Mitt Romney has a Moon-to-Sun Return today, Jan. 26, 2012, just a few days before the January 31st Florida Primary.  When Return charts occur, events-actions-situations near that “return” date tend to manifest very strongly compared to what might happen later in the cycle.  Romney’s Moon-to-Sun Return occurs in the Return chart’s 6th house:  One focuses upon one’s work, paying great attention to details, adjusting approaches to service and skill development, in improving inter-actions with his peers and associates.  What is done in this period will come back at a later point to be faced with the consequences (if negative) or benefits (if positive).  Health issues are possible but likely to be only seldom encountered.  For Romney this chart factor might translate into taking actions to have the “independent” SuperPacs moderate the extreme charges levied against his opponents.  Also, his presentation skills and approaches taken in his public debates need to be changed relative to being “deeper” and more expressive. Let’s look at his Moon-to-Sun Return chart:

We see the Moon-to-Sun Return in the 6th.  This pattern oposses transiting Mars in the 12th, indicating working behind the scenes (preparation for defense and attack in the political arena).  The 12th house seems associated with politicians who are seeking to serve constituents — we may nuance this definition as “candidates seeking to come out of the shadows.”  His Part of Fortune is in the 2nd house, indicating a demand upon money resources or a change in how those monies are allocated.  We need to watch for developments about these outside sources of money-messaging either in how they impact the political process or in how they are perceived by the electorate in terms of votes and support given. As an early indication of this PoF position, we have seen Romney leveraging the influence of main-stream Republicans in pressuring Gingrich about the use of his resources for funding negative advertising.  If applicable, this is a strange use of one’s own 2nd house to influence another’s second house.  In any case, the outflow of money is a prime consideration for Romney in this cycle.  What will be the cost of each vote gained?

Newt Gingrich is a strong contender in the Republican Primary process.  His Moon-to-Sun  Return occurred way back on Jan. 7th.  From the month or so in working with these new forms of Return charts, it appears that the further one is in time from the Return date, the less effective the chart is in showing what is likely to happen.  Accordingly, we need to consider a unique aspect of the Solunar cycle.   The Moon we see in our sky has two pronounced appearances each month; the Full Moon in the eastern sky as the Sun sets in the west, and the New Moon in the western sky, seen as a thin crescent two days after its actual conjunction with the Sun.  We recognize the waxing and waning cycles of the Moon in our world’s expression of nature and in our own bodies.  Accordingly, we can utilize a Moon-opposing-Sun Return chart.  This half-cycle Return chart brings a recognition that something has developed which needs to be considered, which needs a different approach, a realization that one needs to deal with situations such that they are resolved and established with sensitivity.  With that in mind, let us look for the first time on this blog site at a Moon-opposing-Sun Return chart.

In this first-time-to-be-considered-here Moon-opposite-Sun Return chart we find natal Sun in the 2nd house, transiting Moon in the 8th house. The natal Sun  indicates our current-life-context of how we view things, our attitude, our established position in managing our affairs.  The transiting Moon points to a sudden awakening or recognition of changes that have/are occurring. This pattern requires one to start a process of consolidation and completion of what has been started.  In this chart, Gingrich’s chief concern is money and self-esteem (his image and conduct generate the flow of money into his campaign).  He has become aware of the problems and issues in managing those “shared-with-him” resources. This has been seen in recent days with the push-back of the Republican insiders who mounted an attack against his attack adds on Romney.  Gingrich pulled that advertisement (or his SuperPac did), but the Gingrich campaign has shifted its approach to rallying tea-party activists and grass-roots republicans to fight against the intrusion of the party-insiders into the campaign’s conduct.  Transiting Mars in the 5th squares this Moon-opposite-Sun, symbolizing those attacks and Newt’s fight-back-approach.  

Transiting Sun is at the Return chart’s MC, Gingrich’s status and image is the focus of this period.  His personal confidence (natal Jupiter at the 4th angle) is linked to this image.  He maintains a strong social stance.

When “advancing” this Return chart to Jan. 31st, the Primary date, we find transiting Moon approaching the Ascendant, passing an opening square to the Sun, a “waxing” factor in a “waning” cycle (the nature of this Moon-opposit-Sun Return chart makes this situation exist) — how do we look at this?  Gingrich has to consolidate and define his constituency to meet the Moon-opposite-Sun Return chart’s meaning, yet he does this by initiating and defining the “fight” against the establishment.  This is the meaning of the opening square of Moon to Sun when we refer to Dane Rudhyar’s Lunation Cycle concept.  

