (Mid-heaven).

Of course there's also a strongly narcisstic factor involved in this. What else would you expect from someone, like Arnold, who has been preening himself before the camera, first as a bodybuilder (Mars) and as an actor, for over a quarter of a century. Except I think Arnold is substituting the usual self-gratification that goes with this type of transit in seeking out companionship and attention from the opposite sex, and, instead, is seeking that reinforcement from the voters.

The inevitable question someone like Arnold will be pressed to answer, and one that he seems to be dodging, effectively so far, is just what is his plan. I mean beyond one-liners from his past hit movies? Mercury, the planet of speech and communication, is very prominently placed in Arnold's natal chart. Coming from the hidden Twelfth House, it is just slightly over a one degree exact conjunction with his natal Ascendant, meaning Arnold would always be able to talk his way out of anything, no matter how outrageous his statements.

But this time the situation may not go as smoothly for him. His progressed Mercury, ruler of his natal Third of ideas and mentality; the mecca of communication, is squaring his natal Ascendant. Arnold could come up embarrassingly short when it comes to conveying some solid, workable, sensible ways he is going to deal with the perplexing myriad of problems facing California. The square to the Ascendant shows that he may give the voters an unfortunate image of a shallow person adept at promoting himself (ASC), but with little real substance. When this aspect is triggered, it could bring out the inevitable piece of juicy information, or revelation, that begins to tarnish Arnold's Action Hero image in the minds of voters.

Eclipses in natal charts signify a peculiar brand of fate and destiny come to fruition. Notice the last total eclipse prior to the October 7 election was on June 16, at 24 Scorpio. Rings a bell doesn't it? Remember Arnold's progressed Jupiter, ruler of his natal Sixth of service, including politics, is now at 24 Scorpio. This planet, bolstered by the energy from the eclipse, is in a fortunate trine to Arnold's Pisces Mid-Heaven, which is also co-ruled by Jupiter. It's been said that this election is Arnold's to win. This celestial promotion appears to be typical of the gifts of a close Jupiter trine to the angles.

A brief look at Arnold's 2003 Solar Return, just starting with his July 30th birthday, shows Saturn as the rising planet. Indicating that he could be handling more responsibilies, and taking his duties seriously, particularly with Saturn ruling government work. Or it could signal crushing loss and defeat.

Arnold's natal Capricorn Moon is close to conjuncting his SR Seventh, indicating more public (Moon) contact. Arnold has let it be known that he does not intend to relocate to Sacramento, saying he'll fly home to Brentwood just like other people commute. Sounds feasible on the surface, but he probably won't be able to pull that off successfully because running a government is not a 9 to 5 job. The presence of SR Mars in the 9th, of long-distance trips, indicates a lot of energy put into travel this year.

Mars, just like in Arnold's natal chart, rules the intercepted Mid-heaven. So, more travel related to his profession? Well, he kind of does that now in movie promotions. But let's not over look his SR Moon and Jupiter in a conjunction, indicating public (Moon) popularity (Jupiter) and approval. Jupiter itself is in the SR Third, also a travel and journey house, showing that condition could be expanding as well, and Jupiter co-rules both his natal and SR Mid-heavens.

Solar Chart for Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante

Before we crown Arnold Emperor of the Kingdom, let's examine the last chart, and frankly, our last chance to keep California out of the greedy hands of the GOP and notch up another victory by putting that coveted treasure over in the red column. Lost in all the glitz and media frenzy over The Terminator is the calm, steady, experienced guidance of Cruz Bustamante, the man with the qualifications and the vision to set this wayward train back on the track.

Like Davis, Bustamante is a Democrat, and also shares the same birth sign, Capricorn, with Gray. The similarities probably end there. Their relationship, despite being Governor and Lt. Governor, is not close or personal. But unlike Gray, Bustamante is undergoing some fortunate aspects that could work in his favor. For one thing, he'll be experiencing his Mars return at the time of the October election, a transit always known for initiating new starts and projects. A typical manifestation of a Mars return is to examine where life is taking us and venture off in a new, and exciting, direction.

Bustamante also sports a nice Venus/Saturn trine. Saturn rules government work, and Venus indicates honors and distinction. Bustmanate was the first Latino elected to high government office in California history. Along comes transiting Uranus, which conjuncts his natal Venus, and trines his natal Saturn, indicating a unusual (Uranus) outcome or circumstance that could easily (trine)compel him in a respectful (Saturn) position of prestige. This dynamic is also heightened by the conjunction of transiting Venus to Bustamante's natal Saturn, affirming his desires (Venus) and ambitions (Saturn).

As I've already lamented over Gray Davis, not having a birth time for Cruz Bustamante can be very limiting. It prevents us from knowing if Venus, Saturn or Uranus is close to, or ruling, his Mid-heaven, for example, which would be even more indicative of a change in his career direction. Transiting Saturn is, however, opposing his natal Sun. Since both those planets are well aspected in his chart, omitting the unknown factor of activity to the angles, the close opposition between transiting Saturn to his natal Sun indicates less a loss or fall from grace, as it enforces a point of relating well with the public, and gladly accepting a new position (Saturn) with increased duties and responsibility.

Probably one of the best indicators pointing to a rise in status and esteem for Bustamante would be transiting Jupiter in a close trine to his natal Jupiter. Both are in Earth signs, intensifying his practicality and persistance, both fine attributes in a public servant. Trines, particularly to Jupiter, can bring a time of optimism and rewards for being in the right place at the right time. Additionally, depending on the time of birth, transiting Jupiter could also be in a conjunction to Bustamante's natal Moon. If so this enhances his public (Moon) image and brings him a favorable (Jupiter) reaction among voters, especially women.

Another factor that could benefit the public perception and image of Bustamante is transiting Neptune conjunct his natal North Node. The NN is a point of fate or destiny, so this aspect could see him reaching another zenith in career achievement. It also indicates being helped through a hidden or confidential (Neptune) alliance.

Our examination for this article has shown that Gray Davis faces some formitable challenges. Arnold Schwarzenegger is riding a wave of public adolation, and Cruz Bustamante has the experience and popularity to carry the party banner and retain the governership for the Democrats. But I'd like to remind you--in regards to Gray Davis--what are Capricorn's know for? Reinventing themselves and redefining their goals and ambitions.

A thought provoking, if not unpleasant, reminder of this comes from Richard Nixon, also a Capricorn, who was thought to be finished in politics after being defeated as governor of California. He even showed up drunk at the press conference after that election, and picked a verbal altercation with reporters. But Nixon was shrewd and cunning and he knew how to call in favors, which he did to rise above all that and go on to become President. Of course Nixon totally screwed that up, and the nation along with it. But he DID have the opportunity and he took full advantage of it, so don't count Gray Davis as out just yet, he's got a lot of tricks up his sleeve.