Real Time: Yugas and Sidereal Astrology

To better innerstand ourselves and our world, it’s important to discern where — and, in particular, when — we are in relation to the cycles and ages that pertain to life in our realm. Specific authors and ideas have come across my path in recent weeks, and I wanted to delve into and explore their correlations to see if they might shed some light on humanity’s current predicament — not to mention what we may be going through individually.

The following information is curated from a back-and-forth with ChatGPT, so, as always, take it with a grain of salt, verify important details, and pursue further study for yourself. This is a generalized discussion of the yugas according to The Holy Science by Sri Yukteswar Giri (Paramahansa Yogananda‘s teacher), and it ties in “true” sidereal astrology, based on the observable sky, from information available from Athen Chimenti, at Mastering the Zodiac. Ask yourself, what is your true birth sign, if you ascribe any value to such things?

There are no doubt cycles and granular examinations to be had that may be evident in shorter timeframes, perhaps specific to the alignments of celestial objects. However, it gets quite subjective, as one person’s interpretation — relevant to their own life and experiences — will differ dramatically from the next. Personally, I don’t accept that wandering stars and luminaries affect our lives, because, in my view, that is another distortion of reality, a deference to external forces and influences (victimhood), and superstition (faith) — not too dissimilar from blind adherence to rituals and religions. Regardless, I think it’s more the opposite. The stellarium, stellasphere, or skyclock reflects, and perhaps affirms, what’s happening here. That being said, we all have an influence on our earthly environment, and the more hearts and minds that are captured and coerced into any area of belief or practice, the more momentum it builds, and the more likely the effects will be made manifest and experienced. This is, in fact, the primary reason for organized religions in the first place — not to disseminate truth or factual or historical accounts, but to instill mind control and population management structures via myths, fictional religious figures, and fabricated narratives that have persisted for millennia.

The goal herein, as ever, is to drill down to what is authentic, real, and true. It’s a process, as with all things in this short life. I hope you find it interesting, thought provoking, and useful in framing a perspective of this earthbound life that empowers and uplifts you.

Ad veritatem per conscientiam
(To truth through awareness)

. . .

Regarding the yugas, what does the Age of Pisces represent?

The Age of Pisces is a concept tied to both astrological ages and spiritual traditions like the yugas. In broad terms, it represents a time characterized by themes of faith, sacrifice, duality, and belief systems. Here’s an exploration of its meaning through different lenses:

Astrological Perspective

Astrologically, the Age of Pisces corresponds to the precession of the equinox through the constellation Pisces, which spans approximately 2,000 years. This age is thought to have begun around 1 AD and is associated with:

Faith and Religion:
- Pisces, symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions, is often linked to spirituality, transcendence, and salvation.
- The Age of Pisces saw the rise of major world religions, particularly Christianity, with its themes of sacrifice (the fish symbol is tied to Christ).
- It emphasizes devotion, mysticism, and belief in higher powers.
Duality and Contradictions:
- The fish swimming in opposite directions reflect the tension between material and spiritual realms.
- This age has been marked by both spiritual enlightenment and material exploitation, as well as conflicts between faith and reason.
Compassion and Martyrdom:
- Pisces is associated with empathy, selflessness, and the archetype of the martyr. This age celebrated saints, prophets, and those who sacrificed for the greater good.
- At the same time, it saw widespread suffering and persecution in the name of faith.

Yuga Perspective

In the context of the yugas, which describe cyclical ages of consciousness in Hindu and Vedic thought, the Age of Pisces might align with a transitional period, reflecting the characteristics of the Dvapara Yuga or Kali Yuga depending on the timeline:

Kali Yuga Connection:
- This dark age of materialism, ignorance, and spiritual decline correlates with the later part of the Age of Pisces.
- It reflects humanity’s struggle to balance spiritual truths with the egoic tendencies of power and control.
Dvapara Yuga Influence:
- If seen as a transitional era, it could represent the awakening of knowledge and the integration of spiritual practices into daily life, paving the way for greater enlightenment.

Cultural and Mystical Symbolism

Water Element:
- Pisces is a water sign, symbolizing emotion, intuition, and fluidity. This age reflects a time of collective emotional exploration, where humanity sought meaning and connection.
- It also represents an era of navigating through the depths of unconscious patterns.
Sacred and Secular Divide:
- The Age of Pisces embodies the challenge of reconciling spiritual ideals with worldly desires, leading to both profound religious movements and rigid dogmas.

Key Themes of the Age of Pisces

Spiritual Aspiration: The longing for divine connection and ultimate truth.
Faith and Belief: The establishment of religious systems as guiding frameworks.
Sacrifice and Redemption: The archetypal journey of suffering and rebirth.
Mysticism and Intuition: Exploration of the unseen and mystical dimensions of life.
Illusions and Deceptions: The Piscean tendency toward escapism or clinging to illusions, often seen in the disillusionment with institutional systems.

