Jack Labanauskas

In the spirit of being non-partisan and unbiased, this reflection aims to explore the topic through a neutral lens, focusing on insights rather than political opinions.

The aftermath of the November 5th election has elicited a wide range of emotions not only from across the United States, but around the world, with many experiencing profound disappointment while others celebrate with relief. As we reflect on this moment, it is helpful to recall Tom Pollack’s observation: “It’s never as good as it looks and never as bad as it seems”.

With a new administration poised to take shape, this period offers an opportunity to revisit previous analyses of leadership influences, particularly through the lens of astrology. In this section, we explore how astrological insights from years past, based on Donald Trump’s Sun, Moon, and Ascendant placements, may offer perspective on the individual and the unique challenges and dynamics that lie ahead.

In “Space & Time Part 4”, published over seven years ago, we examined Donald Trump’s astrological chart, focusing on three key aspects: the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant/Rising sign and their position in the respective Nakshatras (for convenience we are reprinting their brief descriptions below). Few astrologers who accurately predicted the Trump victory were basing their evaluation on the Sun, Moon and Ascendant placement rather than being swayed by confirmation bias (of those following the news predicting defeat).

At the time, it was speculative about how his presidency may turn out. Today, with the benefit of hindsight—including his four-year term in office and the subsequent years of media prominence—we revisit these insights in light of his recent electoral victory. The outcome of this presidency, good bad or indifferent will depend on the chemistry created by his constitutional assets and ability to interact with the unpredictable environment. Astrology can give us indications of the nature of the terrain that he’s likely to encounter based on the dominant Nakshatras in his chart.

The descriptions of the Nakshatras (Sanskrit: naksha, map; tara, star), or lunar mansions, give us a map of the “lay of the land” (see reprinted below) as we had published during the early weeks of Trump’s first administration. That period was marked by chaos, as the “Washington outsider” was pressed to fill thousands of key positions quickly. His cabinet choices, tasked with managing approximately 4,000 appointments, faced significant challenges deciding who should stay or be replaced—a daunting task for an outsider. Some early choices proved suboptimal, creating an uphill battle from the outset.

From day one, Trump encountered fierce opposition. Efforts to impeach, hinder, or otherwise undermine his presidency began immediately. Initiatives like the border wall faced relentless resistance, while accusations involving Russia, real estate, and personal scandals proliferated. Ultimately, two impeachment trials failed, as did numerous court cases based on tenuous claims, now widely dismissed as politically motivated. Even assassination attempts, though unsuccessful, underscored the intensity of the opposition. Now, with a new presidency on the horizon, we consider what lies ahead.

Personality and Change: Enneagram and Astrological Perspectives

The idiom “A leopard doesn’t change its spots” aptly describes the resistance of core personality traits to change. From both an Enneagram and astrological standpoint, this principle holds true. While personality remains stable, the surrounding environment evolves, demanding adaptation—a concept Charles Darwin famously illustrated.

As of this writing, the 2024 election concluded 15 days ago. The beginnings of Trump’s second administration seem unprecedented. Historically, elections focused primarily on the presidential candidate, with the vice president and cabinet appointments receiving little attention. Over the past decades, however, political polarization has intensified, transforming elections into contests between opposing ideologies.

This polarization reached a peak in 2024 with voters presented with two contrasting choices: Kamala Harris, representing a continuation of the current administration, and Donald Trump, advocating for significant changes. Trump highlighted his previous accomplishments and outlined his vision for the future, while Harris focused on themes of stability and continuity, leaving room for varying interpretations of her platform.

Three Perspectives on Trump’s Second Term

Observers have outlined three potential views of Trump’s upcoming term:

  1. The Negative View (by his opponents)
    Trump’s presidency is predicted to be tumultuous, driven by vindictive impulses akin to a dictator or tyrant. Critics on the left, supported by most of the press and social media (with the exception of X), have perpetuated this portrayal. Credibly alleged collusion with agencies like the CIA, FBI, and DOJ were expected to be successful at restricting his administration’s effectiveness.
  2. The Neutral View (independents, and uncommitted)
    A second Trump term could mirror the first, bringing economic prosperity, reduced inflation, stricter border control, improved foreign policy, and opposition to “woke” agendas.
  3. The Positive View (his supporters and reform minded)
    Optimists envision a “team effort” presidency led by accomplished, patriotic individuals committed to reform. This vision includes:
    • Shrinking the bloated bureaucracy and reducing regulations stifling entrepreneurship.
    • Establishing a Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under innovators like Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk.
    • Addressing public health issues with figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who also advocate for transparency in government, big pharma and food industries.
    • Building a bipartisan cabinet to restore the nation’s founding principles.

Reforms would include changes to immigration policy, such as addressing individuals without legal status and pursuing agreements with neighboring countries. Additionally, the administration has promised a focus on limiting government intervention, managing the national debt, and promoting economic stability.

The Broader Context: Global Shifts and Cultural Tensions

The 2024 election occurs against a backdrop of global political upheaval, with elections in 100 nations—representing half the world’s population, including eight of the ten most populous countries. In polarized societies like the United States, elections often pit top-down ruling elites against working-class voters seeking to protect their cultural values and livelihoods.

