2020 is a year filled with many different, and challenging, astrological transits. It can be hard to know how to navigate this intense energy, even more so with the amount of planets we currently have in retrograde. We are also entering a time where we will experience eclipses, intensifying this energy even further.

　　With all of these things happening in the Universe, what can we do?

　　We sat down with astrologer Christopher Renstrom to talk about what we can expect from the Universe in the upcoming months.

　　

Who is Christopher Renstrom?

Christopher Renstrom is a professional astrologer and writer. He began studying Astrology in 1980 but started out as a full-time Astrologer in New York City in 1985. His career started in reading astrology charts in every conceivable setting.

　　

　　Eventually, he would move on to writing horoscope columns for print and then online media. His transition onto the internet came with the creation of Ruling Planets.

　　

Many people are worried about the fact that we’re in a period of four Retrogrades (Pluto, Saturn, Venus, Jupiter) occurring all at once. What does this mean for us Astrologically?

Retrogrades mark the period of time when a planet appears to be moving backwards. It’s said that the planet acts opposite to the way it normally behaves when it’s retrograde.

　　Venus becomes discordant, Jupiter brings misfortune, and Saturn relaxes the rules. But retrogrades are actually tests. For instance, good manners are tested by rude behavior. Bad luck tests our faith in a higher power and disobedience may make you feel independent in the moment, but it could also lead you to discover the value of why those rules were created in the first place.

　　

What should people do or avoid doing during this time?

Remember that “retrograde” means “backwards” and backwards can be progress too.

　　We often retrace our steps to find a lost item or revisit a situation when something doesn’t sit right. Going back to the drawing board may seem regressive, but it often results in coming up with a better way to do things.

　　What do retrogrades mean? The Complete Guide to 2020 Retrogrades

　　

Where do you see 2020 heading astrologically?

We can expect a lot of clashes with authority in the months ahead. Mars enters Aries in late June and its subsequent retrograde turns a six week stay into a six month one. Mars is the most combative and fiery in Aries and Saturn is the most strict and unyielding in Capricorn.

　　Mars/Saturn squares will occur on Aug. 24 and Sept. 29. These will be challenging and potentially explosive times. And the fact that people won’t be clear on which authority they should be fighting for or against won’t make things easier. It kind of looks like a barroom brawl.

　　Read this next: Monthly Astrology Transits June 2020

　　

Are there any other transits people should be aware of in the upcoming months?

Mars retrograde from Sept. 9 to Nov. 13. I call this the Trojan Horse Mars. Mars traveling backwards can give the impression that the enemy has retreated and that the coast is clear when actually it’s laying in wait. You really don’t want to let down your guard during this time – especially when it comes to something like the current pandemic we are experiencing. You want to be wary and tread carefully.

　　2020 has been a challenging year and it will continue to be through Autumn, but there’s a marvelous Jupiter/Saturn conjunction in Aquarius on Dec. 21. Those are the blue skies that we’re aiming for. It won’t solve all the world’s problems, but it will certainly signal better times ahead.

　　

What is your Primal Triad (Sun, Moon & Rising sign)?

I am a Capricorn Sun, Pisces Moon, and Aries and/or or Taurus Rising. I can never decide which it is.

　　Tell Us About Your Upcoming Book: The Cosmic Calendar: Using Astrology to Get in Sync with your Best Life.

　　My book The Cosmic Calendar: Using Astrology to Get in Sync with your Best Life is based on the premise that Astrology is a calendar. Some say it’s a religion; others say it’s a science, but it’s really a calendar. It’s why every major civilization on the planet – Middle Eastern, Indian, Chinese, and Mesoamerican – developed some form of Astrology. It was in order to tell time.

　　And when you think of Astrology in terms of telling time – rather than as something fated – it really changes your perspective. My book talks about doing things in your own time.