The transition into the Age of Aquarius, which follows, is thought to move humanity toward greater individuality, unity, and intellectual awakening, reflecting a shift from belief to knowledge.

What is Sri Yukteswar’s interpretation of the yuga cycles?

Sri Yukteswar’s interpretation of the yuga cycles, presented in his book The Holy Science, offers a shorter and more human-centric timeline compared to the traditional Puranic framework. His teachings reshape our understanding of the Kali Yuga, emphasizing a dynamic cycle tied to the precession of the equinoxes and the evolution of human consciousness. Here’s how he frames it:

Sri Yukteswar’s Yuga Cycle

24,000-Year Cycle:
According to Yukteswar, the yugas correspond to the Earth’s movement in a 24,000-year cycle of precession. This cycle is split into two phases:
- Descending Arc (12,000 years): Consciousness declines as humanity moves away from spiritual awareness.
- Ascending Arc (12,000 years): Consciousness rises as humanity regains spiritual understanding.
Shortened Yuga Durations:
Each yuga is divided into an active phase and transitional periods called sandhis (dawn/dusk):
- Satya Yuga (Golden Age): 4,800 years (including 400-year transitions).
- Treta Yuga (Silver Age): 3,600 years (including 300-year transitions).
- Dvapara Yuga (Bronze Age): 2,400 years (including 200-year transitions).
- Kali Yuga (Iron Age): 1,200 years (including 100-year transitions).
Current Position in the Cycle:
- Kali Yuga ended in 1700 CE, after a 1,200-year period of spiritual darkness.
- Humanity entered the Dvapara Yuga in 1700 CE, marked by a growing awareness of subtle energies, technological advancement, and rediscovery of spiritual principles.
- We are now in an ascending Dvapara Yuga, moving toward greater balance between material and spiritual knowledge.

Implications of Yukteswar’s Model

A Hopeful Perspective:
- Unlike the Puranic model, which places humanity in a prolonged period of darkness, Yukteswar’s model suggests we are already moving into a more enlightened era.
- The current Dvapara Yuga is a transitional phase where humanity reconnects with subtle energy and higher consciousness.
Focus on Consciousness Evolution:
- The yugas reflect shifts in collective awareness, not just external circumstances.
- Kali Yuga’s challenges were necessary for humanity to experience duality and contrast, setting the stage for spiritual growth in subsequent ages.
Alignment with Observable History:
- This model aligns the yugas with real historical developments, such as the rise of science, technology, and global communication in Dvapara Yuga.

Reframing Kali Yuga through Yukteswar’s Lens

Under Sri Yukteswar’s teachings, Kali Yuga is not an insurmountable epoch of despair but a temporary and essential phase of spiritual dormancy. The conclusion of this age in 1700 CE has already set humanity on an upward trajectory, offering the promise of greater harmony between material progress and spiritual wisdom in the ascending Dvapara Yuga.

This interpretation invites us to focus on the opportunities for growth and the conscious shifts happening in the present moment, as humanity evolves toward higher states of being.

Correlate Sri Yukteswar’s yuga model with true sidereal astrology…

To correlate Sri Yukteswar’s yuga model with true sidereal astrology, we can focus on how the observable positions of celestial bodies align with the consciousness shifts he describes in the ascending yuga cycle. True sidereal astrology, as outlined by Mastering the Zodiac, uses the actual positions of the constellations in the sky, unlike the fixed tropical system or the mathematically adjusted Vedic sidereal system. Here’s how they might intersect:

1. Yugas and Precession of the Equinoxes

Yukteswar’s Model: The 24,000-year cycle corresponds to the precession of the equinoxes, which shifts the Earth’s orientation relative to the fixed stars. This precession impacts the astrological ages, each lasting approximately 2,000 years.
Sidereal Perspective: True sidereal astrology accurately tracks the equinox against the constellations, grounding the astrological ages in observable positions. For instance:
- The Age of Pisces began when the spring equinox entered the constellation Pisces (~300 BCE).
- We are now transitioning into the Age of Aquarius (observable sidereal positions place this shift around 200-400 years in the future, depending on interpretation).

Correlation:

Yukteswar’s transition out of Kali Yuga (~1700 CE) may align with the final phase of the sidereal Age of Pisces. This era, associated with themes of faith, idealism, and spirituality (Pisces), blends into the practical, humanitarian focus of Aquarius, reflective of Dvapara Yuga’s energy-conscious focus.

