Many of the major themes of 2021 will be anchored around the Saturn Uranus square occurring between the signs of Aquarius and Taurus. Together, these two planets will be butting heads as part of a slow dismantling process that’s shifting the world from one regime to a new era. On a personal level we may notice impulses to make changes to existing life structures that are long overdue for renewal. This is part of the awakening process that the world will be undergoing on all levels this year.

This square will become exact three times this year (18 Feb / 15 Jun / 24 Dec) but will remain within a three degree orb until November 2022.  Mars will also be triggering this sensitive area at the end of January, July and November which will bring further tensions. On top of this, the first eclipse of Taurus in November will also exacerbate the issues of this square. What this means is that we need to be aware of the symbology of the Saturn Uranus square as it’s about to influence the whole world. Here’s a breakdown of this aspect from an archetypal, mundane and personal level.

The clash between the rebel and the king

Saturn is traditionally the outermost planet, closest to the prime mover and the furthest planet seen by the naked eye, signifying the boundaries of our existence. The walls of Saturn are viewed by some as obstructions or oppression, and by others, as the protective structure necessary to preserve life.

The quality of Saturn highlights the cost of each benefit we reap, where sacrifice, patience, persistence, duty and labour are rewarded by material success and social esteem. In spiritual parlance, karma is a function of Saturn, and no one can escape his gaze from up high on his wall.

Only Saturn knew what existed on the other side of this wall which faced the realm of the angels, spirits and higher intelligences. So when Uranus was discovered in the late 18th Century, it brought with it the shock, disruption and new possibilities of the unknown world. Until this day, the nature of Uranus continues to shake up the system, distort our reality and breathe in new life and ideas. It is famously known for its anxiety-producing breakdowns and libeterating breakthroughs.

Like the other modern planets, Uranus brings an ‘other worldly’ quality to materiality. From Uranus’ perspective, this can look like innovation, ideologies, radicalism, an avant-garde progressive outlook,  ostracism and rebelliousness. Some appreciate the freshness and excitement of Uranus, yet for others (typically the Saturnian types) Uranus can be, well…. a pain in your anus. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself)

And such is the natural tension between these two archetypes, which is further emphasised by the tension-producing square aspect that they make every two decades.

If Saturn is the conservative king/father archetype, Uranus would play the role of a rebellious, liberated, young idealist. The clash between the two could be epic and stubborn, given they are in fixed signs for the next two years. For 2021 (and 2022 to some degree), we are likely to feel this archtypal relationship play out within our personal and collective lives, through a chaotic clash of ideas, leading to significant changes of a long standing system or way of life. It will be a year where habits are broken and outdated systems changed.

Historical events coinciding with Saturn Uranus squares

The cycle of Saturn and Uranus coming into a square aspect together is roughly between 20 to 22 years. Historically,  the squares of Saturn and Uranus have brought about themes of rebellion, revolutions, uprisings,  an urge to change the current system, sudden acts by crazed individuals and idealists, mania, movements by underground subcultures, extremists, social exclusivity, ostracism, hype and novelty, shocks, taboos, exposés, natural disasters (especially those involving eruptions of earth’s structures), technological advancements, innovation and heightened activities in aeronautical / space travel and the conflict between conservatism and radicalism.

For example, in the 1999/2000 square where Saturn was in Taurus and Uranus was in Aquarius, the world produced events such as the Colombine massacre, the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, a series of racially-based killings across the world (eg. the L.A. Jewish school, Kosheh massacres in Egypt, neo-Nazi group bombings in England to name a few). We also saw the extreme earthquake activity in Turkey, Iceland and Sumatra, along with Hurricane Floyd, Oklahoma tornados and the worst flooding in Mozambique in 50 years. And, the mania around the Y2K phenomenon along with Bill Clinton’s acquittal featured in this period.

In October 1975 to May 1977 (Uranus in Scorpio, Saturn in Leo), the Soweto riots against Aparthied policies, the rise of punk, the boycot of the Montreal Olympics, “Son of Sam” killings and the failed assasination of Bob Marley and his manager played out. Technologically, we saw two NASA Spacecraft land on Mars, the world’s first laser printer, VHS and the birth of Apple Computers.

