Astrology of 2020
We live in an exciting and historical time, and we are co-creating a new paradigm — a new age. The astrology of 2020 signifies the dawning of this new epoch. It points to a dynamic and maybe even radical restructuring of our collective beliefs, values, and ideals, not to mention our institutions, like government and religion. Though this change will happen over time, we will see the beginning stages of it this year.
In your life, changes will manifest from the inside-out, and your thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes will shape your life events now more than ever. You'll likely experience significant turning points in your professional and personal life, including shifts in your family and relationship dynamics.
The transits of 2020 clue us into the overarching themes and potentiality of this new decade.
The Big Event! Saturn - Pluto Conjunction
We start the year with a bang on January 12, 2020, with the beginning of a new synodic cycle between Saturn and Pluto.
Everything in astrology is cyclical. When two planets conjoin, they start a new synodic cycle. Because the outer planets move more slowly than the inner ones, their aspect relationships indicate longer-lasting and influential shifts in the collective. We often see changes in culture, current affairs, technology, financial markets, and natural or environmental systems.
On January 12, Saturn and Pluto conjoin in Capricorn and start a new cycle. These two planetary heavy hitters conjoin about every 34 years. We will see restructuring and transformation in the areas represented by this sign, which include:
Industry
Corporations
Institutions of government and religion
Earth and environmental matters
Politicians
Rules and rule enforcement
Tradition
Infrastructure
For centuries, patriarchal models of authority have structured every system, from families to governments. And yet, we've started to see shifts as we have identified the limitations of this paradigm and sought more balance. Pluto, being the planet of evolution, will allow us to rethink how we structure our institutions, as well as our lives.
Its influence pulls us into the deep and hidden spaces of ourselves (individually and collectively) and asks us to see the whole truth buried inside. Societally speaking, the influence of the Saturn - Pluto conjunction will help us shine even more light on the hidden layers of corruption, injustice, and greed within our institutions. Any abuses of power will rise into our conscious awareness. We have an opportunity to recognize the truth and make changes accordingly. Yet, this involves being open to challenging our own beliefs.
We will likely see economic and social developments that lead to sweeping changes in all industries. We might see some market fluctuations or hiccups that will balance out by the end of 2020, but what happens in response to these will have consequences (for better or for worse) that will manifest later in the decade (by 2026).
Mark your calendars for January 10-12. These are going to be action-packed days you won't forget. The Sun, dwarf planet Ceres, Saturn, Pluto, and Mercury are all stacked up in Capricorn within two degrees!! This is so big!! It means the Sun, Ceres, and Mercury are standing by, waiting for action.
Ceres' involvement means we might see changes in the environment, new ideas about how to address climate change, and also technological advances in agriculture that start to develop this year. She's the goddess of grain and also of motherhood. When they have met up in Capricorn, we have seen revolutions, and freedom becomes a big theme. The Ceres – Pluto conjunction could turn our attention to how we might better protect the earth and those most vulnerable in our society.
The Sun and Mercury are like punctuation marks adding to the drama of this time.
If you were born between April 10-14, July 12-16, October 14-18, or January 11-14, you are going to strongly feel these influences.
Jupiter – Pluto Conjunction
Months later, Jupiter moves up to join Pluto as well. It will form three exact conjunctions throughout 2020. The first is on April 4, the second on June 30, and the third on November 12. This transit occurs every thirteen years, and it signifies an opportunity for justice to meet power.
What does this mean? I hope it means people who have abused their power will face the consequences, much like we saw with the Me Too movement. I also hope it means that those who have been without political or economic power will gather with one another and have strength in numbers. This transit offers us hope for progress and considerable growth, individually and as a collective.
This transit gives us the chance to restructure our beliefs. It helps us recognize the historical context for some of our present-day philosophies; then, we can rethink them with our modern understanding of science, physics, religion, and the cosmos. With the Capricorn influence, we will see these shifts within our institutions, like religion, government, and economic and corporate systems.
Look at the area of your chart ruled by Capricorn. This sector is where you're going to need to open your mind. See things in a new way. Broaden your horizons. You might even have an adventure in that area of your life.
If you are a Capricorn, Taurus, or Virgo, this conjunction could mean success and opportunities for you this year. Take this as good news!
If you are a Cancer, Libra, or Aries, you could be pushed into growth somewhat uncomfortably. Try to avoid becoming overwhelmed. You are in a considerable period of expansion. Stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone, and you'll overcome any limiting fears. You'll look back at this time and think, "I grew by leaps and bounds in 2019-2020. There were moments when I thought I might not make it, but now, looking back, I wouldn't change it for anything!”
Our Priorities Change in May
In May, our nodal axis shifts when the North Node enters Gemini. The transiting North Node reflects where we will experience the most growth, what we as a collective are prioritizing, and where we will aim our focus. The South Node in Sagittarius represents what we're adjusting, fixing, and from what we're moving away.
The Gemini North Node emphasizes communication, hobbies, writing, socializing, transportation, games, and your local community. We are moving away from some of our lower octave Sagittarius North Node themes, like religious or political fanaticism, gambling, an inflated sense of abundance, greed, overwhelm, and being fixed in our beliefs. We’ll play a tug-of-war game between these two themes from May 6, 2020 - January 18, 2022.
The eclipses highlight the nodal axis themes. Mark these dates in your calendar:
January 10 – Lunar Eclipse in Cancer (wrapping up the Cancer North Node cycle)
June 5 – Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius
June 21 – Solar Eclipse in Cancer (North Node in Gemini)
July 5 – Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn (North Node in Gemini)
November 30 – Lunar Eclipse in Gemini
December 14 – Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius
Though some of the eclipses will be in Cancer or Capricorn, we will still feel the Gemini North Node influence. Communicate clearly and honestly these days. We can better determine truth from lies during these eclipses. It’s best to be honest and avoid deception, as it will likely come out.
