Laura Fernández and Costa Rica: “No More Coddling”

By Ana Andrade

On 9 May, Laura Fernández was sworn in as president of Costa Rica, becoming the second woman to hold the office in the country’s history. In her inaugural address, she delivered a forceful message focused on combating organized crime and drug trafficking. Costa Rica, long regarded as one of the safest and most stable nations in the Americas, has in recent years experienced rising levels of violence linked to transnational drug trafficking networks that use the country as a strategic transit and logistics corridor. (1)

Fernández declared, “My hand will not shake in confronting organized crime.” She also announced plans to construct a high-security prison inspired by El Salvador’s mega-prison model. In addition, her administration proposed reforms designed to toughen criminal sentences and eliminate prison benefits that reduce time served. “No more coddling,” she stated.   Like former president Rodrigo Chaves, Fernández has expressed support for strengthening ties with the United States under President Donald Trump. (1)

Another detail that attracted public attention was her preference to be addressed as “president,” using the masculine form of the title in Spanish, a choice that reflects a deliberate political and symbolic posture. (1)

From an astrological perspective, the synastry (inter-chart comparison) between Laura Fernández’s natal chart (2) and the chart of Costa Rica (3) reveals a dynamic configuration. Fernández’s retrograde Mars at 19 Capricorn opposes (180 degrees) Costa Rica’s Mars at 21 Cancer, forming a Grand Cross through squares (90 degrees) to Costa Rica’s Venus at 22 Libra and Fernández’s retrograde Saturn at 25 Aries. This pattern emphasizes pressure and the need for decisive action (Mars) in matters connected to national security, institutional authority (Saturn), and social equilibrium (Venus).

At the same time, there is a harmonious sextile (60 degrees) between the Venus placements of both charts: Fernández’s Venus at 22 Leo and Costa Rica’s Venus at 22 Libra. This aspect suggests political charisma and the possibility of maintaining public appeal and diplomatic flexibility despite periods of tension.

A particularly notable feature is the conjunction involving Fernández’s retrograde Neptune at 4 Capricorn with Costa Rica’s Neptune at 0 Capricorn and Uranus at 29 Sagittarius. This configuration points toward collective ideological shifts, institutional transformation, and the emergence of innovative strategies in response to national challenges. Meanwhile, Fernández’s retrograde Pluto (4 Scorpio) opposing Costa Rica’s Moon (7 Taurus) underscores the emotional (Moon) intensity (Pluto) and societal impact that her administration may generate.  Together, these configurations suggest a presidency marked by complex negotiations, particularly in relation to security policies, institutional reforms, and the country’s international alliances.

The transits on the day of the inauguration further reinforced the symbolism of her speech. Transiting Jupiter at 20 Cancer was conjunct Costa Rica’s natal Mars at 21 Cancer, amplifying themes of national action, mobilization, and political assertiveness. Uranus at 0 Gemini occupied the Twelfth House of the national chart — traditionally associated with prisons, confinement, hidden enemies, and institutional isolation — whose cusp (borderline) lies at 28 Taurus. This symbolism strongly resonates with the emphasis on prisons and anti-crime measures in Fernández’s address.

At the same time, retrograde Pluto at 5 Aquarius squared Costa Rica’s natal Moon at 7 Taurus, reflecting deep collective anxieties (Pluto), emotional polarization (Moon), and pressures for structural transformation. Mars at 23 Aries conjunct Costa Rica’s retrograde Saturn at 25 Aries and trine (120 degrees) its Uranus at 29 Sagittarius emphasized themes of strategic control (Saturn) and decisive institutional action (Mars). Finally, the Sun at 19 Taurus formed a trine to Costa Rica’s natal Sun and Mercury, both at 22 Virgo, suggesting that the message (Mercury) resonated with broader national concerns regarding order, security, and governance.

The transits to Fernández’s natal chart at the beginning of her term also describe a period of intense responsibility and accelerated initiatives. Transiting Jupiter at 20 Cancer opposed her retrograde Mars at 19 Capricorn while trining her natal Jupiter at 22 Pisces, indicating expansion (Jupiter) through confrontation (Mars) and the need to balance ambition with prudence. Neptune at 3 Aries trined her Mercury at 5 Leo, reinforcing the power of narrative (Mercury) and political vision.

Meanwhile, transiting Mars at 23 Aries trined her Venus at 22 Leo, increasing her capacity for visibility, leadership, and decisive action. Retrograde Pluto at 5 Aquarius opposed her Mercury at 5 Leo, and squared her natal retrograde Pluto at 4 Scorpio, pointing toward periods of intense political pressure (Pluto) and strategic negotiations (Mercury). Finally, transiting Venus at 18 Gemini opposed her retrograde Uranus at 19 Sagittarius, reflecting unpredictability (Uranus) in alliances (Venus) and political relationships.

Overall, the astrological configurations suggest that Fernández’s administration will be characterized by significant challenges. Mars plays a central role throughout the chart dynamics, symbolizing not only confrontation and enforcement, but also the determination to address issues that have destabilized everyday life in Costa Rica. Even her insistence on being addressed as “presidente” rather than “presidenta” symbolically reflects the martial tone of her leadership style.

Notes: (1) https://ticotimes.net/2026/05/09/laura-fernandez-takes-office-as-costa-rica-president-with-tough-crime-agenda

(2) Laura Fernandez Delgado, born 4 July 1989 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Fern%C3%A1ndez_Delgado

(3) Costa Rica independence, 15 September 1821 https://www.astrotheme.com/astrology/Independence_Day_in_Costa_Rica

Title Image Credit:  (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP) in https://ticotimes.net/2026/05/09/laura-fernandez-takes-office-as-costa-rica-president-with-tough-crime-agenda