Introduction
Mid-December of 2020 is here, and as we all know, this year has been an absolute whirlwind. Perhaps unbeknownst to non-astrologers, this year’s events have coincided with some extremely powerful configurations in the sky. Extreme restrictions brought on by a Saturn-Pluto conjunction in January were just the beginning of the many astrologically charged events of this year (for more details about this year’s astrology, see Astrology of 2020 – The Bridge by Austin Coppock).
We all know what happened in 2020, so it’s not really worth getting into. What is important, however, is that we are now seeing progress; a vaccine is on the way, though it may be several more months until we have widespread access to it. In the U.S. we successfully elected a tyrant out of office, and may now have a chance to do important things like combat climate change and create more social equity. Despite these changes, the world is still far from normal, nor will it ever be the same. Indeed, a momentous shift is happening this month which will leave this world, and our personal lives, forever changed.
Saturn-Jupiter Conjunction: Astronomy and Astrology
Around 1:00AM EST on December 17th, Saturn moves from the sign of Capricorn into Aquarius. On December 19th, Jupiter does the same. Thanks to the public’s interest in astronomy, many may already be aware that these two planets will be conjunct (i.e. “right on top of each other”) on December 21st. In other words, Jupiter and Saturn will be very close to overlapping one another in the Sun’s orbit (although they will “remain hundreds of millions of miles apart in space” (NASA)). Astronomically, this event is rare for several reasons. First, these planets have not gotten this close (within 1/10 of a degree) for 400 years! Second, this conjunction is happening on the Winter solstice, which is already a significant day. Finally, Jupiter and Saturn have not been conjunct at night for 800 years, meaning this event can actually be seen by night sky observers.
Astrologically, this auspicious event starts the beginning of a lengthy cycle where every Saturn-Jupiter conjunction for the next 200 years will be in an air sign: Aquarius, Gemini, or Libra. For the past 200 years, these conjunctions were in earth signs: Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo. This week therefore marks the beginning of a multi-generational energy shift. Saturn and Jupiter are known to impact great changes in human history, but they also represent forces in our personal lives which shape how we experience reality. It would therefore be wise to pay attention as these looming planets first dip their toes, then plunge into what could be considered a new era*.
*Please keep in mind that this is not the official beginning of the Age of Aquarius. That determination is based on the precession of the equinoxes, and the exact date of this into the “Age of Aquarius” is disputed by many astrologers.
In addressing the Saturn-Jupiter shift from earth to air, one simply needs to meditate on the stark difference between the two: Earth is largely immobile, stable, dense, obvious; while Air is always moving, invisible, light, intangible. Our societal values may indeed change drastically, from the grasping need for wealth and stability, to the appreciation of ideas, tapping into higher levels of consciousness, and the embracing of new technologies. Of course, our world has been shifting in this direction for some time, but this event marks the formal end of a more materialistic age. Value judgments aside, keep in mind that each element has its positive and negative qualities. Let us not be fooled that all of our problems will now simply disappear. As Austin Coppock states, the shift from earth to air is a “lateral move”; it is not a panacea and will come with its own challenges.
It should also be noted that Saturn and Jupiter make conjunctions every 20 years, therefore this specific configuration which often marks important turning points in human history is slow and methodical. On a shorter time scale, however, Saturn stays in a sign for roughly 2.5 years, therefore it will be in Aquarius until March 2023. Jupiter, on the other hand, moves from Aquarius to Pisces in December of 2021.
Saturn and Jupiter: The Old Sagacious Couple
What exactly does this transit represent? To paraphrase evolutionary astrologer Steven Forrest, when two planets conjoin, their functions essentially become fused. In this case, we have two planets with quite different tasks coming together. Saturn is the Great Limiter. He, with his outer rings, represents the limitations we inherently face as human beings. It is unrealistic to assume we can have everything at once, and indeed, Saturn often imposes obstacles in our way that, although annoying (or heartbreaking, or debilitating…) offer us with new strength and skills, should we be courageous enough to match his resistance. He hits us with the hardness of reality so that we can learn how to manifest within the boundaries of the material world.
Jupiter, on the other hand, is the largest planet in our solar system. She is boundless and generous, abundant and overflowing with love, wisdom, joy, you name it. Of course, like all the planets, she also has a shadow side – which takes any form of excess, such as overindulgence or overspending. These two planets balance out one another like an old, sagacious couple: Saturn the cautious, reserved, yet well-equipped old man; Jupiter his boisterous, creative wife, admirably philanthropic but prone to stretching her means. Drastically different, yet so perfectly complementary, Saturn and Jupiter are best understood as a package deal. It is exactly this package deal configuration that will bless us on December 21st, when Saturn and Jupiter appear to almost touch in the night sky.
From Earth to Air: Capricorn and Aquarius
In terms of the signs, Capricorn is a systematic, methodical earth sign largely concerned with the values of responsibility, loyalty, and self-sufficiency. Aquarius is a mysterious, innovative air sign motivated by ideals of a better future. Capricorn, the sea-goat, and Aquarius, the water-bearer, coincide next to each other in the Zodiac. They hold different, but not opposing themes. As a cardinal sign, Capricorn is inclined to start processes, to outwardly express its energy toward establishing efficient systems, whether economic, political, or personal. In contrast, Aquarius is a fixed sign; its energy intends to maintain the momentum already gathered from its cardinal neighbor. In other words, the general significance of this era has already begun to take hold. We will not be starting over, but rather continuing what has already been initiated.
