’When the Stars Align’

Understanding the Age of Aquarius

The Age of Aquarius is an astrological age that occurs due to the Earth's slow precessional rotation and lasts for approximately 2,160 years on average. This duration is calculated by dividing the Earth's 25,920-year gyroscopic precession period, also known as the Great Year, by the 12 zodiac signs. The Age of Aquarius begins when the Sun's position shifts from Pisces to Aquarius, part of a cycle that occurs roughly every 26,000 years. This age is often associated with themes of harmony, transformation, freedom, and intellectualism, and it is believed to encourage people to unite and collaborate to achieve peace and innovation. The concept of astrological ages is linked to the precession of the equinoxes, which refers to the gradual wobble of the Earth's rotation axis on the celestial sphere.

Astrological Significance and Calculations

Astrological ages progress in reverse order compared to sun-sign astrology, meaning the Age of Aquarius follows the Age of Pisces. The transition from one age to another is determined by the position of the sun during the vernal equinox, which marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. A complete "wobble" or precession cycle takes approximately 25,772 years, with each astrological age lasting around 2,147.5 years, assuming a consistent precession rate. The traditional method for identifying the current astrological age involves observing which zodiac constellation appears behind the sun at the time of the spring equinox.

Debated Timeframes for the Age of Aquarius

There is considerable debate among astrologers regarding the start of the Age of Aquarius and whether it has already begun. Some astrologers propose that it will begin in the year 2597, based on calculations suggesting that the Age of Pisces started in 68 B.C.E. Others argue that the Age of Aquarius has already commenced, with proposed dates ranging from 2012 to 2020. Various calculations by astrologers indicate that the approximate dates for entering the Age of Aquarius range from 1447 CE to 3597 CE, highlighting significant uncertainty in this matter. Most published materials suggest that the Age of Aquarius arrived in the 20th century, with 29 sources supporting this view, while 12 sources contend that it will begin in the 24th century.

The Age of Aquarius and Its Meaning

The Age of Aquarius signifies a significant shift in humanity's consciousness as we transition from a focus on individualism to a focus on community. This era is marked by a strong desire for change and new ways of living together in peace and equality. It is a time of ideas and inspiration, during which humanity reconnects with the rhythms of nature, allowing creativity to flourish. The Aquarian Age values intellectualism, networking, and global integration, promising innovative ideas, transformation, and progress. It represents a period in which humanity takes charge of the Earth and becomes increasingly mindful of human rights.

Contrasting Piscean and Aquarian Ages

The Age of Pisces, which is now coming to an end, has been characterized by themes of war, machinery, and shifting power dynamics. During this period, people recognized that access to information equates to power. It emphasized individualism, often referred to as the "cult of 'me,'" which led to a disconnection from nature and from one another. The Piscean Age focused on money, control, and the search for meaning outside ourselves. In contrast, the Age of Aquarius signifies a shift in perspective from "me" to "we." This new era encourages a profound understanding of our interconnectedness, emphasizing that nothing occurs in isolation. The Aquarian Age values intellectual clarity and rational thinking, marking it as a time of scientific advancement where outdated religious delusions fade away and human intellect prevails.

Societal and Spiritual Transformations

The Age of Aquarius is expected to bring significant changes in human consciousness and societal structures. It emphasizes innovation, humanitarian values, and a focus on collective well-being. This era is seen as a time of expanded awareness, where humans can take control of the Earth and become more mindful of human rights. The symbolism associated with the Age of Aquarius often relates to major progress, including advancements in technology, the pursuit of equality, and ecological awareness, all of which contribute to spiritual enlightenment. The primary themes of the Age of Aquarius include spirituality, free-spiritedness, and self-reliance. There may be a spiritual agenda behind recent global events aimed at illuminating our fears, allowing us to transcend them and move beyond a victim mentality.

Impact on Individual Zodiac Signs

The Age of Aquarius will influence each zodiac sign in unique ways, encouraging them to embrace their strengths and contribute positively to the collective future. Aries individuals will champion social justice and technological advancements, using their fiery spirit to pave the way for progress. Taurus natives will offer stability and unwavering support as the world undergoes transformation around them. Geminis will thrive in the information age, bridging gaps and sparking intellectual discussions as the social butterflies of the Aquarian era. Cancer individuals will nurture the Aquarian spirit with empathy and compassion, reminding everyone of the importance of emotional connections. Leos will build communities and lead innovative projects, with collaboration becoming their standout quality.

The Great Conjunction of 2020

The Great Conjunction took place on December 21, 2020, coinciding with the winter solstice, when Jupiter and Saturn aligned in the sign of Aquarius. This rare alignment, known as a Great Conjunction, occurs only once every 20 years. However, this particular event was noteworthy because it happened in Aquarius. The conjunction was exceptionally precise and is regarded by many astrologers as the official beginning of the Age of Aquarius. The alignment occurred at 0 degrees Aquarius, symbolizing a fresh start for society to reconsider its approaches to freedom, equality, and collective well-being.

