Sotomayor and the Supremes

Sonia Sotomayor (6/25/1954) has been nominated for the Supreme Court. She would be just the 3rd woman in history to serve on the highest court, and the first Hispanic. Let's have a look at her astrology -- both her natal chart, and some relevant transits.

Sonia is a Cancer with Jupiter conjunct her Sun, with Mars in Capricorn opposed it. Jupiter is quite fond of the political process and Mars in Capricorn is more than willing to engage in battles pertinent to these realms. She is clearly someone willing to stand for what she believes. Furthermore, she most likely has her Moon in Aries, so bring it on!

She may not be the most liberal of justices. Sonia has a Capricorn North Node, and Saturn in Scorpio ruling it. These signatures pertain to the consolidation of power, being the tough arm of the law. Her Saturn also trines her Jupiter/Sun conjunction. Expect Sonia to hold the Judicial branch in high regard as the ultimate referee. She likely has much respect for the institution she is nominated for, and will strive to serve with distinction and reverence for its history. With this attitude, being a firebrand of progressive causes is unlikely.

However, she does have Uranus conjunct Mercury, which connotes a forward-looking mind and the ability to see things in new ways. This conjunction is in Cancer, albeit several degrees later than her Sun/Jupiter. Nevertheless, she is attuned to the future so there is a pronounced tension between her Uranian and Saturnian influences. Considering that she is nominated during a Uranus/Saturn opposition, her legacy on the court could be casting decisive votes between liberal and conservative factions.

Right now, transiting Pluto is opposed her Sun and sitting right on her Mars. During major Pluto transits, many people find themselves addressing issues of power -- and serving on the highest court in the land would certainly qualify. Mars brings themes of leadership and firsts, and considering the historic nature of her nomination, she is a trailblazer. This Pluto transit foretells that life is going to be radically different for now on. Whether she gets confirmed or not, this is still the case. Sotomayor has entered the collective consciousness...

Her natal Pluto is at 23 Leo, so transiting Jupiter will be opposed it for just about the duration of 2009. Once again, we see power (Pluto) combined with the political process (Jupiter). Transiting Jupiter (which is also conjunct Neptune and Chiron) is in Aquarius, the sign of breakthroughs and serving humanitarian needs. This is the perfect transit to be elevated to power. In the time that we are currently in, expect her to be confirmed.