What is reality? What is the nature of our own consciousness? What is the nature of our relationships to others?

Philosophers have debated these questions for millennia, and yet they remain some of the most pondered topics in history. 

With everything that has surfaced in 2020, these topics arise again, not just as interesting thought experiments, but as crucial considerations in determining how to move forward in one of the most challenging seasons faced in recent history.

When everything around you feels precarious, astrology offers perspective (if not direct answers). 

As an astrologer, I’ve noticed that this year, more than ever, people are seeking the truth and wisdom of the stars.

So, if you’re  not an astrologer yourself, here’s some key takeaways for 2020, and some considerations of how to integrate them in your life to become more resilient and able to face the road ahead.

Major Point 1: What’s been going on?!?

This year, there’s been a gathering of big energy (BIG) in the sign of Capricorn. This, paired with a few other considerations (such as Uranus in Taurus), has created some major shifts.

Capricorn and Taurus are both earth signs, and so rule things like: the economy; healthcare; politics; the environment; power dynamics; and the subjugation of others for personal gain. You get the picture.

The energies at play are ones of facing the shadow aspects of ourselves/each other, extreme expansion, and huge restrictions/boundaries.

All of this is especially affecting the U.S. because America is currently facing its Pluto return. What this means is that Americans in particular are facing the shadow aspects of our 244 year history.

Major Point 2: How to handle all of this?!?

Even thought the major astrological energies are challenging to deal with (in some cases devastating), you are offered a choice in every situation, even when it seems like there’s no where to turn.

Always, always, you can choose to engage with life as you find it and to make the best choices you can from where you are now (not where you wish you were).

The way out of all of these challenges is through. And the way through means radically accepting reality as it is today. That can be uncomfortable, and that can mean seeing reality in new ways each day (and being willing to shift your perspectives as more information comes to your awareness).

Remember that you are one being, and you weren’t meant to hold the burdens of the entire world on your shoulders. Try to exercise a commitment to recognizing what you can do, and what you simply have to observe. Each day that you commit to the messy work of acknowledging reality and taking actions that are true to your inner guidance is a day that you build the path toward a better tomorrow (even when things seem hopeless).

Major Point 3: Astrological perspective

For many people, the challenges of 2020 feel both personal and all pervasive. When this happens, it’s challenging, to say the least. 

Whatever you are navigating (and there’s A LOT from forrest fires to politics to racial issues to healthcare to government shutdowns to financial concerns and beyond), there’s a way to consider it on the larger scale.

From an astrological point of view, everything that is actually exists in a state of wholeness. This is an esoteric paradox, because from our limited personal perspectives we see the very real challenges we face. 

However, on another level, we exist, not solely as individual awarenesses, but as a microcosm of universal consciousness vibrating at a certain frequency.

If you take this larger perspective, even for a few moments, certain tools come to light that you already have.

First, you recognize that in your limited, individual perspective, all the information usually isn’t in your waking mind. Because of this, you can adopt the freedom to say that you don’t know everything. This is one of the greatest freedoms because in a world urging you to choose sides on every issue, you’ll have the ability to say you don’t know yet, and also you’ll have the grace and freedom to change your mind when you wish.

Second, you recognize that all of the resources of the universe, on an esoteric level, are available to you at any moment. You have the ability to call in what is needful to you in a moment. When facing situations beyond what you feel prepared for, this can be a great comfort.

Third, you recognize that your limited self is bound by space and time, and that this too shall pass. Whatever challenges you’re facing, if you’re able to hold your inner frequency and acknowledge as much of truth and reality as you can in any given moment, you’ll soon realize you can make your way through anything. 

These truths might sound good on paper, but always remember that in application, things are much more difficult. Stay true to your inner self, and you’ll make your way through 2020 with truth, integrity, and the ability to face what is coming.