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. 

Republic in Peril

A historic step was  taken by the Biden administration yesterday. The leading GOP candidate for President, Donald Trump, was charged with violating the Espionage Act. Trump alleges "Total corruption" and "Election interference." GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy promises to "hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable."

The ramifications for the American Republic are unknown. 

The decline and fall of the Roman Republic was a case study in political conflict, where the established rules of engagement were transcended with the weaponisation of the legal system, which led to a civil war [1]. 

Whatever the case may be, likely the old sailor warning applies: Batten down the hatches. Rough seas ahead. 

Intense conflict in public affairs was predicted last year for this time. 

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS (June 8, 2023):

Trump indictment live updates: Charges include Espionage Act, conspiracy to obstruct

Justice Department Charges Trump in Documents Case

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump

"I AM AN INNOCENT MAN. THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IS TOTALLY CORRUPT. THIS IS ELECTION INTERFERENCE & A CONTINUATION OF THE GREATEST WITCH HUNT OF ALL TIME. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!"

22.3k ReTruths 70.5k Likes Jun 08, 2023, 11:57 PM

Kevin McCarthy @SpeakerMcCarthy

"Today is indeed a dark day for the United States of America. It is unconscionable for a President to indict the leading candidate opposing him. Joe Biden kept classified documents for decades. I, and every American who believes in the rule of law, stand with President Trump against this grave injustice. House Republicans will hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable."

1:22 AM · Jun 9, 2023 4.6M Views

Indeed, a scenario like this was predicted In the article "Predictions for the USA in 2023".

"The public sector will likely see its share of conflict in the coming year."

"After 6th lord JUPITER moves into Aries and 10th house in the early summer of 2023, an increased energy of conflict is to be expected in public affairs."

"Transit 10th lord Mars will become debilitated and weak in the sign of Cancer and 1st house from May 11th until June 30th. Transit Jupiter will become equally weak at that time, even if well placed in the 10th house. This suggests fierce political conflict in the Congress at that time. "

TRUMP'S HOROSCOPE

In Trump's 6° Leo rising chart transit functional malefic (FM) Rahu is shortly about to leave stationary movement but it is in applying conjunction with his 9H most effective point (MEP) ruling the justice system until mid July. It remains in the MEP until Sept. 14, 2023. 

Natally, transit 3rd lord Venus and transit 7th lird Saturn are in the 12th house, which rules imprisonment. Trabsit FM Ketu is conjunct the 3rd house MEP and transit 12th lord Moon is conjunct the 7th house MEP. Finally, transit 1st lord Sun is in the 10th house in applying conjunction with FM Rahu and opposite 12th lord Moon and FM Ketu conjunct in his 4th house. A less helpful Jupiter-Ketu period for Trump begins in November 2023.

As has been long predicted, challenging days are also likely to be coming for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Yesterday, House Leaders Cancelled Votes for the Entire Week, Citing 'Chaos' on the Floor

As stated in the 2012 article "First major periods in the SAMVA USA chart":

"In the SAMVA USA chart, Rahu  is placed in the most effective point of the 10th house. As such it brings confusion and manipulation to the affairs of government, trade and laws."

Given the contact of 6th lord Jupiter and FM Rahu in the 10th house, it was predicted:

"The above factors become more problematic still as transit Jupiter will also become conjunct retrograde transit RAHU from mid May until mid June. This aspect suggest confusion or manipulation involving conflict and health matters."

"The public sector will likely see its share of conflict and confusion in the coming year."

SAMVA USA CHART

Transit 6th lord Jupiter, ruling conflict, in Aries and 10th house, ruling public affairs, will now go on to be aspected by transit stationary 8th lord Saturn at 13° Aquarius and 8th house ruling obstacles and endings. Saturn also aspects 10th lord Mars ruling the government, in the 5th house of management and young people. Transit Jupiter will then  become conjunct Rahu, ruling manipulations, at 18° Aries and 10th house MEP in the SAMVA USA chart this summer. In the fall it will become stationary in the 10th house MEP, from where it will aspect the 2nd house of wealth, 4th house of communal harmony and the 6th house ruling conflict, holding 4th lord Venus. Hence, the  disturbance to the communal harmony will likely be prominent in the fall.

All of this speaks of bitter public conflict, possibly mixed with violence.

