The 2020 Winter Solstice occurs on 21st December with the Sun entering the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn at 2:02a PDT, marking the arrival of the 2020-2021 Winter season. The Winter Solstice is always a very big event of its own, yet on this particular day, it’s made bigger by quite a few celestial events, marking the dawning of a new age upon the Earth.
We’ll start with the fact that the Sun isn’t alone in its arrival into 0° Capricorn. Only one day before, Mercury entered the sign of Capricorn, and it will still be close enough in orb to make a near-exact conjunction with the Sun at the moment the Solstice occurs (both in the 0°). This Capricorn Sun + Mercury conjunction transit is an indicator that there will be a lot more thought, communication, and inspection of our societal conditions than usual over the next 4.5 weeks, especially in regard to how our societal institutions could be made more effective to bear socially-expected results.
Yet much of the focus of this 2020 Winter Solstice is on the Jupiter + Saturn “Great Conjunction” at 0° Aquarius, which is exact at 10:20a PST (0.48°) on Monday 21st December for much of the world – exact on the same day as the 2020 Winter Solstice in much of the world. However, in some parts of the far East and South Pacific, this Aquarius Great Conjunction will be occurring on Tuesday 22nd December.
Jupiter + Saturn conjunctions are known as “Great Conjunctions” due to the fact that the two largest planets in our solar system are coming together at the same exact degree within a particular astrological sign. Due to their size, these conjunctions have a significant energetic influence upon us, especially in regard to the signs they occupy.
Our Great Conjunctions tend to occur in elemental cycles, meaning they occur in signs of a particular element for approximately 160-200 years. We’ve been in an earth sign-based energy cycle for the last 218 years (since 1802), meaning each of the Great Conjunctions throughout that time have been in earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), so the “big picture” of our everyday lives and livelihoods, how our everyday systems and processes function, and our societal institutions has largely been focused on our physical, material, and financial needs and resources. However, the transition from earth sign energies to air sign energies began in July 1981 (Libra), occurring in an earth sign one last time for the next 800-ish years in May 2000 (Taurus). Now, this 2020 Great Conjunction in Aquarius marks the official beginning of an air-based cycle (Aquarius, Libra, Gemini) for the next (approximately) 180-200 years (until around 2200).
Here’s the details of the current 2020 Great Conjunction, and some insights into how it may us for the next 20 years.
- Aquarius – a fixed air sign (solid intellect and/or vision) – is the 11th sign of the Zodiac, and its role is to inspire individuals to bring their unique knowledge, talents, and skills to the fore in service of one’s community, and sometimes, in service of the greater whole of humanity. Aquarius encourages collaboration, innovation, and progression, most often through art and/or technology. However, making unique contributions to community and collaborative efforts isn’t always easy when there’s either a desire to preserve or protect one’s individual self-expression (a.k.a. apathy to belonging or a conscious preference to withdraw from social interaction) or a desire to fit in with the crowd (a.k.a. – follow rather than be their True selves fully). Both of these extremes aren’t uncommon when dealing with Aquarian energy. In fact, the extremes are often what bring much-needed surprises to the table – unpredicted actions or efforts which breakthrough societal and social stagnation and open pathways to large-scale social change. Nevertheless, Aquarius encourages us to put our uniqueness to work for something greater than ourselves alone, and this requires acknowledgment and acceptance of what we have within us to offer to others.
- Jupiter – the ruler of Sagittarius – is very much about optimism and positive energy. But “Jolly Jupiter” is also known for growth and expansion, and its growth and expansion are often rooted in knowledge and wisdom. Expansion is the main vehicle for Jupiter’s effectiveness, so it eagerly and freely shares what it knows with others with the intention of spreading the “good news” of what is possible with others. Along the way, Jupiter also grows through learning, gathering new or different knowledge to strengthen or change its own perspective and fine tune its knowledge.
In Aquarius, Jupiter encourages the revelation and implementation of innovative ideas rooted in factual Truth, and it’s eager to share those ideas with as many people as possible. Not only does it seek to bring ideas for unique and solution-driven innovations or technologies to Light, it also seeks to share those ideas with as many people as possible. The mission of Jupiter in Aquarius is to educate and awaken humanity-at-large by inspiring them with unique and innovative ideas and actions, even if they only reach one person at a time (though Jupiter’s approach is often “the more, the merrier”). This awakening to factual Truth is key in assisting humanity in reclaiming its evolutionary path, and Jupiter will want to “go big” in its efforts to wake everyone up to the facts of what’s happening within us and around us now and forward. The facts revealed may be painful in their honesty, but in true Jupiter fashion, we get to trust that the struggles to accept and align with factual Truth will be worth it, and that everything will be “all good” in the end.
- Saturn – the ruler of Capricorn – is primarily about focus and discipline, but it’s also known for its strong paternal energy, especially in the context of societal structures and institutions. It enforces our societal laws, rules, and standards, and it enacts disciplinary action upon those who violate or otherwise reject those societal agreements. Saturn also imposes boundaries, which may become limitations or outright rejections to anything outside the societally-accepted norms. This gives a strong leaning to authoritarian and dictatorial tendencies, rigidly enforcing laws and rules to protect our societal institutions and structures.
