Mary Jo Wevers

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The Age of Aquarius

The Earth is tilted about 23.5 degrees as it rotates on its axis in space, giving us the seasons. Like a spinning top or gyroscope, the axis itself rotates slowly in a circular motion. The gradual circular movement of the Earth’s axis is called axial precession, and takes about 26,000 years to complete a single rotation. 

Because of the Earth’s axial tilt, the position of the Earth in its orbit around the Sun at the equinoxes and solstices slowly changes over 26,000 years. This results in the vernal equinox moving from one of the 12 signs of the zodiac to the preceding sign roughly every 2,160 years. An “astrological age” is defined as the period of time it takes for the vernal equinox to complete its movement through one sign.

There are various methods for calculating the movement of the vernal equinox into a new zodiacal sign, and therefore many estimations for the beginning and ending of any particular astrological age. Approximate dates for the end of the Age of Pisces and the beginning of the Age of Aquarius vary widely. Many astrologers estimate the Age of Pisces began around 1 AD and that we are now, or have been, moving into the Age of Aquarius. 

Rather than looking for a specific date to assign to the beginning of an astrological age, we can view it as a gradual shift over an extended period of time. In recent decades planets associated with the sign of Aquarius, its planetary ruler Uranus, or planets in aspect with Uranus or Aquarius, have brought forth its archetypal themes and issues. A series of overlapping planetary cycles over a period of years helps us make a gradual transition while providing opportunities to learn and experience the themes, issues, and “flavors” of the new age. This allows us to better hone our skills and adapt to a new phase in human evolution.

The Uranus-Pluto conjunctions in the mid-1960s coincided with the rock musical “Hair,” which foretold the “dawning of the Age of Aquarius.” Its themes included personal freedom and rebellion against conventional societal norms. The Harmonic Convergence of planets in 1987 was believed by some to be the beginning of the Age of Aquarius. This event preceded the end of the Cold War, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Russia is associated with the sign of Aquarius in astrology, and exemplifies rebellion against monarchy and egalitarian social and political systems. Aquarius rules science and technology, innovation and invention. The Saturn-Uranus-Neptune conjunction during 1988-1991 brought huge advances in computer technology and solidified its role in communication and information sharing and processing. Some assign the beginning of the Aquarian Age to the August 1999 total eclipse of the Sun. At this time the Leo Sun and New Moon shed their light upon opposing Uranus and the lunar South Node in Aquarius, marking a new Aquarian cycle.

The transiting lunar north node, our collective spiritual destination, was in the sign of Aquarius from December 2007 until August 2009, urging us to value individual uniqueness and diversity, and embrace tolerance and open-mindedness. At this time in the USA we saw the rise of a progressive movement, and the successful campaign and election of the first president of color. In 2010 the planet Uranus entered the first sign of the zodiac, Aries. This was viewed by some as a new beginning, a new cycle of understanding the Uranian archetypal forces and expressions in us as individuals and in relationship to others. During subsequent years issues around freedom of individual identity and expression surfaced in government institutions, such as acceptance of LGBTQ people in the military. The struggle for acceptance by minority, fringe or under-represented groups is a re-occurring theme of Aquarius. December 21, 2012 brought the end of the Mayan Calendar, which many thought marked the beginning of a new Aquarian Age.

Just this past month Jupiter and Saturn conjoined in the first degree of Aquarius on the winter solstice. This is another important turning point moving us into the Age of Aquarius. Jupiter expands and uplifts the Aquarian principles of equality and independence for all peoples, and provides an idealistic and optimistic vision of the future. Saturn grounds the innovative ideas of Aquarius by finding practical uses for its scientific and technological advances, and employs them to advance social progress. The years ahead will continue to astound and disturb us with the unexpected changes Aquarius brings into our lives. As we learn to break free from attachments to the past and make room for change, we can garner the gifts of Aquarius.

