The actual date for the beginning of the Age of Aquarius is debated. We believe it will begin on the spring equinox of the year 2000 AD, and we support our theories in our writings found at:Essays. Age has already begun or that it will begin sometime in the next 600 years or so. The different dates arise because the Aquarian Age begins when the vernal equinoctial point crosses into the constellation Aquarius. That constellational boundary is in contention. The beginning date depends on where you accept the boundary for the constellation Aquarius. Modern astronomers redrew the star maps early in the 20th century to reflect their need for making accurate measurements of stellar positions, etc. These boundaries were not the same as the ancient constellational boundaries which the great ages were based on. That is how the debate about the beginning of the Age of Aquarius started, and until there is agreement about the boundaries to be used in determining the great ages there will be debate. Another factor in the debate involves the duration of each great age. Should all of the 12 great ages be of equal length or should they be based on the irregular shape of the constellations along the zodiac? Read on to find more about this fascinating yet confusing subject.

What is the Age of Aquarius?

The Age of Aquarius is one of the 12 Great Ages.

Why is it called the Age of Aquarius?

The Age of Aquarius is named after the zodiacal constellation called Aquarius.

How long is the complete cycle of the precession of the equinoxes?

It takes about 25,920 years for a complete cycle of the precession of the equinoxes.

How long does each great age last?

There are at least two theories about how long great ages last. Some believe that the twelve great ages last an equal amount of time each, about 2160 years. Others believe that the lengths of the great ages is irregular, that is, a great age lasts as long as long as the vernal equinoctial point remains within the boundary of that particular constellation. According to that theory, the Age of Pisces would last longer than the Age of Aquarius because the constellation Pisces which takes up more real estate on the ecliptic than the constellation Aquarius does.

What is the Equal Age Theory?

The Equal Age Theory purports that each of the 12 Great Ages last the same amount of time: about 2,160 years. This figure is based on 1/12th of the time for the precession of the equinox to make a complete cycle of about 26,000 years. This theory is in contrast with those who believe that great ages are irregular and that some great ages may last longer than others depending on the real estate they occupy along the ecliptic. For instance, Pisces takes up more room along the ecliptic than Aquarius, so some believe that the Age of Pisces should last hundreds of years longer than the Age of Aquarius. The Equal Age Theory takes into account three celestial planes: the plane of the ecliptic, the celestial equator and the galactic equator. If the great ages are divided by using these three planes as references, then each great age is of equal length.

Why is it called the precession of the equinox instead of the precession of the equinoxes?

The phenomena referred to as the "The Precession of the Equinox" refers to the precession of the vernal equinox only. "The Precession of the Equinoxes" refers to the motions of both the spring equinoctial point and the fall equinoctial point which oppose each other and precess backwards through the zodiac at the same rate. However, it is the precession of the spring equinoctial point that alone determines the zodiacal name of a great age, so when referring to the great ages, the term "precession of the equinox" is more commonly used.

What will the solar system look like on the spring equinox of 2000?

The spring equinox 2000 has special significance because Jupiter will align with Mars and the naked eye planets will begin to line up in the sky like a string of pearls.
See: Aquarian Age Planetary Alignment.
(209 Meg View from Outer Space)

How many years does it take for the equinoctial point to "precess" back one degree of arc?

It takes about 72 years (71.5) for the equinoctial point to precess backwards 1 degrees.

Did the ancient Egyptians observe the equinox?

The great pyramid and other monuments may have orientations to constellations and the precessional cycle according to the "Orion Mystery" by Robert Bauval and Adrian Gilbet.

How long does a millennia last and how does that compare to the length of a great age? A millennia lasts for 1000 years while a great age lasts for about 2,160 years, so a great age lasts a little over 2 millennia.

Does the beginning of the Aquarian Age correspond to the time of the sunrise at my location?

Not likely. The first moment of the Aquarian Age will occur simultaneously around the globe, but your first sunrise after the beginning of the Aquarian Age is determined by your location. Can anyone tell me where on earth the sun rises on the exact moment of the spring equinox 2000?

What direction should I look to see my first sunrise of the Aquarian Age?

