Recalling the horoscope from the week of America’s national election, we knew even then that Uranus would play a disruptive role until just before Inauguration Day, when it will station direct (and no longer be retrograde). I mentioned then that the last time revolutionary Uranus was in status quo Taurus, the sign in which it is at its weakest, we saw the rise of fascism in Europe, precipitated by American isolationism. On Jan. 20, Uranus will also be conjunct Mars and the Moon, emphasizing an already volatile combination of elements.
This configuration of Uranus-Mars-Moon in Taurus will form a square to the configuration of Sun-Jupiter-Saturn in Aquarius. The square (90 degrees of separation) is a dynamic aspect that indicates a conflict — the kind that doesn’t let an individual or group rest until the problems indicated by its component planets and placements are resolved.
Conflict, of course, can be a motivating force and doesn’t necessarily end in chaos. It can result in transformation — should the right effort be made.
The Sun, Jupiter, and Saturn — or what I’d like to dub “The Three Kings” — are the three most influential planets in the zodiac, and they can work together to merge idealism with social conditions, albeit with an uneasy adjustment period.
Aquarius is both enlightened and empowered by this conjunction. Itself ruled by Uranus and Saturn, Aquarius represents the force that changes the status quo; Uranus being the revolutionary and Saturn being the tempered progressivist.
Leading up to and on Inauguration Day itself, we have a conflict between these two forces for change. Both intend to destabilize the status quo, but each sees the other as its impediment. One is increasingly hostile and wields tremendous social and emotional power; the other is intent on taking the high road because it holds the reigns of institutional power. Will there be a middle road?
The answer may lie in Mercury’s placement in Aquarius, free from any aspects to other planets, which is a rare occurrence. Even in myth, Mercury was the mediator and conduit between worlds. In Aquarius, it fosters universal communication; the use of intuition to express reason. Or perhaps we can also find guidance in Venus’s aspect to Uranus, one that fosters universal love.
If compassion and understanding were to prevail, despite the major conflicts we are witnessing, it could mean our collective entry not into another era of fascism but forward into a true humanitarian age. Keep those principles in mind as we watch what unfolds over this week and the weeks to come. Lasting change will require continuous effort.
In the spirit of democracy, here are your horoscopes based on your sign’s element and its planetary ruler’s placement:
Fire
Aries, Sagittarius, Leo
You can either stoke the flames of division or carry the torch of progress. Fire feeds on air, the free exchange of ideas, and only scorches earth, that which evolves slowly.
Earth
Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
You are the immovable mountains, as well as the fertility of life. Through your actions, you can either impede the flow of progress or you can nurture its growth.
Air
Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
You can either fan the flames of chaos or soothe what they burn. Your planets are perfectly placed to carry progress forward, like a seed on a breeze bound for greener fields.
Water
Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
You can either drown the world in discord or douse the flames before they catch. Either way, water is crucial to life’s unimpeded progress.