REFERENCES

[1] Frank A. Sirianni (1993). "Caesar's Peace Overtures to Pompey", L'Antiquité Classique, pp. 219-237.

Crisis starts

On 3 February 1962, the President of the United States of America, John F. Kennedy, issued a Proclamation (3447) EMBARGO ON ALL TRADE WITH CUBA 

Specifically, Kennedy objected to the "subversive offensive of Sino-Soviet Communism with which the Government of Cuba is publicly aligned." 

In the event, on this amazing day, we can see the first shot across the bow in what would become the peak episode of the Cold War, where mutual assured destruction, by the exchange of nuclear weapons, was being threatened by both the USA and the Soviet Union (USSR). Cuba, then a Soviet satellite state, only 70 miles from the coast of the USA, was becoming the focal point of great political tension and danger. 

STELLIUM IN HOUSE OF FOREIGN POLICY

On 3-5 February 1962 there were no less than EIGHT planets in the 7th house ruling FOREIGN POLICY, including 3 functional malefic planets (FMs), during a weak sub-period of Sa/Ve period. Moreover, as described in this December 2016 article Saturn and the fear of death in 1953, the major period of Saturn was all about death-like experiences. Note how the malefics are harming the natal Sun, representing the leader, and other transit planets as well.

Nevertheless, at that time, little did the American's know how subversive the communist plot really was. They were planning to install nuclear tipped missiles on the US border. The rest is history, also described in this article from January 2008: SAMVA USA chart: Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 

We can compare this to the onset of the Covid crisis in the USA and the Impeachment of Donald Trump, setting in motion a devastatingly divisive campaign for President in the context of a major traumatic national experience with a pandemic. While the virus is considered to have developed in China between September and November 2019, its spread to the USA came later. Some scientists suggest it happened in mid December 2019, while others pinpoint Christmas time. Interestingly, on December 25, 2019, a very rare stellium of six planets took place in Sagittarius and the 6th house, supporting such a finding! As 3 FMs were in this house from November 6, 2019, the risk of a deadly pandemic spreading to the USA developed earlier, but the risk is seen to be greater when the stellium was largest.

STELLIUM IN HOUSE OF ILLNESS AND CONFLICT

Indeed, SIX planets were in the 6th house ruling ILLNESS and CONFLICT, including 3 FMs, during the strong Sun major period and strong Saturn sub-period. However, the periods involving Saturn as 8th lord tend to bring death-like fears. At that time, transit Saturn as 8th lord was conjunct the natal 4th lord Venus, ruling communal harmony.  

Remarkably, at that time tensions with Iran also grew, due to its proxy strike on Kirkuk on December 27, 2019, leading to the decision by the USA to take out Iranian General Soleimani on January 3, 2020. The attack infuriated Iran which launched a counter-strike on a US military base outside of Baghdad. Meanwhile, the Covid virus continued spreading on US soil, as news continued to come from the Wuhan district of China, suggesting human-to-human transmission. 

So, plenty of death-like fears were being aroused in the collective psyche of Americans from late December 2019.

In December 2012, the article The Summer of 2019 considered what to expect seven years later. Sadly, the stellium in late 2019 was overlooked. 

Moving one year forward, the second Impeachment of Donald Trump was voted in the House on January 13, 2021, a week after the invasion of the Capitol building. The Trial was conducted from 9 to 13 February, with the same result as the first, former President Trump was acquitted.

STELLIUM IN HOUSE OF FOREIGN POLICY

In January and February 2021, 2 FMs were in Capricorn and the 7th house, passing over natal 3L Mercury there. The legitimacy of the election was in question, resulting in the invasion of the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Freedom of expression was also questioned as the social media monopolies ejected conservative voices from their platforms, including former President Trump. For most of this time, there were four planets in total in the 7th house, except during the trial when there were 5 planets there. When the vote was cast, they had been reduced to 4 planets, and by April 2021, only transit 8th lord Saturn was left in that house. Hence, the tension wound down as predicted. 

Importantly, after President Biden was sworn in on January 21, 2021, he immediately reversed course in a number of foreign policy areas, involving Israel, China, Iran, the border with Mexico, NATO and the Paris Climate Accord, to name a few. His policies have touched off a crisis in Israel and on the Mexican border, the latter of which was predicted.

