‘You must learn to be happy here and now, under all conditions.‘
-Paramahansa Yogananda, Capricorn
Period December 21 – January 19, 2021
All dates and times according to Eastern Standard Time
December 21, 2020, 5:02 am EST: The Sun moves into the sign of Capricorn, the sea goat, and we begin a new solar cycle, as well as celebrating the solstice, and an auspicious Jupiter-Saturn conjunction. Happy birthday to you, dearest Capricorn friends!
UNDERSTANDING THE SIGN CAPRICORN
Capricorn is a cardinal, earth sign and is ruled by the planet Saturn. Saturn rules Aquarius by day (its masculine or outward expression) and Capricorn by night (the feminine or inward expression of Saturn).
The Capricorn archetype is exemplified by Cronus, the titan who fathered Zeus and the first of the Olympians. Cronus is related both to time and the harvest – his symbol is the sickle or scythe – and those ruled by Saturn are said to be in no rush to achieve their goals. Their steady pace usually ensures their eventual success on the professional ladder.
As the earth sign which follows on from Sagittarius, Capricorn is said to concretize the ideals of the Archer. Tangible results are important to this archetype, and those who fail to achieve their goals may suffer greatly. This is rare, however, as those with either Capricorn Sun or Ascendant are usually successful at their work, unafraid to put in the disciplined effort it takes to rise to the top of their chosen career.
Capricorn joins the old year to the new, ushering in the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, a time of celebrating the returning of the light
Capricorn joins the old year to the new, ushering in the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, a time of celebratimg the returning of the light. Capricorns appear to burn with their own steady inner light, building their empires quietly while others fluctuate in their goals.
They often shine in government, executive roles, and in vocations which require a mix of hands-on practicality and mental agility. Like the mountain goat, they’ll find sure footing where others may hesitate to tread.
‘It’s dark in the middle of the day
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, prime minister of india, 1998-2004
The sun is defeated by its shadow
Squeeze the oil from your soul
and light the wick,
Come let’s light a lamp again!’
December 21: On the solstice, as we celebrate the return of the light to the northern hemisphere and the Sun’s ingress into the sign of Capricorn, we are also marking the beginning of a new era. Like all good things, its birth will take some time, so cultivate patience and be the change you wish to see.
WHAT IS THIS NEW ERA?
As Jupiter and Saturn join at 0° Aquarius on the day of the solstice, we begin a reorientation of political and social order in the world. The Jupiter-Saturn conjunction takes place every 20 years and ushers in a shift in societal and global developments. This year’s conjunction is unique, heralding a new 200 year cycle as well.
Previous Jupiter-Saturn conjunctions have been predominantly in earth signs for 200 years and now we are entering a long period where their conjunctions will be dominated by the air element. In astrology, air represents thought and the mind. We will see a gradual shift from valuing material goods as the basis for our society to valuing communication and knowledge above all. This shift has already begun, with the Internet, online learning, and Bitcoin as a few examples.
The actual age of Aquarius, according to the precession of the equinoxes, will begin in the year 2378. We are now moving through the final five degrees of Pisces – and over the next 300 years the earth will slowly shift gears into a new paradigm. The 2020 Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in Aquarius (air) sounds a special note in this cycle.
December 29, 10:28 PM EST: Full Moon at 8° Cancer. This Full Moon highlights the friction in our world between idealism (as seen by Venus connected to Neptune at this lunation) and force (Mars is still square Pluto). It takes great inner clarity to know when to fight for a better world, and when to step back and let anger and intolerance unwind on its own. There is a call to protect the young and the innocent at the Cancer Full Moon.
The Cancer Moon also reminds us to nurture ourselves during this end-of-year season. We may wish to ask the question, “What feeds me on an emotional level so that I feel deeply satisfied?” – and then offer ourselves this meal.
HONORING MARS
January 6: Mars leaves Aries after six long months and enters Taurus. Use the time from December 21 to January 6 to complete any active projects begun mid-year. The final weeks of Mars in Aries may also bring up collective feelings stored up since March regarding the way world governments have dealt with the coronavirus situation.
On a personal level, when Mars is in Taurus (January 6 – March 4) don’t allow pent up energy to lead to frustration. If you’ve been on holiday, make your re-entry back to work gradual, taking time to smell the roses! And set up a regular exercise routine that offers you grounding as the year gets under way. Patience is key.
‘Wisdom is a chisel, love is the sandpaper. ‘
Paramahansa Yogananda
January 13: New Moon at 0:00 AM EST at 23° Capricorn. This is the time to ground your intentions for the year ahead in a practical task. Clean out, clean up, reorganize and rejuvenate your living and work space!
The many squares at this New Moon suggest friction which can be used to move your life forward. While forces greater than you are seem to want to keep you in place, challenge them by thinking big. Keep expanding your horizons. True freedom comes from a sense of knowing where you stand, and remembering how to fly.
January 19, 2021: The Sun enters Aquarius – look out for next month’s Astrology Update and hopefully some new video offerings. Wishing you all a peaceful holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year!!
Thank you for your support during 2020.
Love and light,
Catherine
Videos for ALL TWELVE SIGNS for 2021 are offered on my YouTube channel.
For fresh perspectives, musings and cosmic food for thought follow @goshenastrology on Instagram. For updates that you can listen to while exercising or driving to work, subscribe to my YouTube channel.
I would never put a date on the beginning of the Age of Aquarius, I have a feeling nobody knows. But apart from that, lovely.
Interesting, Erik. This date is based on the precession of the equinoxes. It is, of course, like any date when describing these enormous periods of time, just a date. Change is taking place incrementally all the time. Thank you for reading and posting, I appreciate it!