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BILL HANSEN is innovative in the field of cycle research and prognostication. His unique style of chart interpretation, a blend of ancient knowledge and modern statistical methods, results in highly accurate and practical information that you can use. Bill has contributed four valuable techniques to the field of astrology: a simplified method of natal and transit interpretation; the Relocation Plotter; the Diurnal Planet for a Year Progression technique; and the Dice Oracle. Meet Astro Bill
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2004 Predictions
by Bill Hansen
Wetter conditions will exist for the nation particularly during the summer months and early winter. Severe flooding is possible in flood prone regions near the Full Moons of July 2 and July 31. Severe winter storms are likely near the November 12 New Moon and the December 12 New Moon.
The increased likelihood of wet weather in 2004 is good news for the economy. Expect the stock market to continue to advance. The growth in stock earnings will be slow during the first and second quarter, but stronger earnings are likely during the last half of the year. A September correction, however, is possible. The rising market indicates optimism. The War on Terrorism, then, is likely to go well for the United States. George Bush, although cautious about the upcoming election, will be a strong contender. I will comment on the election when a Democratic candidate is declared and his birth information is acquired.
The next predicted sunspot low is February 2007. As sunspots continue to decline, the chances of a worldwide pandemic increase. Luckily, the planetary aspects for 2004 are not severe. This could mean that SARS and other highly contagious diseases, like the avian flu, remain contained for the time being. Declining sunspots, however, have historically been linked to epidemics. If in the next few years the planetary outlook changes, it could spell trouble.
There is only one major planetary aspect for the year - Jupiter square Pluto on August 6. This is the weakest of the four primary aspects but is still expected to have a significant impact on world affairs. Expect the following:
Improprieties by government leaders and during the election. This also indicates a further eroding of individual freedoms via the government's crackdown on suspected terrorists.
Terrorism has been associated with Jupiter/Pluto aspects in the past. This year is likely to be one filled with continued attacks, although their scale and damage are apt to be minimal in comparison with past years.
Major political initiatives will be made. This has already happened with President Bush's space exploration initiative. The election may be a shakeup for the Republicans in the House or Senate.
Sanctions will either be lifted or imposed on countries to reward or punish their behavior. Note that Libya has agreed to scrap its Weapons of Mass Destruction program. A lifting of sanctions is likely to follow. Cuba, however, is saber-rattling and sanctions there will remain or even be tightened.
A major reversal in trade practices between countries is likely. This may be between the U.S. and China as China is running out of grain. 2003 was another year of drought conditions. Reserves are being used up. A trade agreement with the U.S. for several ships of grain per day would dramatically reverse the trade imbalance between our countries.
Unions will lose out during strikes.
Higher oil prices. This has already been taking place during the winter months (start of the year). A recession or banking crisis has occurred several times in the past but don't expect a recession. Banking changes are still possible. The dollar is going to continue is spiral downward in value.
Massive de-industrialization in this country continues. This is the last cycle before a new Jupiter/Pluto one forms. The new cycle will institute another wave of work (industry) related changes toward the digital revolution.
Racial and minority interests will be debated. Violence is possible. Equal rights tend to fail or create great controversy. This is likely to be election era arguments by the Democrats against the Bush administrations curtailment of freedoms.
Poverty and homelessness problems will erupt. Expect this is include senior citizens and the drug benefit bill.
Anti-trust cases or the punishment of top executives will take place. The Mutual Fund industry has been investigated as of late and new regulations have been installed to prevent investment abuse. The Enron executives and others may go to trial this year.
JULY 2004
The Full Moon of the 2nd is a supermoon. Expect rainstorms, flooding, and mudslides, higher than normal tides. Storms will prevail near the 8th with heavy winds in some areas centering on the 10th and 13th. A volcanic eruption or an earthquake is also strong possibilities. Another supermoon occurs with the Full Moon on the 31st with similar heavy rain, flood prone, conditions. Some areas of the country will be excessively dry near the 16th while others will experience strong downpours. Warm and moist but more pleasant conditions will exist near the 20th. Expect mild storms near the 25th.
Business and government leaders will be conservative and careful near the 8th. A significant person will be penalized by the legal system, or imprisoned. Be detail conscious. Deal with old projects and issues.