In summary, the stellium of many planets in a house has been associated with tremendous events in the national life indicated by the houses involved. These findings offer further support for this amazing national horoscope.

America's Date with Destiny - Revisited

"The Squad II"

America's destiny has been of unrelenting interest to the rest of the world due to the country's contribution to the world and its status as a global power. The United States of America has a dynamic economy traditionally rooted in private initiative. However, due to political corruption, allowing corporations to run roughshod over the interests of the American people, they have attained power that is now a threat to the democratic underpinnings of the Republic itself. One effect of that is that the nation has become burdened with excessive inequality generating large scale human misery, but which has resulted in social turmoil and radical ideas for reform. 

Rich get richer, poor poorer

Despite efforts to reform the political culture (Drain the Swamp), the Presidency of Donald Trump was marked by his bitter struggle with a corporate owned media that was unhappy with his policies to circumscribe their owner's profits from globalisation. It didn't matter that the outward rush of corporations had impoverished millions of Americans. The corporate-owned media  simply nodded "Thy Will be Done" as they found any and every reason to attack Trump's personality. Even "world renowned" economists, like Paul Krugman, held dear to their outdated assumptions about the benefits of "foreign trade" and the "perfect" condition of competition while vehemently opposing Trump's reforms. For the media and their corporate overlords, the American worker had become the equivalent to the troops of yore who were marched to their deaths in endless military campaigns; they had become acceptable "collateral damage." 

Trump vs press

In 2016 an outsider businessman, Donald Trump, who promised to end the merciless economic onslaught on American workers, shocked the "establishment" by becoming elected as President. As 2020 closes, it seems he has lost the battle to continue the fight on their behalf. However, all hope may not be lost yet. For one, it is within the realm of the possible that Trump will pull a white rabbit out of the hat and be inaugurated on January 21, 2021, and thus continue the reforms. 

Corrupt establishment

However, a second and possibly more likely outcome is that the corrupt establishment politician Joe Biden, will get inaugurated. He was actively promoted by the corporations. They used to full extent their monopolistic position in their legacy and social media outlets, to censor and suppress information to advance their candidate. Due to the media's influence on the election, in addition to possible election fraud, and despite his minimal presence on the campaign trail, Biden emerged victorious. On December 14, 2020, the Electoral College voted him President-elect. Yet, Trump is seeking to have the U.S. Congress select new "electors" for the disputed "Battleground States" on January 6, 2021. It is seen as a long shot.

Kamala Harris

As President, Biden has indicated during his campaign, he may step down sooner than later, to enable a relative unknown, Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris, to take the helm. Interestingly, Harris seems to be to the left of most Democrats, and may in fact be closer to the politics of the far-left "Squad" than most people realise. As such, and if she becomes President, the unthinkable may happen; she may turn on the very globalised corporations that brought her to power. Indeed, while the Democrat Party avoided reforming itself during Trump's Presidency, the far-left core of the party has continued to grow. Interestingly, it may, through Harris, represent the next stage in the evolution of the Democratic Party. A notable feature of that could be a revolution against its earlier allegiance to the corporate powers and their unlimited coffers. Time will tell, but it is not something to ignore, because the Democrat Party has been so corrupt, just like the Republican Party before Trump.

CHALLENGE OF MUNDANE ASTROLOGY

In mundane astrology, the challenge is ever to reconcile two things.

1. what is seen in the national horoscope.
2. what is seen in the national life.

On October 20, 2015, I wrote the article America's Date with Destiny. In the article, I suggested that two things would dominate the national landscape in the Sun major period:

I.  The return of greatness

II. Policies that reduce inequality and social injustice

The following prediction was further made:

"It is clear the situation is grave and the politicians know about it. However, it will not necessarily be the Democrats who bring in the change. They are more the party of taxation and expenditure, associated with big government. It is likelier that a Republican, favouring free enterprise and limited government, will be the one to address these problems, by increasing competition and restoring industrial production, consistent with the period influences seen in the SAMVA USA chart." 

While the above prediction has been realised with Trump's election and policies, the reforms are far from over to accomplish the second of the above goals.