Look in the east just after dawn to see your first sunrise of the Aquarian Age. The exact time of sunrise is different at different locations.

Why is the vernal equinoctial point used for determining the Aquarian Age instead of the fall equinoctial point?

For thousands of years the spring equinox has been recognized as the beginning of the year by many cultures. The Persian calendar begins at this time and Easter is related to the beginning of spring.

What actual constellation will the equinoctial point be in on the spring equinox of 2000?

The vernal equinoctial point will be in the constellation of Pisces on the spring equinox of the year 2000. The vernal equinoctial point has entered or will enter the constellation Aquarius sometime in the next 600 years depending on what star map you use and where it draws the boundary line between Pisces and Aquarius. (Note: The spans along the ecliptic that measure great ages may not be the same as the boundaries used on modern starmaps or maps from other cultures or ancient times.)

What concepts and keywords define the Aquarian Age?

The Age of Aquarius is associated with modern technology, computers, telecommunications and space exploration as well as new ways of thinking. New Age thinkers as well as rebels and eccentrics are the new pioneers in this brave new world. Looking at the modern world we might expect that the Aquarian Age may have arrived sooner than expected, but remember that a majority of the world's population doesn't have access to the marvels of technology and the freedoms we take for granted. The Aquarian Age won't begin as a utopia for all as some have suggested. The transition to the new age will not be a seamless one, so beware of the complications that may accompany the birth of the new age. Extremists with crazy ideas may appear in these years.
Highly developed regions will begin to demonstrate characteristics of the Aquarian Age much sooner than others, depending on financial considerations as well as social and managerial matters. This transition may take centuries to take effect all over the earth, but we hope that the transition to a new and better world will happen sooner. World peace may be possible if we find ways of working together to help solve the world's problems. A world-wide effort could bring peace to humanity.

Why is the planet Uranus associated with the Aquarian Age?

Modern astrologers who practice a form of astrology called "tropical astrology" sometimes use the planet Uranus as the ruler of the sign/constellation of Aquarius. The planet Saturn is the traditional ruler of Aquarius, and now both Saturn and Uranus are said to be co-rulers of the sign of Aquarius.

What does it mean to have the planet Uranus as a ruler of the Aquarian Age?

Modern astrologers associate the planet Uranus with keywords such as "independence, turmoil, adventure, technology and invention." We might then assume that the Age of Aquarius will be a time when freedom and independence will become a worldwide phenomena, although probably accompanied by turmoil. Technology and invention is sure to offer constant change and innovation in the lives of people for thousands of years. Some see the Aquarian Age as a time of adventure, possibly leading humanity to the stars.

What age comes after the Age of Aquarius?

The Age of Capricorn will arrive after the Age of Aquarius. Saturn is the traditional ruler of Capricorn, so astrologers predict that the Age of Capricorn will be a time that our past comes back to haunt us. People in those times may have to live with extreme limitations imposed by governments or because of problems with the environment. People may have to take responsibility for the deeds of their ancestors and probably have to expend considerable resources for the restoration of the environment and other practical matters. The Age of Capricorn is scheduled to begin around the year 4160 AD.

Who divided the 360 degree span of the zodiac into 12 segments of thirty degrees each?

The ancient Babylonians are credited with dividing the circle into 360 degrees and into 12 segments of 30 degrees each.

What are the names for the solstical and equinoctial points and how are they abbreviated? What dates will they begin in the year 2000?

• V.P. = Vernal Equinox Point
  March 19 or 20
• S.P. = Summer Solstice Point
  June 22
• A.P. = Autumnal Equinox Point
  September 22
• W.P. = Winter Solstice Point
  December 22
  

Who was Erathostenes?

Erathostenes was a Greek astronomer who described the precession of the equinox about 2200 years ago. The star Spica was said to rise on the horizon on the spring equinox.

What does May 5, 2000 have to do with the Aquarian Age?

May 5, 2000 was said to have special significance because the naked eye planets will line up in the sky like a string of pearls. Aquarian Age Planetary Alignment.
(209 Meg View from Outer Space)