How can we summarize these charts?  Gingrich has modified his bombastic debate style and (indirectly) his SuperPac ads that offended the Republican insiders.  He has started to rally the tea-party, grass roots Republicans, and the ethnic groups (via his immigration policies) to try to outflank the Romney forces.  If this is successful, we will see a shift in the weekend polls in Gingrich’s favor.  If he is not able to pull this revolt off, and to counter Romney’s use of the Republican insider groups to rally against him, we will see an tight win by Romney.  So, look for a nail-biting finish in which weekend shifts may move the margin of victory one or two points one way or the other.  Dave

On Monday, January 23rd in Tampa, Florida, the next in an over-lengthy series of debates will take place for a shrinking candidate field. In the last week, Gingrich has come from behind with a blast of negative advertisements and scorching debate moments to capture the votes of South Carolina.

Romney badly managed questions about his taxes, offshore investments and mis-applied statements about his wealth.  The interview with Gingrich’s 2nd wife did not detract from Newt’s gathering momentum.  The questions about the Monday evening debate, so soon after the South Carolina primary results, will focus on Romney’s changes in his messaging and attacks on Gingrich, and on Gingrich’s next, new (we have to expect “new”) tactics.  Let’s look at the most recent Moon-to-Sun Return charts advanced to Monday night.

The most obvious factor in the chart is transiting Uranus on the Ascendant; Newt’s individuality and capacity for startling statements will be on display.  On this night, for both candidates, a new Moon (Moon conjunct Sun) occurs.  Newt will find this auspicious pair in his 11th house of friends, future and substantive achievement.  We can expect more news about added financial support from his SuperPac’s.  Newt’s Part of Fortune (PoF) is also at the Ascendant; Much will be put on the line, no quarter will be given in an attempt to continue the magic formula of forcing Romney out of his predictable pabulum answers.  Natal Sun opposite Moon pattern is on the 4th-10th chart axis; Gingrich’s ability and skills to reach out to others will strive to cement his approach on the coming week’s Primary process.  He will attempt to set the agenda.  This is why I expect “new” attack or issue strategies to be introduced as a means of keeping Romney off balance.

Romney’s new Moon (Moon conjunct Sun) is in the 9th house (distant places to be in, to learn from, to communicate with adversaries — being the 3rd house of the 7th house of enemies):  Can his message be adapted to meet a different set of voters and voter-issues?  Romney’s Part of Fortune is in the 1st, near the Ascendant; He will also be putting much on the line.  The square to natal Mars in the 10th will prompt him to retort in the old ways that are so familiar to him.  Compare natal Mars to transiting Mars in the 5th house of daring and spontaneous actions.  No new attacks can be found on Monday night for Romney.

What about a new strategy?  We look to Saturn.  Transiting Saturn is in the 6th house of work, services, adjustments. opposite transiting Jupiter.  This “business of life” pair point to possible gains from sharing secret information —- perhaps his last-year’s tax returns.  This pairing squares Sun/Moon; How will this disclosure (to follow on Tuesday) impact the debate when the disclosure is still to be seen?  Putting a happy face on a proven set of negative issues may not be a successful strategy.  Natal Pluto is on the IC and opposes natal PoF;  Powerful forces (big money) will attempt to change the playing field — we need to expect an advertising blitz.  This comes down to the available TV coverage; how much has Romney locked up?  How well will Florida’s voters react?  How much TV and free press can Gingrich muster to counter efforts by Romney?

In summary, these two charts suggest (its difficult to assess the fluid political factors in all of their complexities) a more positive outcome for Gingrich — expected due to the closeness of the S.C. primary and its momentum.   Gingrich continues to do well on Monday.  Other charts will be put up for the primary date.  Dave

Captain Francesco Shetinno took his ship close into shore so the passengers could enjoy a view of the harbor and village on a small island rather than a view of the horizon line.  This posting will look at a Moon-to-Sun Return chart and the chart advanced to the date of the ship’s grounding on the rocks.  Previously we have looked at the Moon-to-Sun Return charts for the ship, and the natal-and-progressed charts for the Captain.

