2020 Currents, Part I
Sky-watching is pretty simple this week. Not much has changed since last week: we are still retrograde-free for the next couple of weeks and that freedom translates into busy schedules and jam-packed agendas, personal, professional, and political. Trump World watching isn’t as simple—with each news cycle that world continues to disintegrate, yet resolution remains a mystery. Each revelation about Trump’s ties to Russia or the non-stop efforts to destroy the careers of anyone who might be able to tell the truth about those ties seems a good enough reason to just call bullshit on the entire last two years and push the reset button—but we never seem to reach the required critical mass to make that happen, so we just keep spinning in chaos and cruelty. Unfortunately, it’s just as exhausting to watch the “fall” of this regime as it was watching its rise—the depth of the corruption and cynicism is almost too much to bear. As many of those far more educated and equipped to assess the situation have already stated, our country and our world will never be the same; Republican, evangelical, Trumpian madness has taken its toll. Now the main challenge is how to turn outrage against that madness into a currency that creates effectual change and real justice.
Four astrological signatures—all of which lie before us and three of which occur 2020, signaling potent new cycles—point the way toward understanding our current situation.
(1) While we are already at the beginning of Uranus’ transit through Taurus, we have yet to experience the full effect of this seven-year journey. Uranus signifies revolution—it catalyzes whatever is stagnant and in need of innovation. Taurus represents resources, including money and all it buys (with the exception of real estate). But Taurus also represents the deeper psychological values of self-esteem and self-confidence, and at an even deeper, spiritual and esoteric level, it represents the power of being a spirit in the material world, a power that includes the capacity to create.
Uranus entered Taurus on May 15, 2018. Currently retrograde, it heads back into Aries on November 6, where it will stay until March 6. Both this retrograde phase and the coming reentry into Aries offer an opportunity to gain perspective on what the next Uranian cycle might be. My money is on a revolution in values. While I know there have been many predictions about the stock market, recessions, and the like (and I’ve made those predictions too), more and more I am starting to think that these next seven years are a crisis in what matters most—to all of us, individually and collectively. Really…what is the value of being a spirit in the material world if you live like a zombie? Mr. Trump has roused a quickening of concern in many who might otherwise have adhered to the status quo and let a small group of people decide our collective destiny.
Uranus’ reentry into Aries could serve as a potent reminder of just how powerful individual intention can be when that individual is willing to take a stand. At its worst, Uranus’ transit through Aries gave us Donald Trump, and through his toxicity revealed the consequences of a value system that supports narcissistic impulses and rewards individuals for their greed. At its best, Uranus’ transit through Aries has empowered a broad spectrum of individuals to put aside their apathy and find their voice. It may be slow going, but those pussy hats aren’t goin’ anywhere.
(2) The second configuration we’re moving toward is the Saturn/Pluto conjunction that occurs in Capricorn on January 12, 2020. This is a restrictive combination. Saturn symbolizes the bones of things—think structures stripped of the superfluous—as well as boundaries, limitations, and inhibitions. It also signifies wisdom—the type of insight that is distilled from experience and embued with the pragmatism of time. Pluto symbolizes transformation, particularly the process of death and rebirth. It is a constant reminder of the deeper mysteries of life and thus signifies all of those facets of life we have no control over. When Saturn and Pluto share the same space, there is a struggle between the status quo and its inexorable degeneration.
Rick Tarnas sees these cycles as periods of contraction. But in Cosmos and Psyche he also writes that these cycles are “characterized by displays of personal and collective determination…[and] a deepening capacity for moral discernment born from experience and suffering.” Mr. Trump and his Gang of Hungry Ghosts represent the absence of any morality that considers the well-being of the collective. They are the worst of us made manifest, and I can’t help but see this as an opportunity for the rest of us to choose to be our best selves. If we don’t rise to the occasion with the strength of Saturn/Pluto—not with the judgment and harshness that pairing also embodies, but with the determination and fortitude it represents—resistance is likely to be futile.
Next week’s column will cover the remaining two signatures of 2020 that have a direct bearing on our present circumstances: a new Jupiter/Saturn cycle and the United States Pluto Return.
