Last time we did some historical speculation about the previous astrological ages from Virgo to Aries. In this post we’ll explore the current age in …
The Age of Pisces and the Transition into Aquarius
Many assume Aquarius is a water sign, mainly because the name means literally ‘water’ (from the latin Aqua), and the glyph represents dual flowing waves of some medium.
A more elaborate symbol of the sign is a figure pouring water from a jar, the ‘water bearer’, or ‘water carrier’, further underlining the assumption that Aquarius is a water sign.
But Aquarius isn’t a water sign; the name and the glyph are kind of metaphorical, showing a way of working, a process, a methodology, rather than something definitive. Aquarius represents a free flowing process, an openness, perhaps something like the world wide web, where in theory at least, information en masse is available for all to assess and discern using their own wisdom.
And what does a water carrier do? It’s not so much the actual medium of water that is important. Anyone could get a drink of water if they so wish. But the water carrier symbolises pouring out for all, being of service to the many.
Aquarius is the fixed air sign. The medium of air is to do with communication, mentality, sociability. But how fixed can air be? Perhaps one way of viewing it is concentration. A concentration of air is like a strong wind, or maybe a fresh breeze to blow away the cobwebs, in preparation for something new, fresher, better.
Aquarius is the second sign after the winter solstice, when the sun appears to stop and begin to move northward again. Capricorn begins the process, like some earthing or crystallisation, laying firm foundations, as befits the Saturn rulership of that sign.
So Aquarius is also ruled by Saturn (not Uranus, in my opinion), but it’s a different side of ‘the great teacher’. Saturn plans ahead, systematically with ideas, and with Aquarius this builds for the future — the hopes, dreams and wishes of mankind, upon the materialistic foundations of Capricorn, for the coming spring in the north, the fall in the south, as the sun moves relentlessly northward.
The water bearer’s energy is powerful at present and change is on its way. Not the violent, revolutionary change of Uranus, but the instigation of ‘plan a’ of the ages — the beginning of a ‘golden age’ which we are blessed to witness.
Copyright Francis 2021
The astrological climate continues to suggest great changes are underway.
And one doesn’t have to be a lover of star signs or a psychic to believe we are living in extraordinary times, although the problems we all face are faith and finding some clarity.
Take the Aquarius New Moon on February 11 2021. Here we have half a dozen planets in the fixed air sign (Aquarius), which is striking.
Now I am one of those astrologers who do not assign Uranus as ruler or even co-ruler of Aquarius. I am a bit of a traditionalist in this respect. There are two sides to Saturn, ruler of both Capricorn and Aquarius. In the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn, Saturn is materialistic, practical, systematic, realistic, all necessary functions of our lives. In his Aquarian mode, however, Saturn’s ‘gravity’ turns to forward planning, practical and realistic thinking in preparation for the future of humanity.
The Uranian side of Aquarius, I contend, is wrong, as is Neptune’s rulership of Pisces and Pluto’s of Scorpio. These three so-called outer planets are invisible to the naked eye, after all, and I agree that they do not represent anything positive at all. They are in fact forces which we should not knowingly dabble with, merely try to overcome and understand.
So, accepting this premise, what does all this Aquarian energy mean? Aquarius, traditionally, is the sign of hopes, dreams and wishes — it plans ahead, reflecting the sun at this time of year moving steadily north in preparation for the vernal equinox.
In other words, this New Moon on February 11 represents a new beginning of hope, where our dreams and wishes can be planted like seeds, with full expectation of a flowering, soon. One of the most beautiful aspects of this New Moon is that at the same time, the two benefics are in an almost exact conjunction in Aquarius.
Jupiter, the greater benefic, and Venus, the lesser benefic, enhance one another, creating a beautiful idealistic, platonic vibration, strongly tinged as it is with the Aquarian energy, forecasting peace, justice and freedom for humanity as whole. But we must be patient. This is only a step.
And of course it’s not straightforward either. At this time Mercury, also in Aquarius, is retrograde, so there is a sense that nothing much is happening, or being heard; information is not clear and things keep going wrong. Aquarius demands a free flow of data.
Mercury turns direct on February 20, so we may not begin to see too many signs of a ‘spring thaw’ until around then, or into March as Mercury exits post shadow. Also, the Jupiter/Venus conjunction is loosely square (difficult) both Mars and Uranus in Taurus. The latter has been bringing chaos to financial markets in recent times and will continue to do so, whilst Mars steaming through the same sign has only agitated the situation — none of this to the benefit of humanity, whose hopes are invested in this Jupiter/Venus love-in for all.
In other words, there continues to be an impasse between these two forces, those who want to ‘progress’ to that restoration of true human values, against what could be some chaotic ‘manipulation’ which has led us into this crisis in the first place.