People will be busy and agitated near the 10th. Arguments, challenges, difficult competition, and heated debates are likely. Business will be active and innovative. Car accidents tend to increase.
A time of great uncertainty and confusion sets in near the 13th and16th. Mistakes and errors of judgment possible near the 13th. Information is false or misleading or not readily available. Keep secrets. Recklessness near the 16th in starting projects will get you into trouble.
Rumors of terrorist’s striking will hit the news near the 13th. An actual attack or two on oil pipelines is likely near the 16th. A major drug bust may also take place during this time.
The really big news of the month takes place near the 20th when Venus is in a 90-degree configuration with Jupiter; and on the 25th it opposes Pluto. These two aspects will trigger the major, monthly cycle of Jupiter square Pluto that peaks Aug. 6. Near the 20th the financial markets will be expanding. Business and partnerships will do very well. Mergers and general favorable trends socially will take place. A reversal in relationships, partnerships, treaties and agreements is likely near the 25th. There will be many betrayals. On a positive note, completion of agreements will take place in greater number than is usual.
The Jupiter/Pluto aspect of Aug. will be set off near the 20th and continue with great strength through September. Expect the following conditions worldwide:
Improprieties by government leaders and in the elections.
An increase in terrorism.
A shift in the polls for the presidential election.
Major policy initiative by the Bush administration or something like the June supreme court decision to revise felony sentences by allowing juries and not judges to decide the factors for extra jail time. This aspect also correlated with Massachusetts being the first state to allow gay marriages.
Sanctions lifted or imposed on countries to reward or punish their behavior. Look to Libya, Sudan, Cuba, and Korea for things to happen in this regard.
Reversals in trade and treaty practices between countries. NATO to get involved in Iraq training army and police forces.
A stock market correction is being. Trading scandals and/or a banking crisis or problem is possible. The dollar loses value. Oil prices climb.
More de-industrialization and moving work overseas.
More executives will be found to have broken the law.
Senior citizen issues will hit the news.
Anti-trust lawsuits and the breakup of monopolies are possible.
Equal rights issues fail. This could relate to attempts to water-down the Patriot Act.
JUNE 2004
The most spectacular cosmic event in this month of June once prompted the British Royal Navy in 1768 to commission Lieutenant James Cook, age 40, to establish an observatory at Tahiti. The Royal Society persuaded the admiralty that an unusual conjunction of the planet Venus with the Sun would take place on June 4, 1769 and that the South Pacific would be a perfect place to observe such an event. Thus began captain Cook’s first voyage of discovery.
Astrology had long been a tool to guide human endeavors. Babylonian priests, since as early as the 4th century B.C.E., used to climb huge towers of cut stone to observe and record on clay tablets the movements of the stars and planets. An observation of the rare alignment of Venus with the Sun was, thus, an event worthy of an expensive expedition – a voyage of discovery that also identified Australia and New Zealand as habitable.
Only twice since 1769 has Venus crossed near the center of the Sun. The last time was December 6, 1882, and the time before was December 9, 1874. Each of these occurrences was during the inferior conjunction with the Sun when Venus is between the Sun and the Earth, appearing to go backwards (retrograde). Venus is usually north or south of the Sun’s equator by more than 30 minutes of arc. But during these three occasions Venus was very closely aligned with the solar equator. On June 8, 2004 Venus will be even closer than these previous alignments – a mere 2’ of arc will separate them. You will have to wait until 2012 for the next super Venus/Sun alignment.
Astrology gives meaning, based on historical observations, to planetary phenomena. The meaning of Venus in inferior (retrograde) conjunction with the Sun is similar in Mesoamerican, Middle Eastern, and European traditions. It signifies the discrediting or resignation of government leaders. Venus was the Mayan god Kukulcan, often depicted spearing victims. Important world leaders, even infamous ones, often fall from grace during the Venus inferior conjunction with the Sun. Significant world leaders often die during this transit. In addition, because Venus is associated with the entertainment world, artists often enter the news at this time.
Peace treaties and cooperation among nations tend to break down during Venus’ inferior conjunction with the Sun. Congressional bills to reduce tariffs and balance the budget have also been introduced during this conjunction.
