The Great Conjunction (Jupiter-Saturn Conjunction)
Today, 21 December, Jupiter and Saturn unite closer on the sky than they usually do. The alignment of these two planets is a rare heavenly happening, occuring only every 20 years. For the past couple occurences, their cycle aligned with the decades - in 1980 there was a conjunction, followed by an opposition in 1990, only to meet again in 2000 and oppose yet another time in 2010 before arriving to their conjunction in 2020. As such, this planetary transition defines the arts, science and politics for the next 20 years. Additionally, they conjunct after a potent Solar Eclipse just a week ago in Jupiter’s ruled sign, Sagittarius; not to mention that today is the winter solstice on the northern hemisphere. It is the longest night of the natural cycle of the year, and thus symbolises rebirth and is a time for manifestation.
Raphael: School of Athens
These are two powerful planets of their own: they are the two, largest planets in our Solar System (the name, gas giants is not an overstatement by any means), and they are the most influential social planets in Astrology, Jupiter being the great benefic, and Saturn the great malefic. This contrasting theme follows their whole interaction of the sky. Jupiter’s keywords are hope, expansion, possibility, luck. It governs the abstract mind, the values and ideologies and as such represents religion and philosophy. It’s symbol is the crescent of receptivity over the cross of the matter - seeing beyond the material world’s boundaries. Saturn, on the other hand, is the planet of Karma. It stands for limitations, responsibilities and commitment. Its main virtues are discipline, wisdom and persevarance. Saturn provides us with the lessons in our lives that make us grow; so no wonder that authority figures are under its domain. The Saturnian glyph represents the cross of matter over the soul, the realness of our existence. It is basically the Jupiterian symbol turned upside down. Where Jupiter reaches beyond limits, Saturn imposes limitations. So how do these planets act when in a conjunction?
A conjunction is when two planets on the sky appear to align from the Earth’s perspective. Astrologically speaking, it is when two planets are in the same sign, at the same degree. At such an aspect, their energies become blended, acting together as one. This is a united force, that often strengthens both planets involved. The closer the aspect (that is, the less degrees of distance), the more difficult to observe these energies as separate.
The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn is happening at 0° Aquarius; the sign of originality, independence, humanitarianism and progressiveness. The last time they aligned in this sign was around the birth of the Renaissance. It is the eccentric friend of the zodiac, who abhors limitations and constrains, but that is the same reason it is traditionally ruled by Saturn. Aquarius’ main focus is groups and communities, so with this transit, there will surely be a resurgance of the topics of equality and individual freedom.
Happening at the very first degree of a sign, the two gas giants have just moved into a new element and mode - a completely fresh blend of energies. The 0° of any sign is considered a critical degree, where a planet gets a fresh start, beginning on a new karmic cycle. It takes un the undiluted, pure eccence of that sign, and it screams of the obvious traits we all associate with that given sign. It is much like the Fool card in Tarot, as AstroLada has put it: it is full with visionary ideas, and enthusiasm to undertake it’s journey, but recklessly failing to realise it’s walking off a cliff.
Social influences
With such influences, we will surely redefine our ideas about freedom. We are stepping into a new period of progressive ideals after the traditional reign of Pluto in Capricorn. The previous structures will be brought down to offer way to new approaches. A hopeful time of radical changes and movements. Happening in an air sign, the way we think and communicate will undergo quite a transofrmation. Aquarius rules the Internet, groups and the LGBTQ+; everything under the new age category, and welcomes everything (and everyone) marginalised. Some speculate that there will be restrictions of the Aquarian platforms (as we experienced earlier this year with certain apps being deemed illegal due to power struggles), but also hopefully suggest that people will come together despite the restrictions, as we observed over the past couple months. One thing is for certain: people grew tired of staying silent. Dedicating time and energy to giving and helping others, contribute to causes you believe in will certainly come to the limelight. Especially with the square this conjunction forms to Aquarius’ ruling planet, Uranus, old patterns must be broken.
Personal influences
It is thought to be an auspicious time to commit yourself to a project you long held dear, but never dared to attempt. With the synthesis of Saturn’s discipline and Jupiter’s optimism, you will be able to achieve something you have always had doubts about. Nevertheless, you still have to roll your sleeves up, and do the work yourself, as opposed to relying on blind fate. Traditionally, as these planets rule over vocational ambitions, you could make a new professional goal, but it is not a must. The type of commitment we make at this point is defined by where the Great Conjunction takes place in our charts, and if there are any aspects to natal planets. But regardless of its nature, these are life-long enterprises. If we have been stuck, we might see the light at the end of the tunnel, discovering a new direction of our goals.
Saturn and Jupiter are enormous planets with enormous astrological influences. Their conjunction reshapes our thinking, bringing forth the Aquarian energies and issues, awakening us to how society, and ourselves, has to be changed. The commitments and changes made around this time will reach a zenith around theit opposition in 10 years time (not unlike the monthy role of the Full Moon). Until then, enjoy the beautiful sight of these celestial bodies coming together during the longest night of the year.
