In this installment of Practical Magic, Lisa Stardust explains astrology 2020, from where we've been to what's to come. Always remember that magic is for believers, but this column can also simply serve as a guide to getting in touch with yourself — magically or not.
2020 is certainly one for the books. This year started off with a lot of intense astrological energy and has not slowed down at all. There’s been so much planetary action swerving through the cosmos that all of our heads are getting dizzy.
No one could have predicted the specifics of this wild year, but for many in the astrological community, it’s not a total surprise. Years ago, I had predicted 2020 was going to be an intense year because of the movement of the planets in the cosmos. Many members of the astrological community did. While astrology cannot dictate specific events, it can help us understand what’s to come based on where we’ve been. And, it can help us find comfort in these intense times by knowing that the future looks bright.
Looking at the past and upcoming astrological transits of the year, we can gauge that the year will end on an inspiring note — one that will bring the world together. In an effort to help us get through the next several months, I’ve compiled a list of the cosmic aspects that headed our way to help us all feel optimistic about the future.
As above, so below.
The Capricorn Stellium
A stellium occurs when there’s a cluster of planets in the same zodiac sign. This year, there are three planets (Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto) in the sign of Capricorn. When planets are in Capricorn, it usually means that there’s a drive for success and change. When transiting the sign of Capricorn, philosopher Jupiter looks at the world and aims to bring it together. Authoritative Saturn in Capricorn discusses how we can evolve the structures of society. And, transformative Pluto, when in Capricorn, wants to change the world for the better by discarding outdated views. All three of these powerful planets together in the same sign are serving to empower us on a grand level. They are forcing us to take a look at the world and our own personal lives in an effort to evolve.
Saturn In Aquarius
Saturn is the planet associated with traditions that we uphold as a society. When Saturn dipped its toes in the sign of innovative and rebellious Aquarius from March 21st to July 1st, we began to see the beginning of how a global community can rise together to revolt against the status quo. We also experienced the beginning of social distancing, which is the government (Saturn) telling us that we need to be more distant in how we engage with others (Aquarius). Saturn will reenter Aquarius on December 17th, until then it’ll be moving in retrograde motion in Capricorn.
So. Many. Retrogrades.
Well, this was the year of planetary retrogrades. In June alone, six planets were retrograde at the same time. And, if you’ve ever experienced an intense Mercury retrograde in the past, then you know that when other planets moonwalk backwards it can be intense. There were three retrogrades, however, that were and will be particularly impactful.
Mercury Retrograde from February 17 to March 10, June 18 to July 12, and October 14 to November 3 gave us all an emotional hangover (and still will). The planet of communication is backstroking through the emo water signs (Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio) this year which is making us feel our feels, and having us more anxious than ever.
Luckily, Venus, the planet of social advocacy, love, and money, started its retrograde journey on May 13 to June 25 in Gemini. Typically, this would be considered a complex time for love, but this time around it helped us assert our voices and come together as a society. We also began to feel optimistic about the pandemic, as Venus gave us hope that life can proceed as normal at some point.
Action planet Mars, which will start its retrograde journey in the sign of Aries from September 9 to November 13, will fall around the time of the election. We can expect to see more people coming out and expressing their views with passion to bring much needed change to the world.
The Great Conjunction
If you’ve ever watched Twin Peaks, they reference The Great Conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn (which happens every 18 to 19 years in different zodiac signs) as the entrance to The Black Lodge. Now, I’m not saying that we’ll all be transported to another dimension, though it may feel that way. But, December 21, when the conjunction of these two powerhouse planets occurs, will be a time of universal innovation and political shifts. Don’t forget that Aquarius is a humanitarian sign. When aligned in the sky in Aquarius, Jupiter and Saturn want to change the rules and give old structures a modern twist. We’ll get a boost of confidence and momentum as we head into 2021.
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