Power Moves and Hidden Agendas: The Kite Aspect Leading Up to Election Day
Oriana Fenwick illustration for Foreign Policy
As the U.S. gears up for a pivotal election week, the stars form an unusual and potent alignment—a kite aspect—involving Mars, Pluto, Mercury, and Neptune. This astrological pattern mirrors the heightened tension and transformative potential in the current political landscape, as the country wrestles with complex issues and deeply polarized perspectives. With Mars, Pluto, Mercury, and Neptune each pulling in different directions, this kite formation could be a cosmic backdrop to a week marked by power struggles, intense communication, and an ongoing battle for ideological direction.
Adding another layer, Mars moves into Leo the day before Election Day, shifting the tail of the kite and intensifying the focus on power, pride, and influence. As rising ideological divides and fears of authoritarianism take hold, let’s explore what this cosmic kite could mean as we approach this critical moment.
Mars in Cancer Opposing Pluto in Capricorn: The Tension of Power and Security
At the heart of this kite lies an intense opposition between Mars, representing action and drive, and Pluto, ruler of transformation and control. In Cancer, Mars has an instinct to protect, defend, and respond to threats close to home. This placement channels action toward security concerns, making the drive for change an emotional and, in some cases, protective pursuit. Pluto in Capricorn, meanwhile, governs large-scale systems, authority, and power structures. In opposition to Mars, it emphasizes tensions around who holds the power and what that control looks like in practice.
During election week, this opposition reflects a deeply polarized political climate, where power dynamics and security concerns are both under scrutiny. As different factions vie for control and influence, we may see a stronger push to solidify existing power structures or, conversely, to dismantle them in favor of a new vision. This alignment speaks to the underlying power struggle, especially as issues around democracy, authoritarianism, and individual freedoms are brought to the forefront.
Mars Moves Into Leo: Pride and Influence Intensify
On the day before the election, Mars shifts into Leo, still maintaining the kite formation but bringing a noticeable shift in energy. Leo’s influence is bold, confident, and eager for recognition. Mars in Leo highlights a desire to assert influence, often with an unyielding intensity. As Mars moves from protective Cancer into proud Leo, the tone shifts from safeguarding to outward expression and, potentially, grandstanding. This change suggests that the last moments leading into Election Day could see a heightened focus on leadership, loyalty, and the desire for visible displays of strength or patriotism.
For the U.S. electorate, Mars in Leo’s influence may bring about a push for decisive action and statements of purpose, with leaders and citizens alike feeling the pressure to make their mark. However, Leo’s energy can also fuel the risk of authoritarian leanings or populist displays, amplifying calls for “strong leadership” and a focus on charismatic authority figures.
Pluto’s Sextiles to Mercury and Neptune: The Influence of Communication and Ideals
Pluto’s sextiles to Mercury and Neptune provide a stabilizing framework in this otherwise tense formation, bringing a mix of strategic insight and idealism.
Pluto Sextile Mercury in Scorpio: Mercury in Scorpio encourages deep, investigative thinking and direct communication. Pluto’s supportive sextile here suggests that, under the surface, there is a strong drive to uncover truths, analyze motives, and use communication as a tool for change. With this alignment, we may see discussions about the election take on a sharper, more strategic tone. The conversation will likely be intense, with a focus on issues that tap into core fears, hopes, and societal values.
Pluto Sextile Neptune in Pisces: Neptune in Pisces introduces a dreamier, more idealistic influence. It’s connected to the desire for unity, compassion, and a vision of what society could be. But in its shadow side, Neptune can bring confusion, deception, or disillusionment. The sextile with Pluto suggests that idealism and the push for change are closely linked, although there’s a risk that illusions or unrealistic expectations may obscure reality. This alignment may influence how people view the election’s stakes, fueling both hope and potential disillusionment as ideals meet the practicalities of power.
The Grand Trine: Mars, Mercury, and Neptune—Amplified Action, Words, and Ideals
A grand trine between Mars, Mercury, and Neptune provides a powerful flow of energy within the kite, bringing together action, communication, and ideals. Yet, this flow isn’t inherently “positive”; rather, it amplifies the energies at play, for better or worse.
Mars Trine Mercury: This trine amplifies Mars’ assertive energy in communication. During election week, expect more intense rhetoric, passionate speeches, and sharp exchanges. However, there’s a caution here: Mars trine Mercury can also fuel excessive force in words and an inclination toward combative discussions rather than constructive dialogue.
Mars Trine Neptune: The connection to Neptune adds a layer of idealism but can also bring a sense of illusion or wishful thinking. This trine encourages people to act on their beliefs, but it also risks creating motivations based on unrealistic visions or manipulated perceptions. For election week, this could mean that actions and decisions are influenced by emotional appeals or idealized promises, possibly ignoring more practical concerns.
What This Kite Aspect Means for Election Week
The kite aspect during this election period reflects a complex and high-stakes environment. Power, control, ideals, and communication are all activated in a formation that intensifies both the need for security and the desire for transformation. Mars in Cancer (moving into Leo) drives an urgent need for action, but with Pluto’s influence, there’s a heightened awareness of the costs of unchecked power. Neptune’s presence adds a layer of both hope and illusion, meaning that the truth may be harder to separate from wishful thinking or propaganda.
This alignment underscores the importance of discernment and careful thought as Election Day approaches. With Mars moving into Leo, pride and influence will play larger roles, potentially escalating both confidence and the intensity of competition. As the kite’s energy unfolds, it serves as a reminder to look beyond surface rhetoric, engage thoughtfully, and recognize where power dynamics may shape the nation’s direction.
