Predictions for the USA in 2024

As the new year opens, the legal travails of former President Donald Trump may begin to impact US national cohesion. His supporters may become frustrated if his ability to mount a national campaign is impeded. In the House, Republican efforts to impeach President Joe Biden may continue but not affect Biden's standing. Transit pressures in Biden's chart are shown to ease in the coming year. As 2023 ends, his poll numbers have even begun to rise slightly. 

In the fall, there could be violent events leading up to the Presidential election. The rule of law, the legitimacy of the elections and democracy itself may become challenged. Financial turbulence and a recession are also possible in the fall of 2024. The outcome of the Presidential election seems uncertain, if only the horoscopes of the leading candidates at this stage are considered. Trump has a far more dynamic chart. Nevertheless, Joe Biden may have an edge over Trump on election day.

Period influences

In the SAMVA USA chart, the Moon major period is continuing through 2032, suggesting that the focus of the nation is on the national identity, including its historical role as a refuge and opportunity for immigrants, and on the wellbeing of the citizens. 

Many years ago, I wrote this about the strong Moon in the US horoscope:

"The royal planet Moon is ruler of the chart. It is strong and exalted in eleventh house of income, hopes and friends, giving a visionary nature and excellent financial strength. Aspect from Mars gives technical know-how, magnanimity and lasting fame. Aspect from Jupiter gives a fixed and war-like nature, but also a religious nature. These influences explain the fact that the country has enshrined human freedom in its constitution and sent many manned missions in space, including to the Moon, and brought them safely back again. A strong role for caring is seen."

Given its auspiciousness, the Moon major period gives a huge lift and this has been the case in prior Moon major periods. However, the sub-period, which lasts for only a part of the ten-year major period, has an influence that is more important during its briefer passage. In 2024, the Rahu sub-period will be operating. In the SAMVA USA chart, Rahu is placed in the 10th house MEP, suggesting manipulations and corruption in government and legislative affairs. 

"Rahu periods can be associated with material progress if Rahu is not afflicted or afflicting in a chart. If Rahu is afflicted or afflicting in a chart it tends to be associated with manipulations that may result in significant gains but which usually leads to exposure and significant losses. In the SAMVA USA chart, Rahu is placed in Aries and 10th house, which causes manipulation and crisis in the political sphere. Rahu is also linked to intoxicants, manipulation for selfish ends and criminal activities. Among the professions, Rahu rules unscrupulous salesmen, diplomats, winemakers, shady characters and criminals."

Since the financial crisis of 2007-2009, the term "Crony Capitalism" has come to the fore in the public debate. Last year, Rahu transited the 10th house of government and legislature, when the House Speaker was voted out. In the past there have been many major upheavals in those areas of the national life. As Rahu transits the 9^th house in 2024, this suggests there will be plenty of manipulations and corruption in the affairs of the courts, religious institutions and diplomatic missions. 

As astrologer and author, K. Rajesh Chaudhary, also the co-Propounder of the Systems' Approach, suggests.

"The 9th house rules the judicial system, morality, religion, diplomats, foreign missions, progress and development. The close afflictions to the ninth house or its lord by the malefic planets, especially Rahu or Rahu-like planets, bring the incidence of corrupt practices and setbacks for the fortune of the country."

The transit of Rahu in that house may also undermine international support for the country. 

While transit Rahu passe through the sign of Pisces in a retrograde manner, from 30° to 0°, it will aspect three planets placed in the 5th house as well as the 5th house itself. As such, 5th house matters are also likely to come to the fore in the national life in 2024, involving increased crime, drugs and manipulations, causing harm to young people. Manipulations may create problems for universities, just like the courts.

"The 5th house rules intellectuals, emotional stability, communal harmony, speculative nature of the people, investments, stock exchange, children, population, universities, morals and values of the people. The close natal or transit afflictions to the fifth house or its lord by the most malefic planet or slow-moving planets indicate emotional upset for the country and setbacks to the financial markets of the country."

Two earlier Moon major and Rahu sub-periods took place 1783 -1785 and 1903-1905. Both were periods of progress. However, there were also challenges. Please note that the transits were likely quite different at those times, not accounted for here, thereby also influencing the events that arose.

A. September 9, 1783 to March 10, 1785

Auspicious:

• Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783, ending the Revolutionary War and recognizing the independence of the United States. Further, the Continental Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris on January 14, 1784, and exchanged ratifications with Great Britain on May 12, 1784.
• After holding its first session in Philadelphia from March 2, 1781, the Congress of the Confederation met next in Trenton, New Jersey, on November 1, 1784, and then moved to New York City in January 1785.
• Land Ordinance of 1784 was passed by the Congress of the Confederation on April 23, 1784, establishing a system for surveying and settling the western lands.

