Retrograde at City Hall: Astrologer Bella Popa Reads the Stars of L.A.’s Mayoral Race

Could the stars be setting L.A. up for a last-minute plot twist?

Astrologer Bella Popa, founder of the Astrobella app, sees this election unfolding under a pair of retrogrades that, in her reading, put old controversies, shifting alliances, and second thoughts back in the spotlight. She also sees a possible edge for Karen Bass, whose Libra energy aligns with the moment’s emphasis on fairness and diplomacy, while Nithya Raman faces what Popa describes as a major power reckoning.

We asked Popa what the astrology might mean for the candidates, the final stretch of the campaign, and an election night that could begin with more questions than answers.

If you had to give the astrological climate around this L.A. election a headline, what would it be, and why?

With both Mercury and Venus retrograde during this election, we’re looking at a period of major reassessment. Mercury retrograde in Scorpio has a way of bringing hidden information and unresolved issues to the surface, while Venus retrograde in Libra asks us to reconsider what we value and whether things are truly fair and balanced. This election feels less about moving forward and more about taking a hard look at the past before deciding what comes next.

We’re voting during Mercury and Venus retrograde. What’s the most consequential way you think that could show up in the final days of the campaign?

I think the biggest thing to watch for is a sudden shift in public perception. With both planets retrograde, voters may find themselves having second thoughts about decisions they previously felt confident about. We could see unexpected changes in public opinion or even a last-minute shift in momentum that changes the direction of the race.

What’s one unexpected twist or “wild card” you think voters should watch for before Election Day?

One thing I’d watch for is an unexpected change in alliances or endorsements. With Venus retrograde, relationships and partnerships are being reevaluated, and someone who previously supported one candidate could suddenly change their position. That kind of unexpected shift could have a significant impact on the final days of the campaign.

Karen Bass is a Libra, and Nithya Raman is commonly listed as a Leo. What stands out to you about that matchup, and whose energy seems better suited to this moment?

Libra and Leo have very different leadership styles. Libra is the diplomat of the zodiac, focused on fairness, balance, and bringing people together, while Leo is the natural-born leader, known for confidence, courage, and a willingness to take center stage. Libra tends to seek compromise and cooperation, whereas Leo is more comfortable taking charge and making bold decisions.

With so much uncertainty in the world right now, I think people are craving a combination of both. But if we’re looking at the current astrological climate, with Venus retrograde in Libra, themes of fairness, accountability, and diplomacy are especially prominent, which could give Libra’s energy a slight edge.

Based on the candidates’ public birth information, do you see anything that could point to a late surge, stumble or change in public perception?

One of the most interesting transits is Jupiter moving through Leo and approaching Karen Bass’s natal Moon–Pluto conjunction. Jupiter is traditionally considered the planet of luck and expansion, while the Moon represents the public and emotional connections. This could be a very favorable influence for Bass, potentially bringing increased popularity, renewed public support, or even a late surge in momentum.

Meanwhile, Nithya Raman has Pluto opposing her natal Sun, which suggests a major turning point involving power, authority, and transformation. However, this can also be a particularly challenging transit, bringing intense power struggles and obstacles.

Both candidates have powerful transits, but Bass may have an advantage when it comes to public appeal.

What do the stars suggest L.A. voters may be craving most from their next mayor: stability, bold change, reassurance or something else?

I think more than anything, voters are craving a sense of security and confidence in their leadership. With so much uncertainty surrounding this election, people want to feel that whoever takes office has a clear vision for the future and the ability to follow through. There’s also a strong desire for authenticity. People don’t just want to hear what sounds good; they want to see meaningful action and results.

Is there anything in the election-week astrology that could make voters reconsider a choice or bring an old issue back to the center of the race?

Absolutely. I wouldn’t be surprised if an old controversy, unfulfilled campaign promise, or previous decision suddenly became a major talking point again. With so much emphasis on revisiting the past, voters may find themselves looking more closely at a candidate’s track record rather than focusing on what they’re promising for the future. Sometimes the past has a way of catching up with us, and this election could be a perfect example of that.

Do you see signs of confusion, delays or surprises around election night? What would you tell Angelenos to keep in perspective?

With Mercury retrograde, I wouldn’t be surprised if election night brings some confusion, unexpected delays, or mixed messages. However, Mercury forms a cazimi with the Sun in Scorpio on November 4, just one day after the election. A cazimi is traditionally associated with moments of heightened clarity and revelation, suggesting that things could become much clearer after an initially uncertain night.

My advice to Angelenos would be to remain patient, avoid jumping to conclusions, and remember that the first results we see aren’t necessarily the final outcome.

If you had to make one bold prediction about the race from an astrological perspective, what would it be, and what in the chart leads you there?

If I had to make one bold prediction, I would give Karen Bass a slight astrological advantage. As I mentioned earlier, Jupiter’s influence on her natal Moon could bring a boost in popularity and public support at a crucial moment. While Nithya Raman is experiencing an incredibly transformative period with Pluto opposing her Sun, that transit can also bring intense challenges and power struggles. So, purely from an astrological perspective, I would lean toward Bass.

After the votes are counted, what outcome or moment would make you say, “The astrology called that?”

I think there could be a tense buildup surrounding the election results, with some confusion and uncertainty before things become clear. But as I mentioned earlier, the Mercury cazimi on November 4 suggests that clarity could come relatively quickly. So, if we see an initially confusing election night followed by a clear resolution, I’d definitely say the astrology called that!

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