The Age of Aquarius

The Age of Aquarius has its astronomical basis in what is called "precession of the equinoxes." The earth's magnetic north pole draws a large circle in the sky over a period of approximately 26,000 years. This is the result of gravitational pull from the moon and the sun, resulting in a wobbling effect of the earth's axis. As the circle of the "Great Year" is drawn in the sky, every 2166 years (approximately) the north pole points toward a new sign in the zodiac. The precise moment at which this change occurs can be estimated within a century or so of accuracy. The birth of Jesus was among the markers of the last change of ages, from Aries to Pisces. Historically these changes have coincided with dramatic turns of human civilization. Markers of our current change to the Age of Aquarius are space travel and the paradigm-altering effects of our rapidly increasing technology.

Interpretation of the meaning of the Age of Aquarius must be understood through both Aquarius (North Pole) and the opposite sign of Leo (South Pole). The sign of Aquarius is pro-egalitarianism. Taken to its extreme political end, we would develop a totally classless society of beings. We have seen unfortunate results from political efforts in that direction, such as loss of individual initiative and creativity. The poles must be balanced in such a way that our social systems worldwide are truly equal (Aquarius), while individuals are encouraged to contribute to society by recognition of their personal gifts. The mix of democracy and a capitalist economy can theoretically produce this outcome, but individual consciousness has not fully grown into the values needed to make it work. The good news is that we are just beginning this era of some 2100 years. Hopefully, we can find the truly functional combination between social equality and individual creativity.

WESTERN ASTROLOGY西方星空