This forecast says 2025 is a marathon, not a sprint
Graphic by Rae Dawson.
If you woke up Jan. 1 already feeling nauseous, irritated, or completely over it, the Martlet has found the culprit: astrology. Or maybe it was just your New Year’s hangover? Either way, 2025 astrology can give us insight on not only how to survive this year, but how to blossom with the cosmos.
2025 starts off with a cosmic fist-fight between Jupiter and Saturn from January to March. Jupiter — which rules growth — is in Gemini, favouring expansion through quick wit, considerate communication, and multi-tasking. Saturn, on the other hand, is responsible for discipline and tradition, and has been in Pisces since 2023. As Pisces is the oldest of the Zodiac signs, you can expect full-circle endings to outdated structures in your life.
As these two planets stare each other down, the need for growth will be in direct conflict with traditional structures. Publicly, this may manifest in political unrest, as old structures refuse to go without a fight. Personally, you may find old demons you thought you’d dealt with rearing their ugly heads.
To get the most out of these tough transits, embrace Jupiter’s expansive energy, and continue to clear out the old and welcome the new. While instability may cause an activated nervous system, understand that this turbulence is the shake-up we need to shed stubborn Saturn’s skin.
Additionally, we will be experiencing a Mars retrograde, which began in December last year and will end on Feb. 23, 2025. Mars — the ruler of passion, aggression, and movement — has been backsliding, leaving our impulse control in the dust. Retrogrades, which occur when a planet is moving backwards, are a time to reflect on yourself and the past. Mars is retrograding back to its position from September 2024, so you may find themes or people you encountered during that time returning. Reflect on what lessons you learned — or didn’t — during that time, and get friendly with the skeletons in your closet. They might just hold valuable wisdom that leads the charge forward once Mars goes direct.
March 15 greets us with the first Mercury retrograde of 2025, which will last until April 7. Mercury, the planet of communication and travel, will be retrograding into Pisces briefly to put the final nail in the coffin of outdated patterns. Expect travel delays, miscommunications, and technological glitches. Put effort into intentionally listening instead of talking.
March will feature two eclipses: a Lunar eclipse in Virgo, followed two weeks later by a Solar eclipse in Aries. A Lunar eclipse in Virgo will illuminate where an obsession with control might be holding you back, making you feel isolated from your loved ones. The Solar eclipse in Aries will then follow, revealing the consequences of unchecked impulsivity and immaturity. Focus on yourself and avoid projecting these feelings onto others. Recognize that relationships are mirrors, and a true sense of control comes from a radical acceptance of who we authentically are.
January to March 2025 is a hailstorm of astrological events, but by June the planets stabilize significantly for the rest of the year. The intense battle of old versus new will dissipate over time. Come summer, expect to see drastic changes in the public consciousness that favour a new age.
Pluto, the ruler of transformation, entered its next 20-year stint in Aquarius in November last year, bringing a massive shift from an individualistic Capricorn mindset to community-oriented thinking. As the humanitarian of the Zodiac signs, Aquarius asks us to think of ourselves as part of a greater whole, and take action by communing with others. Previously, Pluto in Aquarius has brought the American, Haitian, French, and Industrial revolutions.
Notable transits for the rest of the year are two additional Mercury retrogrades, happening from July 18 to Aug. 11, and Nov. 9 to 29. September brings double trouble with both a Lunar eclipse in Pisces and a Solar eclipse in Virgo.
This Lunar eclipse may bring your attention to places in your life where you are lacking balance. Observe what narratives are ruling your well-being, and discern which are helpful or harmful. The Solar eclipse will ask you to confront avoidance in your life. Take accountability by sitting with uncomfortable situations or feelings.
Astrologists claim that 2021-2030 mirrors the astrology of the 1940s-50s, a deeply influential time in restructuring our societal values. As you encounter the chaos of life this year, ponder your core values and envision what you want the future to be.
A new age is here, and it’s up to each of us to decide what to take forward, and what is best left behind.
