The Astrology of the 2024 U.S. Republican Primaries: Who Will Win?

Introduction/Disclaimer

In general, I am no fan of politicians and certainly do not plan to vote for anyone in the Republican primary. This article isn't about my political opinions or who I want to win. After all, I have no stake in this race. My intent is simply to utilize astrology as objectively as possible to make a prediction about the election's outcome. That said, in service of making the most realistic predictions possible, I have decided to be practical about which politicians I will include. The list of candidates is long enough as it is. There is no point of including names we've never heard of or analyzing the charts of those polling below 1%.

This article will begin with an analysis of the natal and where possible, solar return (SR) charts of four big name candidates. They are: Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, and Vivek Ramaswamy. After this, I will take a look at the event chart for the November 2024 general election and check to see if any of our four candidates will be experiencing any significant transits that day. Then, I will finish this article by predicting which of these four politicians will face-off the Democrats in the general election.

Donald Trump?

I think we all know who Donald Trump is. No need to introduce him. He is a businessman, former reality TV star, former president and convict, born on June 14th 1946 at 10:54 AM in Queens, New York.

I've written much about his natal chart before, and by comparing his 2020-2021 SR with his 2016 SR, I was able to correctly predict his loss to Biden. He has a regal Leo Rising conjunct royal star, Regulus, and with Mars on the Ascendant, he sure has the entitlement of a king. Brash and confident, there's no question he was born to be a star. Ruled by the Sun in the multi-faceted and talkative sign of Gemini, in the popular and lucky 11th house, he is an opportunist who can read people like a book. However, with the Sun conjunct Uranus, he's a loose cannon, whose even better at scaring them away and his talk can get him into trouble. He was born on a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius, which his fans (and as an 11th house Gemini Sun, he does have lots of them!) like to use as evidence for his "destiny" as ruler of the U.S.A. But what does his current Solar Return chart say about this matter?

Donald Trump is 77 years old, which means he is in a 6th house profection year. The 6th house is often associated with misfortune, illness and servitude. Natally, Trump's 6th house (Capricorn) is ruled by a detriment Saturn in the 12th, which isn't a very positive omen. Health issues could sneak up on him or he could be in denial about his old age. Saturn, in particular, often indicates illnesses of the skin, teeth, joints and bones (and to a lesser extent, its conjunction to Venus could indicate kidney or throat problems). The 6th house is also associated with enemies, and with its ruler Saturn in the 12th house, he may experience betrayal at the hands of those he trusts. This placement can also be a sign of isolation or imprisonment.

Interestingly, the 6th house is also very prominent in his Solar Return chart. For example, the SR 6th house overlaps with his natal 1st house (otherwise known as the Ascendant), which represents the body. Meanwhile, his natal 5th house ruler, Saturn, is placed in the 1st house of his Solar Return chart. Both of these placements indicate a poor constitution and general misfortune. It is particularly telling that the Ascendant is in Pisces, the most sensitive sign of the zodiac, conjunct Neptune, the boundary-dissolver and square the Sun (ruler of the SR 6th house & natal 1st house) in the 4th house. The Sun in the 4th could itself be interpreted as a sign that Trump is more likely to be confined to the home than out in the public eye. While Sun square Neptune is often interpreted as a general indicator of idealization and disillusionment (themes that can most certainly apply here), more specifically, these aspects imply that Trump is in a physically vulnerable state (i.e. he could fall ill from a virus). Mars and Venus placed in the 6th house of Trump's Solar Return chart further suggests the possibility of both disease and interpersonal conflict in his life. As ruler of both the 4th and 7th house, Mercury square Saturn can potentially indicate divorce or at least, trouble in Trump's personal life, which could also overshadow his campaign.

This isn't to say things are all bad for the ex-president. The Moon is exalted in Taurus conjunct both Jupiter and the North Node, which fall into his natal 10th house, implying good luck and expansion in his career. Located in the 3rd house of the SR, he is certainly going to gain the attention of the media and continue to attract the support of his loyal fan-base. However, we must also keep in mind that the Moon squares the Venus/Mars conjunction in the 6th house, suggesting tension between his political ambitions and his personal struggles.

Since his birthday is in June, when the primaries are just about to end, I decided to take just a quick peak at his 2024 Solar Return chart, as well, and it looks similar to what I saw in 2020 rather than in 2016.