This Moon-to-Sun Return chart is a 2nd house Return (22 Scorpio); the focus is on sustainable comforts and personal security.  Typically money is involved in terms of spending or income, but not in this case.  Note that the small difference between the Sun and Moon positions is due to precession correction.  The Part of Fortune (PoF) conjoins natal Pluto at 7 Virgo.  We note the presence of Pluto and PoF in the ship’s chart shown in an earlier post.  “Chance” and change can cause irrevocable change for the Captain in this period.  Natal Mars-opposite-Saturn is aligned with the career-values axis of the chart:  This stop-and-go pattern was noted in the Captain’s natal chart review as (relative to other factors) being an inability to organize his activities due to his distraction with his self-perceived role as a social leader rather than as a ship’s leader.  The chart is advanced, now, for Jan. 13th, the date the ship hit the rocks.

This “advanced” chart for Jan. 13th finds transiting Moon conjoining natal Pluto!  The Captain is facing the challenge to deal with irrevocable changes in his life.  Transiting Saturn at the Ascendant opposes transiting Jupiter at the Descendant:  ”The business of life” planet-pair has to be dealt with, today.  Transiting Sun (22 Cap.) trines transiting Mars and natal Moon:  Decisions take the easy route (trine aspect) in terms of acting upon the changes that have occurred in his life.   This is clearly a crises-date for the Captain.  I note also that transiting Sun sextiles natal Sun with 7 arc-minutes of exactness.  These close aspect patterns are seeming to emerge as “timing” factors in this type of Return chart — they will need to be evaluated over time as to their being granted a significant role in chart evaluation.

These forms of charts continue to intrigue me.  Whether they will work out as effective tracking and predictive tools has yet to be determined.  Dave

Captain Francesco Shetinno left his ship, the Costa Concordia, after it struck rocks of the small island it was passing and had started to list to one side.   This listing of the ship prevented half of the life boats from being lowered so that passengers could escape.  What is not noted is that the ship was upright for some period of time — all of the passengers could have been debarked if the Captain and crew had acted properly.

The Captains time of birth is not known, but he was born on Nov. 14th, 1960 in Naples, Italy.  His natal Sun (22 Scorpio) sextiles his Moon (24 Virgo), squares Uranus (25 Leo) and trines Mars (18 Cancer).  Mars opposes Saturn (14 Capricorn). Mercury (8 Scorpio) conjoins Neptune (9 Scorpio), while Venus (28 Sag) widely conjoins Jupiter (03 Capricorn).  So, all of the planets are involved in aspect patterns.  So, what kind of man is he?  What might have prompted him to leave his ship at the very moment he was needed most?

Sun trine Mars denotes great vitality and a will to live, both in terms of survival and in terms of living life large.  Leaving his ship illustrates the first statement, being a party-goer and social butterfly (beyond what ship Captains ordinarily are required to be) illustrates the second statement.  It was reported that he was with a girlfriend when the Coast Guard ordered him to return to his ship.  Moon is sextile both Sun and Mars from it middle position; Moon represents both women in general (he was always with women according to reports) and fear of uncertainties.  As the ship started listing, he left.  Sun square Uranus indicates a strong and ongoing effort to define his individuality and uniqueness.  The opposition of Mars to Saturn points to a difficulty of organizing ones actions without the help of others.  The fact that this opposition had no square aspect meant that action and planning were somehow divorced from each other. 

Mercury conjoins Neptune, the mind has its own vision of life, liking the drama and the world at sea.  This pair sextiles Pluto and the North Node, associations with others are seen as dominating and intense experiences.  The sextile treats this outer planet pairing-by-aspect as a corrosive and illusionary path that needs to be perceived for what it is:  Life at sea in a constant social setting is not a life goal, it is part of a job and not what one is destined for.  He became mixed up as to who he was and what he was compared to how he saw himself.  Venus and Jupiter sit alone, without aspect to the other planets, fueling each other’s sense of self-satisfaction (Venus) and an enlarged view of one’s place in the social world (Jupiter).

I want to speak about Jupiter here.  I view Jupiter not as the symbol of luck and expanded opportunity but as a symbol of perceived self-enlargement within social circles (home, career, public venues).  This can convey confidence and a manner that impresses others such that they support you, but the basic meaning rests on a feeling of being better, larger, luckier, more deserving, confidence — all of which may be unwarranted. 