Prior to this, the square of November 1951 to September 1953 (Uranus in Cancer, Saturn in Libra) saw more innovations – the first presidential campaigns broadcast in the US, invention of the microwave, introduction of the contraceptive pill, the polio vaccine, the transistor radio, the first video game using a graphical display and the testing of the atomic bomb. Politically, Queen Elizabeth was crowned after the shock death of King George VI and Nelson Mandela was arrested.

It will be interesting to see what emerges of Queen Elizabeth and the monarchy this year. With the Queen having Taurean placements, King George VI passing on the same transit in the 50’s, the urge towards systemic change and growing pressures in the royal family, this may be a year where the monarchy as we know it, changes forever. 

Karl Marx – a symbol of Saturn square Uranus

A good way to get a feel for the Saturn square Uranus aspect of 2021, is to study the chart of someone who was born with this planetary configuration. One example is Karl Marx, born 5th May 1818, Trier Germany, 2:00am (AA rating).

As a philosopher, economist, historian, sociologist, political theorist, journalist and socialist revolutionary, Marx based his theories (known as Marxism), on the issues of class conflict seen through the capitalist model and pushed for a classless, communist system which he considered to based more on social equality. Here we see Marx’s Uranian idealism push towards a systemic change of the conservative Saturnian idea of capitalism play out in his lifes work. We also see qualities of Saturn square Uranus play out in his personal life where he was outcast and exiled for his radical views.

Saturn square Uranus outlook for 2021

As the Saturn Uranus square will be playing out across the fixed signs over 2021/2022, those with natal placements in the signs of Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio are likely to have some important themes play out during this time.

While history has produced some pretty intense imagery during the previous Saturn Uranus squares, I’m a little more optimistic about this year’s occurrence. Firstly, Saturn will remain in rulership in Aquarius, allowing him the resources and power to do constructive Saturnian tasks like re-organisation, structural change, manage, control and provide order. My previous article from March 2020, Saturn in Aquarius – A Collective Restructure, gives a comprehensive treatment of Saturn’s movement into Aquarius and what this could mean.

The benefic Jupiter will also be co-present for most of the year in the same sign as Saturn, bringing positivity, grace and goodwill to the story. Saturn is also making an overcoming square to Uranus which means Saturn has the upper hand. And, having strong sign dignity in Aquarius, I’m hopeful that some solid systemic changes can be made this year for the ‘new normal’ even though Saturn has to make some tough calls and won’t be able to please everyone. We may all need to grit our teeth and persist for the sake of larger collective goals.

Uranus has been in Taurean territory since mid-2018, shaking up one of the most change-resistent signs ever since. If you’re a Taurus Sun, Moon or Rising, I’m sure you’d understand! Symbolically, Taurus rules the land, the earth, food, possessions, money, assets, earthly and sensual pleasures, and everything that we need to exist in a material sense. Since the revolutionary Uranus entered Taurus, we have seen massive disruption to the economy, the rise of cryptocurrencies, gradual disintegration of bricks and mortar retail stores, a push towards online buying, decolonising trend from cities towards the land, increase interest in growing, farming and food/living co-ops, for example. All of these trends are bucking the current system, and we will see further exacerbation of this as the Saturn Uranus squares occur this year.

Ideologies (Uranus) around the Taurean principle will continue to challenge the current conservative capitalist system, ruled by Saturn. We can expect to see radical thought push the boundaries of our current mindset, and via the breakdown / breakthrough pattern of Uranus, may see the first sprouts of the new technocratic and plutocratic agendas emerge, and possibly the consequential uprisings for or against them.

Impacts within our personal context

Lastly, how does all of this translate to your personal context? As previously mentioned, we’re likely to feel, observe, experience or live out the authoritarian-rebel dynamic somewhere in our lives. This would depend on which houses you find Aquarius and Taurus ruling in your natal chart. For example, Capricorn-rising folks may feel the tension between the uprising from their children or love interest (5th house) over their job or money situation (2nd house), calling for a new way of life which can incorporate more joy, pleasure and self expression. An in depth exploration of this transit is available via the 2021 Transit Sessions available during February 2021.

