Astrology of 2020

much of this article was originally posted when Saturn first entered Aquarius in March of 2020. 

art by Krystle Marie Smith

Saturn first entered Aquarius on March 21, 2020, then retrograded back into Capricorn on July 1st.  Throughout most of November and December, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto were in lockstep within a few degrees, and because Mars was in challenging aspect to the Capricorn trio there was a great deal of conflict and chaos.  Saturn re-enters Aquarius on December 17th, 2020 and will remain in that sign until March 7, 2023.

Before we can understand the meaning of Saturn in Aquarius, we need to understand Saturn’s role in human existence.  This is especially important because as the traditional ruler of Aquarius, Saturn is said to be in its domicile in Aquarius (as well as in Capricorn).

Understanding astrological Saturn

Before the discovery of the modern planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto (not to mention Chiron, the asteroids, and all of the other points that are now used to some extent by astrologers) there were seven planets and lights: the Sun, the Moon, and the five visible planets.  Saturn marked the outermost boundary of the solar system, and was surrounded by rings of containment.  These physical attributes reflect the astrological depiction of Saturn as governing limitations, physical boundaries such as gateposts and doorways, and the limitations we place on ourselves through self-doubt and fears.  Saturn was traditionally viewed as the Lord of Death – unlike the modern planet Pluto, which is associated with death as the ending of one aspect of life and the beginning of something new, death under Saturn is finite and final.

Saturn (in the northern hemisphere where astrology developed) is associated with the two zodiac signs […]