the week of july 28, 2024

and some thoughts on election prediction

This is a light week, astrologically speaking, and thank fuck because everyone I know is tired. Because it’s such a light week, I’m going to keep this particular missive open to everyone (no paywall!). That said, I am still very much recovering from my surgery (more slowly than I’d like), so your support of my work is appreciated inasmuch as it helps me continue to get better without having to worry about money.

Before we get into the newsletter, I also wanted to make a quick note about the upcoming US presidential election as it intersects with astrology.

Since everyone reading this is “into” astrology, to some degree, I’m going to assume that you, like me, have likely had your social feeds inundated with videos and posts predicting the election outcome. While both elections and attempts to predict it happen every four years, I have been especially annoyed about it this time.

Let me say first that I understand why so many astrologers (most of whom I’ve never heard of) have rushed to put out predictions for the election, analyzing Kamala Harris’ current astrology vis a vis the felon’s. Astrology is, at its core, a predictive practice, and this kind of “who will win?” prediction is sexy. It’s SEO-friendly. It is the exact sort of anxiety-fueling content that feeds the algorithm, as it appeals to people’s desire for safety. Watch this video and feel assured that you “know” what’s coming.

The problem is that outcome prediction in and of itself creates a false sense of safety. Our wellbeing as individuals and as a collective are not tied simply to the outcome of one election, but to consistent, intentional action and engagement.

While I’ve done a rather significant amount of research into the astrology of US presidents, I personally do not engage in election prediction. In part, this is because my litmus test for my own public astrological work is: How does this nurture and deepen my clients’ and readers’ relationship to themselves and the broader world? My prediction, accurate or not, of a one-off contest does not in and of itself serve your creative and spiritual lives. It doesn’t give you anything to do. It doesn’t offer you a way to engage. It is a palliative, not a cure.

I don’t want to be too much of a Debbie Downer. After all, this kind of outcome prediction can be tremendously fun! Watching experienced astrologers flex their skills and look at timing techniques to see who the election may be better for can be its own kind of lesson in this field. But when outcome prediction is the sum total of what some astrologers are offering, I’m left asking, what’s next?

To me, astrology is a mindfulness practice that foregrounds our relationship not only with ourselves but also with the world around us. We are, none of us, alone; we are, all of us, moving through the same cosmic weather. The observation of cycles and patterns is useful not only to predict things for our own individual gain, but also to bring us into deeper relationship with the collective, to help us strategize together for a better world.

At the end of the day, I would ask how are we, as a community of astrologers, teaching this practice so as to uplift marginalized communities and empower our clients and readers to take action in this current political environment?

Less sexy, but arguably more useful.

all times are eastern

Friday, August 2

9:26am: Venus in Leo square Uranus in Taurus (27*)

When you leave room for surprise in your life, opportunities have room to blossom. Saying “yes and” may lead to an unexpected introduction or creative breakthrough. However, there may also be a sudden disruption or overflow that is a classic “too much of a good thing” — depends on your lifestyle and the activities of the day (and night). 

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