2020: The Year Ahead

There has been a great deal of hype about the astrology of 2020. You might have heard people preparing themselves for what is expected to be a tough year. The question is, though, is the hype real?

The answer? Well, yes, but only to a certain extent. (Bad news first followed by not so bad news.)

Jupiter, the most fortunate planet in the sky, has left its most auspicious placement in the sign of Sagittarius and has entered its most challenged/fallen placement in Capricorn.

So, our good luck charm isn’t exactly working at full capacity; it’s pretty hindered, and Jupiter also joins Saturn (Lord Karma/The Taskmaster) and Pluto (God of Underworld) in the sign of Capricorn for a super intense meet-up.

And… Saturn and Pluto only get together once every thirty-four years, so this meet-up is kind of a big deal.

When they do, there is usually some sort of economic, governmental or institutional breakdown or loss leading to transformation.

A Saturn-Pluto conjunction can literally mean controlled demolition. Sometimes you want something to be torn down, but even with the best intentions and a solid plan, the rebuilding process can be troublesome. (This astrologer is reflecting on a recent five-month home renovation which is still ongoing.) So, in this regard, the leaps and bounds you might have made in 2019 are best given way to caution and long-term planning in 2020.

Finally, we are dealing with two not-so-great retrograde periods in 2020.

Venus—the planet ruling relationships and finances—goes retrograde along with Mars—the planet ruling our life force and vitality. Mars also squares Pluto and Saturn at various points during the year and for extra long because of its retrograde period. It’s going to be hard to avoid this difficult energy.

So yeah, there are some tricky skies to navigate over the next twelve months.

But that isn’t the entire story.

It’s really all about your personal birth chart.

Do you have several planets/angles in Capricorn, Cancer, Libra or Aries that have been getting hammered over the past few years?

Well then, you might find some relief towards the end of 2020 as the nodal eclipses shift from the Cancer-Capricorn axis to the Gemini-Sagittarius one. 2020 should bring to a close the drama that has been pervading cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) over the last few years when Jupiter and Saturn both move into Aquarius. So, the good news is that 2020 could be wrapping things up for you.

And Jupiter, despite its debilitated state, can still shed some light or offer some wisdom through the trials and tribulations that might still unfold.

Here’s an example: I have a Capricorn-dominant client who has been trying to get pregnant for years. Just recently, as Jupiter entered Capricorn, she was finally given a reason for the difficulties, a treatment protocol, and a very optimistic outlook for the future. (I expect to be hearing from her soon with some good news.) I have another Cancer and Libra dominant client who is in the midst of a terrible custody battle and divorce proceedings. When he got into this mess a year and a half ago, I told him it would be another year (end of 2020) before he would get a resolution, and everything (including court dates) is pointing to this. He is past the half-way point now and is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel (which will be Saturn and Jupiter moving into Aquarius). Interestingly, Jupiter’s opposition to his Cancer planets and angles over the last month or so has provided much optimism from a desperate and bleak Saturn-Pluto focus last year.

In general then, those people who have been struggling a lot with the heavy Capricornian placements can feel a bit of levity with Jupiter now along for the ride, or they may get some additional clarity or insight. And, by the end of the year, they should be walking away from the very difficult times with eyes on the future.

A final note about 2020: this year might be more of a struggle for some mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces) as the Nodes transition into the Gemini-Sagittarius axis (as mentioned above). This can indicate some emotional struggles, closing down of relationships and transitions.

Here are some key time periods for the year:

January 10 – Lunar Eclipse (20 degrees of Cancer)

January 12 – Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn

February 16 – March 9 – Mercury retrograde (first of three) in Pisces

March 23 – Mars-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn

March 31 – Mars-Saturn conjunction in Capricorn

April 4 – Jupiter-Pluto conjunction (first hit) in Capricorn

April 7 – Mars-Uranus square (Aquarius and Taurus)

May 13 – June 25 – Venus retrograde in Gemini

June 5 – Lunar Eclipse (15 degrees of Sagittarius)

June 18 – July 12 – Mercury retrograde (second of three) in Cancer

June 21 – Solar Eclipse (0 degrees of Cancer) on Summer Solstice

June 30 – Jupiter-Pluto conjunction (second hit) in Capricorn

July 5 – Lunar Eclipse (13 degrees of Capricorn)

August 13 – Mars-Pluto square (first hit) in Aries and Capricorn

August 24 – Mars-Saturn square (first hit) in Aries and Capricorn

September 9 to November 13 – Mars retrograde in Aries

September 29 – Mars-Saturn square (second hit)

October 9 – Mars-Pluto square (second hit)

October 13 – November 3 – Mercury retrograde (last of year) in Scorpio

November 12 – Jupiter-Pluto conjunction (third hit) in Capricorn

November 30 – Lunar Eclipse (8 degrees of Gemini)

December 14 – Solar Eclipse (23 degrees of Sagittarius)

December 21 – Jupiter-Saturn conjunction (occurs every twenty years) on Winter Solstice

December 23 – Mars-Pluto square (third hit) in Aries and Capricorn

How is 2020 going to affect you in terms of your physical/mental/emotional well-being? How will it impact your career, your relationships, your goals? What areas of growth can you expect? Where are the challenges? Contact me for your personal year ahead plan.

Until next time astro friends,

M