The Captain’s progressed chart is notable for progressed Mercury, Sun, Jupiter and Saturn (all at 13,14, 14, 20 Capricorn) conjoining natal Saturn.  Let us review just what this brings to this date of Jan. 13, 2012 for the Captain.  Natal Mercury’s perception that his life of social make-believe and drama and its role in socializing as a way of life was now linking up with the Sun’s sense of self-preservation (remember the link to Mars with the Moon at the midpoint?) and Jupiter’s sense of self-enlargement.  He had become the biggest thing in his life, bigger than his role of Captain and as protector of his passengers.

Progressed Moon (12 Leo) squared Neptune; his needs and uncertainties were challenging his dreams and his affinity with the sea.  He was afraid of drowning!

All of these observations will set up our discussion of his Return charts, which will be posted shortly.  Secondary Progression charts are not predictors of events but are representative of one’s developmental trends in life.  At this time the Captain was being challenged.  The fact that he failed to meet this challenge will be reviewed in the charts to follow.  Dave

On January 13th, a Friday, the cruise ship Costa Concordia ran aground on a small island off of the western Italian coast at 9:15 PM.  The ship was christened at the Port of Rome, known as Civitavecchia, a short distance from where the accident occurred. As can be seen from the photo (taken from the CNN World News site), the ship was only a few hundred feet from the rocky coast line.  The christening took place shortly after 9:30 PM on July 7, 2006.  I have used a time of 9:45 PM to account for the introductions of the guests at the ceremony.  The following chart is a transiting Moon-to-natal-Sun Return chart for Jan. 9, 2012, based on the christening chart as a natal chart.

The t/Moon-to-n/Sun Return is in the 8th house.  This is a house of transition and change, particularly when it is involved with money, investments and the management of those monetary values.  As we continue to examine this new form of charting, it becomes obvious that “oppositions” and “conjunctions” play a big interpretive role in these charts.  Here, we see t/Sun opposing t/Moon-n/Sun; One’s decisions, intent, and courage under fire is involved with the management of the investment involved (represented by the ship itself as well as the reputation of the cruise line).  t/Part of Fortune is at the 7th angle; the impact of Life’s Change of Fortune is in the hands of others — we might say, in terms of the passengers, that “others” (the Captain’s mismanagement) determined their fate and scope of their experience.  The ship’s christening MC is at the Return Chart’s Ascendant:  The status of the ship is being affected by actions taken.  We can note the Part of Fortune at the 7th angle, and the opposition of Suns to indicate the decisions and actions of those in charge of the ship.  Almost overlooked is the natal (christening) pattern of Part of Fortune opposing Pluto!  Luck has it that this pattern is not exact or closer to exact.  As it is, the four degree separation suggests “fated” and “destructive” events are in store for this ship in its active duty life.  For example, on Nov. 22, 2008, the ship was threatened by strong seas off of Palermo.  On that date, transiting Part of Fortune conjoined natal Part of Fortune and opposed natal Pluto!  On May 3, 2011, a Russian passenger was lost at sea.  On that date, transiting Part of Fortune was located on the advanced chart’s Ascendant while the natal Part of Fortune was found on the advanced chart’s IC angle. Both “Parts” energized natal Pluto and the Costa Concordia’s “curse” of occasional bad luck. This event’s Moon-to-Sun Return chart occurred on April 11th, 2011 — that Return chart had transiting Part of Fortune on the IC within one degree.  Further, the christening chart angles were found at the Return charts angles, indicating a severe rebirth of sorts (One’s status and actions will determine the future course of life (of the ship).  Let us now “advance” the chart to the date of its collision with rocks in shallow waters, Jan. 13th.

This day’s Part of Fortune has moved to conjunction with the original Moon-to-Sun Return position:  (like the Moon, the PofF moves quickly, so a wide “orb” of contact can be allowed, 5 degrees in this case).   This Return chart marks a period of “change” for the ship.  Transiting Moon is at the advanced MC; The public (or the passengers) status (welfare) becomes an important issue on this date.  We can “hopscotch” or jump over to the Christening (natal) MC now within 2 and 1/2 degrees of the chart’s Ascendant, conditions and responsibilities have to be faced.  (The Captain of the ship ran away from his responsibilities to deal with the ship’s severe condition, and has been arrested for his negligence).  Another interpretive factor that has emerged from this study is that any aspect within a degree of exactness combines the two planet’s meanings:  Sun trine Mars (exact within 0d05m of arc) suggests “attack” and danger relative to decisions made.   I will not advance a comment on the conjunction of Venus and Neptune transiting through the 3rd house — it would be a “stretch” to say that this could predict the “comfort and enjoyment” of people involving the “water”.  Who would say that ahead of time even though it is representative of the situation?  At this stage, with these forms of charting, it is better to work with what we see as the basics.