Regardless of whether or not Trump wins the primary, I am confident in saying that he will definitely lose the general or even if he does win, he will not stay in office for very long. His trial is scheduled to be held in May 2024 and that 12th house stellium (comprised of Jupiter, Mercury, Venus and the Sun) is a potential indicator of exile or imprisonment. At the very least, it is a symbol of misfortune and loss, as this chart heavily resembles his 2020 Solar Return, which also contained a Cancer Ascendant with the Sun and Venus in the 12th house, except this chart is even more worrisome. In 2020, the lesser malefic Mars was transiting Pisces and square Trump's Sun in Gemini, but in 2024, the greater malefic, Saturn, will be in Pisces square not only the Sun but Mercury and Venus, as well, and opposite the Moon.

It is worth emphasizing that Saturn is in a particularly strong position here. For one, it is conjunct the Midheaven, but it is also his lord of the year. At 78 years old, Trump will be in a 7th house profection year. As a Leo Rising, Saturn rules his 7th house and it looks like Saturn rules the 7th house of his Solar Return chart too. At the very least, things don't look so good for Trump but more specifically, considering Saturn's associations with limitation and restriction, I wouldn't be surprised if he finds himself confined to a cell somewhere or exiled from office.

Nikki Haley?

Nikki Haley is the former governor of South Carolina and ambassador to the United Nations under Trump. If she wins the election, not only will she be the first woman president but the first Indian-American, as well. She was born in Bamberg, South Carolina on January 20th, 1972.

We can't speak much about her destiny, however, because her birth time is unknown. It is especially frustrating, in her case, because both her Sun and Moon are placed on the cusp of two different signs.

Nikki Haley could be either an Aquarius or a Capricorn Sun depending on time of birth. Both signs are ruled by Saturn, a planet associated with government and politics, giving her the organizational skills needed to run a country, and with Saturn in Taurus, she is likely to be very traditional and by-the-book in her methods. She certainly has the cold, hard ambition and work ethic of a Capricorn Sun. She did book-keeping for her family business at the mere age of 12! However, an Aquarius Sun could potentially account for her interest in human affairs and her reputation as an "underdog" in the Republican Party (i.e. being a female of color). Her Mercury is in Capricorn, as well, another indicator of a disciplined and rational mind. However, harshly squared by Uranus in Libra, her way of thinking might be described as a little bit "eccentric" which could make her a bit of a misfit.

Likewise, her Moon could either be in Pisces or Aries and with other placements dignified in both of these two signs, either could make sense. Her Venus is exalted in the dreamy and compassionate sign of Pisces, a placement indicative of a romantic idealist. Meanwhile, her Mars is at home in the fiery and passionate sign of Aries, suggestive of an independent go-getter who fights for what she wants. Speaking of dignified planets, her Jupiter is domicile in Sagittarius, showing that luck is, most often, on her side.

Unfortunately, a full-on Solar Return reading is pointless without a birth time. House placements are necessary for a proper predictive analysis. That said, it might still be interesting to look at where the stars will be on Nikki Haley's 52nd birthday (the beginning of a 5th house profection year):

On January 20th, 2024, the Sun will not only be conjunct Pluto at 29 degrees Capricorn, but both planets will move into 0 degrees Aquarius later that day. The Sun's conjunction to Pluto speaks to themes of power, influence and transformation, and the transition to Aquarius is predicted to bring major changes to our society. This, combined with the simple fact of literally being born on Inauguration Day, could be interpreted as a sign that for whatever reason, Nikki Haley is "destined" to be a leading figure of the "New Age", perhaps as the first woman/Indian president of the United States. In any case, Pluto's ingress into Aquarius will likely be significant for her.

Meanwhile, Jupiter in Taurus will be sextile Saturn in Pisces, an indicator of hopes and dreams 'manifesting' into something real and concrete. While Jupiter and Saturn are the two planets most often associated with political affairs, this might not necessarily be political. Saturn conjunct Nikki Haley's natal Venus is significant for matters of marriage and relationship. Jupiter will also trine Mercury conjunct Mars in Capricorn, suggesting that her thoughts and actions are aligned. However, the Mercury-Mars conjunction could also suggest arguments or deception, words with the power to hurt. Venus will be at 26 degrees Sagittarius, conjunct her natal Jupiter, but square the transiting Neptune in Pisces. This can signal feelings of happiness and good luck but might it be illusory? Again, without a birth time, it is hard to say.