We should not forget Saturn’s continued presence in Aquarius either, the true ruler of that sign. Interestingly, he is in challenging aspect to Uranus in Taurus in this chart, perhaps bringing a touch of stability which we might not have had; Uranus is saying ‘I want to turn over the financial markets’, while Saturn is saying ‘slow down!’
The first chart above is set for Washington DC, so might cast light onto the situation in America. I won’t say too much here, except that using my favoured house system, all that Aquarian energy is housed in the eighth house, which in mundane astrology represents other people’s money, i.e. investments, big finance, and thus business — but also secrets.
We should expect to hear a lot about these issues in the coming weeks, especially when Mercury goes direct. However, in this chart, Neptune is also almost exactly conjunct the midheaven, bringing little clarity, confusion and outright befuddlement in governmental issues and circles. The actual truth may be very hard to discern.
Nevertheless, with the Moon being the ruler of this chart (Cancer rising), it makes the importance of this new moon paramount. And what happens in America invariably affects the whole world.
The above chart, set for London and therefore the United Kingdom, shows the Aquarian energies within the sixth house, strongly emphasising public health and work related issues, perhaps also the armed forces. Neptune’s presence in the seventh house could also leave the United Kingdom wide open to deceit in regard to diplomatic issues over the next month.
Most intriguingly too, the fixed star Aldebaran is exactly conjunct the midheaven on this chart, emphasising possible success in trade and/or military affairs over the next few weeks.
It is also worth bearing in mind that soon Pluto will reach the exact same degree it was in the USA Declaration of Independence chart, July 4 1776. Pluto warns us of surreptitious behaviour on a grand scale, although one can’t help but wonder what this might mean for the constitution — we shall see over the next year or so.
I believe the February 11 New Moon represents another step along the way of some form of transformation, which may only reach top gear by around 2025 when Pluto itself enters Aquarius. By then I truly hope that we will be on the way towards creating a peaceful federation of locally based communities within our countries, which can stretch the hand of friendship and cooperation worldwide — now these are true Aquarian values.
This New Moon could be quite interesting and enlightening, therefore, but don’t expect too much. We may have to wait until after February 20 to get some more clarity. Hang on in there.
Copyright Francis 2021
I might be mistaken, but over the past year there seems to have been a growing interest in a retrograde Mercury and what it means. I hear people with little astrological knowledge even referring to it. This may be simply due to us having had more time to investigate such astrological facts.
But of course, Mercury, like the other planets, do not actually move backwards at all, they merely seem to due to our perspective here on the good earth.
Then there is the technical side, like pre and post shadow phases which enclose the actual retrogradation, or backwards motion. Whilst the times are exact, there is not as much agreement as to the effects of retrograde planets as one would think. In fact there are some who don’t give it much credence at all.
However, if retrogradation is significant for any planet and ourselves, I would think that Mercury must top the list, purely because it is the ‘winged messenger’, Hermes in Greek, the mind, communication in all its forms and the media in general.
The whole period in which Mercury goes through pre shadow, retrograde, and post shadow, can therefore represent a phase of time in which communication is not straightforward at all, and at times flagrantly misleading.
Right now, in early February 2021, we are in the middle of the retrograde phase of Hermes/Mercury, so we could be experiencing a higher than average occurrence of communicative problems and challenges, such as misunderstandings of all kinds, computer problems, travel issues, not only personally but as a society.
We should therefore also be cautious about what we read — anywhere — and take nothing for granted. This is a time to trust our intuition more, to meditate, contemplate, basically go inward; we need to get our ‘news’ directly from source rather than through a medium, if at all possible.
Mercury turns direct around February 20 and moves out of post shadow around March 13. Bearing this in mind, we are likely to remain somewhat misled, perhaps confused, until around that first date, when things may become a little clearer, whether in regard to personal issues, or more mundane ones. Full clarity about what has transpired over the previous two months may not be obvious until the latter date, in the middle of March. Let’s see.
One interesting thought, Mercury is in Aquarius throughout this period, which to my mind is very well placed. I think there is a case that Mercury is actually exalted in Aquarius rather than its traditional exaltation in Virgo. The fact that there is much other Aquarian activity at the moment is also highly significant I feel, underlining the importance of Mercury’s presence in Aquarius right now.
Aquarius is an air sign and therefore, like Mercury, communicative — but in a profound, truthful and humanitarian way. This would put Mercury’s fall in Leo, an interesting thought which I won’t go into here.
So Mercury turning direct in Aquarius around February 20 and moving beyond through post shadow, could potentially represent a revelatory few days and weeks, with much profound insight. There could be a slow unravelling of a certain situation, and then from middle March, things may begin to ease somewhat towards the first day of spring on March 21.
Maybe the New Year will truly begin around that date.
