The Age of Aquarius: myth, symbols and end of the Age of Pisces

For decades, the “Age of Aquarius” has fueled debates, hopes and spiritual prophecies. But what does this passage supposed to succeed the Age of Pisces really mean? A look back at a fascinating concept where astrology, symbolism and cultural interpretations combine.

No star flashes in the sky to announce the arrival of the Age of Aquarius. And yet, this idea runs through the history of astrology: humanity would change cycles, moving from an era marked by spirituality, beliefs and sacrifice (Pisces), to an era focused on the collective, technology, humanism and revolutions (Aquarius).

But where does this theory come from, and what does it actually describe?

Where does the concept of Astrological Eras come from?

The “Astrological Eras” arise from a very real astronomical phenomenon: the precession of the equinoxes.
The Earth oscillates very slowly on its axis, which causes the vernal point (the spring equinox) to move back through the constellations of the zodiac.

• An era lasts approximately 2,160 years.
• A “complete cycle” of 12 eras lasts nearly 26,000 years.

This concept is of Greek origin, notably mentioned by Hipparchus in his observations of the 2nd century BC. BC, but its astrological interpretation is much more recent: it really appears between the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Age of Pisces: spirituality, faith and duality

Traditionally, the Age of Pisces is considered to have begun somewhere around the beginning of the Christian era.
The symbol of Pisces, two fish linked together, going in opposite directions, embodies a universe of paradoxes:

1. Spirituality and religion

The Age of Pisces is often associated with the rise of the great monotheistic religions, notably Christianity, of which the symbol of the fish is central.
Belief, faith, sacrifice and mystical ideal occupy a strong place there.

2. Compassion… but also illusion

Pisces is a water sign: it evokes sensitivity, empathy, but also flight, escape, collective illusions.
This era would be marked by:

• ideologies,
• the myths of redemptive suffering,
• the need to follow spiritual guides,
• mass movements based on belief rather than reason.

3. A cycle of ending and dissolution

In zodiacal logic, Pisces is the last sign: it closes a cycle before rebirth.
The era would therefore be perceived as a period of dissolution, introspection and inner ferment on the scale of humanity.

The Age of Aquarius: revolution, collective consciousness and technology

Aquarius is the complete opposite: air sign, symbol of freedom, innovation and disruption.

Here are the characteristics associated with it:

1. Technology and futurism

Aquarius governs everything relating to progress, inventions and the relationship with technology.
The explosion of digital technology, AI, space or transhumanism is often interpreted as a warning sign.

2. Humanism, equality and collective consciousness

Aquarius is the sign of groups, networks, global communities.
It embodies a potential era:

• opening,
• cooperation,
• equal rights,
• horizontal rather than hierarchical systems.

3. Ruptures and revolutions

It is also a reforming sign, unpredictable, on background:

• disputes,
• citizen movements,
• overthrow of old models.

Many associate Aquarius energy with the rapid changes that are shaking up our societies.

Are we already in the Age of Aquarius?

That's THE question.
And no one has the same answer, for a simple reason: there is no clear astronomical boundary between the constellations.

Astrologists offer different dates:

• 1880: according to certain esotericists of the 19th century.
• 1987: popularized by the idea of “Harmonic Convergence”.
• 2012: resumption in the New Age movements.
• Around 2150: estimate closer to astronomical calculations.

In reality, most astrologers agree on one idea: the Age of Aquarius does not start abruptly, but gradually.
We would be in a transition period, where elements of Pisces dissolve while the energy of Aquarius emerges.

Transition from Pisces to Aquarius: what this passage represents

Decline of Pisces

• crumbling of religious institutions,
• loss of confidence in moral authorities,
• skepticism towards old ideologies,
• search for meaning outside traditional structures.

Rise of Aquarius

• explosion of social networks and global communities,
• disruptive technological innovations,
• valorization of atypical individuals,
• quest for freedom, equality, and social experimentation.

The paradigm is changing: we are moving from a world focused on the sacred, emotion and dogma, to a hyper-connected, mental, fast, collective and revolutionary world.