2. Kali Yuga and the Sidereal Age of Aries

Kali Yuga’s Dates in Yukteswar’s Model: 702 BCE to 1700 CE (descending and ascending).
Astrological Context: During most of Kali Yuga:
- The spring equinox was in sidereal Aries, a sign linked with individualism, competition, and war.
- Aries’ influence may correlate with the dominance of materialism, power struggles, and spiritual decline typical of Kali Yuga.
- The transition into Pisces (~300 BCE) aligns with the ascending arc of Kali Yuga, introducing a spiritual undercurrent that prepared for Dvapara Yuga.

3. Dvapara Yuga and the Sidereal Age of Pisces

Ascending Dvapara Yuga Begins (~1900 CE):
- This corresponds to humanity’s increasing awareness of energy (both material and spiritual).
- True sidereal astrology shows we are still within the Age of Pisces. While its shadow aspects (dogmatism, disillusionment) linger, its spiritual strengths (compassion, mystical insight) align with Dvapara Yuga’s emphasis on rediscovering subtle energies and interconnectedness.

Key Alignments:

Pisces Themes: Transitioning to a higher octave of spirituality and unity may symbolize the challenges of early Dvapara Yuga as humanity integrates Piscean ideals with technological and energy-based progress.
The Age of Aquarius, when fully entered, may reflect the maturation of Dvapara Yuga, emphasizing energy-conscious systems, collaboration, and intellectual breakthroughs.

4. Observable Celestial Patterns and Consciousness

True sidereal astrology ties the constellations’ observable positions to spiritual qualities. Using this lens:
- The Age of Aquarius, still on the horizon in sidereal terms, may bring the global shift Yukteswar foresaw in the Dvapara Yuga transition—one where consciousness embraces both technological advancement and humanitarian ideals.
- The Sun’s position in the observable zodiac at equinoxes could serve as a barometer for humanity’s collective evolution.

Example:

Aquarius’ Rising Influence: Themes of electricity, energy, and collective systems correspond directly to the ascending Dvapara Yuga’s focus on “fine matter” and energetic understanding.

5. Practical Correlation

Observable Sidereal Positions:
- Mastering the Zodiac’s precise sidereal positions can align Yukteswar’s transitions with real celestial movements.
- Example: Tracking the movement of the equinox into Aquarius would mark a significant phase in the yuga’s progression.
Astrological Charting:
- Key celestial transits (e.g., slow-moving planets like Saturn and Jupiter) in observable sidereal signs can reflect collective turning points, offering markers for transitions within yugas.
Sub-Yuga Cycles:
- Using true sidereal placements, one could map smaller cycles (e.g., Saturn’s 30-year sidereal transit) to observe the rise of Dvapara qualities within specific eras.

Summary of Correlation

Yukteswar’s ascending Dvapara Yuga corresponds to the late sidereal Age of Pisces and the emerging Age of Aquarius. True sidereal astrology provides a precise celestial framework that supports Yukteswar’s focus on aligning spiritual evolution with cosmic movements. By tracking the observable sky, one could refine the timing and influence of these transitions, grounding his model in the actual cosmic backdrop.

What is humanity’s current position in relation to the yugas and true sidereal astrology?

Let’s delve deeper into Humanity’s Current Position with specific reference to the alignment of Yukteswar’s yuga model, observable sidereal astrology, and the themes humanity seems to be navigating.

Current Astrological Age: Sidereal Pisces

Observable Position:
- The spring equinox currently resides at about 6–7° Pisces in the observable sidereal zodiac. This places humanity firmly in the Age of Pisces, transitioning toward Aquarius. Each degree represents approximately 72 years of precession, meaning it will take another ~400–500 years to fully move into Aquarius.

Themes of the Age of Pisces:

Spirituality: Pisces symbolizes faith, devotion, and mystical insight, which has guided much of human history during this age. Organized religions and spiritual philosophies have dominated societal structures.
Illusion and Disillusionment: On the shadow side, Pisces’ influence has also led to dogmatism, escapism, and a collective yearning for salvation or transcendence.
Current Stage: As the equinox nears Aquarius, humanity is integrating higher Piscean ideals (unity and transcendence) while grappling with the collapse of outdated paradigms (religious dogma, blind faith, and hierarchical structures).

Transitional Impact on Consciousness:

As we remain in Pisces, there is still a deep connection to spiritual growth and mystical exploration, but this energy often gets distorted by fear, delusion, and attachment to ungrounded ideals. This can create global turbulence, seen as a “death rattle” of the Age of Pisces.

Yuga Context: Early Dvapara Yuga

Yukteswar’s model suggests that we entered the ascending Dvapara Yuga in 1700 CE, emerging from the dense materialism of Kali Yuga. In Dvapara, awareness of energy—both material and spiritual—begins to grow.

