Synodic Cycles: The Importance of Planetary Pairings and Their Rare Alignments

Certain periods in history seem to be marked by significant events or shifts in consciousness. Synodic cycles may be the answer. But what exactly are these cycles, and why are planetary pairings and their rare alignments considered so important?
A synodic cycle refers to the time it takes for two planets to return to the same relative positions in the sky as seen from Earth. In simpler terms, it’s the period between successive alignments of two planets. These cycles are slow and all encompassing, where each planet moves at its own pace, and their meetings—conjunctions—are moments of significance.
Each planetary pairing brings together the unique energies and themes associated with those planets. For example:

When these planets align, they create opportunities for new beginnings, shifts in perspectives, or the culmination of previous efforts.
The rarity of certain alignments adds to their significance. A well-known example is the alignment of all the planets on the same side of the Sun, which is extremely rare and can symbolise major transitions or turning points. Consider the Jupiter-Saturn-Pluto conjunction that occurred in 2020. Many astrologers pointed to this rare meeting as a harbinger of transformative global events—and indeed, the world faced unprecedented challenges that year.
Synodic cycles offer a fascinating lens through which to view patterns in human history and personal experience. They remind us that life operates in cycles—there are times for growth, times for reflection, and times for change. By paying attention to these planetary pairings, some people find a greater sense of connection to the universe and a deeper understanding of the rhythms that influence our lives.