Behold, the Christmas Star is here

In times of turmoil, loss and uncertainty, I’m always comforted by the view outside my window. Nature gets on with it, the seasons unfold as they should, and the sun rises every morning.

And, moving beyond the sun, the planets play their part in the solar system with satisfying precision.

I have always marvelled at the mechanics of this system, which allows the positions of planets and their satellites to be calculated and predicted thousands of years into the future.

Those who study the movement of the planets are astronomers; those who study the meaning of that movement are astrologers. I’m fascinated by both pursuits.

The winter solstice takes place on Monday 21st December. This year it coincides with an era-defining astronomical event: a Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.

What that means is, from our perspective, the two largest planets in the solar system will appear to join together (even though they are in reality many millions of miles apart).

This conjunction happens every 20 years, but this one is extra-special in that it’s the first time in centuries that we will be able to see it so clearly in the night sky.

It has already been dubbed the “Christmas Star”. In fact, many astrologers believe that the biblical Star of Bethlehem was actually a rare triple conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn and Venus – hence its legendary brightness.

These two planets haven’t been this close from our vantage point since 1623, and even then their position (closer to the sun) wasn’t ideal. That means that the conjunction hasn’t been this spectacular since 1226 – when King Henry III was on the throne of England and the fearsome warrior Genghis Khan ruled over the Mongol Empire.

So if, like me, you’re always on the lookout for signs and omens, I believe this is a hopeful one. After all, why else would we be watching such a rare and auspicious celestial event as 2020’s season finale? Is this not our reward for surviving such a year?

If you look into the astrological interpretation, the conjunction is taking place in 0 degrees of the sign Aquarius. No, it’s not really heralding the dawn of the Age of Aquarius, but it might be a taster.

One of the best descriptions I’ve read about Aquarian energy is “inspired individual expression that helps the collective thrive”.

Aquarius is an air sign, and is commonly thought to rule technology. So it seems logical (in astrological terms) to imagine that we are about to see another period of accelerated innovation in this area.

My hope is that this huge energetic shift is going to lead to us coming together rather than moving apart; to unity rather than division; and to communities and support groups rather than polarised factions.

So, despite Covid and Brexit, I’m feeling optimistic about 2021. There will be challenges ahead (there always are), but thanks to the two biggest planets in our solar system putting on a blockbuster of a show, I’m rooting for an exciting new chapter.