The festive season kicks off on Christmas Eve with a significant alignment between two giants of the universe – Saturn & Jupiter. Also known as mythological father & son, Kronos & Zeus, these two planetary archetypes represent the contrasting forces of expansion & consolidation, optimism & realism, trust and response-ability.
Zeus overthrew his father to become King of the Gods, so this alignment also stands for the chaotic forces of necessary change/growth versus the status quo. Their latest cycle (20 years) began on 21 December 2020 with what is known as The Great Conjunction at 0 Aquarius. At that point we were in the middle of a series of lockdowns, with all its challenges. As this Great Conjunction was also shifting astrological elements, it started a new 800 year cycle, known as The Great Mutation.
As Jupiter & Saturn meet in square to each other now (August 2024-June 2025) we are offered the opportunity for next phase reflection & action. With both planets in mutable signs the focus is on adaptability, responsiveness & creativity yet also finding & knowing your anchor within these shifting tides.
Saturn asks that we look deep into the foundation of our lives; Jupiter’s call is towards the day-today nuances and challenges that suggest a more fundamental change may be needed. Looking back to 2020 and recognising what has changed in you and your life since then provides clues to the next phase. August 2024 may also provide a reflection point.
What did you do differently at that time?
Has that become a natural way of living now?
How is that working or not?
What needs to change to establish greater alignment with your true north, your soul’s longing?
This reflection flows through the festive season as the next significant energy shifts take place on 29/30 December. Plant your feet firmly in the earth of authenticity as we traverse these final few days of 2024, especially if/when awkward moments arise. The Centaur energies of Chiron and Pholus are at central stage as we approach New Moon on 30th. The Centaurs were known as a rowdy bund, half-horse/half-man, given to drunkenness and licentious behaviour. They represent our instinctual energies and the occasional need to let loose the boundaries of what is deemed ‘civilised’.
Chiron & Pholus were the two healer/guardians within the centaur group. They stand for the potential of healing that also arises when we let loose. There’s focus on ancestral heritage, poisons, intoxication, a tendency for being ungrounded and irresponsible… yet strangely, through these two archetypal space-holders, there’s also a potential for healing, simply in recognising and responding well to any momentary madness.
Being awake to what you are letting loose is wise. Not so much in what is said or done but recognising the energetic transmission can be potent.
What are you gifting forward? What potent legacy are you called to leave for future generations? It’s no big deal. It might simply be a shift in attitude or a simple action. It can be the smallest shifts that are catalysts for great change.
The Astrology
24 December: Blessing-giver Jupiter Rx at 14 Gemini square Wise Elder Saturn at 14 Pisces – second of three exact squares (19 August, 24 December & 15 June 2025)
29 December: Wounded Healer Chiron station direct at 19 Aries 21.13GMT opposing Black Moon Lilith at 20 Libra
30 December: New Moon at 9 Capricorn 22.27GMT exact conjunction to Centaur Pholus
