2020 may have gone down in history as the year the world turned upside down due to Covid-19 – but astrologers have known for decades that 2020-21 was set to be a game-changing period.

In 2021, the three Saturn - Uranus squares – in February 17th, June 14th and December 24th - are another factor in this major astrological shift. Saturn square Uranus is quite a rare aspect – the last time it occurred was in 1999/2000, when our digital age was just taking off; it won’t happen again until 2043.

In astrology, when Saturn squares Uranus, the apparently immovable status quo faces off against the inevitability of change – and change tends to happen in tumultuous fashion during these aspects. The very nature of power and authority shifts.

We can see this if we think about events between the last Saturn-Uranus planetary square and this year’s set of squares. When the digital era took off, tech companies were the challengers, the rebels, the ‘it’ll never catch on’ new kids on the block, destabilizing the way things had always been done.

Fast forward and here we stand with modern digital technology taken for granted in almost every aspect of our lives - and those erstwhile upstarts are now huge tech giants, wielding incredible world power.

Saturn is in the air sign Aquarius now – a wonderful metaphor in astrology for the fact that innovation and tech now represent control and the status quo. The challenge now comes from Uranus in earth sign Taurus, representing the very building blocks of our society. A radical reshaping of society’s structures may be on the cards.

How Does the Saturn Square Uranus Transit Affect Each Zodiac Sign?

On a personal level, this year’s three Saturn-Uranus square aspects will affect each of us at the same time, activating major natal chart areas and forcing us to make some difficult choices. Regardless of our birth chart, we are each faced with maintaining ‘the way things are’, as imperfect as that may be, or taking a leap of faith into a quite unknown and unknowable alternative.

Aries Zodiac Sign (Aries Dates: March 20 – April 19) During Saturn square Uranus

Your challenge, Aries, is to figure out how to get the freedom you crave while still being able to earn a living and create financial security. You are likely to feel hemmed in during the Saturn-Uranus square aspect, and tempted to take drastic action to break free. Be very careful not to allow reckless behavior to ruin what you have built so far. You’ve got this.

Taurus Zodiac Sign (Taurus Dates: April 20 – May 20) During Saturn square Uranus

Who are you really, Taurus? And are you expressing that in your career and your everyday life? Your challenge is to do it with authenticity. Astrology suggests that you tend to conform, by nature, but during the Saturn-Uranus squares you will realize that conforming has not brought you happiness – it’s time now to step out of your comfort zone and into your true future.

Gemini Zodiac Sign (Gemini Dates: May 21 – June 20) During Saturn square Uranus

The three Saturn-Uranus squares this year bring you tremendous learning and growth opportunities, Gemini – but taking advantage of this could be exhausting, stressful and difficult at times. Be prepared to learn and to adjust your beliefs and prejudices as you go. Being brave enough to admit when you have been wrong is a big part of your journey through these aspects.

Cancer Zodiac Sign (Cancer Dates: June 21 – July 21) During Saturn square Uranus

For you, Cancer, the Saturn-Uranus squares bring conflict between what you truly desire versus what society expects from you – especially in affairs of the heart. You may find yourself facing much disapproval or prejudice, especially if there is anything secret about your current life. You will need to be strong. Stand firm in your own truth.

Leo Zodiac Sign (Leo Dates: July 22 – August 21) During Saturn square Uranus

The Saturn-Uranus squares this year highlight a conflict between your career and your relationship, Leo. This work-life balance is difficult for everyone, but for you, things are about to reach a crunch point. You can make this work for all concerned, but it’s going to be important that you stay calm and measured in your approach – and lose the attitude.

Virgo Zodiac Sign (Virgo Dates: August 22 – September 21) During Saturn square Uranus

As Saturn squares Uranus, you’re being offered a glimpse of what could be – lots of exciting opportunities present themselves, in travel, adventure and other would-be dreams of yours. However, conflicting with that you have hugely increasing responsibilities at work or in your everyday life. Managing your stress – and your time – will be a key theme.

Libra Zodiac Sign (Libra Dates: September 22 – October 22) During Saturn square Uranus

The Saturn-Uranus squares this year highlight a crisis of confidence for you, Libra, particularly with regard to your creative abilities. You have so much talent, but self-doubt holds you back and sabotages your dreams. During these astrological aspects, you will need to learn the confidence and self-esteem you need to express yourself to your full potential.

Scorpio Zodiac Sign (Scorpio Dates: October 23 – November 21) During Saturn square Uranus

When Saturn squares Uranus, it highlights a conflict between your blood family and your chosen life partner – and guess who gets caught in the middle? This may well unfold into a very tense situation, from which it’s difficult to find a ‘win’ – but if you keep communicating and stick to the higher moral path, you will be able to find a way through.

Sagittarius Zodiac Sign (Sagittarius Dates: November 22 – December 20) During Saturn square Uranus

It’s your health which is in focus when Saturn squares Uranus – both your physical and mental wellbeing are set to be tested during these squares, especially when you are already busy or stressed at work or in your personal life. You are being shown the value of putting your own needs first because you cannot assist anyone else if you’re not first on firm ground.

Capricorn Zodiac Sign (Capricorn Dates: December 21 – January 18) During Saturn square Uranus

What do you truly value? The Saturn-Uranus squares will teach you the answer to this question – and your eventual answer may be very different from how you feel right now. These astrological aspects pit materialism against greater values and underscore to you how little, materially, you actually need to be happy. It may be time to abandon the money-based ideas that are holding you back.

Aquarius Zodiac Sign (Aquarius Dates: January 19 – February 17) During Saturn square Uranus

The three Saturn-Uranus squares this year encourage you to explore your roots, your family background, your heritage and your identity – because it’s only with a firmer idea of where you’ve come from that you can set your true forward path. Family will be hugely important on your journey through these aspects. Listen to your past, but keep your eyes firmly fixed on the future.

Pisces Zodiac Sign (Pisces Dates: February 18 – March 19) During Saturn square Uranus

This series of Saturn-Uranus planetary squares are pointing you towards your gifts as a spiritual speaker, teacher or healer. You face many challenges in bringing these gifts into your everyday life, but you’re being urged to do so. It won’t be an easy ride, but it should ultimately prove to be an extremely fulfilling one, both spiritually and emotionally. Think of it as your year of growth.