Copyright Francis 2021
“When the moon is in the Seventh House And Jupiter aligns with Mars Then peace will guide the planets And love will steer the stars This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius” – 5th Dimension, 1969 Every 2,150 years approximately we have a new Astrological Age. The much-anticipated Age of Aquarius begins when […]
Age Of Aquarius – The Next Chapter —
I have been doing these transit reports for a couple of years now. My aim with these is to give a forecast of the general astrological weather and to help my readers navigate times in which world events may impact their personal lives. I also try to address the higher, metaphysical side of what is […]
Transits – January 12 to February 10, 2021: In With the New — The Stars Within Their Courses
Today’s Moon: The Moon is in Cancer all day. There is no void Moon today. The Moon is waning and in its Full phase. The Full Moon in Cancer occurred yesterday. Retrogrades: Mars is not retrograde but is in its post-retrograde shadow until January 2, 2021. Current retrogrades: Uranus Rx. **Times are Eastern Standard Time…
Astrology of Today – Wednesday, December 30, 2020 — Astrology Cafe
After four and a half years of bitter debate and seemingly endless negotiation, the United Kingdom finally — effectively — leaves the European Union on January 1 2021, quitting both the single market and customs union.
This chart set for midnight on New Year’s Day, the moment the country leaves, to my mind encapsulates the situation and the choices for this newly independent, offshore island.
What stands out is the close opposition between a Leo Moon and the Jupiter Saturn conjunction in Aquarius along the 5th/11th house axis. This is part of a near T square involving Mars but especially Uranus in Taurus in the 8th house.
The Moon is also the ruler of the MC, another indicator of government and the country’s aims. There is a great amount of tension and pent up energy and dynamism here, which could potentially be explosive politically and economically.
Nevertheless, here too is the opportunity for a new beginning; the people will wish for more self determination as a response to the restrictions of 2020, and the prospect of a fresh approach in regard to our ideals and running our political and financial institutions — ourselves and the way we use money.
The country as a whole will begin to feel more confident, speculative and patriotic but in surprising ways.
New, or transformed political parties are likely to emerge and perhaps make an immediate impact, such will be the appetite of the people for a fresh, egalitarian and more local approach to politics. Following 2020, I think the people will trust central government less and will want to run their own affairs more closely.
The journey is clearly not going to be easy, however. With Uranus in Taurus, financial affairs are generally chaotic all over the world. In the 8th house of this chart, the UK’s ability to control the situation and steer a steady course is limited, bringing shocks and surprises through unravelling events the country inherits from other areas out of its control.
Venus, the ruler of the chart, is in Sagittarius in the third house separating from a tricky aspect to dissolute Neptune in the sixth. So whilst there is a clear need for freedom of approach in general terms, there will also be much deception and false hope, which should advise the government and the people to read all the small print of any new deals and alliances.
The trade deal announced with the EU on Christmas Eve, which is due to be debated in Parliament, needs to be examined closely. Other trade deals are likely to be more straightforward and will represent great opportunities for building the foundations of a brighter future, as seen symbolised by the Great Conjunction in Aquarius in the 5th house.
The Sun and Mercury in Capricorn in the fourth house may help to ground the country’s approach with some realism, especially as Mercury is applying to a positive aspect to Neptune, hopefully indicating that the government will have enough wits about it to read the situation more clearly, be forewarned.
However, with Pluto’s continued presence in Capricorn, the overall political situation remains distorted and dangerous, threatening the fabric and foundation of the country and the world.
I think January 1 2021 represents the ‘good ship’ Britannia’s new voyage into uncharted waters. Steady as she goes might be the apt advise to the captain. It will be a bit of a rocky journey, though not without opportunity; we are already seeing this in the number of trade deals in the offing. The future certainly favours the brave, but do we have the right people at the helm?
Copyright Francis 2020
Today’s Moon: The Moon is in Taurus until 6:32 PM, after which the Moon is in Gemini. A void Moon occurs from 6:31 AM to 6:32 PM today. The Moon is waxing and in its Waxing Gibbous phase. We’re between the First Quarter Moon that occurred on the 21st and the Full Moon that will…
Astrology of Today – Saturday, December 26, 2020 — Astrology Cafe
On December 23 1888, artist Vincent Van Gogh cut off his left ear following a row with fellow artist, Frenchman Paul Gaugin. There are, however, some alternative hypotheses.
The Dutch painter, who had previously relocated to Arles in the south of France, was struggling with deep depression. He had been finding it difficult to make an impact as an artist.
Nineteen months later, Van Gogh would take his own life. He had only been able to sell one painting; posthumously he was to become one of the most famous and loved artists ever.
*An astrological analysis of Vincent Van Gogh.
Copyright Francis 2020
Today’s Moon: The Moon is in Aries. A void Moon occurs today from 5:50 PM forward (until tomorrow at 5:55 AM). The Moon is waxing and in its First Quarter phase. We’re between the First Quarter Moon that occurred on the 21st and the Full Moon that will happen on December 29th. Retrogrades: Mars is […]
Astrology of Today – Wednesday, December 23, 2020 — Astrology Cafe
