angstoic.com Astrologer, Ang Stoic
Get set to leap into a whole new dimension.
On 21 December 2020, Jupiter and Saturn, the farthest planets visible to the naked eye, formed their tightest conjunction since 1623. Appearing as a single, radiant “star” in the western night sky, this event mirrored the biblical “Christmas Star” seen in 7 BC. At their peak, these celestial giants were separated by just one-tenth of a degree, creating a spectacular sight.
This conjunction, occurring approximately once every 20 years, marks the beginning of a significant cycle of temporal experiences. Jupiter, symbolising social relationships, and Saturn, representing restriction, come together to signal a pivotal moment in our collective lives. Their conjunction suggests a time for reevaluating how we relate to others within the context of contemporary societal conditions. Although the influence of the conjunction is strongest in the weeks leading up to the event, its socio-political effects often shape the trajectory for the coming years.
Given their 20-year cycle, most of us may witness such an event only three or four times in our lifetime. So, why does the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the first degree of Aquarius signify such a dramatic shift for humanity today?
THE GREAT CHRONOCRATORS:
In western astrology, synodic cycles—periods defined by the relative positions of celestial bodies—represent distinct life principles, each with its unique rhythm. These cycles reveal how archetypal concepts unfold from their potential, through growth and fruition, to maturation and decay. The Grand Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, spanning 20 years, stands as a paramount marker of mundane affairs, encapsulating the essence of worldly events and societal trends.
Human societies thrive on a shared understanding of concepts that transcend individual imagination, forming governments, corporations, and institutions. These constructs, depicted through flags, logos, and constitutions, illustrate how our collective perceptions of reality evolve. Astrologers study these cycles to grasp the inherent qualities and durations of these periods, identifying the shifting themes and trends that define our times.
A 20-year cycle, roughly the span of a generation, allows us to compare the existential perceptions of different eras. The collective mindset of adults in the 1920s, for instance, contrasts sharply with those of the 1940s, 1960s, 1980s, and so on. The cycles of Jupiter and Saturn thus serve as reliable indicators of the sociopolitical and scientific climates of their times.
CYCLES OF HISTORY:
The Jupiter/Saturn cycle has always been considered of greatest importance by astrologers in terms of shaping the course of our history:
- Each 20-year span, known as a Minima, and appears to mark out a distinct pattern of development, typically symbolic to the sign, degree and aspects of other planets to its conjunction.
- Each Minima belongs to a greater family, called a Media, which spends approximately 240 years (10-12 cycles) in any one element.
- These Mediums cycle sequentially through the four elements (Fire, Earth, Air, Water) to complete a full Maxima through the Zodiac, lasting approximately 960 years.
The last Maxima in Air began at 12°03′ Libra in 1186 AD, although it was intercepted by a Minima in Taurus in 1206 before officially commencing the Air Media at 02°♒58′ in 1226 AD. This brings us to full cycle.
AUGURIES OF GREAT CHANGE:
The transition from one elemental era to another, known as a Grand Mutation, signifies a profound shift in global emphasis and orientation. Historically, these mutations mark significant changes in societal values and priorities. The complete transition between elements typically spans approximately five cycles, or about 100 years.
The last major Grand Mutation, occurring in July 1802, transitioned from Fire to Earth signs. This period is often linked to the rise of materialism and humanity’s increasing dominance over physical resources, territories, and capital wealth. This era underscored the tangible and the concrete, focusing on building, manufacturing, and material accumulation, reflecting the Earth’s pragmatic and grounded nature.
In contrast, the shift to Air signs, initiated between December 31, 1980, and July 24, 1981, with a conjunction in early Libra, marks a significant departure from these Earth-centered values. This period coincides with the inaugurations of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, both leaders embodying the intellectual and communicative qualities of Air signs. The Air element is associated with intellect, communication, and the sharing of ideas, suggesting a shift from material accumulation to intellectual and ideological pursuits.
Symbolically, the transition to the Air Family heralds a move from the material focus of the Earth Family to a more balanced distribution of well-being based on intellectual and ideological harmony. This shift emphasizes the sharing of ideas, inventions, resources, and information, transcending physical and geographical boundaries. The new focus is on ideological harmony and the equitable distribution of knowledge and resources, moving away from the Earth element’s focus on material wealth and status.
The intercepting Great Conjunction in Taurus in May 2000, a fixed Earth sign, illustrates the gradual nature of this transition. Despite the shift towards Air, the lingering influence of Earth is evident in ongoing global struggles over material resources and territorial disputes. The full settlement into the Air Family, therefore, may not be complete until around 2080, reflecting the Grand Mutation’s tendency to span multiple cycles.
This transitional period is characterised by the interplay between Jupiter’s expansive, generational philosophies and Saturn’s restrictive, authoritarian principles. Historically, conjunctions in Air signs have coincided with periods of ideological and intellectual upheaval. For instance, the conjunctions of 1981, 1961, 1940-41, and 1921 have been marked by significant societal changes, reflecting the tension between progressive ideas and traditional structures.
The Shift into Air
The transition of the conjunction from one Media element to another is known as a Grand Mutation. The mutation conjunction has always been considered to be of particular importance, marking a major shift in the emphasis and orientation in the world. However, the full transition from one to the next generally takes around 5 cycles (appx 100 years) to fully complete.
The last great mutation of July 1802, when the Media moved from Fire into Earth signs, is often related to the development of materialism and humanity’s increasing need to master over the planet’s corporeal resources, physical territories and capital wealth.
