In our attempt to understand the vast, complex universe in which we exist, it becomes necessary at times to break it down into its component parts. So, let’s begin by accepting the premise that the universe consists of a massive system of interlocking energies, and each particular portion of this energy comes with a group of characteristics or forces that are at play in any given moment. There are basically 12 groupings or blocks of energy that support the physical manifestation of the greater universe and are referred to as the 12 astrological signs. Although the entire energy of these 12 astrological signs exists in every moment, there is usually just one that dominates our experience in any given cycle. From our perspective, a cycle of manifestation is roughly 2,000 years and always includes an overlapping period with the previous cycle. This is where we find ourselves today. The influences of the previous cycle still impact us greatly, while the influence of the incoming cycle is just beginning to make its presence known and remains somewhat unclear. The turmoil and confusion humanity is currently experiencing is largely due to the overlapping of influences – we’re not sure if we’re this or that or what direction we’re headed. This is very challenging for us, but as we begin to adapt and move with the new influences, we understand they are providing us with a new and better way of living. The difficult period of transition is a relatively short period of time in the grander scheme of things, but it can seem like an eternity! We can be assured that our efforts will be appreciated and awarded with a greater understanding of love and purpose previously unknown. Let’s take a look at the two primary influences that are currently at play in our experience, Pisces and Aquarius, by understanding a little more about their unique characteristics and how they affect our thinking and behavior.
Pisces – past influence
As we consider the past age of Pisces, we must keep in mind that it still has a strong influence in our current experience, but will continue to wane for as much as 250 years or so. The good news is that we are about halfway through the overlapping period already. A gradual transition of energy always accompanies the changing times and allows for an ease of tension and stress. The age of Pisces was initiated by the Christ some 2,000 years ago, as he was the world teacher of that age, and he will remain so through this great period of transition into Aquarius. Pisces brought forward into the consciousness of humanity a strong sense of duality between spirit and matter, soul and personality, or higher self and lower self. In our attempt to understand God or spirit, we began to develop a vertical orientation within ourselves in order to establish a relationship between the creative universe and the physical world in which we live. The search for understanding was almost entirely an inner focus, with the goal of reaching upward. We needed to know what we were seeking or what our existence was all about in a sense. The Christ came to show us, through his actions and teachings, who we essentially are, beings of light and love, just like him. He showed us the way, but he also knew it would be some time before we would come to that realization. The age of Pisces was a time for prayer and meditation, a time to go within to establish the necessary relationship, and we relied primarily on faith as a way to achieve it. Let’s take a look at three qualities or aspects of Pisces, represented by the Christ, and see if we can gain a little more perspective about our past, as well as our present.
Compassion
Compassion is “par excellence” the quality of the Christ, as love through compassion is the principal characteristic of the world teacher in Pisces. “Judge not, lest thee be judged” is based upon the understanding that ignorance is the cause of fear and hate and explains the bad behavior that surely follows. If we add in the idea that judgment of others is mostly about self-projection, then the Christ’s message becomes quite clear. If we understood what we were creating with our words and actions, we probably would not engage in those words and actions. With more experience comes the opportunity to make different choices. Perhaps we could refrain from judgment and criticism of others in this regard.
Sacrifice
The Christ exemplified a very high level of sacrifice, for he had achieved a great awareness of universal purpose within himself and, rather than move on to pursue even greater understanding, he remained with us to give of his love and wisdom. He could not leave us behind in our ignorance, and decided to teach us how to achieve what he had achieved. At an individual level, we began to sacrifice our needs and desires in order to bring “down from above” this very same love and wisdom the Christ exhibited.
Idealistic Devotion
This particular quality of Pisces can be found in every world religion today. Because we lack the higher, more inclusive love found in the Christ, it will be gained and expressed in Aquarius, we have a tendency to adhere to the exclusivity of belief. These beliefs are purely emotional in nature and lead to a militaristic style of spiritual expression. Universal love, of which the Christ, the Buddha, and other great spiritual teachers are outstanding examples, is sorely lacking. What these teachers were trying to tell us is that God is love and love is all. There is only one kind of love, and this love applies to all. No one religion or system of beliefs has exclusive rights over, or has any higher level of understanding of, this one love. All the religious leaders of the various ideologies must come together and recognize this basic fact. The idea of separation is false.
