Saturn and Jupiter Square Off- The Societal Impact

The Saturn/Jupiter cycles represent 20 year periods of societal change because the two planets align roughly every 20 years to form a “Great Conjunction”. The last one of these happened in December of 2020. Can you remember anything going on then that might have marked the beginning of a large social shift?

Because Jupiter moves faster than Saturn, it gains 90 degrees of separation from Jupiter about every 5 years. Thus 5 years after a Great Conjunction, we have an “Opening Square” during which the process of change becomes uncomfortable and filled with tension. Some people may not feel the change is fast enough, in the right direction and some may fight any change at all. Whatever the case, people are compelled to act, and we will see in the weeks leading up to and following the June 15th conjunction. But how will it all play out?

First let’s look at Saturn who represents the patriarchy, time, old age, restriction and discipline. While Saturn has some very positive characteristics, such as rewarding hard, focused work and removing excess to enable new growth, I expect we will see more of the shadow side of Saturn because it just entered Aries and will lose dignity in this sign of its fall.

Thus Saturn in Aries may manifest in over-restriction, harsh punishment and a cold-hearted approach to control. Additionally, Aries is the Greek god of War, and we have already seen an increase in forceful military presence in the US and across the globe.

Interestingly, Saturn is almost conjunct Neptune, a planet that is associated with illusion and image. Due to this, some say that Neptune rules Hollywood, and fittingly right now, a strong military presence is occupying Neptune’s backyard of Los Angeles.

Now let’s look at Jupiter who represents growth, expansion and the things that help us expand like Higher Education, Foreign Cultures/Travel and Ethics/Law. While Jupiter can have negative manifestations such as excess and self-righteousness, I expect to see more of its positive side because it just entered the sign of Cancer where it is exalted and will display more dignified behavior.

Perhaps universities and judges will step up to the plate and champion causes promoting healthy expansion, growth and inclusion.

Cancer itself is a sign that reflects a nurturing home and family vibe, so at its best, Jupiter in Cancer may help us expand our vision of home and family. Can we see home beyond our walls and even our nations? Can we see family beyond blood-relatives to include friends, neighbors, foreigners and even those with different beliefs?

Given Jupiter’s current edge in dignity over Saturn, I am hopeful that we can navigate this time peacefully, lovingly and in a way that will promote positive societal change, but it’s up to each one of us to do our part. So please bring your positive, expansive, generous Jupiterian energy to the table and share it with all. Let’s see what happens then.