     “Be wary of great leaders. Hope that there are many, many small leaders.” – Pete Seeger, after leading an Occupy Movement protest in 2011

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Detachment and Equanimity

The social air sign of Aquarius is known for its rational, objective mind and ingenious intellect. It is logical, scientific and original in its ideas. Its interest in progressive and humanitarian causes attracts it to groups of like-minded people who want to reform society. It forms relationships with others so it can work collaboratively with those who share its idealistic principles and vision of the future. 

Although friendly and tolerant, it can sometimes appear to be cold and aloof. A keen observer, it creates emotional distance between itself and the object of its study in order to remain open-minded and impartial. In this way it can perceive the world and its workings without bias, and receive clear insights into matters. Curious and astute, it can make connections between disparate pieces of information and see patterns within a greater whole. Highly intelligent, it quickly grasps abstract concepts.

We can align with the energy of Aquarius and use rational detachment and composure to our advantage. Consciously employing emotional detachment can help free us from old ingrained patterns of emotional reactivity. When we become aware of an emotion within us, we can quietly observe it, without judgement or analysis, defensiveness or justification. Approaching our emotion with equanimity, we can perceive it from a neutral perspective. It is neither “good” nor “bad.” It is simply an inner comment on our outer experience in the moment. Creating emotional distance in a situation helps us realize we have a choice in how we respond.

We can make space for more creativity, insight, and innovation when we are not mired down by emotional reactivity in a situation. Standing back, we can appreciate we are not the center of the universe, but part of a much bigger picture. Looking beyond our individual needs, we see we are not alone, but a member of a global community where everyone has wants, needs and feelings. We can treat others as equals and practice “dispassionate compassion” for humanity.

Practicing detachment and equanimity allows the right hemisphere of our brain to contribute more to our thinking and understanding. Left hemisphere processes are linear, empirical and applied. The right hemisphere is intuitive, conceptual, abstract, and insightful. It is associated with a higher frequency of mental energy, where solutions to problems are revealed, and from which all inventions come. Aquarius opens our minds to cosmic consciousness and awareness. It compels us to move beyond our ego identification and connect with the universe on a soul level, propelling us on our evolutionary path.

“True detachment isn’t a separation from life but the absolute freedom within your mind to explore living.” – Ron W. Rathbun

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Uranus, Modern Ruler of Aquarius

Aquarius is ruled by the planet Uranus, known as the Great Awakener. It is the first of the transpersonal planets in our solar system, those which lie beyond the orbit of Saturn and are not visible to the naked eye. As a transpersonal planet, Uranus compels us to move beyond our ego identification and connect with the universe on a soul level. It propels us to new levels of consciousness and being.

Uranus was discovered in 1781 by telescope maker William Herschel. Uranus is unique having the coldest planetary atmosphere in our solar system. It is also unique because its axis of rotation is tilted sideways. Its north and south poles lie where most other planets have their equators.

The discovery of Uranus coincided with political and social movements towards liberty around the world, including the American and French revolutions. Uranus is associated with the urge toward freedom, independence, originality and individuation. It is the breaker of traditions and established order. Its urge is progressive and futuristic. A lightening rod to the masses, Uranus rules group experiences. It represents the principle of evolutionary change, both for the individual and the collective.

The force of Uranus destroys the old to make room for the new. Uranus shakes loose the constricting influence and crystallizations of Saturn. It displaces and overthrows established attitudes and structures that have outlived their usefulness. It is the unpredictable hurricane-like force destroying that which no longer serves us, or limits our freedom to grow. Uranus bestows “divine discontent,” an inner urge that propels us towards our next growth opportunity, or towards greater personal freedom. It pushes us to create change and excitement in our life.

The influence of Uranus is often unpredictable. It rules sudden, unexpected changes of a radical and shocking nature that shake our foundations. It stops our world as if to say, “Things have to change!” The force of Uranus rushing through our lives and disrupting our routines can feel disquieting, unsettling, even traumatizing. Its purpose is to take down whatever structures have outlived their usefulness. It liberates us from the confines of convention and urges us to create anew. Earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters are ruled by Uranus.

