Since we view the planets from Earth’s vantage point, there are periods in the year when planets appear to be moving backwards, even though they actually do not. Jupiter and Pluto energies are extra strong now since both planets appear almost motionless in the sky as they prepare to move direct on September 8. Events occurring now through mid-September will likely have a big impact come Election Day.

Pluto has been in Sagittarius since 1995. After a brief transit in Capricorn from January 25 to June 13, Pluto moved back into Sagittarius until re-entering Capricorn on November 26, 2008 until 2024. Sagittarius and its planetary ruler Jupiter relate to ethics, philosophy (hence politics), foreign matters, organized religion, the Courts, and higher education. Pluto relates to anything hidden and secret, sexuality/reproduction, death, and nuclear issues. Particularly since 9/11 when Pluto began transiting the USA’s Ascendant (the nation’s image and personality), politics and government policy has placed a large emphasis on fighting religious extremism abroad while nurturing it at home. “The base” as the religious right are called, has become the key GOP constituency. And now Republican presidential nominee John McCain has displayed his “maverick” and “independent” behavior by nominating Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate in order to pander to the base.

Jupiter is in Capricorn this year, a sign ruled by Saturn. Saturn relates to structures, particularly of the corporate and government kind. Saturn represents authority figures and leaders. Voters have to decide which presidential candidate not only has the right philosophy/policy positions, but also which candidate has the appropriate character, temperament, and leadership ability.

The announcement yesterday that Governor Palin’s teenage daughter is five months pregnant is absolutely relevant to the presidential campaign when the Republican Party platform has made it so by exploiting her situation. Even financial markets were exploiting Bristol Palin’s pregnancy.