We truly are in the Age of Aquarius with Pluto in Aquarius for decades, and the North Node moving into Aquarius next month. The last time this happened was in 1778-1779 during which time the American Revolutionary War became global with both France and Spain entering the conflict. But that is only the start of the astrological story.
The last time Pluto was in Aquarius (1777-1799), it coincided with the American Revolutionary War (which had technically begun in 1763), and the French Revolution (1789-1799). The overall theme of both these wars was, in essence, liberte, egalite, fraternite – liberty, equality, fraternity. It means freedom from oppression, equality under the law, and solidarity among citizens. The period 1777-1799 saw equally revolutionary technical innovations also, all under the Industrial Revolution. The world was introduced to efficiency in agriculture, textile manufacturing, steam power and industrial engineering, transportation and early aviation, vaccinations and the first electric battery. All introduced in the space of 22 years which is simply astonishing. The spinning mule was invented in 1779 which allowed for the mass production of high-quality yarn, revolutionising the textile industry through massively increasing production speed, allowing for the creation of 100% cotton fabrics, powering the factory system and making clothing more affordable for the first time. This isn’t to say all these innovations were for the good of the people or the environment but they were, in their own way, revolutionary and as impactful on politics, society and the economy as the American and French Revolutions.
So, what is it about Pluto in Aquarius that has this huge impact? Well, Pluto in Capricorn sets the scene for the preceding 22 years through signifying a profound structural transformation of societal systems, authority and power. It forces an often painful reconstruction of government, banking and corporations as an era that demands responsibility, efficiency, and the breakdown of rigid, corrupt or outdated systems. It is fair to say that in the years before 1777-1799, the societies of America and France were building up to their revolutions in a truly significant way. Though it was a constitutional monarchy in the newly-formed United Kingdom, it was a government of the elite rather than the ordinary man that oversaw the colonies and in France, the ancien regime of absolutist monarchy was alive still if not well. Both revolutions were a stand against such outdated, corrupt and and rigid systems where the preceding years had seen moves towards the profound structural transformation of societal systems. What makes Pluto in Aquarius so different is that it brings in two key elements – innovation and community. Which is going to be particularly pertinent in the 2026-2048 turn.
We can throw into this mix of possible turmoil, Neptune in Aries for the next 13 years blending spiritual, watery Neptune with fiery, action-oriented Aries. A period of spiritual warriors, merging compassion with courage, and transforming personal, proactive action. This era redefines self-expression, encouraging bold, creative risks, and turning visions into reality. The last time this period ran was 1861-1874 and is associated with major upheavals, revolutions, and the forging of new, independent identities.
Just as an example of what we might expect, the last time Pluto was in Aquarius at the same time as Neptune was in Aries was in 1534-1547 a period characterised by major, chaotic shifts in religious and social structures including the Protestant Reformation and the establishment of the Church of England with the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536. The Pope initiated the Italian Inquisition to combat Protestantism which continued until the 1800s. The Spanish Inquisition had already begun, targeting converts from Judaism and Islam. And Copernicus revolutionised astronomy by positing that the universe was sun-specific rather than earth-specific thereby kick-starting the Scientific Revolution which replaced ancient Greek views of nature with modern, evidence-based research and breaking away from religious and philosophical doctrines. Finally, this era also saw a significant decrease in the centralisation of the Catholic Church with the focus turning instead to smaller, more people-focused religious groups.
But that’s not all that’s happening this time around.
Uranus has just transited into Gemini and the last time that happened was in 1941-1948. Starting in the thick of World War II, seeing its ending and the beginning of the rise of Communism across Eastern Europe and the start of the Cold War. It also saw the technological advancements in computers, weaponry (the atomic bomb), and the start of rocket technology as well as advances in radar. The time before this was 1859-1865 which coincided with the American Civil War, Darwin publishing The Origins of Species, pasteurisation was developed, major developments in communication technologies (the telegraph or telephone), and the first traction engine was invented. Lewis published Alice in Wonderland and the British Red Cross was founded.
And that’s not all.
Until 2028, we have Saturn in Aries which combines the restrictive, disciplined energy of Saturn with the impulsive, pioneering spirit of Aries. The last time Saturn was in Aries at the same time as all these other planets were undergoing major transitions was…never. What’s more, Saturn is in Aries at 0 degrees as is Neptune in Aries. At the same time. The last time this happened was in approximately 4361BC. The late Neolithic or early Stone Age period when there were no written records and society had not yet formed. Humans were in a transition period from hunter gatherers to agriculture which was a seismic shift in human development, when they formed the first villages and were domesticating animals. It is considered the beginning of the “historical world” as we know it as it occurred just before the first cities were formed in Mesopotamia such as Ur.
So, we can say that over the next two to 50 years humanity could be in for levels of change hitherto not experienced at any point in our time on this earth. What we do know from these transits, however, is that they herald:
- Massive changes in society. With Aquarius, these changes are about community, about connection, and are driven by innovation. With Gemini in the mix, the period acts as a “rewiring” of the mind, urging a departure from traditional, rigid, or outdated ways of thinking. And with Aries around it’s fiery and passionate energy all the way, a driving force for change. Neptune brings spirituality, Uranus brings rebellion and innovation, and Pluto brings transformation. We are looking at new societal structures, visionary leadership, a complete shift from the status quo and outdated order, and a potential huge shift in religion and religious doctrines away from what has been accepted.
- Innovation. Whatever is going to come will be driven by innovation in technology, in communication, and in every way we live and see the world. There’s a lot of talk about AI but, I wonder, is this a red herring? With the societal change that will also happen alongside technological innovation, perhaps it will be more about how we can embed technology but with innovations in how we do so while nurturing the environment to flourish and grow. Innovations in energy production that supports the environment rather than harms it. Innovations in understanding our earth (given we don’t know much about our oceans at all) better and how to harness its potential to support life.
We know what these individual transits can bring. We know what two together can bring. We don’t know what all of them at the start of the astrological cycle can bring other than change to a level we have never experienced before. And we know that that change can and will be determined by us based on what has been happening up to this point.
I hope we make the right decisons.
Louisa Simpson 