Welcome to the new year, earthlings! What’s one way you can turn 2021 into a better year? Know what the 2021 astrology is and prepare, and that’s exactly what we’re going to outline in this article – take notes.
It’s safe to say that we’re all ready for a new year, and hopefully, a much better one. Fingers crossed!
Before we get into 2021, let’s recap the powerful astrology of 2020.
2020 came to us with the powerhouse Capricorn stellium, bringing Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto together in this sign. Combined with other planets touring this sign, some final eclipses in Cancer-Capricorn, and retrogrades of all three personal planets, it’s not an astrological surprise that 2020 turned out be such an important year for the world.
With that energy, a lot of lessons had to be learned, individually, and collectively. Some seemed to learn better than others, but even if you tried to avoid it, you probably couldn’t.
Saturn is the natural ruling planet of Capricorn, so it was a Saturn-Capricorn kind of year.
This is restrictive energy. With the brief entrance into Aquarius earlier in the year (a sign of the masses and groups), this contributed to many the restrictions placed on us thanks to the pandemic.
But it wasn’t all like that!
Thanks to Black Moon Lilith in vocal, independent Aries, we also saw lots of protests, demonstrations, and people finally realizing how many aspects of life and the world need to be changed. Would we have realized that without the pandemic forcing us to be more introspective?
Hard to say, but it’s likely that those who felt empowered by Lilith in Aries stay the course with Lilith now in steady Taurus.
Jupiter and Saturn have moved on from Capricorn, now in Aquarius, since mid-December, and they paired up quickly on December 21st, 2020. We’re still experiencing some of that energy, and 2021 kicks off with a focus on massive change – that’s Aquarius!
It’s also very fitting energy for a new year, and energy we need pretty badly. Time to turn this around!
Your 2021 Ultimate Guide to the Stars
2021 Astrology: Mercury Retrograde
2021 comes with the standard three Mercury retrogrades, and all are in the Air signs:
- Aquarius – January 30 – February 20
- Gemini – May 29 – June 22
- Libra – September 27 – October 18
The Air signs are the social signs, the signs of the mind and communication, so how we express ourselves and engage with others can be a target for these retrogrades.
The first Mercury retrograde in Aquarius pairs up with Jupiter and Saturn now in Aquarius (and Mercury will conjunct Jupiter on February 14th), so this retrograde may bring a ton of focus on the Aquarius energy.
We have to take a good look at the changes we’re working to make, the future we hope to create, the dreams that inspire us, and the hope that keeps us going.
The Gemini Mercury retrograde comes with the first set of eclipses for 2021 in Gemini and Sagittarius and triggers the June 10th Gemini Solar eclipse. This can be an amazing retrograde for second chances and do-overs because of that.
The Libra Mercury retrograde starts at a harsh angle to Pluto in Capricorn, so we do have to watch for power struggles and control issues at the onset. Libra rules the people in our lives and our relationships, so we have to improve our connections and be more respectful and fair.
Learn more about this popular transit: Your Ultimate Guide to Controversial Mercury Retrograde
2021 Astrology: Venus Retrograde
The year 2021 comes to a close with Venus retrograde in Capricorn, starting December 19th (until January 29th, 2022). This retrograde might bring us back to some of the Capricorn issues from 2020, and we may have to reckon with ways we haven’t been responsible, considerate, or ethical.
Relationships may be targeted, and we have to commit ourselves to the ones we really care about and are good for us. Any relationships that aren’t good for us have to figure out a way to improve or be willing to walk away.
Venus retrogrades are also notorious times for reconnecting with people from the past, breaking up (temporarily), or getting back together with exes (also temporarily). This may be a time to focus on diplomacy, civility, compromise, and mediation.
Don’t panic! Make sure to read: The Ultimate Guide to Retrogrades
2021 Astrology: Mars Moves Forward
Mars spent about half of 2020 in the sign of Aries. The sign Mars naturally rules, thanks to Mars retrograde in this sign. Mars finally leaves Aries on January 6th and keeps moving forward all of 2021, ending the year in Sagittarius.
