I have been mulling over my thoughts for the 2025 year ahead and there is just so much going on that I need to order my thoughts and weave together a story so that you can understand the importance of this time. We are truly living in an incredibly exciting period in history and this also comes with much uncertainty. But in this uncertainty there is a divine plan and I want to outline what the major themes are at this time.
First I want to go back to 2020 as much of this process started in that time. It was the Covid time and there were many indications that the world was in a war-like state – the virus and lockdowns. We ended up in a war with a virus we couldn’t see and it didn’t worry about closed borders or boundaries. The world shut down. Those in power had a wonderful time trying to control and manage all outcomes. It was easy to lock down -more difficult to relax the controls as so much fear had been created during this period. The difficulties managing a virus and the social and financial fallout from lockdowns was very significant for many people and industries. But it made society find new ways of operating and the biggest opportunity came with technology and this realisation that many people could work from home or anywhere for that matter. Young people wanted more flexibility in the workplace.
The major signatures of this time was Saturn conjunct Pluto – death, loss and issues of power and control by those in authority. This period started in Feb 2019 through to Nov 2020 and this aspect was exact on 20 Jan 2020. Jupiter joined this conjunction in Nov 2020 through until Jan 2021 and was exact on 21 Dec 2020 at 0 degrees Aquarius as the Sun moved into Capricorn on the solstice. This was a particularly powerful period and as these planets joined at 0 Aquarius an air sign.
Jupiter and Saturn conjunctions are important markers in societal progress. We all relate to this cycle. It is long enough for us to experience a number in our lifetimes. Jupiter is expansive and wants growth and opportunity and Saturn is restrictive and likes order and limitations. Saturn demands responsibility and wants to build in a more sustainable path with accountability. This cycle is 20 years, and the next conjunction will be exact in October 2040. What is very interesting about this period is that for the last 200 years these planets have been conjunct in earth signs – Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.
This table shows how the Jupiter Saturn conjunction moves through the elements. For the past 200 years since 1802 these planets have joined in earth signs. There was a brief period in 1980 and 1981 where they came together in the air sign, and this gave us a sneak peak of the period to unfold for the next 200 years when they finally joined in Dec 2020 at 0 Aquarius. It is important to note the 0 degrees as this is a powerful degree denoting the start of the sign.
It is fascinating to recall how in 1980 the World Wide Web did not yet exist. But what was significant was the launch of the personal computer – IBM PC and Apple II. The internet existed as a network known as ARPANET for academic and government institutions to share data. The birth of the World Wide Web happened in 1989 when Tim Berners-Lee invented it while working at CERN. The first web browser came online in 1990. What is interesting is that this was halfway through the cycle when Jupiter opposed Saturn in 1989 and 1990.
This is a massive indicator that we are undergoing incredible societal changes and these changes will play out over a period of 200 years. The last time we navigated a period of Saturn and Jupiter conjunctions in air signs was the period between 1186 and 1404. This period in history spans the High Middle Ages (1000 to 1300) and the Late Middle Ages (1300 to 1500).
High Middle Ages – Feudalism dominated the social and economic structures in Europe. Many Crusades took place during this period aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land and expanding Christian influence. Scholasticism flourished – a system of learning emphasising logic and reason. The Gothic style dominated the construction of iconic cathedrals like the Notre Dame in Paris. The growth of trade networks and urbanisation laid the foundation for a more diverse and complex economy.
Late Middle Ages – The Great Famine and the Black Death devastated populations leading to significant social and economic changes. The monarchies in England, France and Spain rose to prominence. The Hundred Years War (1337 to 1453) between England and France began. The Catholic Church experienced a gradual decline with calls for reform. The Avignon Papacy (1309 to 1377) was a period in history where the popes resided in Avignon, France instead of Rome. This all started in 1309 with Pope Clement V, a Frenchman. Seven successive popes resided in France, all Frenchmen. The Avignon Papacy was criticised for being over influenced by French politics. Many ordinary people felt the popes abandoned their spiritual responsibilities and focussed on material wealth. The Church increased taxes to fund its lavish lifestyle leading to widespread resentment. In 1377 Pope Gregory XI returned the papacy to Rome. This period marked a chapter in medieval church history reflecting the dynamics at play between politics, religion and power.
Another significant event in this period happened in 1215 with the signing of the Magna Carta. This was a ground breaking document that established the principle that nobody was above the law. Everybody including the King was subject to the law. This document was the cornerstone to democratic principles worldwide. King John of England (1199 to 1216) faced growing discontentment from the barons because of a heavy tax burden placed upon them and certain military failures. His demands for money and resources to fund war and his disregard for feudal rights created widespread rebellion amongst the barons. The Baron’s Revolt in 1215 forced the King to agree to their demands. The key provisions included the rule of law – the King must obey the law. The rights of protection – protection from unlawful imprisonment. Fair taxation and Judicial Reform – the right to a fair trial. Limitations on Royal Power – restrictions of the King’s ability to seize land or resources without due process. These principles underpin democracy as we know it.