The month of June also promises to be a wicked one for flooding, mudslides, earthquakes.
The 2004 presidential election
Before I analyze the two presidential candidates from the perspective of their natural leadership abilities, and their planetary cycles at the time of the election, I'd like to briefly comment on the United States Sibly chart. The Sibly chart of the United States is one of the few recognized horoscopes of our nation. The Sibley chart is cast for July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia at 10:14 PM. This is presumably the time when the final vote was cast in favor of breaking with England and forming a free republic.
In this important Masonic chart (most of the Founding Fathers were Masons) Mars and Neptune are in a tight square or 90 degree angle. Neptune is elevated above Mars and is, therefore, the stronger planet. This indicates that there is a strong reluctance by the people of the United States to enter into military confrontations. Doubts and misgivings about armed conflicts have always persisted in this country. Unless viciously attacked, like in World War II by the Japanese and recently by al-Queda on 9/11/2001, our nation leans toward non-involvement, peace, and pacifism (all Neptune associations). The same cannot be said for our government. The 1789 chart for the formation of the federal government is not so peacefully inclined. The government has, therefore, resorted to misinformation and propaganda in order to convince the majority of the public in the necessity for war. The war of 1812, the Indian wars, the War Between the States, the Spanish-American War, World War 1, the Korean War, and Vietnam were all accompanied by misgivings and widespread public uncertainty as to their necessity. Public pacifism has generally been unsuccessful in preventing wars, but strong peace movements have nevertheless existed before and during most American conflicts.
There is a similarity between the current war in Iraqi and the Vietnam War. The transit of Pluto was in conjunction with Neptune in the U.S. Sibly chart and, therefore, in square with Mars during the Vietnam fiasco. The triggering of the Neptune/Mars aspect implies a reluctance to engage in ill conceived, complex, and potentially insignificant engagements. Widespread antiwar sentiment existed at the time. Draft dodging, social dropouts, and a large counter culture revolution developed. Anti-war protests and riots were numerous. Drug use, music, and unconventional spiritual movements (represented by Neptune) also became a sign of the times.
The war in Iraq is likewise a conflict of belief. Transiting Pluto is now in opposition with natal Mars and in square to Neptune. This implies more of a willingness to go to war, unlike Vietnam when Neptune was the strongest aspect. And there was little initial outcry as for the need to battle Saddam’s “Evil Empire.” But Neptune indicates deception – things are not what they appear to be. The reasons given by the Bush administration for going to war has proven false. Many more people are now realizing that this war was unnecessary to protect America. There are hidden (Neptune – oil) reasons for conquering Iraq. I have enumerated several other subtle and complex reasons for the war in my new book EARTH CHANGES (soon to be released for sale).
The outcome of the Vietnam War was military and political defeat. The outcome of the Iraq War may be military victory but political defeat. A continued insurgency movement is likely to grow stronger and will undermine military and political objectives. Once we leave civil war could break out. Or the Iraqi government might stagnate and never achieve a consensus for true democratic reforms. We might find ourselves in a long, protracted, complex affair like in Vietnam. But the Vietcong won and we got out. We won’t lose militarily and so we will stay in.
The American people should always mistrust foreign and domestic military actions because misinformation, deception, and undisclosed information often accompany the prospects for war. The Iraqi situation, and to a lesser extent Afghanistan, are just the beginning of a long and bloody period in world history. I spell out the “troubles” in great detail in my book EARTH CHANGES. You had better get ready for years of continued fighting throughout the world, and violence in America when the terrorists are again strong enough to hit us hard with a dirty nuclear bomb or widespread poisoning. Mother Nature is not going to cooperate either. Expect 15-20 years of devastating storms, floods, plagues, and eco-destruction. Then will come the financial collapse.
American wars are rarely clear-cut and winnable unless the reasons and objectives are sound and favor American interests. The war on drugs (Neptune), like prohibition was (Neptune), cannot be won because it is unnecessary (Neptune). Yet still we go to controversial wars because the government and constituencies supporting a conflict for some self gain convince enough of us that war is the only alternative. Remember that America is prone to go to war based on ideological differences between nations, misunderstandings and falsified information (controversial Gulf of Tonkin incident leading to the Vietnam War, and the sinking of the battleship Maine that provoked the Spanish-American War). Interestingly, both of these wars, including World War I and II, the War of 1812, and the Barbary Pirates conflict, were triggered by acts of violence at sea (Neptune).
