This year has been anything but easy and, with 2021 just days away, how can we prepare for another year of uncertainty? Astrology and moonology expert, Yasmin Boland, shares her tips for making 2021 work for you

As we go into the New Year, it’s a time to live consciously and intentionally.

Arguably, the most important astrological alignments of 2021 are a series of rolling clashes between the planets Saturn and Uranus. The bottom line is that these are extremely tricky alignments.

Astrologers tend to look at the planetary alignments a couple of years in advance, to see what lies ahead. I'm sure the majority of astrologers around the world who did this, just like me, looked at these tough alignments and wondered what on earth we were all going to be going through. And now we know; here we are on the brink of 2021 and at a turning point.

On a global scale, these Saturn/Uranus planetary clashes speak of the 2020-aftermath. The earth underneath us seems to have shaken and collapsed. So what now?

Unfortunately, they speak of the possibility of on-going restrictions, which I'm sure none of us want to contemplate. It's nigh on impossible to ignore the fact that, in astrology, Saturn represents the lockdown and the law, and it's in the sign of Aquarius, which represents humanity. Will we see humanity in lockdown for another year? With these alignments, it's certainly not out of the question.

Another possible alternative which is also highly likely is that this Saturn/Uranus series of alignments speaks of the aftershocks on humanity, as we all get back on our feet.

Uranus, the planet of chaos, is in the money-minded sign of Taurus, which represents, among other things, Wall Street and the world's financial markets. It will come as no surprise to anybody who's been paying attention that 2021 could be rather difficult financially, as the economies of the world try to get back on their feet, post-virus. That's the global level. But what about on a personal level? Where do the Saturn and Uranus alignments play out for individuals?

Here are the key points to consider:

Be conscious of where in your life you feel good, versus where you feel trapped

As on the world stage, there will be aftershocks to contend with. How did the pandemic rock your world? The planet Uranus is all about doing things its own way. We will be wanting to do things out way too, as 2021 begins.

Uranus is the planet of chaos and awakening. It absolutely doesn't care about the rules; it cuts the ties that bind. In these ways, it's very much the opposite of Saturn. These Saturn/Uranus clashes in 2021 are going to force us to consider where in our lives we feel trapped, in a way that most of us haven't done in years.

The pandemic changed people. Living in lockdown, many of us realised we no longer want X or Y. Many of us realised, for example, that the high cost of commuting to work, emotionally and financially, was a burden we no longer want to shoulder. We realised our health and not our debts and duties should be our priority. Anyone who feels trapped by their life now, for example, or by their relationship, is very likely to want to break out of it in 2021 under these alignments.

Also, look at where you could be making someone else feel trapped

Of course, we are not the only ones who feel trapped. If you've been suffocating someone by being over-controlling, perhaps you've been an overprotective parent or partner, then watch out...

Uranus is the planet that seeks freedom above all else. It's the planet that shakes things up, so be very careful not to back anyone into a corner in 2021. This coming year, the more you try to control other people, the more they're going to kick back.

Referring back to the global situation, if governments attempt to put large tranches of society back into lockdown, there are almost certainly going to be some protest. On a macro level though, if you can, make 'live and let live' your motto in 2021, you're far less likely to suffer the consequences of this Saturn/Uranus alignment.

Be intentional about breaking free

If there's one good thing that can come out of these tough Saturn/Uranus clashes in 2021, it's personal freedom. Once you've ascertained what is making you feel trapped, you need to tap into the Saturn energy and do something about it.

Saturn is the most strategic of all the planets and loves a good plan. So decide where in your life you need to break free. Again, Uranus is the planet that's all about breaking free, so breaking free (Uranus) of restrictions (Saturn) is a perfect expression of 2021.

Saturn is also all about intentions and intention-setting. So at the start of the new year, make some really powerful resolutions or set some intentions about where in your life you're just not going to take it anymore. This might sound rather radical, but Uranus energy is nothing, if not radical.

Look at the lessons life’s teaching you

All that said, there are no easy ways out in 2021. Again, it comes as no surprise that this year is going to be challenging, given the year that preceded it.

It would be lovely to think that we could all dance merrily out of 2020 at the stroke of midnight on 31 December, into a new world of rainbows and unicorns. However, that is almost certainly not what's going to happen. Rather we are going to be in recovery mode.

We need to look at what the pandemic has taught us. This is different for everyone. It goes beyond simply looking at where you feel trapped or where you may be making others feel trapped, too. It's the broader idea of learning life's lessons overall.

If you had to make a list of the top 10 things you've learned in your life to date, what would they be? Now that you have learned this, how is that going to influence your future behaviour?

Face up to the truths that will liberate you

The quickest way to accomplish everything that the astrology of 2021 is urging us to do is to face up to the truth.

Uranus has a way of peeling back the veil so that we are forced to face reality. Saturn is the very stench of reality that's up our nose. It's been said many times that "the truth will set you free". So where have you had your head in the sand lately? When is it time for you to face up to the truth of reality and to make some powerful changes?

Uranus is all about revolution and changes, and while this may play out on the world stage this year, it should also play out in our lives. Where in your life have you been resisting a revolution? 2021 is the year to break free of whatever has been holding you back!

To sum up, 2021 is not a year to be feared. Far from it. In fact, there is every reason to believe that everything happening in 2021 is a very much-needed step on the way back to full recovery. But it will challenge us. It's the person who refuses to evolve that will have the toughest time. The choice in 2021 is quite simple; out of a choice to stay stuck or evolve, which is more painful?

To paraphrase Anais Nin; the time came when staying stuck was more difficult than the pain of evolving… And that time is now!

Yasmin Boland is an award-winning astrologer and author. The new Moonology Diary 2021 aims to help you harness the power of 2021 but tuning into the cycle of the moon. Follow Yasmin on Instagram.