Challenging:

• The United States faced economic and political challenges as a new and independent nation. As set out in the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, the Congress of the Confederation lacked the power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws. This was the prerogative of the states and they often acted in their own interests. The national debt after the Revolutionary War was huge, and the currency had been worthless since 1779, making people having to resort to a wide array of other but more insecure forms of money. Many veterans of the war were not paid and faced poverty and hardship.
• The United States also faced diplomatic and military threats from Britain, Spain, and Native Americans. Britain refused to evacuate its forts in the Northwest Territory, Spain closed the Mississippi River to American navigation, and Native Americans resisted American expansion into their lands. The Congress of the Confederation was also unable to raise an army or a navy to defend the nation’s interests and borders.
• The United States experienced social unrest and violence, such as the Newburgh Conspiracy in March 1783, which was a plot by some disgruntled officers of the Continental Army to overthrow the Congress of the Confederation and install a military dictatorship. The conspiracy was foiled by George Washington, who appealed to the officers’ patriotism and loyalty.

B. September 9, 1903 to March 10, 1905

Auspicious:

• Hay-Herran Treaty was signed on January 22, 1903, granting the United States a renewable lease in perpetuity from Colombia on the land proposed for the Panama Canal.
• U.S. Census Bureau became part of the new U.S. Department of Commerce and Labor on February 14, 1903.
• First silent film, The Great Train Robbery, debuted in 1903.
• Wright brothers made the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903.
• Panama Canal Zone was established on February 26, 1904, after Panama declared its independence from Colombia with U.S. support.
• Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World’s Fair, opened on April 30, 1904, celebrating the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase.
• First subway line in New York City opened on October 27, 1904.

Challenging:

• The United States faced labor and social problems as a result of rapid industrialization and urbanization. The working conditions in factories, mines, and mills were often harsh, unsafe, and low-paid, and workers had little protection from exploitation and abuse.
• The United States also faced racial and ethnic tensions, as well as immigration issues. The Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation and discrimination in the South, and the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups terrorized African Americans and other minorities. 
• The United States also faced political and economic challenges, such as corruption, monopolies, and trusts. The Progressive Era, which began in the late 19th century and lasted until the early 20th century, was a period of social and political reform that aimed to address these issues and improve the lives of the American people.

Based on the above historical facts, and period and transit influences the following developments could take place in the third Moon-Rahu period, notably in 2024:

C. September 9, 2023 to March 10, 2025

Auspicious:

• Some significant advances are to be expected for the progress and development of the country. This may be more so in February and first half of March 2024, when transit 10th lord Mars passes through Capricorn, its sign of exaltation, and in the 7th house of foreign affairs, in June and until mid July, when it passes through its own sign Aries and the 10th house of government and legislature.

Challenging:

• A scandal may erupt in the judicial system, which may undermine the public trust or confidence in the rule of law. Some judge and/or prosecutors may be accused of abusing their power to harm certain candidates, such as former President Trump.
• A foreign war may erupt in the first half of 2024, but with the US not directly involved.
• A debt crisis may erupt in the fall as the public debt soares over $35 trillion, far exceeding the $26 trillion size of the US economy. If the federal government is perceived as being unable fund its operations, the bond market may react with alarm, driving up interest rates and sparking fears of a financial meltdown. Such a crisis would also strain the social safety net, as millions of Americans struggle to afford health care, education, and housing.
• After considerable monetary tightening, a recession may unfold in 2024, resulting in unemployment rate moving up again, adding to the concerns for financial and political stability.
• Allegations of corruption of leaders in the higher education system may emerge at some universities. 
• A mass shooting at a US university is possible in the fall of 2024.
• As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the country may be deeply divided and polarized. Violent clashes may erupt between supporters and opponents of different candidates and parties. The election itself may become marred by controversy and chaos, including allegations of election interference, which may serve to undermine the legitimacy of the election. 
• A threat of a constitutional crisis or civil war may arise, undermining the belief in democracy as a viable political system.
  

Let's examine the transits more closely.

Transit influences in first half of 2024

As the year opens, challenges are seen for the impartial rule of law, as well as for the functioning of the government and legislature. Note that the analysis does not cover the transits of the fast moving planets, which sometimes act as triggers. One exception is the transit of the Sun over the stationary nodal axis in early April and end September, when the President may face a sudden but short-lived crisis.

