Lunar Notes: TrumpWatch – Winter 2017-2018

The winter solstice, when the Sun moves into Capricorn, is the true New Year. It is the longest night and signals the “return of the light” as the days begin to get longer. It happens every year, but what makes this particular Solstice unique is Saturn’s entry into Capricorn as well. The simultaneous entry of Sun and Saturn into Capricorn has not happened since the winter solstice of 1870.

To get an idea of how this rare winter solstice will play out, a look at the last time Saturn was with the Sun at the solstice may offer some clues. The year of that solstice, 1871, saw the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1871. 1871 was also the last hurrah for Boss Tweed head of Tammany Hall, the corrupt Democratic machine of New York City.

Saturn has a 29-year cycle; the last time it was in Capricorn was from 1988 to 1991. This time Saturn will be in Capricorn until 2020. Saturn rules order, traditions and societal constructs. Saturn sets limits and puts the brakes on. Saturn is payback time. If you’ve done your homework you’ll be fine, if not, you’ll flunk the course.

In Mundane Astrology, the astrology of events, the Sun rules the head of state, the executive, the boss. In this year’s solstice chart, Saturn and the Sun are mere minutes apart. So Saturn principles will apply to any and all authority figures.

Donald Trump, with Sun in Gemini and Moon in Sagittarius, is a Full Moon baby. He has the planet Uranus tied in with that configuration so he is unpredictable, unconventional and off the wall at times. He has a strong Jupiter connection to that planetary line-up, which brings him incredible good luck and fortune. He has had a taste of Saturn as it has rolled back and forth over his Sun and Moon. Saturn has brought home to him the enormous responsibility he has and has restricted his movements. This has been hard for him as Saturn confines and sets limits. Anyone with a strong Gemini/Sagittarius influence chafes under restrictions and limitations.

Around the Full Moon of January 1, 2018 +/- a few days, Trump’s Mercury in Cancer will be activated. A Mercury in Cancer person, in general, will say what they feel. They can blurt things out without thinking. Donald Trump has perfected this whether intentionally or not. This will be a period of unscripted dialogue. It could be quite shocking.

At the New Moon on January 16, 2018, issues involving women will surface. In general, sexual harassment and women’s rights will be the topics on a lot of minds. Donald Trump will be dealing with women in business or diplomatic positions. He will be confronted by women with brains and women with great strategic abilities.

The Lunar Eclipse of the 31^st continues that theme. Rape, abduction and abuse of power bring ugliness into our lives. Outraged motherhood will play a big part in fluctuating public opinion.

Donald Trump will be involved in secret power plays and something involving the military or the police. Health care and health issues roll around in that mix.

The big deal for Donald Trump this winter will be the February 15, 2018, Solar Eclipse, which will bring echoes of last August to the table. That eclipse was in Leo, conjunct Trump’s Mars and Ascendant. This one is in Aquarius, opposing those points in his chart. Last August we had Charlottesville and the controversy surrounding Trump’s remarks. He pardoned Arpaio and fired Bannon. He will need to defend himself. Those opposing him will be up front and out in the open. Once again health issues and health care are on the front burner. This could play out as Trump’s physical and mental health being the topic of conversation or a public health issue arising. A busy flu season perhaps.

The Full Moon of March 1^st brings an emotional seesaw and pushes the crazy button. Through behavior and words, Trump will once again dominate the news cycle.

But it is the New Moon of March 17, 2018, the last New Moon before the spring equinox, that signals what will haunt President Trump over the spring season. This New Moon highlights past words and behavior, bringing them once again into the spotlight. Specifically his past behavior toward women, his connection to the Russians and questions of where his financing came from following his numerous bankruptcies.

From this point into the Spring, Saturn will roll over his Mercury putting a governor on his overactive talker. Saturn holds you accountable, on your Mercury it holds you accountable for your words. Glib responses and half-truths and outright lies will not be so easy for him during this period.

This rare solstice, like the previous one in the 1870s, will highlight civil rights, human rights and political corruption. Donald Trump is a lightning rod for change. His outrageous behavior has roused folks who heretofore have never been involved in the political process. His various appointments have highlighted how much big money has corrupted the political process. Folks are paying attention to politics and politicians like never before. And that is a good thing. 2018 will be a year of change. We will get a glimpse of it at the solstice. Saturn will throw a wet blanket on the stock market. Trump allies will reveal more about the Russian connection. Trump will make it through the winter. Spring is another story.