Ron DeSantis?

Ron DeSantis is the 46th governor of Florida and veteran of the U.S. navy, known for his extreme far-right views. He was born on September 14th, 1978 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Unfortunately, his birth time is also unknown. Thankfully, it is a little bit easier than Nikki Haley's because his Sun remains in Virgo regardless of time of birth. Here is his noon chart:

Ron DeSantis is not only a Virgo Sun. He's a Virgo stellium! With Mercury domicile in Virgo and conjunct Saturn, he is likely blessed with a practical and disciplined mind (i.e. he graduated both Yale and Harvard Law School). Despite the intelligence and strong organizational skills indicated by this aspect, however, it can also suggest close-mindedness and an inability to think outside the box. He is a traditionalist, first and foremost, but also a perfectionist, critical of everything and anything that fails to meet his high standards. With the North Node conjunct his Sun, it is likely his destiny to "lead" or be within the public eye, in some way. However, with Sun square Neptune, he may be very sensitive to what people think about him. He could have delusions of grandeur or at least some very big dreams for himself.

Meanwhile, his Moon is most likely in Aquarius (but could be in Pisces, depending on time of birth). This could suggest emotional detachment and a feeling of alienation toward the people around him. It can also suggest big ideas about the way society "should" be and a stubborn attitude toward implementing them. Although a fighter at heart, with Mars in Libra, he may sometimes appear to lack conviction in his decisions or else, he might have a habit of playing devil's advocate. His Venus is in Scorpio, a Mars-ruled sign, which suggests some deeply-held values and a secretive temperament. With Jupiter in Leo, he is theatrical, egocentric and values his individuality above all else.

As with Nikki Haley, without a birth time, we do not have access to a full predictive analysis of Ron DeSantis's Solar Return chart, but we can still have a quick look at what the stars looked like on his 45th birthday (a 10th house profection year, placing emphasis on career and public life).

On September 14th, 2023, we had a New Moon in Virgo trine Jupiter and Uranus. While we cannot know the precise details about what this New Moon means for him, we can say that it is likely to be a year of new beginnings, excitement and growth. However, with Mercury Retrograde, there might be some miscommunication which could affect his campaign i.e. saying the wrong thing or being misinterpreted. This year could have him prone to experiencing delays or technical issues. I also notice that his birthday coincides with his Mars Return: the Mars Returns represents a new cycle related to where one aims their energy in life, a rebirth of what drives you. This transit can trigger feelings of anger and aggression, as well. Mars in Libra is sextile Venus in Leo which is generally seen as a positive aspect, but Venus in Leo is also square Jupiter Retrograde in Taurus, which can cause problems in relationships or else, indicate that one might be over-doing things or under-doing things, being lazy because we expect that luck is on our side.

Vivek Ramaswamy?

Vivek Ramaswamy is an entrepreneur in the biological and pharmaceutical industries, known for his controversial "libertarian" and "anti-woke" views. If he were to win the election, he would become the first Hindu and the first Indian-American president, not to mention the youngest president. According to astrologer Steven Stuckey, his birth certificate tells us that he was born at 6:51 PM on August 9th, 1985 in Cincinnati Ohio. Let's take a look at his birth chart:

It comes as no surprise to learn that this ambitious entrepreneur is a Capricorn Rising. The sign of the goat is known for its conservative, organized and social-climbing nature. Vivek Ramaswamy displayed these traits by being the valedictorian of his high school, graduating from multiple Ivy League universities (Harvard University and Yale Law School) and launching million-dollar companies while still in early-mid twenties. With ruling planet Saturn in the 11th house of community, it seems that politics is his latest business venture and the one that matters to him the most. Saturn close to the Midheaven shows someone who is destined to succeed. In the sign of Scorpio, Saturn is power-hungry and not afraid to go to extremes, a trait that could account for some of his more radical views.