Retrogrades and your Love Life
Venus and Mars will both have retrograde cycles this year, which could signify challenges in your love life. Venus is retrograde from May 12 – June 24. Mars is retrograde from September 9 – November 13.
Venus rules our relationships, priorities, material values, possessions, sense of style, and finances. During Venus retrograde, she calls us to question these matters. As a result, you might assess your relationship and job satisfaction. Do you feel valued and appreciated? If not, find out how you can either assert yourself in the current situation or be courageous and leave. The more you love, honor, and cherish yourself, the more you will receive love, faithfulness, and respect in your relationships.
When Mars goes retrograde months later, it's time to take inventory on how you express yourself in your relationships. For example, if you have suppressed passion, you could reach a breakthrough moment in which you say, "Enough is enough!" Alternatively, if you've let your partner have all of the decision-making power, you could assert your preferences in an attempt to rebalance the power dynamic.
These retrograde periods are not the best times to start new businesses or relationships. Often, we are led into new ventures in love, career, or otherwise during retrograde cycles to learn critical lessons that help us grow and evolve. Do not avoid new beginnings during those times! Just proceed with caution, knowing there could be twists and turns to navigate on your journey.
And While We're at it, Mercury Retrograde. On Election Day!
Mercury goes retrograde three times this year:
February 16 – March 9
June 17 – July 12
October 13 – November 3
Mercury will station direct (come to a standstill and begin to move forward) on Election Day in the US. This Mercury station could keep us on the edge of our seats, waiting for results. It stations in the sign of Libra, the sign of justice, balance, and harmony. I'm hoping this means we might put our political differences aside and come together as a country to move forward more harmoniously. With Mercury square Saturn and Pluto, and Mars retrograde, we might see drama, including communication challenges and possible difficulties with technology. These planetary alignments indicate the candidates may not want to play fair.
The Lunar Eclipse on November 30 will help us press the reset button on anything that went awry during Mercury retrograde.
The Icing on the Cake: December 2020
We close the year on a high note as Jupiter and Saturn meet in Aquarius on the solstice, December 21, 2020. This transit shows us where we're going next after the reconstruction and expansion we'll encounter through 2020's Saturn – Pluto conjunction and Jupiter – Pluto conjunction. The great conjunction offers us a way forward, a concrete path.
Its influence can help you see (with 2020 vision) a practical image for the future and then the next steps to take toward that vision.
Jupiter and Saturn are quite different. Jupiter is an optimistic influence, the planet of possibility. Saturn's orbit gives Jupiter a boundary line. It is limiting for a purpose. Saturn’s limits help us stay focused on what's truly important, so we can achieve our goals, learn our life lessons, and live our potential. When these two planets come together, dream meets faith meets focus. This is a recipe for manifestation.
This great conjunction happens about every 20 years, and this time, it will be in Aquarius. Aquarius is a future-oriented sign, with its attention on progress, humanitarian interests, community, technology, and innovation. It can also be a rebellious sign that wants to break the rules that no longer make sense. Where Capricorn emphasizes restructuring, Aquarius wants more freedom within or from those structures.
We could see more developments in things like crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, and entrepreneurship. We will also be collectively interested in breaking traditional models of business, finance, religion, and government.
This transit suggests a new beginning for us all and a turning point in our history. It shows us the best way forward is to bring our unique and individual ideas together in community spaces, building teams and coalitions to create change. It’s a liberating influence that starts with your questioning your beliefs and thought patterns.
Putting it all Together: A Summary
Take a deep breath and exhale. Ground yourself in this moment. Feel yourself rooted in the earth and feel into the intentions you have for 2020. This year, you will experience power in your intention.
Each new year, we look to our planetary cycles to try to understand what might happen. These transits show us potentialities, but how they manifest in your life depends upon your intentions, your willingness to go with the flow, and your ability to see everything, even the challenges, as a gift.
This year’s transits are more intense than other years because of what they represent for us in terms of restructuring our collective beliefs and institutions. At the same time, these transits will assist you in reshaping your life so, you can be a higher-octave version of yourself.
As you move into 2020, here are some suggestions to help you prepare for this powerful, dynamic year of metamorphosis.
Understand your ego. When you can decipher its influence in your life, you can make wiser choices. (If you need support in learning more about your ego, read A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle.)
Be prepared. Exercise caution in your financial life.
Identify any relationship challenges and address them. Otherwise, they could show up as conflicts. Self-care is so important! Make time to care for your body, mind, and spirit.
Be in stillness at least once a week, develop your spiritual gifts (I know a great class happening in March), join a spiritual community for support, or journal.
Become more involved in your community or with a cause that’s important to you. Start forming them early in 2020, and you’ll see new relationships flourish and grow in 2021.
Don’t be a bystander. If you witness something unethical or disturbing, speak up!
Challenge your beliefs. Identify the root of them to determine whether or not they feel true to you.
Every morning and evening, make contact with Mother Earth. Just as you might have a prayer routine, adopt a grounding practice to send some love into this brilliant, beautiful planet of ours. The natural world responds to energy – to love and goodness as well as to anger or indifference. With so many outer planets in earth signs, our earth needs extra love and goodness directed her way this year.
It’s a 4 year (2+0+2+0 = 4). That means you’ll be rewarded for your focused effort and dedication. Don’t give up if you’re pursuing a goal or building a dream! Keep going strong!