Looking Back: 2021 Astrological Year at a Glance
The astrological year of 2021 was a dynamic and transformative period marked by powerful planetary shifts, eclipses, and retrogrades. From the energy of the Saturn-Uranus square to the continued influence of Jupiter’s grand transits, 2021 was a year of reckoning, revolution, and evolution. It provided many opportunities for growth, self-reflection, and healing, while also presenting challenges that forced us to confront our limitations and redefine our collective and personal paths.
Here’s a look back at some of the most notable astrological events of 2021:
1. Saturn Square Uranus (Feb 17, June 14, Dec 24)
One of the most significant astrological aspects of 2021 was the Saturn-Uranus square, which took place three times throughout the year. This powerful aspect brought tension between the need for structure, stability, and tradition (Saturn in Aquarius) and the urge for change, freedom, and innovation (Uranus in Taurus).
Throughout 2021, this aspect sparked global shifts, protests, and movements for change, as well as personal awakenings where old patterns or systems were questioned. The square between Saturn and Uranus was a reminder that progress and evolution often come through discomfort and conflict. It highlighted the need to balance progress with responsibility, and tradition with the need for innovation.
2. Jupiter’s Transits: From Aquarius to Pisces (May 13 – July 28, Dec 28 - 2022)
Jupiter, the planet of expansion and growth, made its move from Aquarius to Pisces in 2021, shifting our collective focus from social progress, intellectual pursuits, and humanitarian goals to spirituality, creativity, and healing.
Jupiter in Aquarius (until May 13): The first part of 2021 emphasized collective thinking, technological advancements, and the restructuring of societal systems for the betterment of all. It was a time for breakthroughs in science and society, as well as a period for understanding the importance of community, collaboration, and forward-thinking ideals.
Jupiter in Pisces (starting May 13): After May, Jupiter’s move into Pisces brought a more introspective, compassionate, and spiritual energy. This transit called for emotional healing, artistic expression, and a reconnection to the spiritual realms. Many found themselves drawn to creative pursuits, self-reflection, and exploration of their intuition during this time.
Jupiter’s shift back into Pisces in December solidified a year-long focus on healing, introspection, and spiritual growth, bringing opportunities to expand our understanding of the unseen and the intangible.
3. Eclipses: Themes of Release and Rebirth
Eclipses are times of intense transformation, and 2021 had a set of eclipses that took us on a journey of releasing the old and stepping into the new. The eclipses of 2021 highlighted themes of truth, destiny, and shifting circumstances:
May 26: Total Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius: This eclipse was a potent reminder to examine the truths we live by and how we navigate personal philosophies and beliefs. It sparked an awakening of higher knowledge and understanding, pushing us to let go of outdated beliefs that no longer served our growth.
June 10: Annular Solar Eclipse in Gemini: This eclipse called us to reassess how we communicate, connect, and gather information. With the Sun and Moon in Gemini, it invited us to reframe how we think and process ideas, as well as to embrace new ways of learning and expressing ourselves.
November 19: Partial Lunar Eclipse in Taurus: This eclipse brought attention to our material security, financial stability, and physical comfort. It encouraged us to reflect on how we find value in the material world, urging us to release attachments to materialism and embrace what truly sustains us in the long term.
December 4: Total Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius: The final eclipse of the year illuminated themes of exploration, freedom, and expansion. It inspired us to break free from limitations, travel, and broaden our horizons, whether physically or intellectually.
The 2021 eclipses were key moments for setting intentions, releasing old patterns, and making space for new growth, especially in areas relating to our belief systems, communication, and material security.
4. Mercury Retrogrades (Jan 30 - Feb 20, May 29 - June 22, Sept 27 - Oct 18)
As always, Mercury retrograde periods were a time for review, reflection, and rethinking. 2021 had three major Mercury retrogrades, each offering different lessons depending on the zodiac signs involved:
January 30 - February 20 (Aquarius and Capricorn): This Mercury retrograde period called for reflection on our long-term goals, career ambitions, and relationships with authority figures. It was a good time for reviewing the structures in our lives, especially in how we communicated about our aspirations and responsibilities.
May 29 - June 22 (Gemini and Taurus): This Mercury retrograde period encouraged a rethinking of our values, finances, and the way we communicate in our relationships. It was a time to reassess how we gather information, make decisions, and how we value ourselves and our worth.
September 27 - October 18 (Libra and Virgo): The final Mercury retrograde of the year asked us to reconsider the dynamics in our partnerships, whether personal or professional. It also gave us a chance to fine-tune our health routines and daily habits for the future.
Each of these Mercury retrogrades offered opportunities to pause and reflect, review past decisions, and revisit unresolved issues. It was a time to re-align and reconfigure our strategies, especially in areas involving communication, relationships, and personal values.
5. Venus Retrograde (Dec 19, 2021 - Jan 29, 2022)
Venus retrograde happens every 18 months, and in 2021, it began on December 19, 2021, in Capricorn. Venus retrograde asks us to review our relationships, finances, and sense of beauty. It is a time for healing and rethinking how we give and receive love, money, and appreciation. During this retrograde, many people found themselves revisiting old relationships, reworking their approach to finances, or reconsidering their aesthetic preferences. Venus retrograde challenges us to realign our values and deepen our connection with ourselves.
6. Uranus Square Saturn: The Call for Change and Revolution
The ongoing square between Saturn in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus was a major theme throughout the year. It brought tension between the old guard (Saturn) and the new order (Uranus), highlighting issues such as:
Technological advancements versus traditional systems
The restructuring of societal norms and values
Personal freedom versus societal constraints
The influence of this square created a sense of unrest and tension, especially as we navigated shifts in how we relate to the collective and our personal freedoms. The Saturn-Uranus square was a reminder that change is often uncomfortable but necessary for growth and evolution. It called for a balance between respecting tradition and embracing progress.
Reflection and Moving Forward
The astrological year of 2021 was one of transformation, change, and introspection. As we reflect on the lessons learned and challenges faced, we can use the insights gained to move forward into the coming years. With the lessons of the Saturn-Uranus square, Jupiter’s expansive influence, and the energies of the eclipses, we have been urged to evolve in ways that are both personal and collective, learning to navigate uncertainty with grace and resilience.
As we enter 2022, we can carry the lessons of 2021 with us, ready to build on the foundations we’ve laid and step into new opportunities for growth, healing, and transformation.
