Outsiders rarely follow Dutch elections but this one is special. What is at stake today is nothing less than an excellent indication of the direction in which the whole of Europe is headed – re:  the battle between ‘emboldened populism’ and the ’embattled status quo’. Some say that regardless, this election benefits Mr Geert Wilders – the Dutch equivalent of America’s Mr Donald Trump – in the sense that it has given his an ever-broader platform for broadcasting his anti-establishment and anti-Muslim rhetoric.

So which way is it most likely to go?

One way in which to forecast a nation’s future is by using an ingress chart, drawn for the moment that the Sun will enter 0 Aries (the start of the new 2017/18 solar year) set in the location of the seat of the legislature (The Hague). This forecast may be good for up to an entire year:

Because Cancer is on this chart’s ascendant, the Moon is the chart ruler – and its position and aspects are key to the entire situation.

This Moon (common people/voters) is in the 6^th house (workers, illness, and armed forces) closely applying to a conjunction with Saturn (social order, national infra-structure, regulations, and controls). Moon/Saturn suggests the voters want the strengthening of national borders – Saturn is an expert at building walls and barricades. This also suggests that the mood of the people will be sombre over the coming year: Moon conjunct Saturn is bad for most purposes – especially for business and beginning new ventures.

That Saturn rules the chart’s 9^th house, brings issues of religion (as well as the legal system) to the fore; might Mr Wilder’s anti-Muslim rhetoric get him – or worse – the entire parliament – in legal hot water? Quite possibly and if so, because Saturn also rules the 7^th house, this could well cause more problems in regards to foreign relations – especially in regards to foreign trade (Pluto, which governs corporate affairs as well as the secret service is this house). Sadly, it would seem that the current Dutch/Turkish flare-up might just be the first in a series.

Because this Saturn makes a (separating) trine aspect to Uranus (in the 11^th house) we might expect these elections not only to herald radical change to the Dutch parliament (11^th house) but also to reveal serious problems underlying how parliament functions. The 45-year cycle of Saturn/Uranus tests the delicate balance between authoritarianism and anarchism – for a flavour of what this is about – think French Revolution. The current Saturn/Uranus cycle commenced back in 1988 (28-30 Sagittarius) – and so we are now at the waning trine – this is the time of the final integration of issues/tensions raised around the time of the conjunction – perhaps in regard to Dutch model of integrating immigrants which were subject to debate in the mid 1980’s? At an rate, such radical changes as are expected in the parliament will probably not be good for business. This is because Uranus (radical change) is in opposition (face-off) with Jupiter (finance and commerce).

Finally, Neptune (strong in its own sign of Pisces) is conjunct the MC (mid-heaven), This   suggests not only confusion regarding national leadership but also perhaps underhanded and/or subversive tactics. Neptune may be collectivist and pluralist with a tendency toward left-wing – but he is also politically unrealistic  – and he is especially devious when it comes to avoiding unwanted conflict. That there will be further problems regarding national leadership  is indicated by a stellium (Mercury/Venus/Sun) in Aries in the 10^th house (i.e. the government and national leaders). This suggests angry debates – some perhaps purposefully inflammatory – but be certain of one thing – everyone’s focus will be here.

In summary, regardless of any election gains made or not  by Mr Wilders, prepare for some radical, revolutionary changes with regards to the Dutch government. Chances are good these will revolve at least in part around a tighter immigration policy and somehow this will not be good for ‘business’. Expect increasing interest in tightening up the borders.