Wisconsin’s Recall Election from an Astrological Angle

Two powerhouse planets are nearing an important turning point after completing about a quarter of their cycle of 115 (or so) years that began in the turbulent Sixties. Rebellious Uranus is approximately 90 degrees past plutocratic Pluto (in a relationship called a square, meaning at cross purposes). This relationship symbolizes well the current insanity in the markets (Uranus relates to volatility and Pluto to investments) and the special recall election in Wisconsin, a referendum on right wing warfare against the middle class (Uranus means “the people”) and a test of the influence of big money and power (Pluto again) to affect elections. This square was a weak 10 degrees from exact at the election in Nov. 2010 (and the population was not riled up at that point), then a stronger 8 degrees from exact the night the Wisconsin legislature shoved through its anti-union law on Feb. 25, 2011 (amidst massive demonstrations), and is a potent one degree from exact at the Aug. 9, 2011 recall election (expected to have record turnout despite efforts to make it harder to vote).

The dwarf planet Ceres was only 4 degrees from Pluto at the election in Nov. 2010 when the Republican Governor Scott Walker was elected. Ceres relates to protective agencies like the police and firefighters who are among the targets of his union-busting agenda. (Ceres also relates to commodities markets.) Nothing had been said in his campaign to indicate any problem for these groups. On August 9, 2011, Ceres is at 0 degrees Aries, the first degree of the zodiac, often associated with big news and events of far-reaching impact. This time, it’s only 4 degrees from Uranus, representing the masses, both in Aries, a sign of anger and action. As goddess of harvests, Ceres’ symbol is the sickle (picture angry masses of workers brandishing sickles – or maybe not since that sounds like Russian Communists but these are teachers and peaceful democratic middle class people). Together with Uranus, ruler of lightning and electricity, they are about to deliver a shock and make history. As the polls open for the recall election in the state’s capitol, Retrograde Mercury (the planet of communication in its phase of apparent backward motion) is rising in the chart (a position of emergence and visibility). Mercury Retrograde is perfect for a “do-over” and a step in the opposite direction.

Astrologers might argue this point, but I contend Saturn (planet of authority and elder status) represents conservatives and Jupiter (planet of open-mindedness and eternal learning) represents progressives. At the opening of the polls for the Nov. 2010 election as well as the night the anti-union law passed in Feb. 2011, Saturn was rising toward the upper reaches of the chart (gaining in power) while Jupiter was dropping lower in the chart (waning in influence). (In fact on the night the law passed, Jupiter and Saturn were 10 degrees from an exact stand-off opposite each other.) On Tuesday, August 9, 2011, as the recall election commences, the reverse is true: Jupiter is high in the sky and Saturn is low. This is another clue as to which way the wind will blow. I will be surprised if the Democrats don’t retake the state Senate. Even if it’s only “close but no cigar,” the solidarity of the middle class is sending a message to Republican governors across the nation that workers are “mad as hell and not going to take it any more.”