A quagmire in Iraq is therefore highly likely. The American public will grow disenchanted with the killing but will continue to support it due to propaganda and the threat (unknown = Neptune) of terrorism. These dates from the Sibly chart should prove insightful: Pluto opposed Mars in February 2004. It went retrograde on March 24 and aspected Mars again on May 18. Pluto then goes direct on August 30th and forms a final opposition to natal Mars on November 29. Pluto will square Neptune on December 23, 2004. As the election approaches peace demonstrations, and more clear cut strategies for establishing democracy in Iraq will intensify. Insurgency strikes will likewise intensify within several weeks of each Mars aspect.
How the candidates address the Iraq situation, Medicare (Neptune), medical insurance (Neptune), the price of oil (Neptune), and prescription drug prices (Neptune) will be critical in the November election.
THE MAN WHO WOULD BE PRESIDENT
The President of the United States needs to have character, leadership, a vision, compatibility with the American people, and good decision-making abilities. I will now analyze the hereditary and learned personalities of John Kerry and George W. Bush. This astrological interpretation does not address individual policies but rather the temperament of the two men.
John Kerry
John Kerry’s dominant planet is Neptune. His genetic personality is, therefore, visionary, aesthetic, peaceful, and dreamy. He is an idealist and a perfect choice for the Democratic Party. His powers of imagination are strong. He is intuitive, spiritual in a rational sense, and highly inspirational.
Neptune is in aspect with Mercury. This inclines toward a certain genius of mind on the one hand, and a scatter brain on the other. He may avoid making decisions, or may make poor ones much of the time. He is, however, capable of sizing up a situation by intuition alone. He feels or senses decisions before making them. He is greatly misunderstood. This misunderstanding stems from sweeping and eloquent language that implies everything (promise the people what they want to hear) without supplying a specific plan - or a feasible one – for implementation. His speeches are often confusing, complex, more show than substance. He is a master at creating an illusion, what others want to have or believe. His decisions as president are apt to be brilliant at times and utterly unnecessary, wasteful, dishonest and ineffective at other times. He is very non-committal – floating between issues until that inspirational feeling marks his choice. He needs time alone to make important decisions; quick decisions will often prove mistakes. He lacks concentration and may not always really understand issues or what others are saying to him.
Kerry has natural, instinctual leadership ability. The Sun was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of his birth. He has presence. He follows his own lead. Born right before a Full Moon, his qualities of character and leadership bring him into the public eye. The public, however, is skeptical of him. Saturn is in conjunction with the Moon opposite the Sun. Hard core conservatives (Saturn) oppose him but many moderate conservatives will vote for him. The public will perceive him as being aloof, mysterious or secretive, non-committal, distant, unemotional, cold and callous. His policies would be heavily criticized due to mistakes, cover-ups, lack of attention to detail, and inability to decide on certain nationally important issues. He is for big government, United Nations rule, and American brand socialism.
Venus is in aspect with Pluto so his ability to form relationships can be superb. But people tend to turn against him. He often pulls back and does not support prior agreements. Betrayals are likely. He is able to transform people (or be transformed by them). He has an uncanny ability to expose people, change their thinking and behavior, and shed new light on international agreements. This aspect gives him the ability to manipulate, reveal, and eliminate enemies that profess to be friends. He is, however, only able to do this some of the time.
An emotionally controlled person, Kerry is nevertheless capable of swift action. Mars conjunction Uranus in his chart indicates bold and courageous acts – his heroism during the Vietnam War. He is also a peace candidate (Neptune on MC and possibly Venus square Pluto). He would at times be aggressive with foreign nations and terrorists, but since Mars and Uranus are both retrograde, he would inhibit his militaristic side in favor of peace. Often ignoring intelligence reports and pushing for a totally new perspective of peace would epitomize his presidency.
Kerry is prone to depression and negative thinking. He is capable of playing very dirty and, therefore, will have many enemies.