Dave.

The following chart is a Daily Chart calculated in RIYAL for Jan. 21, 2012.  The transits are shown in the outer wheel, natal inside.  This is a “crises” chart of sorts.  The natal IC is at the daily chart’s MC; Romney’s fundamental resources and sense-of-self is at the fullest possible public point of visibility.  Relocated to Charleston, SC, natal Uranus is at natal Ascendant; Romney’s individualism and best face of his character is a surprise to the voting public who sees him in a new light.  Transiting Uranus is in the 11th house of the future and working with a (political) team.  See the chart below.

These few astrological factors are enough to suggest, without looking at other charts of his or of his opponents, that Mitt Romney will succeed in South Carolina, winning the primary, and leaving the fragmented field of look-a-likes with little vote percentages and less money for future primary contention.  Let’s look at one of the chart types that have recently been presented on this blog —- the transiting Moon-to-natal-Sun Return chart.  This is shown below and was created using Kepler–the transiting planets are in the inner wheel and have been advanced from the Dec. 30th Return date to Jan. 21st.

Natal Ascendant is at the Advanced-Return chart Ascendant;  Romney feels very much himself and comfortable in his political skin.  The natal North Node is close by, indicating that he can communicate with others quite well.  Natal Pluto is at the IC; a fundamental change/transformation is to take place.  Natal Moon-Jupiter at the Advanced Return chart’s Descendant; Romney’s natural sense of confidence and sensitivity (this doesn’t show well in public) gets through to others.  Natal Part of Fortune is at the daily chart’s MC (9 Aquarius, 11 Aquarius); Changes affect his public status.

Note that only natal factors are at the Moon-to-Sun Return (Advanced) chart’s angles. This is a bit unusual.  I would suggest that the lack of direct transiting activity at the angles suggests that his situation is unaffected by others (transits).  From these two charts, I would say that he wins in S.C. and then the other state primaries are likely to be mere formalities unless something highly unusual occurs in terms of late entrant, etc.  However, after I looked at Gingrich’s charts, that bold statement has to be reconsidered.

Newt Gingrich had lined up some $5,000,000 to fund a SuperPac which would do to Romney what Romney had done to him, barrage the airwaves with negative advertisements.  Newt’s anger at the way he had been hurt by Romney was flamed by Romney’s recent statements that negative advertisements would be unwelcome by the voting public in the future (after he had profited from the same).  And, indeed, Gingrich started his negative publicity on Romney upon moving on to S.C.  Gingrich’s Progressed Daily Angles chart for Jan. 21st (voting day) is shown below.

The daily MC (25 Pisces) conjoins (loosely) transiting Uranus; public upsets and surprises.  Transiting Mars is at the IC; attacks define the surprises that impact his status.  Playing astrological hopscotch, we note that natal Mars squares the transiting Mercury  from the daily chart’s 7th angle–suggesting the attacks are due to the words of others.  Ascendant opposes transiting Moon-Pluto;  hyper-sensitive to the words and actions of other which are at the heart of “severe change”.   Now, this chart is borderline good-bad — we can read it either way.  Let’s look at the advanced Moon-to-Sun Return chart, advanced to Jan. 21st.

Gingrich’s Moon-to-Sun Return occurred on Jan 7, 2012 with the Moon-Sun close to the 4th angle.  Fourth house Moon-to-Sun Returns indicate a period of fundamental change and choice, new directions that will be taken.  In that chart both the natal and the transiting Part of Fortune were aligned in the 6th house; Gingrich goes to work to set up a big-time win-or-lose situation.  Natal Moon in the 10th opposes transiting Moon in the 4th; a battle for public response, who will believe who?

