2024 Horoscope: the next Age of Aquarius and overthrowing unjust regimes

Astrologer and priestess Grace McGrade outlines what we have coming up for us in 2024, and what it means that we will be entering the Age of Aquarius in November

21December 2023

Grace McGrade is an intuitive astrologer and priestess based in Los Angeles. She is the host of the podcast “Bitchcraft: Spirituality for Bad People.” Her sessions include birth chart readings, tarot, energetic clearings and psychic consultations. For more astrology, read her guide to risings signs and moon signs.

It’s time for a change of guard, as we kiss outdated political and celebrity monarchs of the past two decades goodbye, and usher in a revolution. Welcome to a shiny new astrological era, dubbed by some astrologers, “The Age of Aquarius”. Although we won’t be moving into tech-savvy activist communes overnight, 2024 is a year for overthrowing unjust governance. Prepare for major strides forward, particularly in areas requiring technological and spiritual expansion. We are long overdue for dismantling hierarchical regimes, so get ready to reclaim power from the ruling classes. 2024 promises new beginnings, as we leave broken systems in 2023 and gear up to embark on a collective quest towards equality.

Think back to 2008, the beginning of the Age of Capricorn. It was the year Obama was elected, inciting high hopes in governance that would rapidly change. The market crashed, but celebrity culture peaked. We watched the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. Paparazzi narratives took on mythical proportions, and reality TV stars became the new monarchs. The infamous Bling Ring robberies exemplified the dangers of celebrity obsession driven by an insatiable appetite for excess. Britney, Lindsay and Paris would subsequently have breakdowns observed in real time. Fast forward to today and everyone is a niche, micro-celebrity subject to online scrutiny. Since 2008, our establishment has been shaken up, as we were exposed to the shadows of hierarchy, government and celebrity.

Pluto in Capricorn exacerbated our desire to climb the ladder, even if the ladder led to spaces without much integrity. When it moves into Aquarius on January 20, we shift our focus towards community, eager to find co-conspirators in the revolution we have all been waiting for. The French Revolution occurred during a Pluto in Aquarius transit, when the collective overthrew a tyrannical system, insistent on change. On November 20, Pluto will leave Capricorn for good, closing out one of the hardest career and money transits of our lifetimes.

Pluto in Aquarius then exposes us to the shadow side of the digital age, and can bring up fears related to technology, bio-engineering, group-think and darker modalities of spirituality. Aquarius, the most evolved of the air signs, corresponds to our global connectivity, big-picture ideas and new tech. We might see issues with social media, privacy laws and internet outages. Pluto reveals what was previously obscured, so expect hidden information to come to light, particularly as it relates to groups, cults, tech and scientific discoveries. Don’t be surprised if a conspiratorial fantasy becomes a reality, as this astrological weather is like Reddit threads brought to life.

Surrealist political landscapes may become the new norm, as well as advanced inventions that change our world. All of this is preparing us for new ideas, as we abandon the status quo and seek solutions. But we must first examine the shadow of futurism, where technology has compromised and replaced human connectivity. The desire to improve what already works can lead to unhealthy complications.

We open 2024 with the Node of Destiny stationed in Aries, encouraging all signs to express independence. The North Node represents our collective learning, and signifies the eclipse themes in the year ahead. The Aries archetype is the Warrior, the headstrong Ram with battle fever. This configuration means the days of ignoring our call to adventure are over, and we are prompted to become our own champions. Ruled by the God of War, Mars, Aries guards the dynamic life force behind all of creation, as it is the sign of beginnings, drive and courage. Sure, we might be impulsive, even short-tempered, but 2024 is assisting us in owning who we truly are, reminding us of what we came here to do. If you have been stuck in patterns of keeping the peace over honouring your intuition, you will be redirected. 2024 is here to enforce growth.

As the South Node represents what we are letting go of, the lower expressions of Libra will need to be collectively purged. Libra is ruled by Venus, and applies to our physical appearances, as well as our dealings with others. This transit is uncovering things that look pretty on the surface, but are ugly underneath. The sign of Libra can be duplicitous in her dealings, overly concerned about other people’s perceptions. Wanting so badly to be liked, Libra can go to great lengths to avoid conflict or confrontation. Our masks become transparent in 2024, as what motivates people is slowly becoming impossible to conceal. This transit marks an end to people-pleasing and social climbing, and will have “fake” relationships that are just for show imploding in on themselves. The Lunar eclipse in Libra on March 25 acts as an exit valve for these antics, and prompts us to cut ties with those operating dishonestly.