In Aquarius, Saturn may limit humanity from reclaiming its evolution. It may use its socially-accepted authority to prevent divergence from the traditional social and societal norms, squashing dissent in any and all forms. It may discourage collaboration within communities, especially any efforts to challenge structures or institutions which are trying to uphold the societal status quo. In a worst case scenario, Saturn could “lay down the law” and oppress the movements and individuals who are determined to bring large-scale change to society.
However, Saturn may also bring discipline and focus to individuals and/or organizations determined to share their uniqueness with their communities or with humanity, but which also may not be able to keep their eye on their goal(s). Saturn’s influence could limit distractions by encouraging the setting of goals and the enforcing of boundaries. Whether personal, professional, or societal, it reveals that in order to get things done, boundaries are helpful if not necessary. Some people may become more militant in their self-defense (or self-protection), especially if they perceive threats from societal or authoritative institutions or organizations.
I see Saturn as the wild card in this epic Jupiter + Saturn conjunction. It all depends on how Saturn’s energy is utilized, which is largely dependent on how its energy is perceived. For those who see Saturn as a negative presence, they’ll likely only see discouragement and restriction at every turn. But if people can perceive Saturn as a galvanizing presence which can be used as a tool to set and focus their intentions, they’ll make substantial progress in ways they could never have imagined.
The reason the Jupiter + Saturn conjunction is the headliner is because these are two of the slower-moving planets, and only come together in conjunction approximately every 20 years – the last one in May 2000 (Taurus), and before that, in July 1981 (Libra). The next one will be happening in October/November 2040 in Libra (again).
The shift from an earth energy focus (earth = physical, material, financial) began in 1981 as technology began to advance more rapidly than it ever had before under the influence of the Great Conjunction in Libra. But the detail to notice is that this current Jupiter + Saturn conjunction in Aquarius is focused on humanity-at-large and mass/broadcast communication through technology. In other words, the ideas and information are becoming faster-moving, further-reaching, and therefore, quickly more mainstream. It’s easier to awaken more people at once. In my opinion, this is the thing to watch for most – how information is communicated, shared, and suppressed.
The interesting thing here is that this 2020 conjunction marks the beginning of an air sign influence on the whole of humanity – a focus on intellect, information, communication, and technological advancement for the next 180-200 years.
Another remarkable detail of this day is that the Winter Solstice goes into effect on a numerological 1 Universal day – a day of fresh starts and new beginnings. This is a very powerful energetic influence to have for a solstice AND for the dawning of a new age of intellect and technology. Under a 7 Universal month, this encourages careful thought and consideration of one’s actions and how they may impact the greater whole. These considerations result in a little planning before action. Actions that are planned and intentional will have a better chance of success than actions which are spontaneous and/or driven impulsively by fear or anger. This is not a time for going rogue… yet. Especially because in the last couple weeks of a 4 Universal year, the structures in place may still be a bit too solid to breakthrough. But don’t let it discourage you – there will be a time to act coming soon. But do your work now to be ready for it – get yourself extremely clear about what you want and how you want to go about getting it. Even if you have to change your plan as you go, that plan will give you the structure you need to follow through and achieve your goal(s).
But what many people are unaware of is that the Aquarius Great Conjunction and the Capricorn Sun + Mercury Solstice conjunction are only two of FIVE conjunctions at the time of equinox, and two of THREE which are occurring at the 0° point. In other words, there’s far more going on today that makes this an especially exceptional Winter Solstice + Great Conjunction day.
That said, let’s look at all of the astrological transits in effect (within 3° orb of exactness) on this 2020 Winter Solstice day.
- When I mentioned that there were three 0° conjunctions, I didn’t mention that these conjunctions form what I’m going to call a SUPER SEQUENCE which includes the Great Conjunction: (Sagittarius Juno conjunct White Moon Selene) semi-sextile (Capricorn Sun conjunct Mercury) semi-sextile (Aquarius Jupiter conjunct Saturn) – ALL at 0° of their respective signs! – A renewed commitment to the greater good of humanity expands and increases the desire to seek, find, and bring factual Truth and wisdom to as many people as possible. This is a powerful intellectual shift, especially in regard to how we think and speak about our societal institutions and traditions, and how they influence our collective standards and expectations of behavior. As we reassess the status quo in the contexts of success, achievement, accomplishment, and class hierarchy, we begin to recognize a need to alter the standards we live by, placing the focus back onto the people and their humanity and considering how the most people are best served at this time. This could bring forth an amazing array of new and innovative ideas, all with the intention of serving the Highest and greatest good of the whole of human kind.
