The Cosmic Clock and Climate Change: Can Astrology Reflect Earth's Rhythms?
In the consulting rooms of the Wilfred Hazelwood Clinic, we are hearing a new frequency of anxiety. It is not just the personal stresses of relationships or careers, but a deeper, collective tremor regarding the state of our planet. As a therapist and astrologer, I am often asked: does the sky speak of the changing Earth?
To answer this, we must tread carefully. Climate change is a scientifically established reality driven by human activity. Astrology does not dispute the science; rather, it offers a symbolic language to understand the meaning of the time we are living through. As the Hermetic maxim goes, "As Above, So Below." The chaos we see in our weather systems is mirrored by profound shifts in the planetary archetypes.
Uranus in Taurus: The Earth Shaker
Perhaps the most significant astrological signature of our current ecological crisis is the transit of Uranus through Taurus. Uranus is the planet of revolution, disruption, and sudden shock. Taurus is the sign of the Earth itself, it rules agriculture, stability, nature, and the physical ground beneath our feet.
Uranus entered Taurus in 2018 and will remain there until 2026. In astrological theory, when the planet of lightning meets the sign of the soil, we expect "earth changes." We see this literally in the erratic weather patterns and the disruption of traditional farming, but we also see it psychologically. Humanity is being shaken out of its complacency regarding the material world. The stability we took for granted is being electrified, forcing us to innovate or face collapse.
The Great Mutation: Entering the Air Era
In December 2020, a rare alignment occurred that astrologers call "The Great Mutation." Jupiter and Saturn joined forces in the sign of Aquarius, marking the end of a 200-year era where these conjunctions happened primarily in Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn).
We have now moved into the Air Era. While the Earth era (approx. 1800–2020) was defined by the extraction of resources, industrialisation, and material solidity, the Air era is defined by volatility, interconnectivity, and the intellect. "Air" is a less stable element than Earth. In terms of climate, this symbolic shift aligns with a world where the atmosphere itself becomes the primary concern, from carbon emissions to extreme wind and storm events. We are moving from a time of solid ground to a time of shifting winds.
Pluto in Aquarius: The Promethean Challenge
Adding to this cosmic pressure is Pluto’s recent entry into Aquarius in 2024. Pluto is the planet of deep transformation, death, and rebirth. Aquarius is the sign of humanity, technology, and the future. Historically, Pluto's transit through a sign reveals the "shadow" of that archetype.
With Pluto in Aquarius, we are facing the shadow of our technological progress. We are being asked to answer a Promethean question: can we use our genius (Aquarius) to heal the planet, or will our detachment from nature destroy us? This transit, which lasts until 2044, suggests a complete overhaul of how we generate energy and how we view our place within the collective web of life.
The Anima Mundi: A Jungian Perspective
At the clinic, we view these planetary movements through a Jungian lens. Carl Jung spoke of the Anima Mundi, or the "Soul of the World." He believed that the psyche and the physical world were not separate, but two sides of the same coin (the Unus Mundus).
From this perspective, climate change is not just a physical problem; it is a spiritual crisis. We have treated the Earth as dead matter rather than a living soul. The anger of the storms and the burning of the forests can be seen as the Anima Mundi crying out, forcing us to pay attention. The "disruption" of Uranus and the "transformation" of Pluto are not punishments, but necessary corrections to a psyche that has become dangerously unbalanced.
Harmonising with the New Rhythm
The astrology of climate change is stark, but it is not without hope. The shift into the Air Era and Uranus in Taurus invites us to revolutionise our relationship with the Earth. It calls for a move away from heavy extraction towards innovation, community, and a lighter touch.
By understanding these cosmic clocks, we can stop fighting the changes and start adapting to them. We are entering a volatile new age, yes, but also an age of immense possibility. Our task is to listen to the rhythm of the stars and harmonise our own lives with the new song the Earth is singing.
