The Great Mutation: Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius

After the unsettling turbulence of 2020 subsides, dewy eyes blink open in 2021 and see the world afresh?!  If only!!  Yet the astrological events of December begin a new cycle.    

A painful scouring has taken place over recent years, especially this last year.  The rampaging final throes of this dark night of the soul come to a close.  The solstice on December 21 marks a new cycle when Jupiter and Saturn enter 0˚ Aquarius in what’s known as the Great Mutation.  Jupiter and Saturn form conjunctions (aligning in the same sign/degree) every 20 years.  These conjunctions were in earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) for the last 200 years and this event begins the cycle of conjunctions in air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) for the next 200 years.   Saturn’s rules, limits and structures combine with Jupiter’s optimism, luck and abundance.  

How does Aquarius “fit in”?  No pun intended, as Aquarius is the sign of the “misfit”.  Aquarius is the element of air, though the glyph is a “water-bearer”.  Air flow is an important part of the world these days.  On the symbolic level, air is the flow and exchange of ideas.  Aquarius  champions a society that benefits all, integrating the good of the group with the good of the individual.  The awareness that the actions of one individual can affect the whole group is heightened.  

November 30 a penumbral lunar eclipse occurs in Gemini and December 14 a total solar eclipse occurs in Sagittarius.  Gemini and Sagittarius are opposing signs that connect to learning and education.  Sagittarius philosophically looks at the holistic or “big picture”, thinking symbolically.  Also, the eclipse in December is conjunct the south node, related to endings, a sense of completion or letting go.  Sagittarius is hot tempered and fiery, burning through the rubbish to find the truth.

Hibernation seasons starts with the solstice on December 21.  The ending of the year combines grieving and celebrating before setting sail into 2021.