Inauguration Day 2009 was all about change, fellowship and envisioning our country's destiny. An electrifying line-up involving the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius, the sign of change and brotherhood, set the stage for coming together as one people.
If ever there was a moment when the country and the world realize we're all in this together, it was on this day. And although the Moon started out in secretive Scorpio, its movement to futuristic Sagittarius for most of the ceremony (and throughout the two days to follow), creates a sense of joyful anticipation for the launch of the Obama Administration.
Fantasy meets practicality
The conjunction of Venus and Uranus in imaginative Pisces adds to the idealism and social sizzle in the three days following the Inauguration. For the inaugural attendees (and for the rest of us as well), it presents the perfect influence for meeting new friends in group settings. Bringing things back down to earth a bit will be Mars and Pluto in practical Capricorn after Mercury joined the Capricorn party later in the evening. In the days ahead, all of this earthy energy will assist Team Obama in getting the derailed economy back on track - eventually. Capricorn rules patience, after all.
Visionary for a wounded world
Born on August 4, 1961 at 7:24 p.m. in Hawaii, President-elect Barack Obama has Sun in Leo, the sign of leadership, but it's his ascendant in Aquarius that marks him as a visionary. This influence inspired his campaign slogan, "Change we can believe in," which captures perfectly the tone of the inauguration. His Aquarius ascendant and Moon in Gemini - two brainy Air signs - give him a gift for words and a scholarly persona. What's more, Obama has Jupiter in Aquarius, and Jupiter's current transit through that sign will heighten his ability to inspire others with his vision. Plus, he has an intriguing tie with the United States, which has Moon in Aquarius. This indicates a strong emotional bond with the American people.
Obama's test
However, Obama isn't just an idealist. His Mars in analytical Virgo and Sun and Mercury in the 6th House (of Virgo) give him a calm, methodical approach to the considerable challenges facing the country. One of his biggest challenges may come in February (and again in September) during a Saturn-Uranus opposition, which happens to collide with both his natal Mars and the natal Mars of the United States. This jarring influence creates a tug-of-war between the old and the new, the status quo and innovation. It's a test of Obama's will in getting his policies approved and possibly a challenge to his personal safety as well. Escalating violence abroad may need to be addressed then, too.
Economic eruptions ahead
Another test for the country, undoubtedly on the economic front, will come from a Saturn-Pluto square that begins in November but continues on and off for another two years or so. It indicates more sweeping changes for financial institutions and oversight policies. There will be no rest for the weary and for the new President.
The Inauguration Day influences bring to mind something Mahatma Gandhi once said: "Be the change you want to see in the world." It's at least a good place to start.
Cortney Litwin is the co-host of the Cosmic Sutra on KarmaSolRadio, an online talk show featuring astrology and dream interpretation.
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