Moreover, the Moon major period is nearing, to run from April 2022 - April 2032. The Moon is the 1st lord of the 20° Cancer rising SAMVA USA chart. It is exalted in the 11H, under aspect from both 6L Jupiter and 10L Mars in 5H. At that time, the identity or self-image of the Americans, linked to their collective aspirations, incomes and friendship alliances, involving also their firm beliefs and constitutional laws, will come to the fore. President Trump has really shocked the American psyche into focusing more on success than victimhood. However, many Americans are still not in alignment with his emphasis. As a result, more efforts are likely needed for Americans to revisit such issues going forward. 

Even after many positive reforms during Trump's Presidential term, the USA is still dealing with inequality and social injustice. In addition to reforming US foreign policy in a fundamental way, Trump managed to liberate economic activity and focus the benefits on the low income segment of society. However, the wealthy are still living in a stratosphere completely separated from the reality of life for most Americans. Now, liberal politicians, who have also been deeply involved in identity politics, are arguing for more profound reforms to end this sharp divide.

Here is what a new Congressman, who is considered a part of the "Squad", has to say about the situation.

"I believe our current system of capitalism is slavery by another name," said [Jamaal] Bowman, a new member of the progressive "Squad" [in Congress]. He told The Root that "[w]e’ve moved from physical chattel enslavement and physical racial segregation to a plantation economic system. One that keeps the majority of Americans unemployed, or underemployed and struggling just to survive, while the power elite continues to concentrate wealth in the hands of a few, and allow large corporations to pretty much run the world as multinational corporations."

In other words, it is not necessarily so that President Trump's firm hand is the one guiding the next stage of the march towards a more widely shared prosperity, rooted in America's deep sense of fairness. In fact, in September 1901, Theodore Roosevelt replaced William McKinley as President. This was on the eve of the prior Moon period (April 1902 - April 1912). Roosevelt's Presidency is considered one of the greatest in the country's history. Due to McKinley's sad passing, his legacy is considered by many historians as gravely undervalued. Indeed, during his reign (1896-1901) there was a big resurgence in the national life. Together, McKinley and Roosevelt engineered the Progressive Era. It now seems more likely that Trump will share in such a destiny. While a very successful President, Trump's successor may well eclipse him in the hearts and minds of all the people. Of course, a lot depends on the transits and such time-consuming analysis has not yet been performed.

So, it is possible that the Democrats will gain the Presidency, and as such reform themselves under Kamala Harris' leadership. She will then be the one to align the economic reality with the identity Americans hold of themselves as a dynamic but also egalitarian society. Indeed, the Democrats seem better aligned with the identity issue, which is a feature of the Moon major period. They could do so by taxing sharply the wealthy and enforce existing competition laws. It is another long standing prediction, that we will see the monopolies again split up, also due to support from the Democrat Party, especially during the Moon major period. Time will tell.

A leader for peace

In a recent article on CNN, Angela Dewan declares that "America's role as global leader all but died under Trump". It is a common presumption of Democrats that Trump's foreign policy of "retreat" has effectively ended the USA's position as a "unipolar" superpower in the world. The position was gained with the fall of Soviet Communism 30 years ago, but in recent years Russia and China have increasingly asserted their power. As a result, the USA is no longer seen as the single superpower. Moreover, its leadership position in the world is now also being brought into question. Such a conclusion seems to be at jarring odds with the historical trajectory as well as major works that survey the history but also explore American's impetus for greatness, whether pragmatic or idealistic. Cases in point are Carroll Quigley's Tragedy and Hope (1966), Henry Kissinger's Diplomacy (1994), John Steele Gordon's An Empire of Wealth (2004), George Herring's From Colony to Superpower (2008), or Daniel Immerwahr's How to Hide an Empire (2019).

In this article, mundane horoscopic astrology, as applied to the national horoscope for the USA, is brought into the picture, to leverage off its insights. The method is to include a historical analysis of the 120 year Vimsottari cycle of major periods in the SAMVA USA horoscope. In doing so, it hopefully becomes clearer how an examination of the surface of the ocean may overlook currents traveling long distances below the surface only to crest suddenly. 

References are made to insights developed in dozens of articles on this blog. Importantly, the analysis shows that it is helpful to recognise the strengths and weaknesses of potentialities in the national psyche that arise in different periods. Transits in combination with sub-periods within the major periods, result in highly irregular cycles, that however reveal an amazing pattern when surveyed over a sufficiently long stretch of history. In other words, as the great Mark Twain is said to have observed, "history does not repeat itself, but it rhymes."