Outer planets changing signs
Pluto moved into Aquarius fully in Nov 2024. Pluto has been moving backwards and forwards over the last degrees of Capricorn since March 2023 and finally moved into Aquarius and will now stay there until Jan 2044. For the next 20 years we will live through Pluto in Aquarius. Pluto passed over the powerful 0 degree Aquarius that was first activated with Saturn and Jupiter on 21 Dec 2020 three times over the past 2 years in March 2023 and Jan and Nov 2024.
Pluto is a destructive and powerful force associated with death and decay, taxation and debt. In the sign of Aquarius, with Saturn as the traditional ruler, we are called to reimagine our society. Saturn wants us to take responsibility personally and collectively and hold those in power accountable. We need to work collectively to create the societies where we all can thrive and we have to step up individually and take more personal responsibility.
The Pluto cycle is long – 248 years and because of its orbit, moves through the signs as various rates. It was last in Aquarius between April 1777 and Dec 1798. The major political events at this time are the ratification of the US Constitution in 1788 and in 1789 George Washington becoming President. America gained its independence from Britain. At the same time the French Revolution begins (1789 to 1799). The Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789 marked the start of the revolution. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was drawn up on 26 Aug 1789. The values of liberty, equality and fraternity are central to the French political system. This concept of fraternity emphasises the importance of brotherhood and unity amongst citizens and emphasises the collective responsibility of individuals to support one another in pursuit of common good. The ideal of fraternity is rooted in the belief that all members of society are bound by shared human dignity and mutual obligations.
We should expect some massive shifts during this period. Autocratic leaders not in touch with the needs of ordinary people may find themselves in great difficulty.
Neptune moves into Aries in March 2025 and stays in this sign until March 2039. This is another hugely significant marker for societal change across the globe. Neptune was last in Aries between April 1861 and April 1875. The Neptune cycle is another very long cycle of 165 years. The most significant political events of this period were the American Civil War (1861 to 1865) and the Emancipation Proclamation (1863) issued by President Abraham Lincoln declaring freedom for slaves in the Confederate states. Lincoln was also assassinated shortly after the Civil War ended in 1865. The Reconstruction Era (1865 to 1877) aimed at rebuilding social structures by integrating slaves into society. This process led to the 13th and 14th Amendments (1865) which abolished slavery in the US and granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalised in the US including former slaves and guaranteed equal protection under the law. This period was also known for the rise of the Ku Klux Klan (1865) a white supremacist organisation opposed to the reconstructive changes in society.
The history of Europe reflects on the Unification of Italy (1871), the Unification of Germany under Prussian leadership after the Franco-Prussian War. The defeat of France led to the fall of the Second French Empire and establishment of the Third Republic.
In Asia the Meiji Restoration in Japan (1868) marked the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the modernisation of Japan. It also marked the end of the Taiping Rebellion in China (1864) one of the deadliest conflicts in history. It also marked the Abolition of Serfdom in Russia (1861) when Tsar Alexander II emancipated millions of slaves.
As Neptune moves from Pisces (the collective) into the sign of Aries (individual) we should expect once again to see many significant changes to the structure of societies across the world. Neptune is the idealist and describes that certain sacrifices are necessary for societal change. Aries is a cardinal, fire sign of action and determination. This combination can certainly inspire bold actions towards dreams and aspirations. Neptune can create much confusion as the dreams and ideals are not clear and might shift and change over time. It certainly describes that to achieve lofty ideals groups of individuals will have to make significant sacrifices.
Uranus moves from Taurus into Gemini between July 2025 and May 2033. This is an 84 year cycle.Uranus was last in Gemini during WW2 – Aug 1941 and June 1949. In addition before that between June 1858 and March 1866, the period of the American Civil War.
Uranus is associated with revolution, disruption and chaos. It is also associated with innovation. Gemini is a dual sign (the twins). It is a mutable, air sign and very changeable. The innovation will come in this sphere connecting people and ideas. Uranus is associated with science and technology and it seems reasonable to assume we will experience the advances in AI technology during this period. It is also important to consider the role of communication in conflicts and note how communication and ideas can be manipulated to achieve certain demands. Is it this or that? Duality in action.
