As we watch our country descend into unrest and injustice, our in-house astrologer, Lori Bell, addresses the moment through an astrological lens to shed light on the meaning of these times, and how we as a collective society can contribute to this unique opportunity for evolutionary growth.
For further insight, perspective, and support, Lori Bell can be reached for private consultations at lori@loriabell.com
Rewind five years ago, as I was looking at my astrological aspects for 2020. The big, outer planets of Pluto and Saturn landed directly on my sun sign. This rare conjunction forebodes dark and pivotal transformation. The last historical footprint of Pluto/Saturn conjunction in the sign of Capricorn was in 1518—when the rage of the Protestant Reformation and the rise of the Transatlantic Slave Trade both changed the course of human history.
Astrologers knew that 2020 was going to be a year of similar epic change for all. Indeed, most of our lives are changing in ways no one could have ever imagined. The country is hurting. People are dying. We are collectively mourning. Our streets are on fire. Divisions threaten to tear us apart. We don’t know what is fact and what is fiction, all while enduring a global pandemic, global warming, and global inequality. Suffice it to say, June carries a heavy heart and corresponding celestial chaos.
There are two eclipses along with five planets in retrograde. This is a time of deep reflection as we consider responses to the uncertainty that abounds. Eclipses, though unpredictable, also force us to expand and become better versions of ourselves.
On the 5th of June, a potent full moon, south-nodal eclipse lands in Sagittarius. This marks a culmination, an ending to past events, and beckons us to embark upon positive new pathways. At the same time, Mars, the warrior planet, is creating tension with this full moon. Mars’ energy is volatile, restless, and angry. Sound familiar? We have already witnessed the dark side of this eclipse (which can be felt weeks in advance) with the killing of George Floyd and other racist incidents.
Let me explain further. The nodal axis changes direction every 18 months, pointing the way toward our next evolutionary lessons. Enter the polarity of Gemini/Sagittarius. Sag, residing in the south node, governs truth, law, justice, and dogma. We are in dire need to repair these aspects of our society. Meanwhile, the remedy lies in Gemini, occupying the north node. Gemini offers us a path toward deep, collective growth and renewal. It demands that we uncover the truth, disseminate information accurately, and listen to each other with receptive, open minds. Right now, we are struggling to know who and what to trust. Fake news? Conspiracy theories? COVID’s future? While we may not know the answer now, continue to search. Search for sources of truth, expand your views, share stories with friends, and look for places to create dialogue. It is through expansion that we will move towards peace.
This is a time of deep reflection as we consider responses to the uncertainty that abounds. Eclipses, though unpredictable, also force us to expand and become better versions of ourselves.
Then on the 21st of June, the most powerful new moon solar eclipse takes place in Cancer. This eclipse provides another energetic opportunity to release the past while envisioning a brighter future. Cancer represents home, family, roots, even our country. It offers refuge with its strong feminine, maternal attributes. Cancer would encourage you to wear a mask in public, demonstrating compassion and care for others. In the words of Andrew Cuomo, “when you wear a mask, it says ‘I respect you.” It is imperative that we bring this type of caring and respect to every sentient being, especially now.
Please know there is hope. Astrologically, the next two years invite a time to begin anew after this dark and tumultuous chapter in our history. Not only can we redeem these experiences of pain, but we can also grow together into a higher consciousness and support the evolution of humanity. Not only is this possible, but this is also the beauty of life.
Astrology, like history, moves in cycles. Saturn moved into Aquarius this past March (a short visit for 3 months until it’s longer stay beginning in December through March 2023) when our lives were dramatically altered, and we began sheltering in place across the globe. Whenever Saturn resides in Aquarius, it sparks significant and long-lasting innovations in the very nature of society. It changes how we live and how we relate to one another.
So, when else in history has Saturn resided in Aquarius? Think back nearly sixty years ago, 1962-64, to the height of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech on the 28th of August, 1963. That year was a defining one for the Civil Rights Movement and marked the most significant movement of racial reform in history.
Nearly thirty years later, from 1991-93, Saturn moved through Aquarius again. This era saw the development of life-changing technological milestones, led by the invention and implementation of the World Wide Web. During this historical period, Nelson Mandela won the Noble Peace Prize, and apartheid was abolished in South Africa. Here in the U.S., Ruth Bader Ginsberg began her long tenure as a Supreme Court justice. Now, this shifting cycle beginning in 2020, will be no exception. As a society, we must end the injustice that started back in 1518 with the Transatlantic slave trade. And we must finish the work of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.
In this time of significant change and uncertainty, we are being called to live together in peace, cooperation, love, and interconnection. It is time for a revolution in evolution. So ask yourself, how can you best show up for yourself and the world in which you live? Speak up, listen, learn, and contribute. Most of all, come November, cast your vote for change.
while we are all under the same sky
our stars and planets align uniquely
stay safe and care for one another
