Have you ever heard of the Age of Aquarius? What comes to mind when you hear this phrase? For some of us, it may be a song by the Mamas and the Papas that starts running through your head – and it’s a great song, we can’t blame you. Many of us might recognize that this phrase is connected to astrology, but we’re not quite sure where the connection comes from.

　　In astrology, we speak of ages – a period of time that lasts for about 2,000 years, and depicts the state of the current society living within that age. While the typical astrological calendar moves forwards (from Aries through to Pisces), ages move backwards.

　　We are currently living in the Age of Pisces and moving swiftly towards the Age of Aquarius.

　　Today, we’re going to explore this phrase and concept further, to teach you everything you need to know about the Age of Aquarius, and what it means for you.

　　

What Is an Age?

As mentioned, an age is a period of time when a certain sign sprinkles its light onto the citizens of Earth.

　　Ages are based on the backwards journey of the Earth through the constellation signs over many years. A Great Year represents a period of about 25,920 years, wherein the Earth moves through each sign – think of this like the astrological year on a planetary scale.

　　An age, while shorter, still takes about 2,160 years to complete itself, and these ages represent the overall themes that come up for our global community during this time.

　　As we’ve been living in the Age of Pisces for nearly 2,000 years, we can recognize certain traits that Pisces embodies – creativity, faith, love, and sacrifice. But as we move into the Age of Aquarius, a sign that is humanitarian and future-oriented, our values and beliefs begin to shift.

　　Despite the ability to narrow down certain ideas and facts about an astrological age, astrologers do not agree about when the Age of Aquarius will begin, and whether we’re living in it already. Some astrologers say it will begin (or has begun) within the 20th century, while others claim the Age of Aquarius will not arrive until the 24th century. And some even claim that the Age of Aquarius began during the 1960s – hence that rather catchy tune by the Mamas and the Papas.

　　

The Age of Aquarius Decoded

While we may not know exactly when this age will take place – or whether it has already – some of the Aquarian ideals can be felt on a global scale.

　　Aquarius is a sign known for its forward-thinking beliefs, humanitarian efforts, and interest in technology or futuristic devices.

　　This may explain why we’re coming together at a global level to put an end to certain practices, traditions, and beliefs that have infiltrated our community for far too long. It is likely not a coincidence that as we approach this age, we’re seeing plenty of change regarding how we behave as a global community.

　　Aquarius is also ruled by Uranus, a planet that wants to shake things up and force us to look at certain subjects from a different point of view. Whereas Pisces is a much more go-with-the-flow kind of sign, a sign that doesn’t always stand up for beliefs and ideals that it knows to be true.

　　Aquarius, on the other hand, urges us to look inward and ask ourselves if we’re behaving in a way that not only aligns with our own values, but also benefits the world around us.

　　The Age of Pisces was (and perhaps still is) a time of escapism – a time when we blind ourselves to the tragedies surrounding us in order to spend more time in our own fantasy worlds. While this can be beneficial in certain moments, Aquarius is asking us to wake up and smell the injustice.

　　Aquarius urges us to rebel, to revolt, to stand up against the things that we no longer hold to be true in our hearts.

　　Digging further, we discover that Aquarius is an Air sign.

　　These signs are known for their intelligent nature, their propensity towards thoughtful communication, and their social butterfly personality. As we shift into the Age of Aquarius, it’s no wonder that we’re more concerned than ever with the state of the world and our global neighbors.

　　After all, where is the fun in enjoying your own happy, positive life when there are others suffering all around?

　　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, intellect – and many of these aspects can be felt surging through the planet right now.

　　As we move towards 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 urges time spent in the head with one’s fantasies, while Aquarius encourages us to step outside of 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.

　　Related article: Best Aquarian Crystals