Jupiter and Saturn: Contrasting Energies

Jupiter and Saturn represent contrasting energies and approaches to leadership and authority. Jupiter is associated with health, wealth, generosity, and having a good time, while Saturn favors strict responsibility and setting limits. When these planets align, their vibrations blend and work together, but also create power struggles over the best way to "rule". This particular conjunction was also happening at the time of the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, which witches believe is a turning point in the natural cycle of the year and a great time for doing magic. With the Great Conjunction and winter solstice in sync, the effects of both were amplified.

The Great Conjunction and Cultural Transformation

On the macro level, the Great Conjunction of 2020 likely brought about a cultural moment when things changed irrevocably, whether people were ready or not. Politics began shifting toward the progressive and away from calcified ideas that had outlived their usefulness. It was a changing of the guard, so to speak. The conjunction was occurring in Aquarius, the sign of social change, humanitarian efforts, and justice for all. This signaled the beginning of a new era where the main concerns would be the welfare of all humanity, not just those with money and power.

Symbolic Connection to the Age of Aquarius

According to many Western astrologers, December 21, 2020, marked the moment of transition to an entirely new astrological epoch, with the Age of Pisces ending and the Age of Aquarius beginning. The Great Conjunction of 2020 will be seen in the future as a significant marker in the transition from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius. This conjunction was particularly notable because Jupiter and Saturn alignments had been happening primarily in earth signs for the last 200 years and will be happening in air signs for the next 200+ years, marking a significant shift in cosmic energy patterns.

Historical Significance of Great Conjunctions

The significance of Great Conjunctions extends back through history, with a similar close Great Conjunction occurring around the birth of Christ in 7 BC that happened in the sign of Pisces. There are speculations that the famous "star of Bethlehem" as witnessed by the three Magi was in fact the momentary fusion of Saturn and Jupiter. Just as that conjunction marked the beginning of the Age of Pisces and the rise of Christianity, the 2020 conjunction marks the beginning of the Age of Aquarius and a new spiritual paradigm.

Shifting from Earth to Air Elements

The Great Conjunction of 2020 marked the end of a two-hundred-year era of Jupiter and Saturn uniting in earth signs. The earth element signifies a focus on material security and consolidation of resources that is resistant to change. The new era of air will bring disruption to established orders and dramatic changes in collective ideas and the way we communicate. This signals the beginning of the end of "group think," with individuality, uniqueness, and self-discovery becoming the focus in the Aquarian age.

Meaning for Personal Growth and Transformation

The Great Conjunction represents a time for individuals to release old habits to make way for new ways of doing things. While this can feel uncomfortable for those not open to change, those who embrace it can make incredible progress toward long-held dreams. The expansive nature of Jupiter and the structure of Saturn team up to help accomplish goals that may have felt out of reach before. This energy is particularly beneficial for channeling toward career success.

February 2021: The Aquarius Stellium

In February 2021, a rare planetary alignment occurred with seven planets—Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, Mercury, the sun, moon, and the asteroid Pallas—all clustered together in the sign of Aquarius, creating what's known as a stellium in astrology. This assembly of planets hyper-focused expansive Aquarian energy to start the new year, shifting focus to altruistic themes, technological advancements, and unconventional innovations and ideas. This intense influx of Aquarius' fixed air sign energy further reinforced the transition into the Age of Aquarius.

Pluto's Transit into Aquarius (2023-2043)

Between 2023-2024, Pluto moved from Capricorn into Aquarius and will firmly establish itself in Aquarius until 2043, activating a powerful, essential societal transformation. Along with this transit, humanity takes a significant step into the Age of Aquarius and begins to settle into it. Essential events and transformations will occur in the realms of Aquarius, including the integration of IT, virtual space, and artificial intelligence into all sectors of life. The influence of communities in society will increase, with people gathering based on beliefs, lifestyles, and convictions rather than nationality.

Uranus and Neptune Transits: Accelerating Change

Between 2025-2026, Uranus will move from Taurus to Gemini and stay there until 2033, further emphasizing the importance of intellect, information, communications, and IT in social life. Information technology and communication tools will develop at an astronomical pace, leading to huge scientific discoveries that fundamentally change our understanding of the world. Simultaneously, Neptune will move from Pisces to Aries and stay there until 2039, bringing great dynamism and revolutionary changes in social life. The speed and dynamics of changes and transformations will be very significant.

The Age of Aquarius: A Call to Action

The Age of Aquarius is not just a cosmic trend but a call to action. It invites people to embrace the opportunities for growth, shed limitations, and use unique strengths and abilities to paint a brighter future. This new era encourages stepping onto the celestial stage, hand in hand, to dance towards a world immersed in unity and harmony, innovation, and boundless potential. The period from 2020 to 2026 marks a zone of significant transformations, a time of exceptional changes, and a substantial leap into the Age of Aquarius.

Conclusion: Embracing the New Age

As we navigate the transition from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius, we are challenged to find balance between individual sovereignty and collective well-being. The Aquarian Age invites us to think globally and act locally, focusing on community, communication, and cooperation. While these changes promise to bring us to a place of higher consciousness, times of transition are rarely easy. The magnitude of these changes requires tools to help us navigate the path, such as regular yoga and meditation practices to establish discipline and work with the mind. As this new age dawns, abundance, happiness, and infinite possibilities await those who embrace the realms of art, science, and profound ideas that elevate humanity.