Astronomy | On Dec. 24 comes the final of three exact square aspects between Saturn and Uranus. This tense aspect has been the defining astrological feature of 2021, offering little relief following the difficult and uncertain year that was 2020. The tug of war tensions between progress and tradition, plus ongoing societal discord and growing distrust in our collective institutions have been major themes. The slow dance of these two planets was initiated in 1988 with their conjunction, followed by a square in 2000, and an opposition in 2008. In 2032, these two planets will form another conjunction, closing their current cycle and beginning a new chapter. A brief historical survey of this time period reveals economic and cultural upheavals as traditional markets and mores meet with technological advancements. Having become unmoored from our ecological and philosophical pillars, hard conversations are required to recodify our shared principles. However, the climate of polarization leaves us stymied. Perhaps in 2025, when Saturn in Pisces forms a harmonious trine aspect to Uranus, we will be better equipped to meet one another in good faith.
Astrology | The end of the year offers us ideal viewing of the planets. Venus, always a stunner, is at max brilliancy, now incomparably bright and high in the evening sky. Jupiter and Saturn, whose Great Conjunction was the main event of 2020, are visible in the evening sky again this December, though with a bit more separation betwixt the two. In fact, in early to mid- December, these three planets will be equidistant in the sky. Although Mercury is now fading from view in the post-sunset sky, Mars is becoming easier to spot in the early morning hours before sunrise. If you’ve the benefit of a telescope, you may want to try and spy the outer planets. Uranus and Neptune are both out in the evening sky throughout December, though slightly less bright than they were the previous month. In mid-December, Neptune is about 20 degrees from Jupiter, while Uranus sits about 90 degrees from Saturn. Applying a little basic geometry will help you to locate the lesser-known ringed planet. Although Uranus’s rings are nearly impossible to spot even with a telescope, it is bright enough to detect its greenish color, with Neptune boasting a distinctive blue hue.
~ Dawn Andreoni is a yoga teacher and astrologer living on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. You can find more about her offerings at celestialdawnastrology.com or follow her at facebook.com/astronotions.
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