As 2023 closes and into mid-January 2024: Rahu in Pisces and the 9th house will be forming an exact aspect to natal 8th lord Saturn at 26° 46‘ Scorpio and the 5th house. Manipulation and confusion are possible in the courts involving issues that affect the legitimacy of US politics and society.

In the first three weeks of January 2023: Transit 8L Saturn in the 8^th house will be forming an exact aspect to natal 10^th lord Mars at 10° 09’ Scorpio and 5^th house. Obstacles and endings are likely for the function of the government, legislature and law enforcement.

In the fourth week of January into mid-February 2023: Transit 8^th lord Saturn in the 8^th house will closely aspect transit 6^th lord Jupiter in Aries and 10^th house. Obstacles and endings may create violence associated with conflict in the public sphere. There may be labour strikes or setbacks for the police or US military. Fortunately, this aspect does not become exact, albeit within 1° orb. 

January 1 to February 5, 2024: Transit 10^th lord Mars will pass through Sagittarius and the 6^th house of conflict.  Conflict involving the US government and legislature is likely. Strains in government finances are also possible.

Late March to late May 2024: Transit Rahu will be stationary conjunct the 9th house MEP. Manipulation and cheating are likely to be witnessed in the court system and in obtaining support for the country, with influences on the national identity, higher education, management of the country and speculation.M

In late March and early April of 2024: Transit 8th lord Saturn is passing through the 8th house MEP. This transit may impart setbacks involving obstacles and endings for areas such as speculation, management, university and entertainment, government, legislature and foreign trade, and wealth, close neighbours and status of the country. 'Easy gains' are also possible with regard to the above indications.

April 4-6, 2024:  Transit 2nd lord Sun will pass over transit stationary Rahu in 9th house. This brief transit suggests problems for the President with the courts, religious institutions and general support.

From March 10 to June 10, 2024: Transit Rahu will be stationary at 21° Pisces, the most effective point of the 9th house, from where it also aspects the 5th house, 1st house and the 3rd house. This suggests that manipulative energy will be focused in judicial matters, involving also management, communication and the self image of the country. 

From March 10 to June 10, 2024: Transit Ketu will be stationary at 21° Virgo, the 3rd house MEP, from where it also aspects the 11th house, 7th house and the 9th house. This suggests sudden adverse events involving transportation and communication, foreign relations, judicial matters and income.

Transit influences in the second half of 2024

The transit influences will become decidedly more difficult in the fall of 2024. At that time, violent events are likely to manifest. There is also the risk of a financial panic, possibly involving government debt, as well as a recession. 

From second week of September through 1^st week of November: Transit 6^th lord Jupiter in Taurus and 11^th house will be in stationary aspect to natal 8^th lord Saturn in the 5^th house. This is a violence inducing aspect, suggesting that conflict about the goals, alliances and income of the USA is focused on speculation, management, entertainment and university life. Possibly, there may be a disagreement involving labour unions that turns violent. There is also a possibility that there will be yet another deadly university campus shooting that disturbs the nation.

From mid September through third week of October: Transit 8^th lord Saturn will be conjunct the 8^th house MEP, from where it also aspects the 5^th house, 10^th house and 2^nd house. This transit may impart setbacks involving obstacles and endings for areas such as speculation, management, university and entertainment, government, legislature and foreign trade, and wealth, close neighbours and status of the country. Easy gains are also possible with regard to the above indications.

September 29 to October 1, 2024: Transit 2^nd lord Sun will pass over transit stationary Ketu at 12° Virgo and 3^rd house. This will be a time of a sudden crisis for the President and high ranking leaders, involving government communication and transportation.

From late October to early December: Transit 8^th lord Saturn will be aspected by natal Ketu at 18° Libra and 4H MEP. Fortunately, transit 8^th lord will no longer be stationary, and the aspect comes within 1° but does not become exact, lessening the influence. This is a time when a sudden explosive development is possible involving obstacles and endings. This may be linked to the election, suggesting that there is a sudden adverse development involving the legitimacy, requiring bureaucratic involvement.

From second week of December 2023 to mid January 2024: Transit 8^th lord Saturn will again be conjunct the 8^th house MEP, from where it also aspects the 5^th house, 10^th house and 2^nd house. See above reading for likely influence.

The 2024 US Presidential Election

As  the year 2023 ends, it seems as if Joe Biden will be the Democratic candidate for President in 2024 and that Donald Trump will be the Republican candidate. Of course, this could easily change as both are quite old by now, or 81 and 77 years old, respectively. As that were not enough, both men are being hounded by political opponents over alleged illegalities that would disqualify them from office. Joe Biden stands to be impeached by the GOP controlled House and twice-impeached Donald Trump stands to be prevented from running by his opponents if they have their way in the courts.

