Rethinking the Age of Aquarius
You’ve probably come across the phrase “Age of Aquarius” at some point. What does it bring to mind? For plenty of people, it triggers the Mamas and the Papas song of the same name—a catchy tune that’s hard to shake. Others may know the phrase has something to do with astrology but aren’t sure exactly what that connection is.
In astrological terms, an age is a stretch of time—roughly 2,000 years—that reflects the general character of the society living during that period. The standard astrological zodiac runs forward from Aries to Pisces, but ages move in the opposite direction.
Right now, according to this framework, we are in the Age of Pisces and heading toward the Age of Aquarius.
Below, we’ll unpack what an age is, what the Age of Aquarius represents, and what it might mean for you.
What Exactly Is an Age?
As noted, an age is a span during which a particular sign is said to influence life on Earth.
Ages are calculated based on the Earth’s backward movement through the constellations over long periods. One complete cycle, called a Great Year, lasts about 25,920 years, with Earth passing through each sign in turn—think of it as a zodiacal year on a planetary scale.
An individual age is shorter but still lasts around 2,160 years. These ages are thought to represent the overarching themes that emerge for the global community during that time.
Having been in the Age of Pisces for nearly 2,000 years, we can identify traits associated with Pisces—creativity, faith, love, and sacrifice. But as we move into the Age of Aquarius, a sign known for being humanitarian and future-oriented, our values and beliefs start to shift.
Even though astrologers can outline certain ideas and facts about an astrological age, they don’t agree on when the Age of Aquarius begins or whether we’re already in it. Some say it started (or will start) in the 20th century; others argue it won’t arrive until the 24th century. Still others claim the Age of Aquarius began in the 1960s—which explains that catchy song.
Breaking Down the Age of Aquarius
While the exact timing remains uncertain—and it’s unclear whether we’re already there—some Aquarian ideals can be felt globally.
Aquarius is associated with forward-thinking beliefs, humanitarian efforts, and an interest in technology or futuristic devices.
This might help explain why people around the world are coming together to end certain practices, traditions, and beliefs that have been part of our communities for too long. It may be no coincidence that as we approach this age, we’re seeing significant changes in how we behave as a global community.
Aquarius is also ruled by Uranus, a planet that disrupts the status quo and pushes us to see certain subjects from a different angle. Pisces, by contrast, is more of a go-with-the-flow sign—one that doesn’t always stand up for beliefs and ideals it knows to be true.
Aquarius, on the other hand, urges us to look inward and ask whether our behavior aligns with our own values and benefits the world around us.
The Age of Pisces was (and perhaps still is) a time of escapism—a period when we blind ourselves to surrounding tragedies to spend more time in our own fantasy worlds. While that can be beneficial in certain moments, Aquarius asks us to wake up and notice injustice.
Aquarius urges us to rebel, to revolt, to stand up against things we no longer hold true in our hearts.
Looking further, we find that Aquarius is an Air sign.
Air signs are known for their intelligent nature, thoughtful communication, and social butterfly personality. As we shift into the Age of Aquarius, it makes sense that we’re more concerned than ever with the state of the world and our global neighbors.
After all, what’s the fun in enjoying your own happy, positive life when others around you are suffering?
Read up on: How to Use Elements of Astrology to Better Understand People
What to Expect from the Age of Aquarius
Aquarius is a sign of innovation, technological advances, futuristic thought, invention, humanitarian effort, and intellect—and many of these aspects can be felt surging through the planet right now.
As we move toward this age, we will see more community, more global love, more understanding, more willingness to try to help others.
It isn’t that Pisces doesn’t want to help fix these issues that grate on us day in and day out; it’s that Pisces is more thought- and fantasy-oriented. Pisces encourages time spent in the head with one’s fantasies, while Aquarius encourages us to step outside our head and act. Aquarius says, “Don’t wait it out, don’t think about it, act now.”
You may also be experiencing a deeper desire for connection to others. And a desire to learn, read, and discover new things.
Aquarius is a social butterfly of the zodiac, appreciating time spent with loved ones. While the Age of Pisces may have mentally prepared us for times of social drought—periods when we’re lonely and need to entertain ourselves—Aquarius tells us to come together as people, to enjoy the connections around us.
As we shift closer and closer—or perhaps already reside in—the Age of Aquarius, we’ll start to feel more compassion for the people inhabiting the planet we all share. We can no longer sit idly by and watch injustices being carried out on our global neighbors.
How to Celebrate the Age of Aquarius
This is the time to adopt Aquarian ideals, from innovation and technology to friendship and humanitarian efforts. Think about how you can help the world today. Take your unique gifts and individuality into account and ask yourself what you can do for the people you love.
Further, working with stones like aquamarine and hematite, two stones that vibrate with the same energy as the Aquarian mindset, will be beneficial to you. Meditate on your desires and see how the good of mankind can fit into those wants and needs that you personally experience.
Whether we’re in the Age of Aquarius or slowly approaching this age, we can find comfort in the fact that we’re turning over a new leaf on a planetary scale. We’re moving towards a place of understanding and social fulfillment that will make our relationships stronger and more enjoyable.