George W. Bush
George W. Bush’s dominant planets are Sun, Saturn, Mercury, and Pluto. He has natural and instinctive leadership ability (Sun). His Saturn indicates that he is very conservative, practical, reflective, organized, and simple in his approach to things. Saturn people face hard work and difficult lessons often learned by mistakes. Fate plays a strong role in his life. His presidency, for example, was derailed by the 9/11 terrorism attacks. Although a “party animal” in his younger years, Bush is actually very conscientious, trustworthy, law abiding, principled, religious, and family oriented. He is a careful and observant man with a strong, cold, and detached nature. The Sun aspects Mercury so he can make good decisions and be a significant leader. He does not appear intellectual but the Sun/Mercury and Moon/Jupiter conjunction, plus his Mercury conjunction Pluto, indicate a fine mental makeup. Saturn people are capable of making wise decisions based on the pondering of facts and options. They are, however, awkward in public. Bush is more of a loner than a socialite. He does a great deal of socializing due to his family connections. His Sun square Moon conjunction Jupiter indicates the importance that his father (Sun) has played on his emotional life and belief systems (Moon) and his financial and world savvy (Jupiter). Influential and wealthy people (prominent women and men) back him 100%. This planetary configuration alone makes him a very strong contender in any presidential race.
Bush is secretive and somewhat misunderstood like Kerry. He does have firmer and more clearly defined ideas than Kerry. Bush focuses on key issues more than he does on broad, sweeping plans – but he does have a generalized view of things. This larger view (Moon/Jupiter) would appeal to the public, but his Saturn side tends to downplay the latter. So he comes off as being selective and focused but not on major initiatives. He is a good wartime president because he tends to get preoccupied. He is now preoccupied with fighting terrorists and managing the country in a modest reform minded way.
Mercury and Pluto are in a tight conjunction just under the eastern horizon at his birth. This points to a strong mind capable of changing the thoughts and opinions of others. Recall that Kerry has Pluto in aspect with Venus – ability to change the values, affections, and agreements of people. Bush is often obsessive in his thoughts and ideas. Manipulative and possessing a fiery temper, Bush is not to be taken lightly. He has gifted ideas that can transform the country, especially the business community. He changes his mind from time to time when a prior belief, idea, or set of knowledge is proven wrong. This ability to reverse his decision-making process and be fierce in his opinions makes him a formidable opponent. He often speaks with contradictory terms. He must, therefore, be uncertain of many of his decisions (Mercury/Pluto) while standing firm on whatever choice he makes. He is perceptive and has a unique perspective, but he can also be extreme and excessive in his thoughts. He has within his thinking powers the ability to defend, heal, and transform the country - or to institute laws that restructure the way business conducts itself and people think. Bush wants to institutionalize his conservative values and so change the landscape of American beliefs. He means to control terrorism but in so doing has reduced individual liberties. Hopefully, the Patriot Act and similar legislation will be repealed once it is no longer needed. Mercury/Pluto points to policies being changed; but it is also a sign of domination of ideas (i.e., tracking of individual information). A bit of depressive-mania drives him.
Both Bush and Kerry share a Mars/Uranus aspect. Kerry’s is more pronounced but the planets are retrograde so he denounced violence after his Vietnam experience. His intentions would be to fight when necessary but then pull out. Bush would fight to win quickly; institute financial and political systems in the countries converted to Democracy, but then get trapped in the details and problems of bringing these objectives to fruition.
The Moon and Jupiter are in conjunction so Bush comes from a wealthy and influential political family. They have helped him immensely behind the scenes. The public (Moon) admires and likes what Bush has done (Jupiter). The country, however, tends to face financial hardship under the Bush administration (huge public debt and stock market recession) but favorable fiscal indicators outweigh the negative ones so continued growth and prosperity are more likely with Bush than with Kerry.
Prospects for the election
Kerry is in a 9-year Jupiter phase – great success from age 55-64. His birthday is December 11, close after the election. This complicates the planetary ruler for his current age because the changeover to the next year often takes place early. Nevertheless, he will be 61 during the election in November. Mars, the fighter, represents this year. Mars is in conjunction with Uranus (ruler of his 62nd year) so he will be a tough contender who will utilize surprise and unusual (novel) tactics in his bid to win the presidency. Mars is also in opposition with the Sun (the leader).
