It was just two years ago when, swept away by the excitement of the Saturn/Uranus opposition we elected the first African-American president who promised hope and change and a new America.  As one who didn’t much care for the Bush years, it was easy to hope and I figured anything would be a positive change.

I count myself in the 37% that still approves of Barack Obama.  Considering that he has presided over the greatest economic disaster since the Great Depression, in my opinion he has done a remarkable job.  I wish he would get us out of Afghanistan, and I don’t think that health care reform should have been the first priority, but I think he’s handled the economic difficulties intelligently and that we are now seeing the results.

I think there’s no question though that the US government is broken and needs to be rebuilt from the ground up.  When Pluto, the planet of destruction, entered the sign of governments and financial systems (Capricorn) it looked like the system might actually collapse.  This is something akin to a hospital patient who is rescued from a heart attack and then dies from MRSA – as long as the system is broken it remains in danger.

Pluto is still in Capricorn, so perhaps there is still hope: especially next year when Uranus in Aries challenges Pluto and there are minor revolutions going on in every corner.

The United States has been particularly affected astrologically because of the transit of Saturn and Pluto not only to the Midheaven of the chart (the point representing the national government), but also opposing Venus and Jupiter.  In fact, ever since Pluto crossed the ascendant of the US chart back in the year 2000 the country has been floundering.

When I was a kid in the 1950s my parents were extremely liberal and didn’t much like the Eisenhower government, but there was none of the vitriol that we see today in American politics.  I heard a news story today that there have been more negative attack ads in this campaign than ever in the history of campaigns.  Sadly, in this election cycle it seems to be the normally wimpy Democrats who have gone for the jugular.

The Cardinal Drama may be over, but don’t expect the US political scene to settle down any time soon.  Pluto is still at work in the US chart, and next March transiting Uranus (shock and awe, sudden change, revolution) will oppose the US Midheaven, moving into the fourth house.   The fourth house rules the American people: their sense of place, their national identity.  Astrologer Deb Houlding writes, “A malefic in this house may afflict the government through its opposition to the 10th House.”

I find it comforting to remember that life is always striving for balance.  It’s easy to become wrapped up in the political landscape and feel that it’s up to us to make change:  This is an illusion.  It’s up to us to keep our eyes open; to remain informed.  And then to trust that the Universe is unfolding in a way that may be mysterious, but is perfect all the same.

Lynn’s Skywatch is a day or two late this month.  If you’re not already on my mailing list and would like to receive a free report on astrological influences please sign up on my website.