Enneagram Insights: Trump as a Type 8

From an Enneagram perspective, Trump is likely an E-Type 8 with a 7 wing. This combination explains his high physical and mental energy, determination, and resilience. Staff often describe him as tireless, holding multiple rallies and meetings daily without showing signs of exhaustion.

Type 8 personalities in general have lower serotonin efficiency, contributing to mood variability and a tendency toward aggression and reactivity. However, they also have low norepinephrine levels that reduce anxiety, enabling confident and calculated decision-making. Their high dopamine activity enhances self-confidence and focus.

Trump’s 7 (all 3 above mentioned brain chemistries are high) wing adds intense curiosity, broad interests and a remarkable ability to recall details. His high physical stamina (in spite of sketchy food habits) he attributes to “good genes.”

Astrology and the Enneagram: Complementary Perspectives

Vedic Astrology (VA) provides additional insights into personality through its study of nine grahas (planets) and 27 Nakshatras. These lunar mansions, governed by deities, embody specific characteristics and karmic lessons. The traditional storytelling approach using personalities of deities, demons and/or common folks make the stories memorable, similar to finding Enneagram types illustrated in literature. Also similar to watching or sitting on “typing panels”.

Toward a Middle Ground

Post-election, a subtle cultural shift appears underway. Amid the extremes of gloating and bitterness, some voices on both sides are advocating for common ground. As the pendulum of political ideology swings, there is hope that a more collaborative middle path may emerge.

For a description on all 27 Nakshatras, the meaning of “padas”, Deities, Rulers and more details, see the 4 part series of “Space & Time” (on this site). The below excerpts are as originally published. (without edits based on hindsight)

A Summary of Key Features in Trump’s Chart

Donald Trump was born June 14, 1946 at 10:54 AM in Jamaica Hospital Queens (New York)

Ascendant & Mars in Leo

Sun & Rahu in Taurus

Moon & Ketu in Scorpio

Jupiter in Virgo

Mercury in Gemini

Venus & Saturn in Cancer

Sun in Mrigashira 2nd Pada (Nakshatra #5) The deity is Soma (the Moon god). Adventurous, curious, always searching, courageous, athletic, competitive, Jack of all trades with a creative indulgent nature. Restless and alert for danger, loves the chase and searching more than finding contentment. Always hunting for the best deal, they can and will experience frequent disappointments and disillusionment at times to the point of nervous exhaustion. Soma is a happiness junkie so life often does not live up to their expectations of bringing them the chalice of amrita, the nectar of immortality/bliss, which is the true meaning of Soma. Soma is popular as all the gods love to hang out and get high, particularly Lord Indra.

Other examples of the influence of Soma are: Mick Jagger, Lady Gaga, Salman Rushdie, Amy Winehouse, Osho, Jacques Cousteau, Frank Lloyd Wright, Judy Garland.

5 – Mrigashira – The Deer (or Antelope) Head λ, φ Orionis

Deity: Soma, the Moon god (Chandra)

Ruler: Mars

Mythology: Prajapati- Brahma, the creator god and progenitor of man became obsessed with the beauty of his daughter Rohini (Saraswati) and chased her. To escape she turned into an antelope but so did Prajapati and caught her. This horrified and angered the gods who asked Shiva, the destroyer god to stop this violation. Shiva in his fiercest form, Rudra, chopped off the head of the offensive Brahma.

Themes: Pursuit of delights in life, the material, emotional and also spiritual. Skittish, delicate, always looking for something. Ruled by Mars which gives it energy, willingness to work, make efforts and pursue goals. Nervous types on the move. Their attention gets attracted by this or that shiny object, or that bit of information along the way. Highly curious, they make good investigators and also shoppers, always hunting for the best deal. Quest is the keyword for their desire and curiosity. Wanting so much creates also opportunities for frequent disappointments and disillusionments, and the urge to keep searching to the point of nervous exhaustion. Restlessness and alert for danger they also seem to love the chase a little more than finding contentment. Involved with too many worldly things they eventually will direct their attention inward in the quest for the deeper essence of life and spiritual liberation.

Ascendant in Magha 3rd Pada (Nakshatra #10) The deity of Magha are the Pitris (the forefathers or ancestors). Symbolized by a throne as in benevolent royalty or power status, restoring the lost order by being leaders of reformations and traditions, rather than revolutionaries with plans for new untested orders. Here we have many politicians, lawyers, heads of corporations and managers. They are devoted to traditional values, to protection of their heirs and are the guardians of their lineage. Their influence brings status, connections and wealth,

Other examples of strong Pitri influence are: Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Rajiv Gandhi, T.E. Lawrence, Elton John, Woody Allen, O.J. Simpson, King Henry the 8th, Justin Trudeau. L. Ron Hubbard, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Paramahamsa Yogananda who has Ascendant and Moon in Magha.

