Aquarius: How Can You Change the World?

No challenge too big, passionately independent, and nothing to stop you… this is the energy of the month of Aquarius. It is time for all of us to go beyond our nature, to shift our perspective from limited to limitless, and to solve problems with a renewed consciousness. Aquarians are the rebels with a cause and, whether we were born under this sign or not, we will all get a chance to reinvent the status quo.

Aquarians are rebellious by nature, but they are also idealists. They are not seeking to create chaos but rather to change the world through original thinking and by defying convention. They are known in the cosmic realm to be a channel for improving the world—the do-gooders of the cosmos—standing for justice, challenging power structures, and speaking for those who cannot.

While this sounds absolutely marvelous, each sign comes with its own shadow, and for every opportunity we have, a challenge arrives as well.

Contrary to cultural belief, Aquarians are actually the most stubborn of all the signs. Sorry, Taurus. These folks reject establishment and fight tooth and nail to maintain their individuality. Their freedom is of the utmost importance, and they detest confinement of any sort. I know Aquarians quite well. My son and oldest sister were born under this sign so, take it from me, trying to tell an Aquarius what to do or how to be is a fool’s errand. Their desire for freedom is equaled only by their pride. While they are known as the humanitarian of the zodiac, interpersonally, they can seem aloof.

This is why the challenge and focus this month is removing our pride and practicing radical empathy. This is the time to reexamine the ways we have let our ego run the show—even, and especially when we are doing something “good.” Aquarians live for activism, and although they will move Heaven and Earth for a global cause, they very often lack understanding and compassion for their fellow human beings. Understandably this does not get them very far, whether it’s collectively or individually.

As you welcome the new moon of Aquarius, ask how you may be pushing away those closest to you. Be mindful of treating everyone you meet with respect, giving the benefit of the doubt in every situation, and becoming aware of when you are withholding love and kindness. This is no easy feat; being brutally honest with ourselves about why we find it easier to be kind to one person and not another takes real humility. Seeing the world through the eyes of someone very different than you requires vulnerability and emotional intelligence.

How compassionate can you be with every person you meet—including yourself?

True spirituality means becoming one with humanity, not being above it. Challenge yourself this month to see the human being behind everyone in your life; your boss, your mother, your child. Where is the common humanity you share with your co-workers? The barista who makes your coffee? Your babysitter? The person you admire most? The homeless person begging for money on the street corner?

How differently would you walk through the world knowing that you are not any better, nor are you any less deserving, than anyone else? Think about that for a moment. If nothing else changed except your awareness of your shared humanity with everyone, how would your day look?

My guess is that kindness would flow effortlessly, compassion would come naturally, and connection would be the order of the day. If we can all use the magic of empathy, vulnerability, and kindness, we could change the world. This is exactly what Aquarius aims to do. It is a beautiful irony. A perfect illustration of how going against your nature brings you the precise growth you are seeking.

My husband, Michael, illustrates this so perfectly and simply:

“Think about a world where the majority of people are listening and ready to help when they see a need or when they see lack. One can imagine then that most of the pain and suffering can be eliminated. This is the world we must be striving and working towards.”

Aquarians want to change the world, to challenge faulty leadership, and to create an experience that is equal and supportive for everyone. This month we have the opportunity to do just that by acting on our big ideas with kindness and, as always, with our fellow human in mind.

 

RETHINK MOMENT

How do you want to change the world? How can you take action toward this that is based on compassion and kindness? Maybe it is striving to listen more, be more present for your loved ones, or give back to your community in a new way. Share your big ideas in the comments.