Mars helped add to the frustration, aggression, and impulsive energy for 2020 and made it difficult for us to take action positively without ulterior motives. Mars is moving free and clear in 2021, so we have an easier time taking action, and we may not feel quite so stuck or helpless.
One thing to note with Mars in Taurus is Mars will be with Uranus in Taurus, and the two will hook up on January 20th.
This starts us off with 2021 driven by Mars to make changes with Uranus to improve stability, security, confidence, or that align with our values thanks to Taurus.
The changes we may make now, we may do research first and gather what we need to feel confident in our choices, and then once we take action, we keep going to the end. So choose wisely!
Learn more about this planet and how it connects to you: Mars in Your Birth Chart – What Drives You?
Eclipse Season 2021
Another reason 2020 was so wrecked was that we had extra eclipses, Lunar eclipses to be exact – four of them, to be more exact! We usually only have two, which added to so much of the emotional energy for the year.
Thankfully, 2021 just has the standard two.
The first eclipse season for 2021 comes with a Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius on May 26th and a Solar eclipse in Gemini on June 10th. Gemini and Sagittarius are active signs, highly engaging, always moving, and we may want to get out and go (but responsibly!).
Ideas and plans, big and small, can be a focus with these eclipses, and we may finalize something related to an idea or plan that was started in December 2020 (with a Sagittarius Solar Eclipse). Focus on what you’re passionate about and believe in.
The second eclipse season for 2021 comes with a Lunar eclipse in Taurus on November 19th and a Solar eclipse in Sagittarius on December 4th. The Sagittarius Solar eclipse is our last in Sagittarius, while the Taurus Lunar eclipse is our first in Taurus.
With the final Sagittarius Solar eclipse, this can give us one last boost of energy for starting anew with big ideas, big plans, expansion, exploration, and new adventures. We’re optimistic and open to the new.
With the first Taurus Lunar Eclipse, we start to get a feel for what 2022 will bring. We may need to weed out anything that could hold us back or start tackling blocks that have impeded stability or kept us from feeling confident.
Get more insights: The Ultimate Guide to Lunar & Solar Eclipses
2021 Transits: Saturn Square Uranus
For 2020, Jupiter conjunct Pluto was the dominant aspect throughout the year, leading to massive global transformation. The main 2021 transit is going to be Saturn square Uranus, which is exact on-and-off all year.
Squares are hard aspects, challenging us to look deeper and make changes from the core. Saturn square Uranus pits the planet of tradition and stability against the planet of the unconventional and change.
Oh my!
Saturn square Uranus 2021 will likely force us to continue down this road of tearing down what has been to rebuild something better. We have to avoid being stuck in our ways, flexible when needed, yet also have to avoid being impulsive and irrational.
We need to be smart, focused, and disciplined with what we do and create something that will last, but we can’t sit around idling, overly cautious, and worried. We have to move forward and make the changes necessary. Otherwise, we’ll see more problems.
In a way, this is a very fitting aspect for 2021 since Jupiter and Saturn are in Aquarius, the sign of change (and naturally ruled by Uranus). What changes can you make in your life that can set you up for years to come?
Want to learn more about planetary aspects? Check out: Sextile, Trines & Squares, Oh My! A Guide to the Planetary Aspects
Astrological Events for 2021: Jupiter & Neptune in Pisces
Jupiter is in Aquarius for most of 2021 but does play in Pisces for a brief period, May 13th to July 28th, 2021. Jupiter goes from touring with Saturn in Aquarius to touring with Neptune in Pisces, though the two won’t hook up in 2021 (that’ll happen in April 2022).
Jupiter still brings focus on the Neptune and Pisces energy, though, and we may be much more intuitive, compassionate, empathetic, and caring. We can do more to help others, especially those who need the help most.
This can be a great time to explore your subconscious mind, release baggage emotionally and spiritually, and understand the past so you can move on. There can be subtle hints all around you to do so.
2021 is a Year for Big Changes
So that’s 2021 in a nutshell! Make sure to keep track of each of these developments throughout the year and stay prepared and ready.
2021 is a year for big change, but you have to be smart about it. Start working on plans for changes you want to make, think about ways you can alter your approach to bring in fresh life, and find what you need now to be informed.
Have a great year!
