New Leaders for a New Age
As we all know, January 20th 2009 saw Barack Obama finally take up the Presidency of the United States. In many ways, this was an event of worldwide significance. Barack is poised to play a crucial role in the development of world history. Yet this is a leadership challenge which will not be faced alone. The chart cast for his Inauguration ceremony points to another important influence in the Presidency. This influence comes courtesy of his wife, Michelle Obama.
Those US founding fathers must have known something about the art of astrology and statehood. They timed the Inauguration to make the most of planetary influences. A US president officially takes office as the Sun reaches noon on the appointed day. The Sun, symbolizing the leader of a state or nation since earliest Babylonian days, is symbolically strongest at this time of day, when it is high in the sky and near the Mid-Heaven, or point of the chart symbolizing recognition, attainment, office and status. Every US president is inaugurated so as to have the greatest chance of success.
At the time of his inauguration, the Sun was duly placed high in the sky. It joined several key planets in Aquarius, implying that this presidency will be characterized by social reform, structural change and a humanitarian vision for the future based on freedom, equality and justice. There are no surprises here. The cosmos has delivered nicely on what the citizenry expects. Yet at noon that day over the US capital, the asteroid Juno was also travelling high, and positioned even closer than the Sun to the potent Mid-Heaven position. Juno is associated with marriage, partnerships and related, conjugal matters. Juno, as consort to Jupiter the King, held a position of almost equal power in mythical Greece, having influence over the domestic, diplomatic and political affairs of the Gods.
This is a strong astrological symbol pointing to the role Michelle Obama will play in the success of the presidency. The relationship between Michelle and Barack will likely play a major role in influencing public opinion. Juno was found in Capricorn, describing a partner renowned for her commitment to traditional values, decorum, grace and dignity. Her role will be crucial. While her greatest influence will occur behind the scenes, it is her effect on the public imagination that will be most powerful.
Juno was making a highly favourable aspect to the Moon at the time of inauguration. The Moon in a national chart represents The People. Significantly, the Moon is weakly placed in the sign of Scorpio, and what is called Void-Of-Course. This means it is preparing to leave one sign before entering another. This symbolizes a change of heart within the American people, as they move away from the dark, primitive and retributive energies symbolized by Scorpio and into the far more progressive and outward oriented energies of Sagittarius. A shift in public mood is due, as the US looks outward again. This presidency is likely to see big changes in foreign policy, and corresponding shifts in public perception. The First Lady’s efforts are likely to contribute greatly to a national change of heart, as the American people perceive values different from those of the past.
A solar eclipse falls just six days into this presidency on the US South Node. The eclipse points to a break away from the past, with new alliances and social networks forming based on mutual equality and more contemporary social values. One way of reading this is that both of the Obamas will make great headway in changing common perceptions of black American people, allowing a true break from old stereotypes. Their dignified and gracious relationship will function as an ideal to inspire the people.
In 1996, journalist Marianna Cooke visited the Obamas in Chicago, pursuing a story on couples (reprinted The New Yorker, January 19, 2009). Thirteen years before they became America’s most powerful couple, they were interviewed on the nature of their relationship. Their mutual regard and respect for each other is tangible. Michelle credits Barack with opening new perspectives in her life through his willingness to try new things. Barack is even more forthcoming about his feelings for Michelle. He says
“What sustains our relationship is that I am extremely happy with her, and part of it has to do with the fact that she is at once completely familiar to me, so that I can trust her and be myself and she knows me very well, but at the same time she is also a complete mystery to me at times…Its that tension between familiarity and mystery that makes for something strong.”
It is the strength of this relationship that is likely to be a stand-out feature of the Obama presidency. The influential position of the asteroid Juno in the sky suggests that this term in office will be shaped by the nature of their relationship. Here we have two forthright and powerful individuals coming together, and standing as a symbol for a new kind of world paradigm, based on values of equality, loyalty and mutually beneficial life enhancement. Both Michelle and Barack Obama are likely to leave a lasting legacy on the world through the quality of their relationship.