Exactly how we use this new energy is yet to be decided, but one thing is for certain: there will be change, likely with an undercurrent of social and environmental justice, but not without its fair share of ethical dilemmas surrounding advances in technology. Climate activists, continue your courageous charge. One-percenters, watch your back. The time has come for the structures, limitations, and excesses we have created to be retired or renewed; not only to properly reflect the values and lifestyles of today, but to ensure a better world is left behind for future generations.
Abundance and Lack: A Powerful Paradigm
Despite their opposite functions, these planets are both necessary and inescapable components of our outer solar system, and our inner astrological make-up. The paradigm between abundance and lack is apparent in this conjunction. Together, Saturn and Jupiter remind us that even in vast opportunities there will be challenges; and that all difficult limits come with equally important gifts. On a personal note, the Saturn-Jupiter conjunction is a prime moment to reflect on the specific boundaries imposed on us, either willfully or not, which define our life experience (for better or for worse). The result of this reflection may be gratitude, or it may be disgust; either way, it is time to bring these realities to the light so that they may be honored or transformed.
Major astrological events are always a great opportunity to expedite change in our own lives. Though many things are out of our control, we do have the free will to constantly redefine our own relationship with our struggles. Through ritual or focused awareness, we can capitalize on this moment to renegotiate where we restrict ourselves and where we employ personal freedom. Sometimes the changes we must make are a heroic task; but the reality may not be as dire. Often a change in perspective is all that is needed to tip the scale in a more favorable direction.
Birth Chart Interpretation: Personal Impacts
In terms of understanding how to interpret this transit for yourself, it will help to look at where Aquarius and Capricorn are in your birth chart. When any planet moves into a new sign, it triggers the house (i.e. area of life) this sign rules*. This will result in coinciding events, revelations, challenges, and/or opportunities being presented in that area of life. These happenings are gifts brought to us for our transformation. Therefore, it can be extremely useful to identify where in our life they may be relevant, bringing more clarity about where to focus our attention. Of course, there are many other techniques that can be used to determine this transit’s impacts on one’s life. If Saturn and Jupiter are scheduled to pass over any of your natal planets in the coming transit, pay attention! And if you need help interpreting your own birth chart, please do reach out to myself or another astrologer for assistance.
*Please note that you will need your time of birth to cast a birth chart with accurate house placements, and that there are countless house systems to choose from which can impact the reading. I typically work with Placidus and Whole Sign.
As an example, this configuration is especially critical in my own life, since the Capricorn-Aquarius cusp aligns perfectly with the midheaven of my chart, or the axis that defines how we show up in the world. Saturn and Jupiter are moving from my ninth house of long distance travel, spirituality, and higher education into the tenth house of career and public image. Since my sun and Mercury are in Aquarius in the tenth house, this shift is especially potent with power to renegotiate how I present myself, how I communicate my gifts, how I make money, and even what career I commit to.
I have been preparing for this shift over the past two years, and this year especially, without even consciously being aware of this astronomical phenomenon until recently. By better understanding my unique gifts, which requires the grueling process of shedding old skins, I have been leaning into a life of increased happiness, joy, and self-love that also honors my desire to be publicly recognized and professionally skillful. As the exact ingress approaches, events in my life have been opening my mind up to certain questions, such as: What limitations have I imposed on myself that no longer serve me (Saturn stuff)? Where do I possess endless potential (Jupiter), and where do I need to receive help from others (Saturn)? Above all, how can I redefine the standards by which I live my life, rather than letting judgment from self or others keep me from enjoying the limited time I have here on this Earth?
Of course, while getting specific about how transits may affect us can be helpful, it is also permissible to simply let the transit speak to us without attempting to explain it via birth chart. Perhaps you are already noticing how the limitation-opportunity paradigm is playing out in your own life, whether it’s impacting your career, your family, or your relationship to self. These planets have been building up momentum all year – perhaps even all of eternity – for this moment. Therefore, their impacts may not come as a huge surprise, but rather as a breath of fresh air.
Conclusion: Global Impacts & Words of Advice
We all deserve to bask in this historic moment; to be present for the beginning of a new age. After all, its impacts will continue to play out long after each of us passes away. Aquarius is always considering the future impacts of its actions. While societal structures have largely been self-centric and unsustainable to date, the time has come to think further ahead. What will the world look like if we don’t act now? Will we even have a world? The hopeful Aquarius in me says yes, yes we will; and this future world can be far more incredible than we could ever imagine – that is, if we use our time wisely now.
Genius, innovation, and levity are greatly bolstered now. Our ideas, our thoughts, even how we communicate with one another, can be impacted for the benefit of all beings, for Aquarius is a sure symbol of justice. Overall, we have a lot to look forward to, and together with the help of Saturn, Jupiter, and one another, we have the potential to co-create a world worth living in. This also ushers an exciting time to deepen into our personal truths since, above all, Aquarius asks us simply to be ourselves. The desire for diversity and inclusion is certainly gaining strength in society. As an Aquarian sun, I can only hope that this new beginning offers a shift in consciousness toward accepting the unique, unconventional, and non-comforming in all of us.
Before leaving you floating away in thoughtfulness or optimism, I would like to offer some words of advice: like all air signs, Aquarius has the tendency to become ungrounded, flighty, stuck in a world of ideas. Despite the 200-year Earth sign cycle’s much-anticipated end, we must still carry its wisdom with us. Ideologies are worthless without true embodiment. Thoughts can be tricksters if not rooted in reality. May we remember that a balanced world needs air, earth, fire, and water to thrive. This Saturn-Jupiter shift simply gives us the much needed momentum to lift our stubborn feet off the ground and take one huge step in a new direction.
Ethereal Ecology 