There Is an Astrological Reason for All This Chaos Right Now

Does it feel like everything is just … crashing down? Like society is unraveling before our very eyes? Well, as a quick reminder: The astrology of 2025 predicted this. The past few months of planetary happenings have been wild and unprecedented, confirming that life — as we know it — will be forever changed. Yay? Up next in our celestial soap opera, Jupiter (the planet of expansion) is squaring off with two other head honchos: Saturn (representing restriction) and Neptune (illusion and delusion). It’s going to be a weird one, but you’ll be ready for it.

Below, everything you need to know about the back-to-back Jupiter squares.

Wait, why is Jupiter important in astrology?

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system — and in astrology, it plays a similarly supersize role. The planet of expansion and abundance, Jupiter believes that bigger really is better. (That’s why I call it “casino daddy.”) Jupiter always wants more: more knowledge, more experience, more truth, more pleasure. Naturally, this over-the-top attitude can lead to excess and indulgence, and sometimes Jupiter’s influence causes us to inflate, overreach, or glamorize ideas that aren’t actually all they’re cracked up to be.

As of June 9, Jupiter shifted into Cancer — a cardinal water sign that values intuition, belonging, and emotional intimacy. Jupiter is considered exalted in this sign, meaning it operates with optimized strength and focus; in other words, Jupiter really loves to be in Cancer. From now through next July, Jupiter in Cancer will expand possibilities through protection, community support, and generous care. Sounds like … exactly what we need right now?

Alas, we can’t have nice things! This week, that gentle, expansive pull runs headfirst into two obstacles: first from restrictive Saturn, then from delusional Neptune. What begins as emotional clarity might quickly blur into confusion. Or worse — get shut down entirely. Oh, boy.

And what does Saturn symbolize in astrology?

Simply put, Saturn doesn’t care about your feelings. In astrology, the ringed gas giant is associated with structure, rules, boundaries, and time itself. Slow, cold, and formidable, Saturn forces us to reckon with reality: our responsibilities, our limitations, and the long-term consequences of our actions. Unlike Jupiter, Saturn doesn’t promise magic or miracles. It delivers slow, earned rewards, achieved by taking zero shortcuts and doing things “the hard way.”

On May 24, Saturn entered Aries for the first time since 1996. This is a rare and uncomfortable combination: Saturn’s restrictive discipline is at odds with Aries’ headstrong fire. Aries wants to go fast; Saturn says no. Aries wants to be spontaneous; Saturn says no. Aries leads with youthful impulsivity; Saturn says no. The energy is reminiscent of a teenager battling their parents, but now through 2028, it will also invite a necessary reckoning with autonomy, self-respect, and personal power. And, just like those arduous adolescent years, that learning is difficult but incredibly important.

What about Neptune in astrology?

Neptune is a distant plant that represents the abstract realm: dreams, illusions, ideals, secrets, faith. It governs the intangible and the ineffable — all the things we sense but can’t quite explain. Neptune can be deeply spiritual or deeply escapist, depending on how we navigate its strange tides. On a good day, Neptune connects us to imagination, empathy, and higher purpose. On a bad day, it pulls us into fantasy, denial, or deceit.

On March 30, Neptune also entered Aries — a transit that hasn’t happened since the mid-1800s (actually, right as the Civil War broke out; but, hey, no big deal!). Neptune in Aries is a heavy-hitting archetype: It’s a spiritual warrior, someone who is willing to fight for their beliefs. Over the next 14 years, Neptune in Aries is predicted to spark enormous breakthroughs in art, activism, and identity — but also distort our sense of truth. After all, feelings are important … but they’re not necessarily facts, and Neptune in Aries may make it hard to spot the difference.

Remind me: What’s a “square” again?

The planets are always forming connections with one another, and these geometric alignments are referred to as “aspects.” Some aspects are harmonious and helpful. Others are tense and dramatic. And, among these, the square is perhaps the most notorious angle. It occurs when two planets are 90 degrees apart, creating friction, stress, and pressure — but also momentum, action, and clarity. I like to describe squares as being elbowed in the stomach; it’s incredibly uncomfortable, but it forces you to move (and say something).

So, what should I expect from Jupiter forming a square with both Saturn and Neptune?

This week, Jupiter is forming squares to both Saturn and Neptune. These squares are happening in the cardinal signs (Cancer and Aries, respectively), which are known for initiation. Cardinal signs want movement, momentum, and direction. They don’t want to sit still. So these squares will be anything but dull; we should anticipate energy that’s active, agitating, and demanding.

This is also a notable moment in planetary timing. The Jupiter-Saturn square on June 15 is the final installment in a three-part series that began August 19, 2024, and repeated on December 24, 2024. Meanwhile, the Jupiter-Neptune square on June 18 is a onetime event — the first time these planets are squaring off since 2019 and the last until 2032.

These two transits hit differently — but they’re part of the same larger story. The Jupiter-Saturn square brings pressure, reality checks, and serious questions about sustainability. Are you building something that can last? Do your hopes have a container? Jupiter wants abundance, but Saturn in Aries questions your broader vision. If you’ve been all hope, no follow-through, this transit will feel like hitting a wall — but it might be the best thing that happens to you. Jupiter-square-Saturn will reveal what’s meant to last and what’s no longer worth your precious energy.

Then comes the Jupiter-Neptune square on June 18, offering a different (albeit relevant) perspective. With Neptune involved, you may feel foggy, distracted, or just totally confused. What is it that you want? What is it that you care about? Does anything actually matter? This existential transit isn’t trying to punish you; it wants you to clarify your convictions. But you may have to wade through some murky waters in order to get there.

Ultimately, these Jupiter squares are two angles on the same truth: You can’t grow in every direction at once. You need to be intentional about what you’re nurturing and realistic about what has the potential to thrive. Not every idea is meant to blossom, and forcing growth in the wrong place will only drain you. Knowing what to pour into — and what to release — is the most powerful kind of progress. And, at the end of the day, we’ll be okay! Right? Right!