10 – Magha –The “Royal Throne or Great One” also a palanquin

Regulus (Latin: Little King)

Deity:  Pitris (fathers), are the family ancestors who offer protection in times of trouble, guardian angels. Also traditions, acting as the containers or custodians of collective wisdom acquired and recorded in previous generations.

Ruler:  Ketu

Mythology This constellation is symbolized by the throne which indicates royalty, power, status and prestige; denoted by the words ‘benevolent’, ‘bountiful’, ‘magnificent’ or ‘mighty’. The “fathers” here include the ancient “rishis” or great sages that authored the Vedas (sacred scriptures), the prophets of the Old Testament, the wise men and women in other traditions or indigenous tribes etc., they all contain guidelines for how to access the deepest truth and achieve self-mastery. An emblem of positive male energy, in general, Magha is about all of our ancestors and what we inherit from them.

Themes:  It is Magha’s job to shape the present using the past. If well placed in an astrological chart, it’s bound to give the experience of positive karma that translates into favors from those in positions of power. The nature of favors is often seemingly unexpected, sudden and impulsive. Natives in this Nakshatra tend to have strong personalities and powerful karmas that may allow them to become tradition holders or legends; they are not good at being submissive or playing second fiddle. Reform leaders rather than revolutionaries, they seek to re-established past ancestral glories lost, rather than try untested new gimmicks.

The intense element of Magha corresponds to Ketu that brings out the fierceness of Leo. As a ferocious planet, Ketu can be as violent in its intensity as the desert sun. On another plane, the Sun is also associated with authority which can engender magnanimity and humility, or mercilessness tyranny if abused when blinded by power. Generally, Magha natives are maintainers of the order of nature through civilization and tradition, and are generous and skilled at settling disputes. Weary of new untested innovative technologies they may not be the best planners for the future. They tend to have a royal demeanor and have lion-like appearances.

Donald Trump’s Moon is in Jyeshta 4th pada (Nakshatra #18) The deity is Indra the king of the gods, lightening and thunder. This Nakshatra is about fair play, justice and policing or “getting even.” It’s a hard, sharp and focused Nakshatra that if needed can be pretty dreadful, cold and violent. Indra has “the power to rise and conquer and gain courage and strength in battle”. The job of Indra is to straightens out the gods when unruly, something that does not usually earn him popularity, as his methods are rather brutal and nobody, including the gods, likes being corrected. The emotional impetus is bold, energetic, assertive, self-confident.  Indra is a warrior king who is brave, a risk-taker and lusty with huge appetites and a need for constant stimulation and stronger and stronger sensations. When Indra is not kept busy with challenges or after achieving a victory, he enjoys partying with the other gods, getting high on the Soma juice (see the next nakshatra) and other sensory enjoyments. Trump does not drink, so his outlets must be elsewhere, like decorating his Mar a Lago estate with more gold, or a bigger nameplate on a new skyscraper…

18 – Jyeshtha The “most excellent or eldest,”

α, σ, and τ Scorpionis

Deity:  Indra, king of gods, skies, lightning & thunder. He is the divine dragon slayer, independent and courageous, the ultimate warrior and generous hero.

Ruler:  Mercury

Mythology:  Jyeshta, the oldest of the 27 sisters was jealous of Rohini who was favored by their husband (the Moon god, Soma). She felt unfairly betrayed and disrespected given her seniority (over Rohini) in age and experience. This Nakshatra is about fair play, justice and policing or “getting even.” A hard, sharp and focused Nakshatra that if needed can be pretty dreadful cold and violent. The ultimate goal of Indra, the hero, is to attain power over the senses “indriyas,” rather than directing the energy toward outward achievements.

Themes:  Jyeshta is the “seniormost” of the first 18 Nakshatras (in ancient times only 18 were used, 9 more were added later) governed by a sense of becoming or arrival, maybe as in “settling scores?” In fact, it completes the second series of nine nakshatras (10-18) starting with Magha, that deal with activities on an earthly plane. For Jyeshta, it is important to maintain an image, not because of being “thin-skinned” or needy of approval, but because it’s an essential tool for enhancing their effectiveness which requires that they impress others and maintain respect. They desire to abide by the established norms and traditions, and in that context are generous with charity, philanthropy, showing respect and with kindness; such virtues in ancient times commanded the respect of society. When they are crossed or their intentions are misunderstood they perceive this as an affront and get mad, and/or get even. Those who want to oppose Jyeshta better beware, as the shakti of this asterism is “the power to rise and conquer and gain courage and strength in battle” they will face a formidable foe and most likely lose. Making important or difficult decisions for Jyeshta is easy, as they are masters at meeting out punishment, scheming, spying, controlling and exercising authority. They can also take on high levels of responsibility with confidence as they are used to large scale planning, taking control and protecting standards. There can also be a lot of internal conflict, a sense of battle between good and evil, in this Nakshatra. Clarity of vision and purpose is essential and will make a difference between a tantric great yogi or black magician. When frustrated or held back they are not dealing well with depression, anger, selfishness, and may resort to infidelity, exploitation, overindulgence, forget sensitivity and never mind tact or diplomacy.