The Advanced Moon-to-Sun Return chart shown above finds the transiting Moon-Pluto pairing (also in Romney transits for the same day) in the 10th house; cataclysmic response from the public (is it pro or con?).  The Advanced chart Asc. has come to transiting Uranus; big surprises come into Gingrich’s life.  Transiting Sun is in the 11th; normally a good indicator in many types of charts.

So, we have two charts each for two contenders, each clearly defining the nature of the contest as it is being waged.  Both charts could signify a “winner” or a surprised loser.  It looks like it might be a nail-biter, a contest that is not easily called when the polls close but instead requires most of the votes to be counted first.  Of course, we could go with the pundits and say that Romney will win with the “establishment’s” help.  That would be safe, but it wouldn’t be “astrology.”   So, I’ll go with “close, very close.”  Dave

Mitt Romney goes into the NH Primary as a heavy favorite to win, bringing 40+% of the electorate into his support column.  His advanced-to-the-Primary chart finds his natal angles conjoining his Moon-to-Sun Advanced chart – this typically signals a complete change of life direction.  Transiting Moon is at the Advanced Chart’s IC angle, a new public perception of him emerges from this event.  His transiting Nodal Axis and natal Nodal Axis are aligned and reversed.  His association with others is seen differently.  Transiting Mars in the 5th squares his transiting Part of Fortune.  He will fight hard to improve his political standing while others fight equally hard to ruin his chances.  With this Mars opposite his natal Sun, I’d favor the opposition in this fight.  My summary:  Romney emerges bruised and battered.  He wins but doesn’t win as convincingly as he had hoped.

Rick Santorum arrives in NH from a virtual tie in Iowa with Romney but finds the state to be quite different from Iowa.  His Moon-to-Sun Return chart occurred on January 4th, a 2nd house Return.  Obviously the inflow and outflow of money will affect his ability to do well in the political fight. His natal 7th house is on the Return chart’s Ascendant.  He will relate well with others on a personal level.  The transiting Moon squares transiting Venus and natal Moon in the 12th. There will be tensions in his relations with NH voters (NH has a moderate Republican constituency compared to Santorum’s rigid right-wing views).

When we examine his Advanced Moon-to-Sun Return chart for Jan. 10th, transiting Moon contacts natal Uranus.  He will upset and surprise the public.  Transiting Mars is at the Descendant angle.  he will be attacked — will it be by his opposition or by the public, or by both?  Transiting Moon trines natal Venus, suggesting that he will play well with the public–we can expect his opponents to be the bad guys. His natal chart has Moon at the 7th angle, square his Part of Fortune near the MC–this pattern points to advances in life due to the ability to rally public support.  We can see transiting Mercury on the Advanced chart’s MC squaring transiting Uranus in the 1st.  He will run a highly individualistic campaign and his words and message will upset some, excite others — a fight for sure.  In summary I would say that he will offer excitement and gain attention and votes in the debates prior to the Tuesday vote.  He will do better than the low teens percentage level that he brought into NH.  Will it be enough to dent the “inevitability” of mediocre Romney?

Newt Gingrich has his Moon-to-Sun Return chart occurring on Jan. 7th, just at the start of the debates and close to the voting.  This closeness of the chart to the event date always adds strength to the event’s outcome — more positive or more negative.  This is a 4th house Return, Moon-to-Sun being right on the IC angle and indicating a new situation coming into play.  Transiting Mars is on the Descendant angle, fueling the fighting spirit that Gingrich has promised.  Note that Santorum has this same pattern in his chart — indeed, both their charts are aligned within two degrees.  This seems to confirm that “tag-team” effort to attack Romney! On voting day, Tuesday, the Advanced chart has transiting Moon contacting natal Pluto — the barbs will be flying!  Natal Uranus at the Ascendant will be opposite natal Neptune — surprising lies and untruths will be the basis of his attacks against Romney, all typical political ploys in this cutthroat contest.  Also, as was found in Santorum’s chart, transiting Mercury will be on the MC pointing to a masterful and clever projection of his image and manner of imaging Romney.