His Sun is domicile in the authoritative sign of Leo conjunct Mercury and Mars. Such a placement can indicate strength and leadership skills but in Ramaswamy's case, it could turn him into a bit of an authoritarian or else, an isolated individualist. His Leo placements are "hidden" in the 8th house, a place associated with all things secret and distressing, and square his ruler planet Saturn, presenting him with some difficult challenges, perhaps by making him overly inhibited and obsessed with rules and restrictions. Politically, this could potentially make him someone who lies and cheats to protect his power, or else, it can just make him deeply unpopular, a candidate people love to hate. The Leo planets are also opposite an Aquarius Jupiter in the 2nd house. On it's own, this placement suggests a person who gains financial success (Jupiter in 2nd house) through inventive and humanitarian endeavors (Aquarius), but the opposition warns not to be too big-headed lest one loses all that they've gained.

That said, the Moon in Gemini does show that Ramaswamy has a free-spirited side and probably a witty sense of humor. Likewise, a Cancer Venus in the 7th house makes it easy for him to connect with people, perhaps by tapping into their more emotional sides. This is a good placement for partnership, which might be an indication that he'd make a good vice president, as some people have suggested. Meanwhile, Neptune in the 1st house could increase his popularity by causing people to idealize him but it can cause disillusionment, as well.

While a natal chart could tell us something about a candidate's presidential potential, ultimately it is the current stars that determine our predictions. Let's take a look at his Solar Return chart for 2023-2024 since the primaries are set to take place later this year (January to June 2024):

Vivek Ramaswamy is 38 years old, which means he's in a 3rd house profection year. This puts the focus on communication, short travels and education, all things that are needed for a presidential campaign. His natal 3rd house (Pisces) is ruled by Jupiter, which is placed in the 2nd house at 11 degrees Aquarius in his natal chart, emphasizing a focus on money gained through creative or political endeavors. Interestingly, Jupiter is placed in the 2nd house (Taurus) of his Solar Return, as well, and trine Mars, which is the chart's Ascendant ruler, bringing good luck and confidence as far as finances are concerned.

The Solar Return Ascendant is located in the independent, individualistic and competitive sign of Aries, suggesting that this year, Ramaswamy has the will to fight for what he wants. With the ruler Mars conjunct a domicile Mercury in the 6th house, he is direct, eloquent and to the point but could attract enemies. This placement can also indicate potential health problems, such as headaches or other stress-related illnesses, which is echoed by Chiron(the wounded healer)'s exact conjunction to the Ascendant. However, with Mercury and Mars making a grand trine to Jupiter in the 2nd and the Midheaven in Capricorn, I am more inclined to an optimistic interpretation, as these aspects suggest both financial security and a step-up in his career. It is also interesting to see that the Solar Return Midheaven is conjunct his natal Ascendant, making his career and reputation the main focus for the year ahead. The Solar Return Jupiter in Taurus is also conjunct his natal North Node suggesting there's a degree of destiny involved in his success.

On another note, the Moon is in his (profected) 3rd house at 7 degrees Gemini. It is very interesting to see his Lunar Return take place on the very same day as his Solar Return! This further indicates that it will be a year of travel, education and meeting lots of interesting people. The Sun conjunct Venus in the 5th house suggests that it will be a fun and creative year, as well. With Venus Retrograde ruling his 7th house, it is possible that some people from his past may come back into his life to show support, although the square to Uranus signals the potential for controversy and turbulence in his relationships and alliances. Nevertheless, it is sure to be exciting.

Election Day

The general presidential election is planned to be held on November 5th 2024. Looking at this chart is especially helpful because while we can't accurately read the Solar Return charts of those without birth times, we can at least see the transits to their natal planets on that date.

Election day will take place on a waxing crescent moon. This moon phase is all about new beginnings, putting in the first baby steps to implement our intentions. The Moon will be in Capricorn, a Saturn-ruled sign, which suggests a rebirth in the structures that govern society. This moon phase is good for re-organizing things, and an election sure does just that.

Capricorn's ruling planet, Saturn, will be in Retrograde, and trine the Sun in Scorpio. With Saturn Retrograde, we may find that bureaucratic matters are even more slowed down than normal. With Saturn in the sign of Pisces, some of these politicians may be idealized and treated as messianic figures, but with Saturn Retrograde, perhaps this illusion will be exposed for what it is.

Pisces' ruling planet, Jupiter will also be in Retrograde, in the sign of Gemini, and opposite Venus in Sagittarius. The luck of the stars may seem to have reversed itself during this transit. Gemini is a jack-of-all-trades; rather than have to settle for one thing, Gemini prefers variety. It is possible that this transit can cause people to question their limited choices. For example, why do we continue to insist on maintaining an outdated two-party system? This transit might also highlight problems with media coverage, causing people to question the validity of their sources.