As our more selfish tendencies are being traded in for a transcendent mission, authentic connections naturally replace the ones we’ve outgrown in 2024. Mid-May, Jupiter ingresses into Gemini, where it will stay until 2025. This transit is quickening the pace and expanding our appetite for variety. It brings a slew of new ideas and changes to our immediate environments, increased information and quality conversation. The Twins love to gossip, alternating perspectives, and we will be travelling through life like experimental teenagers. As Jupiter brings expansion, we will all be kept busy, as we master the art of communication. It’s an excellent time to move neighbourhoods or learn a new skill, as Gemini pertains to changing extracurricular activities. Be wary of getting caught in a crossfire of ideas or gossip, though, especially as everyone’s propensity for mischief is heightened. Fake news, opposing viewpoints and irreverent drama may become commonplace. It is important to keep a limber perspective and use this transit to learn and listen.

Brand new beginnings are incited in 2024, and we will find ourselves much more autonomous. Revolution awaits. It is the year of becoming your own person, ruffling feathers and speaking the truth. Your gut impulses are gifts, and must be acted upon, even if it means moving against the herd. Be courageous, and bold, as if your will to survive is blind to the possibility of failure.

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ARIES RISING

How does it feel to be the strongest soldier during the war on consciousness? Your courageous nature and ability to be direct will come in handy this year, as all other signs strive to be like you. The North Node, or point of destiny, is stationed in your sign for all of 2024, ensuring that fate drives you towards self-discovery. It’s an era of new beginnings, as you embark upon untraversed trajectories, emboldened with greater faith in self.

Asteroid Chiron has been in your sign for nearly five years, inciting important healing and showing you weak spots in your picture of self. This year, you embrace your wounds, wearing them as exotic tattoos that only add to your mystique. Come May, Jupiter moves into your sector of communication, encouraging you to take your learnings out into the world and share your perspective. With the South Node in your sector of partnerships, you have no patience for pettiness, fake-pleasantries and superficial dynamics. The only opinion you have to live with is your own. So abide by your own rule book and don’t be alarmed if it irritates your more codependent cohorts. If they can’t handle the heat, get out of the fire.

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TAURUS RISING

2023 was a year of embodied change, as Jupiter and Uranus both sat in your sign, assisting growth and upgrading your self-confidence. This year, expansive Jupiter finishes his transit in your sign, encouraging you to take this newfound self-knowledge and apply it to the big wide world. You are invited to lean into your senses and trust your bodily intelligence, as it always leads you towards sensual experiences that open you up to love.

In May, Jupiter ingresses into Gemini, landing in your sector of financial resources. This cycle is beneficial for earning and experimenting with new talents, and invites you to switch up your approach to abundance. You have mastered your innate ability to attract and it’s time to put it in use. With the North Node stationed in your sector of subconscious for all of 2024, you are beckoned to pair the physical with metaphysical attunement, and play with your psychic skills.

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GEMINI RISING

Last year you were invited to separate from the herd and establish your own route. It brought highs and lows, and perhaps the feeling of empty space. 2024 is your year for expanding horizons, blessing you with restored faith and happiness, and giddy bouts of financial growth. In May, Jupiter, planet of luck and expansion, enters your sign, giving you a case of “lucky girl syndrome”. You can expect rapidfire miracles and an acceleration of career goals, especially in matters of publishing or finding a wider audience. This transit only occurs for you once every 12 years, so make the most of it. Be wary of the tendency to overindulge, or test limits.

Continuous shifts occur in your sector of friendships and community, as you are reminded to choose quality over quantity. You are a social creature, in need of variety and stimulation, but you should never have to over compromise your sense of personal direction.

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CANCER RISING

2023 began an important cycle for you in terms of carving your own path and this year, your professional visibility peaks, as your career commands centre stage. With the eclipses of 2024 inciting new beginnings in your sector of accomplishment, you are destined to find a new calling. You are restoring a sense of purpose and magnetism that is seen and felt. You are challenged to let go of negative belief systems from early childhood and release codependent attitudes that keep you from entering the spotlight solo.

Late May, Jupiter ingresses into your sector of spirituality, magnifying gut feelings and psychic insights. Let yourself sit in this, even if it can feel isolating. You require room to hear your own thoughts and be guided by your own feelings. Saturn in Pisces is amplifying everyone’s intuitive abilities, and you would excel at learning how to both manage and access these faculties – through meditation, manifestation or even keeping a dream journal.

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LEO RISING

In 2024 you require new kingdoms and foreign landscapes to traverse through, as you are hungry for variety, gravitating towards deep seeking. You want to uncover everything. You begin a quest of self-awareness, embracing your wanderlust as it restores faith in the divine.

Jupiter moves through your sectors of reputation and groups this year, encouraging you to use your skills of charisma and confidence to move up in the world. With stern Saturn stationed in your sector of sex and shared energy, you are still learning how to exercise boundaries and discern takers from givers. It’s time to draw a clear line in the sand, separating yourself from anyone who seeks to dim your sparkle. You have a propensity to be overgiving with your time and resources, and this transit is a chance to become more self-contained.

In 2024, you learn how to develop a slow burn, becoming more patient and careful in your most intimate dynamics. With Pluto entering your sector of partnerships, fated connections make their way towards you, reminding you of your core mission and purpose. Come December, Mars retrogrades through your sign, inciting a slower pace and encouraging you to retrace your tracks.