The USA is now in its third Sun major period (2016-2022), so it is fitting that we start the analysis with an overview of the second Sun major period (1896-1902), as themes at that time are expected to reappear at the present time. An analysis of earlier periods may be seen here.

In 1896, William McKinley was elected President, serving until his assassination in September 1901, when Theodore Roosevelt, then Vice President, continued with his second term and went on to serve one more term. The massive realignment of the policies from the preceding Gilded Age to what has now been called the Progressive Era, but also his display of manly virtues, made Roosevelt a beloved figure in the pantheon of Great American Presidents. 

A remarkable change also took place in foreign policy, as described by Kissinger (1994):

"Until early in [the 20th] century, the isolationist tendency prevailed in American foreign policy. Then, two factors projected America into world affairs: its rapdily expanding power, and the gradual collapse of the international system centered in Europe. Two watershed presidencies marked this progression: Theodore Roosevelt's and Woodrow Wilson's. Both recognised that America had a crucial role to play in world affairs though they justified its emergence from isolation with opposite philosophies." 

The USA won the Spanish-American War of 1898 and gained a global reach. The war was waged on ethical grounds, to lift the burden of colonial exploitation. Indeed, as President McKinley declared in the 1900 election: 

"The USA has not planted its flag on foreign soil for its own sake, but for humanity's sake." 

McKinley issued the "Open Door" policy on equal access of all trading nations with China, which "stands as one of the most important policy statements ever issued by the U.S. State Department" (Lewis Gould's The Presidency of William McKinley, 1981). It ended the international scramble in the 1890s for 'spheres of influence' in the country.

Protective tariffs in the USA were also raised, heralding a boom in industrial production, which in the coming years increasingly diversified from the earlier and heavy reliance on steel, petroleum and railroads (Gordon Steele, 2008). As a result, employment and living standards rose in the cities, while prices remained stable following the adoption of the Gold Standard. 

President Roosevelt pursued a protectionist trade policy, but he also projected American power based on his assessment that America was needed to balance the power in the world.

In the Moon period (1902-1912) the battle against monopolies accelerated, making Roosevelt famous as a "Trust buster." Independent journalists, so-called muckrakers, aided Roosevelt's effort to win public support for the reforms, overcoming the opposition of the Hearst press and Rockerfeller's minions (Doris Kearns Goodwin's The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft and the Golden Age of Journalism, 2013). 

In the Mars period (1912-1919), Henry Ford revolutionised automobile production and, following Wilson's initiative, the USA joined the allies to defeat Germany in WW 1. The importance of the military is also seen in the prior Mars period, when George Washington was brought out of retirement in 1794 to lead a military force to end the Whiskey Rebellion and thus assert the full taxing power of the Federal government.

In the Rahu period (1919-1937), corruption and misunderstandings in the national life came to light. The period began with USA enjoying its WW 1 success, followed by President Harding being charged with corruption. A battle opened up between religious and secular forces, that led to a prohibition, which in turn gave rise to criminal activity of the Mafia. Growing imbalances in the economy and financial system caused a pronounced boom and then a burst, resulting in the Great Depression of the 1930s. The depression led to a painful contraction of US foreign trade as tariffs were raised. The poverty created bank robbers that became idolised. As Quiqley (1966) points out, the international system that evolved from 1919 to 1929 proved faulty and the world wide depression saw it break down quickly as anti-democratic strong men rose to power in some European countries.

In the Jupiter major period (1937-1953) the "isolated" USA was gradually pulled into WW 2 in order to safeguard the world, first against fascism and then against communism. The Pax Brittannica was replaced by Pax America as international organisations settled their headquarters in the USA. The USA became the hegemon for the free world, expressed through its leadership of the free world in United Nations bodies, notably the IMF/World Bank.

As the Saturn major period (1953-1972) rolled around, a deadly nuclear stand-off had developed between the Soviet Union and the USA, peaking in the Cuban Missile crisis of 1962, and ending with the Vietnam War of 1964-1973. John F. Kennedy, who inspired his countrymen to greatness, was assassinated in 1963. The USA bested the Soviets in the "Space race," by landing men on the Moon and bringing them safely back to earth from 1969 to 1972.

