There are conjunctions, and then there are conjunctions.
Astrologers and astronomers use the term conjunction to describe meetings between planets and other objects out there on the great movie screen of the universe. Conjunctions happen all the time; it’s like people meeting people out there on the movie screen of our lives.
But some conjunctions are greater than others. When the two biggest planets in our solar system—Jupiter and Saturn—have a reunion, we call it a great conjunction. That happens every twenty years, but the one that’s about to happen on December 21 marks the closest those two planets will be in this century. Not only that, it’s been 800 years since this conjunction has taken place in the sign of Aquarius. (Some great conjunctions are greater than the rest!)
The closest they will come is a tenth of a degree, so close that they will essentially appear as one. On the 21st, they will be so close that a pinkie finger held at arm’s length will easily cover both planets in the sky. Barring a cloudy “outlook,” the planets will be easy to see with the unaided eye by looking toward the southwest just after sunset.
Eight hundred years is such a long period of time that it’s difficult to imagine the last time these mighty and powerful planets came together in the sign of Aquarius. But let’s try anyway: March 4, 1226.
Conjunctions represent new beginnings, the nature of which is determined by the energy each planet represents and the embodiment of the relevant constellation, which, in this instance, is Aquarius. What might that mean for you? What could begin on December 21? How might this planetary interplay affect us? What might it portend in our personal lives?
Saturn is all about Karma, the cause-and-effect principle of the Universe. Jupiter, on the other hand, is about religion, philosophy, teaching, travel and politics. Aquarius represents humanity, groups of people, brilliance and uniqueness.
What new beginning could be in store for humanity? It surely has to do with how we treat one another. The year of isolation caused by the Covid-19 virus has undoubtedly changed how each and every one of us thinks about our others. So what have we been doing for 800 years that will change?
This particular conjunction suggests a new consciousness, which will translate into a new appreciation of each other. Saturn, the dominant planet in this conjunction (sometimes it’s one, at other times the other), brings in balance. That will balance the virtues and behaviors of Jupiter.
On a personal level, Jupiter influences our belief systems. It also represents our relationship to higher education and travel. Our relationship to all three of those has changed over the past year. Add Saturn to the equation, and we find ourselves defining where we stand on some pretty important aspects of life.
Aquarius energy resides in that part of our personal astrological charts that offers an opportunity to initiate new ways of living. The fact that this conjunction is taking place in Aquarius is offering us all a chance for new and uplifting ways to be. Where are we off balance? How can we regain that balance? What can we build on top of this experience? How can we lay the foundations of new ways of living?
It’s been a long and challenging year. But the prospect of regaining balance and building new ways on top of our old ones offers us all a chance to close the year on high note. And just think! We’re talking about changes that could last for 800 years!
What a gift!
SUN/MON.....WINTER SOLSTICE....LOOK TO THE SKY....in wonderment