Romney   Jan. 10th   NH Primary

Santorum   Jan. 10th   NH Primary

Gingrich   Jan 10th    NH Primary

To the degree that one can predict an illusionary event such as this particular primary it would seem that Romney comes out a winner but very battered and seen as a bit vulnerable.  Santorum does not win or even come as close as he would like, but he does do well and is able to go on as a somewhat proven conservative that can compete.  With no/little money, that may not be a realistic future for him.  Gingrich probably doesn’t do as well as Santorum in vote percentage but does better as being seen as a strong candidate in the near term primaries.  Thats the best I can do at this point with this new methodology.   Dave

Iowa is about to find itself within a huge windstorm as the caucuses begin.  As I contemplate the process of how to review all of the candidates and how they may perform relative to what we can expect an astrological chart to reveal, I’ve decided to not post charts but to offer a brief commentary on each candidate based on using the “Moon-to-Sun Return Charts” I’ve used in this series.  If anyone wishes to view any of the actual charts I’ll be happy to e-mail them upon request.

Ron Paul:  The Moon-to-Sun Return occurred in the 6th house suggesting that his message needs to be honed and to fit to what the voters need to hear relative to his policies and views.  This fits with the natal 3rd house (communication, neighbors) being on the Return chart’s Ascendant.   Advancing the chart to the 3rd of January, transiting Moon conjoins natal Moon.  Strong empathy and support is likely to be experienced from the public. Both Moon’s oppose the transiting Part of Fortune, that public support can be affected by “chance” events such as a casual remark by Paul or another candidate that is picked up and amplified by the press and TV.  Transiting Sun trines the two Moons from the Descendant; Confidence in relating to others finds a willing relationship with the voters.  This is a solid chart; Ron Paul should do as well as the polls have predicted.

Mitt Romney:  His Moon-to-Sun Return was in the 12th house suggesting that hidden issues may emerge.  Certainly not from Mitt Romney himself, he is far to conservative to take a chance in public.  It would seem that issues are raised by contrary political advertisements.  Transiting Mars opposes Moon-Sun indicating attacks by others.  (In recent days, attacks have been against Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich).  Or, it may be that Romney’s attacks against others (mostly Gingrich) will have a negative impact on his vote getting.  Mercury squares the Mars-opposite-Moon/Sun pattern suggesting that words and communication doesn’t go as well as hoped for.  Advancing the chart from Dec. 30th to Jan. 3rd, we find transiting Moon in the 1st house squaring transiting Venus and natal Part of Fortune.  Will Romney appear to be trying too hard to be warm and personable, will a public parade of family come of as being to “cute”?  Transiting Sun makes no aspects other than a square to his natal Neptune — his vision is difficult to articulate in a believable manner.   In spite of the recent polls showing Romney placing very strongly, it would seem that this rose isn’t blooming as fully as expected.

Rick Santorum:  He has a Moon-to-Sun Return on Jan. 4th, the day after the caucuses.  His prior return chart of Dec. 8th is an 8th house return; one’s value to society is compared to the value of another.  In Santorum’s case, as a respected conservative, who is he compared to —- Paul (genuine) or Romney (pretender) for the Iowa-Conservative mantle?  Will his “success” be dependent upon who he takes votes from?  Advancing the chart to the 3rd of January, the day before his next Moon-to-Sun Return we find transiting Moon passing transiting Jupiter; confidence and a solid appearance is his.  If the following-day Moon-to-Sun Return has any influence (we haven’t determined this with these new forms of charts) the natal Sun is on that Return chart’s 3rd house cusp of active communication and reaching out.  Transiting Sun opposes Part of Fortune; Santorum’s image will likely emerge strong, setting him up for future contests.  This is a good chart but not a strong chart.  His image will be enhanced, but he is not as likely to be the strongest player in the total vote category.

Newt Gingrich:  Advancing Newt’s chart from a mid-Dec. date, transiting Moon joins Jupiter; optimism and a big image is projected at the 7th house angle.  An approaching trine to transiting Sun pumps up Gingrich’s appeal.  This is in contrast to Moon-Jupiter squaring Part-of-Fortune & Venus in the 4th house; the big show is in conflict with the issues of love, marriages, and changes (Venus, PoF) — the polish is wearing thin with the voters.  In summary, this is not a strong chart.  Newt is likely to do less-well than recent polls suggest.