In the Mercury major period (1972-1989) several developments occurred that resulted in the collapse of soviet style communism, notably technological changes, supply-side revolution, market liberalisation, increased commercial relationship of the USA with China, and de-industrialisation in the USA. The top-heavy, illiberal, and militarily expensive Soviet Union wanted in on the party with "Glasnost" and "Perestroika," but the move collapsed the regime under its own oppressive weight in 1989-1990. 

In the Ketu major period (1989-1996), the most painful placement in the SAMVA USA chart, the USA experienced relative isolation as a super-power and hegemon of the international system of commerce and finance, with its dominant military system. This has been described as a "unipolar" moment in history. With this system, which had developed in the cold war, the US had a responsibility to run trade and budget deficits (from the mid 1980s) that provided liquidity (US dollars) to the rest of the world. It also spent its "treasure and blood" by stationing troops abroad and fighting local wars as the "world's policeman". Race relations experienced a new nadir, expressed in violent race riots. Alarming terrorist attacks took place against the country.

In the Venus major period (1996-2016), the weakest planet in the SAMVA USA chart, the focus shifted to the unhappiness of Americans with foreign wars, notably the Iraq war of 2003 and then dealing with a resurgent islamo-fascism, bankrolled by Iran. At the same time, inequality grew and a huge housing bubble burst, that would have collapsed the banking system if the government had not indebted itself to save it. There was pronounced corruption involved, as Rahu aspects the 6th house. The USA was allowed to bleed through foreign trade deficits, defense expenditures and illegal immigration, in a sense by becoming the world, rather than being a constructive force in the world.

In the Sun major period (2016-2022) a dynamic leader arrived as predicted and began to clean house. While the Coronavirus pandemic has been huge setback for the USA in 2020, Trump has re-energised the US economy with tax cuts and deregulation and this is resulting in a resurgence in economic activity. Tariffs on China are reducing the trade deficit. He has worked to close down the illegal immigration. It harmed millions of ordinary Americans while the corporate sponsored elite in Washington D.C. blossomed. 

Trump has shifted more of the burden of the international financial system and defense spending on other thriving economies. He is working to reduce the US international deficits and debts, through revised trade and defense agreements. He has also avoided the "victim" mentality of prior periods, where everybody is defined as a transgressor or victim. Instead, he has focused on reviving the American spirit of success, and a "winner" mentality. The nation is to be united through shared success.

In the meantime, the US foreign policy is aimed at preserving freedom in the world by pushing back on expansionist (China, Russia) or rouge actors (Iran, North Korea), while helping oppressed nations (Israel, Taiwan). Trump has pulled the USA out of the globalist NAFTA accord, the Paris Environment Treaty, the Trans Pacific Partnership Trade deal, etc. because he considered them not to be in the interest of the American people. He has renegotiated better deals, like the USMCA trade agreement. In this sense, there has been a resurgence of US power at home and abroad. He has criticised EU leaders for failing their people and destroying the Single Market project, resulting in e.g. Brexit and the eastern EU block closing its borders. Trump has confounded his critics and advanced the cause of peace in the Middle East, Korean Peninsula and the Balkans. All told, the USA has a stronger and more credible voice than before. Independent journalists have rallied around Trump, such as Glenn Greenwald, Tucker Carlson, Steve Hilton and news sites like Breitbart and One American Network News. They help to counter the corporate propaganda of CNN, Washington Post, New York Times, The Atlantic, etc.

Conclusion

Donald Trump has adopted an America First policy, limiting the hegemonic role of the USA for the international commercial and finance system. He has also pulled the US out of foreign wars, where possible, while constraining the ability of rouge states to wage war. He has also remained invested in establishing peace and a viable global order. This resonates strongly with the foreign policy of William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.

Trump is derided by his political opponents at home and abroad. Yet he is likely to win reelection a few days from now, because he is popular among the people. He is unpopular in Europe due to his fearlessness in speaking up about their unfair burden sharing practices of the common defense (NATO). To equate this with USA having less power or influence in the world, does not hold up to scrutiny. The USA is no longer taken for granted, but it is far from being inactive or ignored. In fact, Trump has shown decisive leadership in all parts of the world in a far more effective way than his predecessors. In short, he is in the McKinley-Roosevelt tradition of preserving a balance of the international order. In doing so, he may not "speak softly" but he does "carry a big stick."