Bush is in a 9-year Moon phase – the people. Both the Moon and Jupiter play strong roles in notable politicians. Bush will be 58 at the time of the election – a Neptune year for him. This augurs difficulty, scandal, underhandedness, an unknown element or event that dissolves his power base. Remember the 2000 election against Gore when vote-counting controversies threw the election results into doubt (Neptune). Gore won the popular vote but lost the election due to the Electoral College – this was certainly a disputed election due to the possibility of vote counting error or possible fraudulent (Neptune) practices.
Kerry may spread false rumors and misinformation about Bush within a month of Oct. 13, the date when a monthly Neptune cycle peaks. He will promise the sky at this time and his chances for election success will seem dimmer. But two grand cycles closer to the election help him immensely. Jupiter is conjunct his Midheaven (career) on Oct. 22. This is a sign of success no matter what the outcome of the election. A monthly Mercury cycle peaks on the 19th giving Kerry strong communicative abilities. He is apt to make many fine points and appear a good leader (Jupiter MC). This Jupiter aspect will also aid him financially and in the backing by large corporations or wealthy and influential individuals. Foreign affairs (Jupiter) may also help sway undecided voters. Uranus as a transit goes direct in motion on Nov. 11, triggering his natal Uranus. This is a life-crisis cycle and one that is revolutionary, sudden, and surprising. Could this be a surprise victory in spite of polls to the contrary?
Kerry’s daily cycles on Nov. 2 are Jupiter, Venus (Venus is conjunct his Midheaven!), a separating and weakening Neptune, and Mercury. These are very strong daily cycles to compliment the monthly ones.
Bush has strong cycles during the election too. A Saturn return peaks Oct. 9. This may be a bleak time that motivates him to reorganize his campaign. It is a defining period for victory or defeat on Nov. 2. The news and events near this time will be crucial for Bush. The Solar Eclipse of Oct. 13 triggers his favorable Jupiter/Moon conjunction – a sign of election success. But a less powerful monthly cycle to Neptune peaks Oct. 22 and indicates bad news, mistakes, misinformation, scandal or corruption. This should not damage him however, as the Solar Eclipse is stronger than the Neptune cycle. A weekly Jupiter cycle peaks on Oct. 24 and could still be in effect on the polling day, giving Bush a trigger to the bright Solar Eclipse aspects earlier in the month. The Lunar Eclipse of Oct. 27 falls 11-degrees from his Midheaven. If this eclipse were closer to the MC, a Bush victory would be certain. Mars is on his Lower Meridian on Election Day indicating endings – a tough cycle that could make him mad as hell. A less powerful weekly Saturn cycle peaks on the 5th. This Saturn cycle gives support to his Saturn return, which will occur twice more. Saturn in transit goes retrograde Nov. 8 and triggers his natal Saturn. Saturn can be a solidifier of power or, as the ancient astrologers pointed out, a planet of sorrow, loss, grief, and limitation.
The Moon will be crossing Bush’s Sun on Election Day, a very favorable daily cycle. The other daily cycles are a separating Mercury, a strong Pluto, and a Neptune.
Who will win?
The planetary cycles in both candidates’ charts are quite favorable for victory. It is a difficult call to predict the winner when both gentlemen have such fine aspects. Some of Bush’s cycles are more difficult that Kerry’s but the solar eclipse of Oct. 13 near Bush’s Jupiter and Moon is very powerful (eclipses return to near the same place once every 18 years). Kerry’s Jupiter on the MC, plus the daily Venus conjunct the MC and a Jupiter cycle are very powerful but not as great as the eclipse in Bush’s chart. Bush won the 2000 election in a Saturn year so his Saturn return may not mean defeat but, rather, solidification and planning ahead for his presidential legacy.
Based on the planetary cycles I predict a close and possibly dirty election. Bush is likely to win but a sudden surge by Kerry near the end of the day could put him over the top. To clarify the winner, let us look at several other factors that go into predicting the presidency.