Aquarius – current influence:
Aquarius is the water-bearer, water is life, and life is love. This is the energy we have upon us now and for some 2,000 years into the future. The expansion of loving understanding will begin to permeate every aspect of human life and the life of the planet as a whole. Aquarius brings the light of the universe to us and makes all things visible, whether good or bad. The unseen becomes seen, and the truth becomes known. We can acknowledge that many things are not working in the world today, and this creates a lot of unnecessary suffering. If we cannot see what we are dealing with, we cannot make the changes to improve our condition. The search for higher understanding with our intense, inward and upward focus in Pisces gives way to the giving of light and love to the world in Aquarius. This time it is not so much about the individual, but the entire group called humanity. Let’s also take a look at three qualities of Aquarius and see how the sacrificial type of love found in Pisces gives way to a group-centered “love-in-action” in Aquarius.
Inclusiveness
An inclusive approach to experience is at the core of Aquarian energy. It is about networking and connectivity. This energy gives expanded opportunity to participate more fully in world affairs, for example, a level of participation in decision-making not previously possible due to the lack of access to information. Aquarius is an energy that is non-specific by its very nature. All are welcome here! Every person can feel like they belong and have a sense of purpose within the greater whole. The opportunity for humanity to come together as a group in common purpose and objective has never been greater. This is a good thing!
Group Focus and Activity
The power generated by a group is much greater than that of the individual, regardless of motivation and intent. Each individual within the group brings their own unique experience and perspective and can be a positive addition to the greater whole. The goal, of course, is to find common objectives to help define the overall intent. The inner, individual experience in Pisces involved a sense of self-sacrifice in order to understand the relationship between the soul and personality, and to experience the greater love and light that exists from the perspective of the soul or higher self. In Aquarius, this is brought forward into the physical world through group focused activity. The idea of self-sacrifice can also be applied here, in Aquarius, for the intents and purposes of the group become more important than individual needs and objectives. It is difficult for us to let go of what we want in order to create a better life and experience for all. Don’t worry, we’re getting there. The experience of greater love will be worth the sacrifice!
Technology
Interestingly, as Aquarius brings in more light and sheds that light upon all things, it does so through the development of technology, especially in the area of communication. What a great thing to have computers, smartphones and the like to help us instantly connect with others anywhere in the world, and even more importantly, have immediate access to information. Certainly, social media and tech platforms have their pitfalls, as we have seen. A lack of privacy is something new to us, and that is an uncomfortable feeling, to say the least. It is especially true for those of us who have been in the spiritual work for a while, as we received most of our training in the age of Pisces where meditation, prayer, and even teaching was a very private matter! It was thought that the benefits of this technology provided by the universe would be more important than the temporary discomfort felt in the area of privacy. It will be fine-tuned as we move along. I’ve been working through this issue by realizing that I have nothing to hide, and my ability to reach others and provide assistance if I can outweigh my need for privacy. Just jump in – it’s a wonderful world!
Capricorn
I couldn’t leave our discussion today without addressing the sign of Capricorn, for it is always involved with imminent change. It is certainly present at times of transition because it is the great “bridge of consciousness” as we move from one state of being to another. Capricorn works through our planet, Saturn, as the bringer of law, order, and balance to the system. He is known as our “big brother” in a sense because he protects us from receiving knowledge before we are ready, but he also brings us opportunities when we are. He also provides the understanding that we must bring forward from our past that which is tried and true as a foundation of the present and future. But it must also be understood that what has not worked in the past needs to be transformed into new and better ways of living. It is difficult to let go of the past, as we know, even if what we have been doing is creating harm or is counterproductive to our ultimate goal. We have reached a point now, however, where we cannot survive if we do not make the necessary adjustments and move forward. It is not appropriate or advisable to drop everything we know and adopt a completely different framework all at once. Capricorn through Saturn helps us create change in a responsible manner, slowly but surely. It seems like things are changing too quickly or moving too fast for some, but we are ready, or we would not be given this great opportunity. It still remains our choice, however. What will we decide?
Astrology is a vast subject, and can seem overwhelming and somewhat esoteric, but I still like to use it as a reference point at times because it helps me conceptualize things in a “larger context” kind of way. It is a difficult tool to use because the practical implications of the information are quite challenging! Nevertheless, it helps me become inspired, and I hope it inspires you. I also want everyone to know that our current experience will not always be as dreadful as it is right now. I do understand how you feel. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we do have what it takes to get through it. So, be good and be patient, for there are much better times coming our way!
All my love and support, stay safe and be well