In astrology Mercury rules the lower mind’s cognitive processes, while Uranus rules the higher mind: intuition, innovation, and creative genius. Uranus governs the part of our intellect that enables us to make connections and associations between pieces of information, and recognize patterns and gain insights. Uranus as the “voice of God” symbolizes intuition in the form of lightening fast insights, bright ideas, and eureka moments. The medium for Uranian creative intelligence is electromagnetic energy. It is etheric and electric in nature. When we tap into Uranus we receive flashes of insight and spontaneous downloads of understanding. By tuning into Uranian energy you can develop your latent creative abilities.

On March 13, 2011 the planet Uranus began its seven year journey through the first sign of the zodiac, Aries. It will complete its transit of Aries this coming May. This has been a cosmic new beginning, ushering us into the 2000 year Age of Aquarius. In the sign of Aries, Uranus encourages and inspires us to become more confident, self-aware, self-contained, and action oriented. It urges us to embrace our independent, pioneering, assertive energy and take risks in life. It fills us with new energy, vitality, courage and creativity as we embark upon the New Age of Aquarius. We are only at the beginning of this exciting phase of human evolution. We will have centuries to explore and deepen our understanding of Aquarius through our collective experience.

“True originality consists not in a new manner but in a new vision.”
– Edith Wharton

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Aquarius: Moving Us into the Future

The symbol for Aquarius is the Water Bearer, a figure carrying an urn containing the waters of cosmic consciousness. From this urn flow rational thought and insight, universal love, and equality for all humankind. Aquarius celebrates the uniqueness of people. It is individualistic, original, even different and unusual. It is tolerant and inclusive, and even celebrates “fringe elements”, minorities and the disenfranchised.

“Question authority” is an Aquarian catchphrase. It does not accept a hierarchical separation of people, where individuals at the top have more rights and advantages than those below. Instead, Aquarius promotes a society built on a horizontal network of individuals, all being equal members and participants. Aquarius rules groups of like minded people coming together in this way to advance a common cause.

Although Aquarius loves humanity, it has difficulty in one-to-one relationships because of its emotional detachment. It can appear cold and distant, disconnected, cerebral, awkward and unfeeling. Aquarius can often feel like an outsider, not fitting in and even feeling rejected by traditional, established society and conventions.

Being a futuristic, idealistic, reform-minded visionary, Aquarius can shock by taking action in socially unacceptable ways and shaking up conventional standards. It can be rebellious, erratic in its behavior, and inflexible. Archetypes for Aquarius include the Anarchist, the Revolutionary or Rebel, and the Liberator. Aquarius rules uprisings, riots, revolution, demagogues and dictators.

At its best, intellectual Aquarius is open minded, philosophic and scientific. It bestows reason, clarity, insight and invention. A key phrase for Aquarius is “I know”, descriptive of its lightening fast intuitive insight. Its brilliant mind quickly grasps abstract concepts, makes connections and recognizes patterns in information and data.

Aquarius “thinks outside the box.” It breaks new ground in science and technology. Aquarius rules advances in computer technology, electronics, new sources of power, air travel and space exploration. Additional archetypes for Aquarius include the computer geek, the “mad scientist”, and the inventor.

Examples of Aquarian visionaries and inventors include Thomas Alva Edison, a pioneer in electric power generation and distribution, and the creator of the light bulb. Edison’s natal Mercury, Sun and Neptune in Aquarius contributed to him becoming the fourth most prolific inventor in history. Albert Einstein had Jupiter and his North Node in Aquarius. A revolutionary in the field of physics, his work lead to the development of quantum physics. Steve Jobs was an Aquarian innovator viewed by many as one of the greatest minds of the last century. Having Mercury and Chiron in Aquarius, Jobs had unique insight how computer technology could be used in the future.

The color for Aquarius is bold electric blue. Its gem is aquamarine. Its metals are uranium and aluminum. Large birds such as the emu are Aquarian animals. Fruit trees and orchids are plants symbolic of Aquarius. Parts of the body ruled by Aquarius are the ankles and lower legs, the circulatory system and blood pressure.

        “Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have the obligation to be one.”

                                    – Eleanor Roosevelt