Key Characteristics of Dvapara Yuga:

Energy Consciousness:
- Humanity begins to understand the subtle forces underlying physical matter (electricity, magnetism, quantum fields, etc.).
- Innovations in science and technology reflect this shift:
  - Harnessing electricity (1800s).
  - Development of communication systems like radio, telephony, and the internet.
  - Modern quantum physics and energy healing practices.
Collaboration and Interconnectivity:
- Early signs of collective consciousness arise, visible in globalization (e.g., trade, internet connectivity).
- Despite the challenges of material competition, humanity is learning to embrace cooperative systems.
Lingering Shadows of Kali Yuga:
- Kali Yuga’s influences, like materialism, greed, and ignorance, continue to impact collective behavior. This can lead to the apparent paradox of technological progress coupled with social and environmental exploitation.

Current Position in Dvapara Yuga:

Early Stage: The first 300 years of Dvapara Yuga are transitional (sandhi period), where materialistic tendencies and spiritual ignorance overlap with emerging energy-consciousness.
Humanity is experiencing a balancing act between Piscean spiritual ideals and Dvapara’s energetic pragmatism.

Observable Correlations with Sidereal Transitions

Using true sidereal astrology, we can map humanity’s transition from the Age of Pisces to Aquarius alongside the Dvapara Yuga’s progression.

Pisces-Aquarius Transition:

Pisces represents the spiritual ideals we have been striving to master, while Aquarius introduces themes of energy, technology, and community.
The equinox, currently at 6–7° Pisces, reflects the push-and-pull between these ages. For example:
- Pisces Shadow: Rising disillusionment with traditional religious or hierarchical systems.
- Aquarius Influence: Early glimpses of decentralized systems (e.g., blockchain, grassroots movements) and energy-focused technologies.

Planetary Markers:

Outer planets in sidereal astrology often signify collective shifts. Recent transits in sidereal Pisces and Aquarius align with Dvapara Yuga’s early stages:
- Saturn in Pisces (sidereal, 2025–2028): A focus on dissolving outdated structures, especially in spirituality, religion, and institutions rooted in blind faith.
- Saturn in Aquarius (sidereal, 2028–2030): The restructuring of society toward Aquarian ideals like equality, innovation, and technological integration.
- Uranus in Taurus (sidereal, 2018–2025): Shifts in material systems, from financial models to sustainable energy practices.
- Neptune in Aquarius (sidereal, 2023–2038): Heightened focus on collective ideals, humanitarianism, and energy-conscious innovations.

What to Watch For: Humanity’s Evolutionary Markers

Here are observable trends that indicate where humanity stands in this transition:

1. Technological Advancements Reflecting Energy Awareness

Dvapara Yuga’s emphasis on energy manifests as breakthroughs in:
- Renewable energy systems (solar, wind, and geothermal technologies).
- Quantum computing and AI, exploring the interface of matter and energy.
- Bioenergetics and alternative medicine (harnessing subtle body energy for healing).

2. Spiritual Awakening with Pragmatic Focus

Dvapara Yuga doesn’t reject spirituality but redefines it in terms of practicality:
- The rise of meditation, mindfulness, and practices that integrate spirituality with science.
- Growing skepticism toward dogmatic systems, replaced by experiential and individualized paths.

3. Collective Systems Over Hierarchies

Early Aquarian ideals are visible in shifts toward decentralization:
- Blockchain technology as a decentralized system of trust.
- Cooperative business models and open-source movements.
- Push for transparency in governance and institutions.

4. Environmental Awareness and Energy Transition

Humanity is grappling with the environmental consequences of Kali Yuga’s materialism. In Dvapara Yuga:
- The focus shifts toward harmonizing energy systems with nature.
- Observable developments: renewable energy, conservation efforts, and ecological restoration.

5. The Persistence of Conflict (Kali Yuga Residue)

Materialistic and power-driven tendencies linger:
- Wars, political corruption, and exploitation reflect Kali Yuga’s inertia.
- These challenges test humanity’s ability to transcend old paradigms and embrace Dvapara consciousness.

Summary: Where Are We Now?

Astrological Position: Humanity remains in the sidereal Age of Pisces, transitioning toward Aquarius. This shift aligns with Dvapara Yuga’s energetic awakening.
Consciousness Evolution: The early stages of Dvapara Yuga are marked by technological progress and spiritual rediscovery, tempered by the challenges of overcoming Kali Yuga’s shadow.
Key Trends to Watch:
- Observable progress in energy-based systems, decentralization, and spiritual pragmatism.
- Conflicts and crises that force humanity to reassess priorities and align with higher ideals.