As this week and the coming weeks unfold, pay close attention to what’s revealed. Despite continuing indications of the nefarious forces working behind the scenes to cause chaos and confusion, there are still more dots to connect. Try to be patient with those struggling to make sense of what’s occurring—if we are going to make lasting changes, we have to include all our fellow travelers, not just the ones who agree with us.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
AriesMarch 21-April 19
You’re being pulled in several directions simultaneously and as a result you could feel scattered and unable to prioritize your time and energy. Trying writing everything down and then stepping back with an eye toward identifying what needs your attention the most. That will enable everything else on your plate to find its rightful place.
TaurusApril 20-May 20
You’re in an odd position: On one hand you must assume a leadership role in your own life if you’re going to make any progress toward accomplishing your goals, but on the other hand, you’re feeling a strong desire to break free from any ties holding you hostage to responsibilities you’ve outgrown. Keep the big picture in mind as you struggle with decisions and you’ll be fine.
Gemini May 21-June 21
As James Taylor sings, “the purpose of life is enjoying the passage of time.” Don’t let yourself get so overwhelmed by all there is to do that you forget to include fun as part of your busy schedule. Yes, I know there’s a lot to take care of and lots of people are counting on you, but you will do a much better job of helping others if you remember to feed your fire.
Cancer June 22-July 22
It won’t be easy to keep finances and friendships separate, but the effort is well worth it—neither borrower nor lender be, and you’ll be able to keep good boundaries. If you can’t manage to keep money out of it, do your best to have a clear understanding about the terms of your agreement. Good boundaries will preserve the relationship.
Leo July 23-August 22
It’s okay to change your mind as many times as necessary until you find a solution that creates a win/win for everyone. And while that may not be an easy process—especially the part about having to be fair so no one’s feelings are hurt—the results will be worth your time, if only because no one will be harmed in by the outcome.
VirgoAugust 23-September 22
The challenge is figuring out how to share your ideas without sounding dictatorial. The reason this is a challenge is twofold. First, you are passionately committed to your point of view and can’t be convinced otherwise. Second, you might run into opposition simply because others want their ideas included in the final outcome. Don’t worry; you’ll find a way to pacify their concerns.
LibraSeptember 23-October 22
Be willing to let go and surrender your anxiety that you won’t get what you want—not every need can be met all the time. The good news is that if you are willing to soften your position, you’ll create an opening for a much better solution than previously imagined. That’s the thing about staying open to the possibilities—you’ll seldom be disappointed.
ScorpioOctober 23-November 21
There are more than a few emotional moments to cope with, and while I know you don’t like wearing your heart on your sleeve, it won’t really be possible to suppress what you’re truly feeling. Rather than waste time and energy hiding your heart, wear it proudly. No one is going to think less of you for being authentic and truthful about what matters to you.
SagittariusNovember 22-December 21
Tell the truth and you will not only set the record straight but you will also gain the clarity you’re seeking, which will clear up any doubts you had about the way forward. You don’t have to summon your military might to make it through. You just have to be honest—something you can do quite easily—and speak to everyone you engage with authentically and compassionately.
CapricornDecember 22-January 19
You’re wearing lots of different hats—organizer, leader, creator, financial advisor—and while none of these roles are antithetical to each other, eventually you will have to find the one that is most comfortable to wear. Hopefully you will choose the one that is also the most fun, for while you are adept at carrying responsibility, you also need time to relax, replenish, and refresh your soul.
AquariusJanuary 20-February 18
Oh, there is just no stopping you, my friend, so rather than waste one moment trying to tone down your enthusiasm and intensity, let it shine. It’s not often that anyone has complete support from the stars and planets to shift into turbo-drive—but right now you do. Enjoy this ride and make the most of it by doing all the things that bring you joy.
PiscesFebruary 19-March 20
You just might be looking for an ideal that doesn’t exist anywhere on the planet except in your imagination, and while that doesn’t make it unreal, it does make it harder for you to cope with the reality of a less than ideal relationship. I don’t necessarily think the solution is lower your standards, but I do think you might want to consider slightly more compassion for your significant others.
*Art by Jim Carrey