If you’ve listened to the songs from the Broadway musical “Hair,” you’ve heard of the Age of Aquarius. At the time, it may have sounded like an imaginary age and a catchy tune. Turns out, the Aquarian Age is a real thing, and it’s probably happening now.
What is the Aquarian Age, you ask? Good question!
The Aquarian Age and Astrology
According to astrology, a new age dawns every 2,160 years, give or take. A few years ago, at least in the yoga circles I travel in, we began hearing about the transition from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius.
The truth is, astrologers don’t really agree on when this new age began or even if it has, in fact, begun. Apparently, it all has to do with the movement of vernal equinoxes from one astrological constellation to another. That’s probably a difficult thing to keep track of, so I can see why the dawning of a new age isn’t as easy to pinpoint as, say the first day of spring.
Some accounts say Aquarius dawned as long ago as the 1400’s, while other say it won’t happen until 3573! I suppose that’s not a long stretch of time for the universe, but it leaves us mortals wondering.
I’m sure you wonder what age it is all the time, don’t you?
Whether you’ve thought about this before or not, many people—myself included—believe there is a shift happening in the universe. Humanity is changing. Maybe that’s always the case, but for those of us with a spiritual bent, it’s an important awareness. The dawn of a new astrological age is said to affect humanity profoundly, perhaps even causing the rise and fall of entire civilizations!
In the Age of Aquarius, What Can We Expect?
If you practice Kundalini Yoga, you likely believe the Age of Aquarius is here and that it started in 2011—November 11, 2011 to be exact. Unless you’re in the camp that set the date as December 21, 2012!
As the Kundalini Yoga website 3HO explains (and I’m paraphrasing), when you’re dealing with a 2000-year timeframe, you can be off by a year or two.
The point is if you know what is happening, it will be easier to take this new cosmic ride. So, here are a few characteristics of the Aquarian Age to look for:
- There will be a shift away from believing in or following an external source of power.
- Emphasis will be less on gaining knowledge and more on making connections.
- Inner-knowing will become more important.
- The structure of hierarchies will become less effective than emphasis on equality and working together.
If you’ve been around for a few decades (or longer), you’ve probably been hearing grumblings about these kinds of things for a while. Following authority, black-and-white thinking, looking to something outside ourselves for happiness, and competition have certainly become suspect in my lifetime. Whether that’s due to the astrological age or just aging in general, I’m not sure. But I am sure of the wisdom in these things.
Making the Shift
At first glance, it seems the new age is a better age, doesn’t it? It allows us to think for ourselves, and no one is better than anyone else.
But it’s not so simple. Some embrace the shift easily, turning to spiritual practices like yoga and meditation, rethinking their connection to organized religion, caring about the planet and its beings, and experiencing bliss and joy.
For others, though, the shift is scary. Without the crutch of leaders or the power that comes from strengthening our own egos and position in the world, it’s easy to get lost. No wonder there is so much anxiety, depression, and prescription drug use in our times!
It’s both a wonderful time to be alive and a difficult time to be alive. I guess that’s to be expected when you’re setting the course for the next 2000 years!
How can we embrace the Aquarian Age without going crazy?
Kundalini Yoga teacher Santokh Singh Khalsa suggests a daily spiritual practice is essential to navigating the Aquarian Age. In addition, he says, avoid a victim mentality, and try not to give in to fear. Trust the universe, stay grounded, and focus and being a source of light for others.
Yogi Bhajan, who brought Kundalini Yoga to the West, had some suggestions as well. His Five Sutras for the Aquarian Age are snippets of wisdom we can turn to when challenged.
- Recognize the other person is you.
- There is a way through every block.
- When the time is on you, start, and the pressure will be off.
- Understand through compassion, or you will misunderstand the times.
- Vibrate the Cosmos. The Cosmos shall clear the path.
Yogi Bhajan’s sutras give us hope that we can work together and overcome any obstacle if we keep up our practice and help each other along the way.
For me, yoga practice and connecting with like-minded people are key. I also try not to throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater. Trusting my inner wisdom doesn’t mean I don’t respect my teachers or that I reject my Christian roots, and when I struggle with uncertainty, I usually see it as an opportunity for growth. (Sometimes I just cry or take a nap.)
A great thing for me when I learned of the Aquarian Age was I finally had permission from the universe to doubt some of the things I’d believed growing up. Again, whether this is simply a side effect of getting older or truly a mark of a cosmic shift, I’m not sure. I’m just trying to enjoy the ride!
What about you? Have you noticed a shift you’d attribute to the cosmos? If so, I’d love to know about it!
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Hi, I’m Maria. I created Yoga Circles for you if you want to delve more deeply into the philosophy, practice, and life-changing effects of yoga. I’m also a writer and editor who helps small business owners, wellness professionals, teachers, and authors publish books, develop marketing strategies, and connect with readers, clients, and students. Visit my website (link below) for more about that. I’d love to hear from you!