The US Presidential Election this year has been a battle between the Pluto in Cancer generation (John McCain), the Pluto in Leo generation (Hillary and Bill Clinton) and the Pluto in Virgo generation (Barack Obama). Back in February I covered this in an article about the Clinton/Obama contest as a referendum between the early (Pluto in Leo) and late (Pluto in Virgo) boomers. The passion of the feelings in the comments on this earlier article reveal the intensity of the conflict between these two generations. (Note: obviously these are generalizations about a demographic group as a whole. Within these groups individuals find their own exprssion.)
The Clintons were central to a powerful Democratic political machine that was centered on loyalty and a politics of personality – hallmarks of the Pluto in Leo generation. Although I am counted among that generation, I have to admit that there is truth to the blame that the early boomer (Leo) generation gets for being narcissistic and self-absorbed. These are negative traits of Leo, but there are also positive ones: generosity, inspiration, creativity and open-mindedness. The Clinton era has reflected all of the traits of Pluto in Leo, both positive and negative. But the strongest Leonine traits of the politics of both Clintons has been a powerful sense of pride and entitlement, Politico reports:
The former president is disappointed, associates said, because he is eager to speak about the economy and more broadly about Democratic ideas — emphasizing the contrast between the Bush years and his own record in the 1990s.
This is an especially sore point for Bill Clinton, people close to him say, because among many grievances he has about the campaign Obama waged against his wife is a belief that the candidate poor-mouthed the political and policy successes of his two terms.
Pluto in Leo has a hard time turning over the spotlight.
On the other hand, we have Barack and Michelle Obama, Pluto in Virgo types. Virgo tends to shy away from expressions of ego and doesn’t care much for Leo, and the Pluto in Virgo generation bears a fair amount of resentment against the egotism of the Pluto in Leo older brothers and sisters. But often this resentment obscures the understanding that it was the boldness and vision of Pluto in Leo that started the wheels of change turning. As a generation, Pluto in Virgo (1956-1971) has been the beneficiary of many of the changes that the Pluto in Leo generation, with their search for pleasure and freedom, sought to implement.
Then there’s John McCain representing Pluto in Cancer (1913-1939) - the generation that sacrificed everything for family and country, both under Cancer rulership. This generation, as a whole, did not question authority or seek to pursue their own dreams as they lived through two World Wars. Cancer’s main focus is on security and emotional safety, and they may have a greater tendency than other generations to relate best to people that are most like them (Cancer is rooted in tribal affiliations).
With the transition of Pluto into Capricorn, change is afoot. Those who embrace change will vote for the new guy. Those who fear it will retreat to the safety of the past and vote for the old one.
posted August 27, 2008 at 11:31 am
There was an article in the AARP magazine on presidential priorities and Barack’s were right in line with AARP’s. How much effect this will have on the Pluto in Cancer generation, I’m not sure but I’m hopeful McCain’s refusal to state his positions at all will help open their eyes.
I’m waiting for the fear ticket to be played big time . . . :::sigh:::
Neith
posted August 27, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Excellent post, Lynn! Virgo trines Capricorn and Capricorn opposes Cancer. So, Obama’s Pluto (power) is actually more harmonious with the upcoming Pluto in Cap than McCain’s. However, Capricorn is also ruled by Saturn which relates to old age. Which candidate is going to resonate more with the American voting public? I hope it will be Obama but seniors such as my mom (who actually voted for that out-of-control Pluto in Leo duo Bush/Cheney TWICE) tend to get their butts to the polls more diligently than youngsters.
I agree that the Clintons reflect both the best and worst of Pluto in Leo. I also agree that it’s time to move on.
posted August 27, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Thanks ladies.
I too saw the AARP article – I am somewhat afraid that older people will be hesitant to vote for an African-American. At the beginning my mother said she would stay home rather than vote for Obama but I think she sees the light now. She was VERY impressed with Michelle Obama and said she would vote for her in a second.
posted August 27, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Excellent post — that’s why I keep coming back here. (Oh, yeah, and I’m just a *little* relieved that the roll-call was held earlier than expected today and entirely dodged the VOC Moon bullet!)
My dad originally supported Clinton this time. (He was a Bush man until a few years ago.) I haven’t broached the subject with him since Hillary dropped out — a little afraid I’ll be disappointed. My mother (these are people slightly older than McCain) will probably stay home — being old-South, and not in a good way, she will probably not even consider Obama. She’ll never change — though if anyone could have melted her heart, it would have been Michelle Obama the other night.
posted September 1, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I live in an over 55 community in Florida and I am 73, my husband 75. I don’t think age has anything to do with voting for Obama…all my close friends (from late 40′s to 80′s) will be supporting him. I think we are open, thoughtful individuals able to see clearly how the last eight years have been disasterous for our country. It’s not your age, it’s your state of consciousness!