Joe Biden has 10° Scorpio rising and at election time will be running a favourable major and sub-period of 4th lord Saturn that is well placed in the 7th house of relationships, leisure and foreign travel. Moreover, as transit 4th lord Saturn is well placed in his 4th house during 2024, his inner harmony and home life is seen to be fairly peaceful. However, the recent transit station of 4th lord Saturn over his Ketu at 7° Aquarius and the MEP of his 4th house, was likely difficult, as it deprived him of exactly those attributes. Now that this transit has passed, things are lightening up for him, including the polls. Even if the affairs of government carry with them a good amount of stress, he seems to have delegated a lot of the work to others. On election day, Joe Biden will be contending with a station of Rahu in the MEP of his 11th house of friendships, goals and income, suggesting that his opponents will continue to make the case that he has received ill gotten gains from foreign sources through his family members that involve government favours in return. Transit Ketu will also be in his 5th house MEP suggesting difficulty surrounding his children, notably Hunter Biden, and that a hands-off management style may become the rule. Nevertheless, he may still have a chance of being re-elected if a health crisis does not sideline him before that date. 

Donald Trump has 6° Leo rising and is running a favourable Jupiter major period, with 5th lord Jupiter, ruling intelligence, management and children, that is well placed and strong in the 2nd house of wealth of status, which had begun to operate just after the election in 2016. The upset win was accurately predicted in 2015 by the late astrologer and author, V. K. Choudhry, the propounder of the Systems' Approach. 

In the 2020 election, Donald Trump was running a less helpful Saturn period, with also his transit 7th lord Saturn passing through the 6th house of conflict. In January and February 2021, upto six planets ganged up in his 6th house, involving him in the battle of his life, the January 6 riot or insurrection (take your pick). This was followed by his second impeachment by the Democrat-controlled House, but which he was also acquitted of by the GOP-led Senate as his transit 1st lord Sun had entered the 7th house and transit 12th lord Moon was in 8th house. 

From mid 2021 until late 2023, Trump was running a supremely strong sub-period of Mercury as 2nd lord in the 11th house. As predicted, Trump rallied after the post-election drubbing and regained his footing as the leader of the Republican party. 

However, in November 2023, his Ketu sub-period began. It will be running until October 2024. Ketu is exalted in the 4th house but it is conjunct a debilitated 12th lord Moon in opposition to exalted Rahu and old age 1st lord Sun in the 10th house. This is not a helpful combination. Indeed, Trump is now beset by him being thrown off the ballot in two states and is faced with numerous court cases that threaten his ability to stand in the election. It is not at all clear that he will make it to the GOP convention as the undisputed leader and candidate of his party. Even if he does so, he will have the Venus sub-period begin in October 2024, with 3rd lord Venus badly placed and weak in infancy in the 12th house of losses, where it is also conjunct 7th lord Saturn. 

At the close of polls on election night, transit 3rd lord Venus will be passing over his 12th lord Moon and Ketu in late Scorpio and 4th house. This is not an ideal combination. That said, his major period lord, transit Jupiter, will be strong in the 10th house in mutual aspect with his natal Jupiter in the 2nd house, in opposition with his natal and transit combination in the 4th house. This suggests some divine grace and some contentment. His 7th lord Saturn will also be strong in the 7th house, which is helpful for relations with others, including spouse. His transit 1st lord Sun will also be debilitated in the 3rd house, owned by his weak natal and transit Venus.

Verdict: It looks like Joe Biden will generally be at peace but face great scrutiny leading up to the election. By comparison, Donald Trump will be faced with a sudden deterioration in his overall position. Spontaneous remarks, that are usually not well received, are his stock in trade and this could sink his campaign in the final stretch. As a result, Joe Biden looks more likely to be re-elected of the two. 

That said, again, both these men may not stand for the election. Many hurdles remain to be overcome. In the event of their dropping out, the charts of those that replace them will then have to be examined for their relative strength to win.  

 

Summary

In the first half of 2024, the Democrats 'lawfare' campaign to end the candidacy of leading Republican, Donald Trump, for President, may create a crisis of legitimacy for the 2024 Presidential elections. Tensions are seen into the summer months. 

However, it is during the fall that most of the problems are expected. There may be violence and financial turbulence leading up to the election. A recession could unfold in 2024, with rising unemployment. The ability of the government to deal with the situation may become challenged, as investors demand higher interest rates on long-term government debt.