The shift to Air first occurred from December 31, 1980, to July 24, 1981, in early Libra, around the inauguration of Ronald Reagan as president of the USA and Margaret Thatcher as prime minister of the UK, both air signs.
Symbolically, we might expect that the switch to the Air Family would shift the secular concentration from material to intellectual. In the transition from the Earth Family’s symbology, administration, organisation, and doctrine evolve towards a more equanimous distribution of well-being. The emphasis shifts from an accumulation of material wealth, functionality and status, to living together in ideological harmony, sharing of ideas and inventions, resources, information, thus escaping from the anchors of physical or geographical stratification, or, indeed, arguing over whose idea of peace is the correct one to adopt.
As we have seen, with May 2000’s intercepting Great Conjunction in Taurus (fixed/earth), the transition to new world order is gradual and carries hangovers from the previous Media. There is still so much agony and terror on our planet. The Grand Mutation tendency to take five more cycles may not become completely settled within the Air Family until the year 2080. The evolution from the generational grips of trending religions, philosophies, and academic learning (Jupiter) becomes the paralysing fears of the symbol of time itself, the rigidity of tradition, and the tenets of authoritarianism and administrative dogma (Saturn). We witnessed it in the years 2000, 1981, 1961, 1940-41, 1921, and as far back as anyone here can remember (and, quite possibly beyond).
The Shift to Aquarius
On 21 December 2020, Jupiter and Saturn align at the first degree of Aquarius, marking the dawn of a transformative era. This significant celestial event symbolises a shift towards progressive ideologies, technological advancements, and a vision of a more equitable society. As we delve into the depths of Aquarian symbolism, we uncover the potential changes and challenges society might face over the next two decades.
Aquarius, known for its association with forward-thinking and revolutionary ideas, is an air sign that emphasises intellectual pursuits, communication, and social connections. Ruled by Uranus, the planet of innovation, rebellion, and sudden change, Aquarius brings a distinctive flavour of unpredictability and originality. One of the key aspects of this new age is the anticipated technological advancements. We can expect significant developments in artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology. These innovations will not only transform industries and improve efficiencies but also introduce new ethical dilemmas concerning the role of AI in society. The digital revolution, perfectly aligned with Aquarian traits, will continue to accelerate, driving rapid growth in digitised services such as online education, telemedicine, and virtual workspaces. This shift will redefine our ways of living and working, emphasising the importance of digital literacy and cybersecurity.
Aquarius champions equality and social justice, suggesting that the next 20 years will see a strong focus on creating a more inclusive and diverse society. We will likely witness the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across all sectors, promoting gender equality, racial justice, and the rights of marginalised communities. Furthermore, Aquarians are natural networkers, valuing collective intelligence and collaboration. The rise of sophisticated social media platforms and collaborative tools will facilitate global connectivity and knowledge sharing, enabling seamless communication and cooperation across borders.
A visionary sign, Aquarius strives for a utopian society. The coming years will likely see an increased push for sustainable living, renewable energy, and ethical governance. Environmental conservation and climate action movements will gain momentum, aiming for a harmonious coexistence with nature. However, while Aquarius promotes collective welfare, there is a potential downside: a more detached and impersonal society due to an overreliance on digital interactions. Balancing technological integration with human connection will be a critical challenge.
The rapid pace of innovation will undoubtedly bring ethical dilemmas, particularly in biotechnology and AI. Issues such as data privacy, genetic engineering, and the potential for AI to replace human jobs need careful consideration. Society must navigate these challenges to ensure technology serves the greater good. Additionally, Aquarian energy often challenges the status quo and resists traditional structures. We can expect societal movements advocating for systemic change, questioning long-held beliefs, and pushing for progressive reforms in governance, education, and healthcare.
The immediate implications of the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in Aquarius are profound and multifaceted. The digitisation of work will accelerate, making remote working the norm and affecting urban planning, real estate markets, and global labour dynamics. Online education platforms will expand, offering more accessible and flexible learning opportunities, though highlighting the digital divide. Telemedicine and digital health records will transform healthcare delivery, making it more efficient and patient-centric, but issues of data security and privacy will need to be addressed. Governments will need to adapt to digital governance, leveraging technology for transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement, with blockchain and other decentralised technologies playing a crucial role. Social movements advocating for social justice, equal opportunity, and basic human rights will gain strength, leveraging digital platforms to organise and mobilise support.
Despite the positive potential, the transition to Aquarian ideals will face resistance. Those benefiting from current materialistic and hierarchical structures may resist changes that threaten their status and wealth. The benefits of technological advancements may not be equally distributed, exacerbating inequalities. Ensuring equitable access to technology is crucial. Balancing innovation and social restructuring with ethical considerations is essential to enhance human well-being.
In conclusion, the shift to Aquarius represents a profound transformation towards progressive ideologies and technological innovation. Over the next 20 years, we will likely see significant advancements in technology, a push for social justice and equality, and the challenge of balancing digital integration with human connection. The era of Aquarius promises a future of unprecedented change, requiring society to navigate both the opportunities and challenges it presents with wisdom and foresight. We` cover these extensively in the latest episode of the ‘Cosmic Bus’ and the discussion continues, weekly.
More specifically, and in view that the two dispositors of Aquarius (Saturn and Uranus) being at odds in a fixed square throughout 2021, I have prepared special messages for each of the signs, with an aim to prepare you for which specific areas you should look to focus your own interests in hope of best attaining more far-reaching objectives through your industriousness, tenacity to improve your life, perseverance and patience.
Blessings, and may you have an amazing New Year xx