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VIRGO RISING

2023 required you to be more introspective, as you asked deep questions, uncovered more about your approach to intimacy and looked for existential meaning. With Saturn in Pisces stationed in your region of partnerships, you learned the shadow side of imbalanced or illusory dynamics, and had to part ways from draining people. New dynamics replace the broken ones this year and you are imparted a new love language, free of victimhood and martyrdom. 2024 is a revolution in how you relate.

Your appetite for mystery and hidden knowledge increases this year, as the eclipses expose things previously obscured and push you headfirst into the unknown. Mid-May, Jupiter opens doors for your professional life, and offers recognition and reward after years of tireless work.

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LIBRA RISING

2023 incited some challenging lessons in your relationships and exposed the toxicity in dynamics that you remained in out of habit. Your challenge this year is to invite in new collaborators, colleagues and compassionate conspirators towards you, leaving the past behind. Pluto in Aquarius amplifies your creative outlets and inspiration strikes, providing you with boundless opportunities to make great art.

Your more social proclivities, especially the desire to people-please, maintain appearances or over-compromise need to be inspected. It is impossible to make everyone like you, all of the time. You are on a healing path this year, encouraged to seek solace, enjoy your own company and experiment with new modalities of wellness.

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SCORPIO RISING

2024 encourages you to build a new foundation, carve out a hidden sanctuary, a quiet lair for you to prepare for the future. Pluto, your ruling planet, moves from Capricorn into Aquarius, challenging you to let go of hierarchical relationships. You graduate out of outdated systems of power and move towards building a solid, stable, soul family you can truly trust.

A move or change in location may be in store, as matters of the home are accentuated all year. You may uncover hidden family secrets, or even adopt a more compassionate perspective on your early childhood. It's a great year for lasting healing, as the eclipses fall on your axis of health. The more you can stick to a routine, caring for both your body and spirit, the better. Your world is overdue for a major upgrade, so expect 2024 to bring a change in scenery, community and habits.

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SAGITTARIUS RISING

You’ll be pleased to hear that after nearly a decade of professional and financial setbacks, Pluto is excavating your sector of money and moving into futuristic Aquarius, loosening the reins it may have had on your pocket book. Your focus turns towards communication and you are encouraged to speak your truth, letting your outlook be heard.

2023 began a cycle of tests in your friendships and may have exposed imbalances in values or vantage points. It’s time to separate from group think, cast out the opinions and perspectives of others and march to the beat of your own drum. Creative projects take precedence over social ones this year. In May, you may be lucky in love, as your ruler, Jupiter moves through your sector of partnerships. This can deepen existing dynamics or even bring in a variety of new contacts into your sphere.

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CAPRICORN RISING

The heaviness of the past two decades alleviates and naturally transforms into hopeful new beginnings, as Pluto leaves your sign this year. You have been through a magnificent amount of loss and change, and converted your pain into a potent superpower. With your ruler, Saturn, in Pisces this year, you are encouraged to have compassion for yourself and tune into your more empathic, intuitive abilities. Your cynical outlook is upgraded, as your ideals have changed. Where you once wanted power and visibility, you now look for safety and comfort. Only when you experience the merit of self-sustaining groundedness, are you prepared to take on the world.

2024 provides you with boundless blessings in matters of health, wealth and career – so long as you are giving yourself time to reflect and recharge.

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AQUARIUS RISING

It’s time to embrace lasting and powerful change, and take your place as an official authority figure in the shiny equalitarian age that awaits. Pluto enters your sign this year where it will stay for two decades, so expect to feel these seismic undercurrents more than anyone else.

Pluto brings transformation and will be sending you microscopic clues about your direction. The upside to this is an increase in intuitive awareness and the ability to transmute generational pain, whilst learning the extent of your own power. This is intense, undoubtedly, but you can reap rich rewards if you seek out spiritual assistance. Don’t shy away from uncovering the deeper meaning to your problems, or even examining the shadow of society at large. With Jupiter in Gemini in your sector of creativity and fun, some of the heaviness will be alleviated mid-May, as you return to simple, artistic delights.

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PISCES RISING

Stern Saturn has been in your sign for a year, requiring you to become a sage master of spiritual growth, displaying the importance of boundaries, discipline and the execution of your dreams. This year he finishes his tour in Pisces, giving you the patience to follow through with projects and ideas you normally would abandon.

New resources emerge and bouts of unexpected income arise when you step into your power. With the North Node in Aries falling in your sector of earning, you have the ability to become more self-sufficient than ever, exuding confidence in your many tricks and talents. With Jupiter, your co-ruler, moving into Gemini in May, you might be looking to move or rearrange your scenery. You are called to find a home that supports your sporadic bouts of intuitive downloads and artistic proclivities. Set your sights high, and visualise your dream home.

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