Rick Perry:  His recent Moon-to-Sun Return of Dec. 30th is a 7th house Return; the influence of others (both public and the other contestants) will drive his actions and his words.  He wants to win or place well, his actions and words will suit the needs of the day.  Who will take that seriously?  Transiting Neptune on the 7th angle will project the image and drama of his message.  Transiting Sun conjoins Pluto in the 5th and indicates the power of his personality and money is being applied with great creativity.  Interesting is transiting Jupiter opposing the Part of Fortune and Saturn; which  part of this pair (the business of life) will really influence the Part of Fortune?  Advancing the chart to Jan. 3rd, we find Moon in the 9th house square Venus (true for all contestants) and square natal Pluto (Perry alone).  His ideas might seem a bit far-fetched for the issues of the moment, a little distant for the public to pay attention to compared to the stronger part of the political field.  His natal Ascendant is at the chart’s MC angle; his personality will be the image he projects, not his message.  This may be Perry’s last stand, with a falling in the polls after this date even though he has the money to further compete.

Michele Bachman:  Her Moon-to-Sun Return is in the 11th house suggesting that Michele will call upon all of her support from various constituencies to boost her success level.  This falls upon her natal IC —- she will pump up the “home field” advantage of being born in Iowa, of being a neighbor and like one of them (the Iowan’s).  Her transiting Part of Fortune is on the 5th house cusp, showing that her creative approach to how she runs her caucus gatherings will influence her vote count. Transiting Sun-Pluto (for all contestants) squares natal Sun-Mercury; the other’s will likely drown out and override her message-outreach abilities.  Advancing the chart to Jan. 3rd we find transiting Moon squaring natal Moon; her message will have trouble getting through to all of the voters.  Transiting Venus conjoins natal Moon; she is likable and will hold on to most of her pre-caucus poll numbers, but is likely to lose a bit of hoped-for support.  Not much, but any loss is not a gain over expectations which Michele needs.

Comments:  The caucus format does not support the practice of using astrology to pick a “winner” as the totem pole of vote expectations is what determines who wins and what the value of that win is.  For example, Romney coming in 2nd to Paul would be a “win” for Romney, while a 3rd place finish against Paul and Gingrich would be a “loss” for Romney.  Bachman coming in 2nd would be win, while Paul coming in 1st might not really be the “win” it would be for Romney.  It is all very curious.  It is my view that these charts for this type of event can only point to increases or decreases in poll-standings that come to represent wins on the totem-pole that will shortly be forgotten as the nomination race moves on.  Dave

Again, I will be using the Moon-to-Sun Return chart format (a new form of cyclic charting that I am exploring) in which the chart is for the transiting Moon returning to the natal Sun’s position.  This is particularly important in Ron Paul’s case due to there being no recorded birth time for his August 20, 1935 birth date.  Using the noon position, the Sun at 26:13 Leo cannot be “off” by more than 30 arc-minutes (half a day of motion).  Since the Moon travels that 0:30 minutes distance in an hour, this chart will be close to what it would be if his actual birth time was known.  This could be called “astrological leveraging of time” — a way of using time to our advantage.  In the following chart, the Dec. 15th Moon-to-Sun chart has been advanced to Dec. 20th when the highly favorable poll rating started to reflect his popular standing.  We will see a few “new” factors in this chart that may contribute to our interpretive model for the Moon-to-Sun returns.

Dec. 15, 2011 Moon-to-Sun Return chart advanced 5 days to Dec. 20, 2011 when the polls started to show a surge for Ron Paul and a decline for both Gingrich and Romney.

The Moon has moved from its conjunction with natal Sun in the 3rd house to 7 Scorpio in the 5th house.  If we wish to “link” this date to the poll-surge in Paul’s favor, we can immediately note the opposition to the natal Moon and transiting Part of Fortune.  The public (Moon) reflects the changed situation (Part of Fortune) that has developed.  This “changed situation” is the unbelievable volume of negative advertising support Romney and bashing/distorting Gingrich’s record and positions.  Some have remarked that not seven minutes can elapse on Iowa TV without one of these advertisements showing.  Over Christmas and New Years this has to be particularly distressing to viewers.

If we look to the chart’s Descendant angle we see it bracketed by transiting Sun-Pluto signalling a decisive and powerful underhanded attack to control influence.   The polls show Romney sinking quickly, Gingrich right behind him, and Ron Paul surging.  This would seem to be the Part of Fortune in action.  All of this could have repercussions for New Hampshire; the loss of Iowa for Romney/Gingrich might affect voting there and in the following primary in North Carolina.  The politics of this is not within the scope of this posting, however we can follow and predict events astrologically.  Dave