2021 Signature Aspect: Saturn Square Uranus

Saturn in Aquarius squares Uranus in Taurus exactly today. Let's break it down to understand what this may mean.

Saturn's planetary energy represents structure, form, discipline, and authority. And Aquarian energy is about tinkering with community systems and architecture. There is an innovative quality to Aquarius in its higher octave, but in its lower octave, it can feel too strident and come across as dictatorial and arrogant.

Uranian energy represents electric jumps, intuitive leaps, revolutionary ideals, and an energy of awakening awareness. Taurean energy is of Nature, and can be seen as representative of a slow but steady quality that takes its time and savors each moment.

The square describes a 90° aspect between the two planets. Squares have a dynamic tension that is utterly challenging as each point goads the other, and each side wants to come out on top.

With effort, the two can be integrated, but not before restrictions and obstacles thrown up by both sides are processed. Squares agitate for action and from there, resolution is possible.

The conventional view on these two planets squaring in the sky is that of social unrest, protests, and general discontent arising from the push-pull of the old (Saturn) and the new (Uranus).

Indeed, much of this can be seen happening globally on different scales. The most poignant for me is the protest by farmers in India (stewards of the land = Taurus) rebelling (Uranus) against the government (Saturn in its natural home of Aquarius) dictating a new order (Saturn in Aquarius again).

I'd like to posit a path to integrate these energies. Saturn represents authority, but often it is authority we give away, and is projected on another. In Aquarius, we are in a context of thinking of societal norms and systems, and understanding the spectrum from dystopia to utopia, and the responsibility each entails.

So Saturn asks us to 'inhale back our authority' (C. Casey) and upcycle old resources that can serve the community in new ways.

Uranus, on the other hand, wants to shake us awake from our Taurean bubble of comfort and complacency. Uranus--as Prometheus (R. Tarnas)--gives Fire to Man and thus shakes up the world. In this way, Uranus in Taurus can be seen as clearing a path for a structured entry into a different way to perceive the world, led by Saturn in Aquarius.

Saturn is in a superior square to Uranus, and so has the upper hand, so to speak. In addition, it's worth noting that Venus is co-present with Saturn in Aquarius, and as the ruler of Taurus, influences Uranus to be--well, hopefully!--a bit less tumultuous.

On the other hand, Mars is co-present with Uranus, and while Mars also must bend somewhat to the will of Venus, there is definitely a more combative, combustive feel with both these planets in Taurus. Having said that, Mars in Taurus tends to be more strategic and elegant in the way it fights--think Muhammad Ali, who had his natal Mars in Taurus.

Taurus cleaves to Nature. Its energy is symbolic of the rhythmic beat of spring sprouting in glorious color everywhere--hence the tendency to sensual appreciation. Uranus is not comfortable here as its energy is more about being lightning quick and chaotic. The Taurean drive is to comfort, whereas the Uranian drive is to authenticity in the moment.
Aquarius as the Water Bearer pours the liquid that nourishes life. The tendency is to share in its higher octave. There can be an expansive quality to this zodiac sign and as Saturn is a diurnal planet, it is more at home in this diurnal sign.

So try to utilize the ability to get things done on a mental level in new ways with this Aqua Saturn, and be aware of shifting landscapes (Taurean Uranus)--and the need to elegantly adapt the container you are building--as you go.