Expect This Week’s Trifecta of Powerful Astrological Transits To Kick-Start Meaningful Change

With Saturn and Jupiter conjoining for the first time in 20 years on the winter solstice—their last conjunction was in May of 2000—we’ve arrived at one of the most highly anticipated moments of the year: Saturn and Jupiter’s Great Conjunction.

Like a new moon, which happens every 29 and a half days when the sun and moon align at the same degree of a sign to kick-start a fresh lunation, Jupiter and Saturn do the same at this Great Conjunction. The crucial difference between the two events, then, is the frequency, with the Great Conjunction only happening once every two decades. Saturn and Jupiter are the social-consciousness planets (Saturn represents responsibility, and Jupiter represents expansion), and when they conjoin at the same degree of the same sign to make a Great Conjunction, they commence a new cycle. This sets the tone of underlying macro-societal trends, as well as personal transformations.

Since their Great Conjunction happens on Monday, December 21 at 0° Aquarius—the same day the sun ingresses into Capricorn—this solstice heralds the turning of history’s pages. Not only does this Great Conjunction happen when the sun reaches its peak declination from the Earth’s celestial equator (a massive moment unto itself), but it’s also a Grand Mutation, when Saturn and Jupiter’s conjunction shifts to a new element.

In astrology, we work with four elements: fire, Earth, air, and water. Every sign belongs to an element, and each element has its distinct qualities. The repetition of the elemental order is cyclical—fire initiates, Earth stabilizes, air cross-pollinates, while water soothes. 2020 represented the ending of a very long-winded Earth cycle and ends this week with an unbridled leap into air qualities. Consider it a fresh start.

With both social consciousness planets commencing their new cycle together in Aquarius, we are officially entering into a brand new era.

To be sure, we are not just talking about air; we are talking about fixed air through the lens of Aquarius—the sign of revolution, evolution, and change. Aquarius is a sign known for big-picture, out-of-the-box thinking; complicated problem solving; and an abiding commitment to originality and authenticity. With both social consciousness planets commencing their new cycle together in Aquarius, we are officially entering into a brand new era.

Monday, in my opinion, is the most pivotal time to plant seeds of intention for your desired outcomes, as well as pray for the world. We are weaving an entirely fresh start, and we want to be conscious of how we are stepping into and walking through this massive turning point. Since Mars and Pluto square, too, it certainly won’t be boring.

Mars square Pluto is an intense astrological configuration (because of Mars’s extended stay in Aries and its retrograde cycle) that already happened two times this year; the first on August 13 and the second on October 9. This third square, which perfects on December 23, brings the power struggles embedded in 2020’s cosmic curriculum to the surface.

Mars represents passion, drive, motivation, and action. With Mars square Pluto—which represents secrets, obsessions, and the death-rebirth cycle—we know one thing; while magical, this trifecta of the solstice, Great Conjunction and Grand Mutation is not drama-free. It will likely come with a feeling of the pot being stirred.

At the same time, we are entering into the height of the year-end holidays, which can mark a stressful week, and—for those of us in the northern hemisphere—long and cold nights. Amid the dark, we have the night sky to inspire us. With the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction visible, dedicate time to set intentions for the next chapter of your own life, and get outside to see this gorgeous and transformational planetary alignment. The stars are indeed aligning and the question that remains is what will you do with it?

The moon in Taurus on December 24 travels in orb to Uranus, further solidifying new and exciting ways of communing with our own emotional needs and those of others. And Mercury in Capricorn at 7° trines Uranus on December 25th, offering creative breakthroughs and new avenues for communication solidifying.

Come Saturday, the sun in Capricorn at 4° of Capricorn squares Chiron, who recently stationed direct at 4° of Aries. This cardinal square may feel tender. If so, give yourself a moment to feel what’s coming up for you, and allow it to take its course. Remember that sadness and gratitude aren’t an either/or: We can be grateful and sad at the same time, so give yourself the space you need to feel your full range of emotions. All of your feelings deserve acknowledgment.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women’s health—which she uses to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success. Pre-order her book, Cosmic Health (January 2021), here.

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