Mars will enter the sign of Leo, after having just finished its transit through the sign of Cancer. Mars in Leo is associated with royalty and regality, matters pertaining to the king or queen or in this case, president. Both the winning and losing candidate may feel a degree of pride or entitlement to their position. We can expect this election day to trigger up some dramatic and newsworthy moments, especially with Mars opposite Pluto, which could even indicate a violent revolt or protest triggered by the results. The election coinciding with the Mars ingress alone is an indicator of war, conflict and civil strife.

So, we now have a general idea of what to expect on that date, but how do these transits affect the candidates more personally?

Donald Trump:

Jupiter in Gemini will be conjunct The Apprentice host's Sun and North Node in the 11th house, a sign of good luck and rising popularity. However, Uranus on the Midheaven could deliver some shocks or disturbances to his career. Interestingly, Trump's Lunar Return corresponds with the general election date for this year, which does suggest that it will be a significant day for him.

Nikki Haley:

Our lone female candidate has some significant transits on that day, as well. Pluto will be conjunct the Sun with Mars opposite it, an indicator of major transformation and rebirth, but also, opposition and conflict. However, the Moon and Jupiter seem to be making a conjunction both ways (if her Moon is indeed in Pisces) which could be interpreted as an indicator of good luck.

Ron DeSantis:

This controversial figure will be experiencing his second Saturn opposition, an important generational transit that allows one to either reap the rewards (or take responsibility for) the work they've put in over the last fourteen years or so since their Saturn Return at the age of 28. With Saturn in Pisces opposite Saturn in Virgo, this transit inspires one to reflect on past actions, right wrongs and determine where they really want to be in life. Meanwhile, Uranus square the Moon (if his Moon is indeed in Aquarius) could cause turbulence in his personal life. Furthermore, his Jupiter in Leo is triggered by the Mars-Pluto opposition, providing fuel to his fiery belief system, but could it transform his worldview, as well?

Vivek Ramaswamy:

The transiting Sun conjunct his Midheaven does certainly shine a light on this businessman's career. The transiting Moon in 1st house also helps to throw him into the spotlight. Jupiter in Gemini sextile his Leo Sun and Mercury is an indicator of good luck, and lastly, he will experience his Mars Return soon after, which could make him more enthusiastic, motivated and driven to succeed.

Conclusion

So, who will the winner of the 2024 Republican primary be? It's a tricky question to answer without a correct birth time for every candidate. Nevertheless, I will take a risk and say that with so many challenging transits (i.e. Saturn opposite Mercury, Uranus square Moon, etc.) DeSantis does not look like a winner to me, despite his large following and the blessings bestowed on him by Jupiter's transits. Although he does have some positive transits during general election time, Ramaswamy's Solar Return warns of unstable alliances and a turbulent following. On the surface, Haley seems, to me, like the most likely winner, but without knowledge of her house placements or what sign her luminaries are in, it is hard to say for sure. Trump's Solar Return is not the most auspicious. It warns of illness, interpersonal conflict and overall bad luck. However, the transits to Trump's chart on the general election day (i.e. Jupiter conjunct the Sun, Uranus on the MC, Lunar Return etc.) are just too significant to ignore. Even in such a malefic Solar Return, he has Moon conjunct Jupiter as his good luck charm. If Trump is indeed the winner of the primary, it is a poor pick for the Republicans because with so many indicators of misfortune in the Solar Return (for both 2023 and 2024), he is highly unlikely to win the general election or survive it in tact.

Trump is, nevertheless, my first guess and if not him, Haley. It is doubtful that Ramaswamy will actually win the primary but his career will benefit from it, anyway. He could be the vice president for Trump or Haley, or at least secure a good spot on the cabinet. Through my eyes, DeSantis's transits tell the story of a personal life affected by a professional loss, as he comes to terms with what to do next. It is possible that Trump will initially win the primary only for health problems, dishonest campaigning and/or his conviction to interfere, handing over the nomination to Haley. If not Ramaswamy, perhaps, Haley could actually be his VP. Further analysis is needed for me to be completely confident in my conclusions. We'll need to wait and see, but for now, I predict that the primaries will result in Trump as the winner with Haley in second place for the nomination.