Somewhere in our personal lives we will have a rebel or revolutionary who is fed up with the current way of doing things. This part of us seeks change, excitement and a chance to try something new or radical to free ourselves from the boredom and stagnation of what we’re currently doing. Uranus moving over our charts will raise issues that challenges us to get closer to our authenticity. Like the strike of an electrical lightning bolt looking to ground its insights onto the earth, this urge towards authenticity may come through sudden or unpredictable means. In doing so, there’s a part of us that could be a bit reckless or restless like an undetonated land mine hidden in the ground, saying or doing things in the heat of the moment.

Meanwhile, this dynamic energy has to contend with a more conservative side to us that’s fearful of taking that leap of faith, and for good reason. It’s natural that we would want to maintain the idea of order in the safety of what we already know. For most, the responsibilities and practicalities of life weigh in heavily in our decision making – finances, living situation, livelihood, duties, commitments, relationships, etc. With this square configuration featuring strongly this year, it’s likely that these decision making parameters will be pushed to the edge of our mental considerations. If this happens, we could find ourselves either climbing over that Saturnian wall, or, building a higher wall to contain our fears, control and sense of order. The dates of the exact squares (18 Feb / 15 Jun / 24 Dec) will be the significant signposts for this story.

If you’re one of the fixed signs of Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio, the Saturn Uranus square will be looking to activate some deep structural reformations within your life. With Pluto off axis to this transit and Jupiter helping you, this is the year to take that leap of faith into something that has been on the cards for a long time.

Strategies to manage 2021’s Saturn Uranus theme

Manage anxiety

Any activation of Uranus translates to a feeling of an earthquake beneath your feet. It’s sudden, high tension and anxiety rich. This year would be beneficial to take extra care of your mental health in whatever ways that work for you. It could even be a good year to start a new practice of mental care if it’s something that’s been neglected for a while.

Cutting down on caffeine and other stimulants would be helpful, along with working with herbs that help manage anxiety and promote calm and groundedness (tulsi, lemonbalm, for example). Meditation, mindfulness and other practices that will help move you from the mental realm into an embodied, sensual being will ground and restore balance.

Breaking old habits

Have you got an old habit that has been hard to shake? The energy of Saturn squaring Uranus could help you finally resolve it this year. Though it won’t be easy, using this dynamic square to support you to let go of old habits, attitudes or thought patterns, could deliver some real breakthroughs for you. Of course, persistence and hard work are key as Saturn is in the superior position.

Flexibility

From a mindset perspective, it’s important to stay flexible and open to the unexpected this year. Uranus is unpredictable and may throw massive curve balls this year, much to the despise of Saturn. Challenge yourself to have a broad perspective, more compassion and less judgement in order to get the best of the surprises.

Recalibration

The major theme and purpose of the Saturn Uranus square this year is to dismantle and recalibrate. It’s time to reset on long standing issues, and bring about new possibilities and outlooks for your life. It’s time to look forward, rather than let your past memories, behavious and traumas define your current moment. Especially in February, when all the traditional planets (besides Mars) are in Aquarius, colluding new plans in the secrecy of the Sun’s light all the while resetting their synodic cycle when they pass through the Sun’s conjunction, there has never been a better time to face your fears and redefine new ways of living and doing.

I’ve been listening to Joe Dispenza  lately as I mentally prepare myself for 2021. I find his work extremely resonant with the vibe of the Saturn Uranus square and helpful with recalibrating my mind and body with new possibilities.

Meeting your fears

I have no doubt that we will all confront our fears this year, whether we like it or not so why not do this with intention?! The areas of your natal chart where the fixed signs reside will point to where the fears reside. Having self compassion and self love as you head into this year will help bring you courage to be vulnerable for this shadow work. Be kind to yourself, and surround yourself with positivity and support for this process.

Bookings and consultations

If you’re interested in exploring more about this transit’s impact on your natal chart, along with other significant cosmic activity for your upcoming year, you may like to consider booking a session. Currently there is a special 2021 Transit Session available at an accessible price to help you understand the upcoming transits for you this year. Being aware of these transits and where they impact your chart is so helpful in preparing yourself mentally, emotionally and practically for the upcoming year. You may also be interested in a more comprehensive Year Ahead forecast or Natal Consultation. to help support you for this year’s themes.

All the best for your upcoming year of awakening, dismantling and recalibration!