Saturn moves from Pisces to Aries between May 2025 to April 2028. Saturn moves from the compassionate sign of Pisces (collective) to Aries (individual). In Pisces, Saturn struggles to draw a line and hold those accountable. It is this balance between building structures in society that are stable and provide support but at the same time being flexible and showing compassion and mercy. Pisces is Jupiter ruled which is expansive my nature. Saturn is limiting and more restrictive.
Saturn was last in Aries between April 1996 and March 1999. This is a 29 year cycle. Saturn is fallen in Aries – an impulsive, cardinal, fire sign. This creates complications. Saturn is about learning to take responsibility for your actions in Aries. The individual needs to take responsibility – there are consequences for certain actions and lessons may be learned the hard way. It is also going to be a challenging time for those in authority as individuals question if the rules are relevant and/or apply to people like them. These are individuals with a personal vendetta. Saturn in Aries teaches lessons of self-limitation.
Key Planetary Aspects
Jupiter square Saturn – July 2024 to Jul 2025.
The Jupiter Saturn conjunction on 21 Dec 2020 is now forming a waxing square. This is a building process before we reached the opposition between Dec 2029 and Oct 2031. We are encouraged at this time to find the middle road. Not too fast and not too slow. Jupiter is expansive and wants growth at all costs. Saturn is more circumspect and wants to slow things down and build lasting changes in society. Changes that will withstand the test of time. Saturn slows progress, puts obstacles in the path and forces a more considered process.
Jupiter will also square Neptune at this time between May 2025 and July 2025.
We are searching for the truth at this time. It might be hard to know what is real and what is illusionary. Jupiter deals with knowledge, beliefs and the law. Neptune is the idealist and is also delusional. What sacrifices are necessary at this time to achieve these ideals? Many questions around beliefs and spiritual paths. Neptune is associated with addiction – too much of a good thing can be very destructive. Jupiter moves into Cancer during this period between June 2025 and June 2026. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer – provide and protect.
Saturn and Neptune will be conjunct between April 2025 and April 2026 and exact on 20 Feb 2026 – World Axis 0 Aries.
This is a 36 year cycle and last happened between Dec 1988 and Jan 1990. It was exact in March, June and Nov 1989. This is a very significant period as Saturn rules governments and those in authority and Neptune connects to the ideals and dreams of those in society. It implies that people become disillusioned with their society. The dream has not materialised as they imagined. It will dissolve so that something else can emerge.
The Berlin Wall fell on 9 Nov 1989 and marked the end of the Cold War with the fall of communism in Eastern and Central Europe. The wall was torn down by demonstrators with sledgehammers. This wall had stood from 1961 to 1989 separating East and West Germany. A series of revolutions in Hungary and Poland in 1989 caused a chain reaction in East Germany.
The world order changed. The ANC was unbanned on 2 Feb 1990. SA history got caught up in a changing world order.
The Tiananmen Square Protests in China between students and the government lasted from April to June 1989. These demonstrations called for democracy, free speech and a free press in China. The protests were halted with a deadly crackdown, known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre on 3 June 1989.
The period 1985 to 1991 marked the end of the Cold War. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was formally dissolved on 26 Dec 1991. Lithuania was the first to break away from the Soviet Union in March 1990. These nations split from the USSR including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia, Estonia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Following the defeat of Nazi Germany in WW2, the Soviet Union installed communist regimes in Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, East Germany and Albania. In 1949 this grouping formed a communist alliance under the Warsaw Pact. The Western grouping of countries of the US in 1949 formed NATO. This was the start of the Cold War between US and USSR. West versus East. With Russian invasion of Ukraine which is now more west leaning and more countries wanting to join NATO, Russia sees this as a direct threat. Things are likely to come to a head in early 2026 when Saturn and Neptune join again in conjunction just like they did in 1989.
Vladimir Putin, 7 October 1952, St. Petersburg, Russia
Cyril Ramaphosa, 17 Nov 1952, Soweto, South Africa
Xi Jinping, 15 June 1953, Beijing, China
All three of these leaders were born with Saturn conjunct Neptune. It is a 36 year cycle.
Saturn and Neptune were conjunct in 1917. During this period, the Russian Revolution marked the abolishment of the Russian monarchy in 1917. When the Russian monarchy was overthrown, a new system of governance started that led to communism. The U.S. became engaged in World War I on 4 April 1917.
The next conjunction between these 2 planets was 1952/1953 when these leaders were born. Joseph Stalin died on 5 March 1953. This ended his long reign as leader of the Soviet Union from 1924 until his death in 1953.
These planets joined again in 1989 with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the eventual collapse of communism in Russia.
Looking back in history it is clear that this cycle is very important in the history of Russia, China and South Africa. A system collapses and another replaces it.
As you can see there is so much going on astrologically indicating significant change. We truly are living in very interesting times.