PICKING PRESIDENTS
The following material is taken from my recent book EARTH CHANGES
There is a 12-year cycle present in U.S. presidential elections that relates to the twelve-year orbit of Jupiter. There is another, longer cycle of 72-years that corresponds to four repetitions of the Jupiter-Saturn cycle. The largest percentage of votes ever received by a third-party candidate running for president was 27%. Theodore Roosevelt’s Progressive Party did this in 1912. A third of all votes were captured that year between Roosevelt and Socialist Party candidate Eugene Debs. Twelve years later another third party rise took place. Robert LaFollette (Progressive) received 16% of votes in 1924. Norman Thomas (Socialist) and William Lemke (Union) took in 2.4% of the total popular vote, losing mightily to F.D. Roosevelt (60%). Twelve years later in 1948 Strom Thurmond (States’ Rights Democrat) and Henry Wallace (Progressive) took 5% of the popular vote. The next major third party candidate doesn’t appear until 1968 (20 years later) when George Wallace (American Independent) received more than 13%. But then 12 years later, in 1980, John Anderson (Independent) pulled in 7% and Ed Clark (Libertarian) received 1%. Rose Perot (Independent) received 19% of the popular presidential vote in 1992, the highest percentage since 1912! Will another third party candidate surface in the 2004 election?
The 2004 election will be very interesting because the 72-year cycle marks epic elections. The elections of 1788 (George Washington), 1860 (Abraham Lincoln), and 1932 (Franklin Roosevelt) were crucial in American history. If the 72-year cycle holds, 2004 may be another pivotal election. A third party candidate will likely run and grab a significant number of votes (Ralph Nader). The George Bush (Republican) and John Kerry (Democrat) election is likely to be close if the public tires of the conflict in Iraq, or if the public becomes increasingly fearful of terror attacks, or if a major scandal or mismanagement by the administration takes place. Another complication during this election is the Jupiter-Saturn cycle that has signaled the death of all previous presidents who have died while in office. If Bush dies before the election, or is re-elected and dies in his second term, a historic moment in American politics will be at hand. A Kerry win is also likely to bring about major policy shifts at a critical time during the war on terrorism.
It is quit possible too that a fluke might take place in 2004 like the one after the 1948 election. The 12-year cycle indicated that 1960 would behold another significant third party rise but this didn’t happen until 1968. The cycle then resumed its 12-year beat. Perhaps, then, 2008 or 2012 will be unusual for a third party rise and the first chance for a female president.
There are four factors that determine with a high degree of accuracy the winner in presidential elections. The first is based on Raymond Wheeler’s weather research. During dry years, parties do not change as frequently as they do during wet years. Dry years correspond to public lethargy, indifference, and fear of change. Parties change twice as often in wet years versus dry years. The national average precipitation has turned wetter, but is still below average, so a change in leadership is possible.
The second factor governing presidential elections is interest rates. If long-term interest rates rise higher in the year prior to the election, the incumbent party loses. Interest rates are expected to rise by the middle of 2004.
The third factor is the stock market. No incumbent has kept the White House during a recession. But, if the market is higher on the Monday before the election than it was at the close of the previous year, the incumbent tends to win. The stock market has risen in 2004 and is currently bracketing, moving sideways. The market has not climbed higher than it’s close of the previous year – this spells trouble for Bush.
The fourth factor is the respective planetary cycles in the candidates’ astrological charts. The charts reveal personality traits and leadership abilities along with potential for being admired by the public. A thorough analysis of the horoscopes of presidential hopefuls often reveals the winner.
Three of the four factors governing the prediction of who will be elected president favor Kerry. The weather has been wetter, interest rates are historically very low but have edged up slightly – a partial but not strong “for Kerry” indicator. Stocks have risen but are languishing, especially as the election nears. This is clearly not a good sign for Bush. The last is difficult to judge as both candidates show strong planetary cycles at the time of the election.
It will be a close and interesting election, one that, once again, may be very controversial. Florida, for instance, has 15 counties with new touch screen voting machines. But no paper trail is planned as a backup in case of the need for a recount. Florida is, therefore, set-up to be a controversial State if things go bad for Bush.
I cannot tell with any certainty which candidate will win. But based on the above factors, plus the strong influence of Saturn in Bush’s chart at the time of the election, and I have to say Kerry wins the popular vote. We will have to see if Florida plays a crucial role as it did in the 2000 election – breaking a tie with discounted votes.
END
Article written by Bill Hansen 2011. All rights reserved.
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