- There’s also a NODAL GRAND CROSS: Gemini North Node square Virgo Vesta square Sagittarius South Node square Pisces Neptune (18-19°) – There’s a determination to implement new ideas and pragmatic solutions to the problems we’re individually and collectively facing in this moment. However, there are challenges from those who believe they “know better”, trying to stop any changes to the status quo, refusing to accommodate the ideal of serving All-That-Is. They refuse to open their minds or their eyes to the massive (and increasing) need for changes, accusing those calling for service to the greater and larger good of being idealistic and “pie in the sky” thinking. Yet the ones believing they can stop the changes and sustain themselves as the bastions of all wisdom and knowledge are becoming the delusional ones, as they will soon realize they cannot delay humanity’s evolution for much longer.
There’s also plenty of activity at the 23° mark:
- Aries Mars conjunct Eris Retrograde (23°) – Anger and frustration with the current conditions are likely to be expressed as anger, but not quite yet. Eris returns to direct motion on 16th January 2021, and it’ll probably be around then that you start seeing pent-up anger and frustration being expressed outwardly/publicly. But remember – this is Aries energy. Don’t expect group efforts, at least not at first. It’ll be individual acts of disruption or destruction which will ignite others into similar actions.
- square Capricorn Pluto (23°) – Recent and current events are what will inspire many to either take action or to plan actions to disrupt or destroy any societal structures and institutions which no longer serve the greater whole. If there is no disruptive or destructive action taken now, you can be certain it’s coming (again, likely mid-late January 2021 after Eris has returned to direct motion). But since this is a cardinal energy square, it implies that a spark is becoming a flame which holds potential to grow into a raging fire. Look for sparks – the catalysts for larger events – now.
- Capricorn Pluto sextile Pisces Moon (23°) – The unsustainability of dysfunctional societal systems, structures, and standards creates extremes, These extremes awaken an increase in compassion and an inclination to be of service to All-That-Is. But there’s so much to be addressed, it may be a bit overwhelming emotionally and spiritually to try to serve everything and anything. That emotional-spiritual overwhelm may lead to decisions to eliminate what can’t be healed. The choices of what to serve and what to release won’t be easy, but they’ll need to be made. To that point, it may be time to let go of some traditions and legacies which are proving outdated and no longer applicable to the world we live in today, allowing them to be left in the past where they now belong.
- Pisces Moon semi-sextile (Aries Mars conjunct Eris Retrograde) (23°) – The growing call for compassion and caring for fellow humans, fellow earthy beings, and the planet may lead to greater frustrations for those simply trying to carry on with their individual lives, proving just how many people are choosing to be oblivious to the needs of others at this time. They’d rather be angry about the inconveniences to their individual selves than care about what is happening to others. This selfish anger from some is what creates emotional-spiritual overwhelm in others trying to serve the Higher and greater good.
- And finally, there’s Taurus Black Moon Lilith conjunct Uranus Retrograde (6-7°) – Ego investments in certain lifestyles (and the resources to support them) are labeled as being selfish and excessive as more and more “other” people are forced to make do with less and less. Those who have their lifestyle needs met well beyond basic survival will feel increasing pressure to address the concerns of those who are now struggling to survive. This transit brings the dark side of materialism and possession to Light in order to subject it to criticism and push for evolutionary humanitarian change… but this will be a very difficult nut to crack as the more those who have resources are pushed to give some of what they have, the more unlikely they are to do so. In fact, in stubborn ego-driven resistance, those with resources will likely refuse. But don’t despair – the people who are clinging to their excess may be in for quite a surprise as the realities of those just getting by and/or just trying to survive finally begin to impact the “untouchables”, too, when Uranus goes direct in mid-January 2021.
This 2020 Winter Solstice + Great Conjunction is a very powerful and profound day. It is a day full of hope in the midst of chaos – the light on the horizon we are all able to move toward. It is up to each of us to make the choice to evolve, to move on from the past and move forward into an unknown future.
The structures and institutions we have been conditioned to rely upon are failing us, yet if 2020 has taught us anything, this chaos and collapse has been trying to teach us to go our own way, and to reclaim our self-identities, reclaim our individual voices, and reclaim our livelihoods. The power in this day comes from recognizing that we can be autonomous, and we do have choice in the matters we are facing. We each and all – individually and collectively – have free will to honor who we truly are and who we want to become.
Yet in our autonomy, we must remember that we share this planet with others – others who deserve our respect and care as much as we expect it from them. We get to treat others with the respect and regard we expect from them. And this 2020 Winter Solstice and Aquarius Great Conjunction will reveal who honors this principle of treating all others the way they wish to be treated, creating a world of open and honest communication, sincere compassion, genuine caring for one another, and hope for all.
It’s always darkest before the dawn, and we may have some dark times to go before we experience this dawn in earnest. But for now, let’s enjoy this promise of the coming emergence of the Light. Enjoy the promise of this new day.
Wishing you a blessed solstice and a blessed dawn of a new age.
Thank you for reading and sharing Signs and Numbers. Until next post…
~ Light, Love, and Blessings,
Grace
