The potential for civil unrest in the United States in 2025 has become a topic of conversation among astrologers, many of whom are drawing parallels between current planetary movements and historical events. The energy brewing now bears a resemblance to a particularly tumultuous time in American history—the beginning of the Civil War in 1861—and several astrological triggers are indicating the possibility of similar unrest, if not an outright civil war. Here, we’ll explore these potential triggers and how they could play out in the coming year. Additionally, we’ll incorporate insights from Barbara F. Walter’s book, How Civil Wars Start: And How to Stop Them, which provides valuable context on the societal triggers that can lead to unrest.

Deep Polarization and the Risk of Civil Unrest

In her book, Ms Walter highlights several key factors that can lead to civil war, including deep polarisation, erosion of democratic norms, and factionalism. The current astrological transits align with these triggers, suggesting a heightened risk of civil unrest in the United States.

Deep polarization has led many Americans to lose faith in shared institutions, while factionalism—the creation of insular, ideologically homogeneous groups—has intensified divisions. Walter’s insights suggest that as these divisions deepen, the potential for conflict grows. This aligns with the Neptune transit into Aries, which can inflame ideological clashes and prompt individuals to act on their beliefs, regardless of the consequences.

Neptune Entering Aries: A Signal of Ideological Clashes

One of the most talked-about aspects among astrologers is Neptune’s upcoming transit into Aries. The last time Neptune entered Aries was April 13, 1861, coinciding with the fall of Fort Sumter and the official start of the Civil War. Neptune in Aries can symbolize heightened idealism, fierce individuality, and the desire to take action based on one’s beliefs. This combination is powerful but also potentially explosive—particularly when the ideologies in question are deeply divisive.

As Neptune moves from Pisces, where it often creates illusions, confusion, and emotional sensitivity, into the direct, action-oriented energy of Aries, many expect that latent ideological differences will be pushed to the forefront. This could mean not only greater awareness of the divisions but also a desire to confront and challenge them head-on. The national mood may become increasingly charged, with people feeling compelled to act on deeply held beliefs—even if it leads to confrontation.

A Comparison to 1861: Similar Astrological Players

Astrologers have noted that several key planetary players present in the 1861 chart are returning in 2025. Mars, Uranus, and the Moon are all actively involved, symbolizing a volatile mix of military aggression, sudden upheaval, and an emotionally reactive public. In 1861, the Uranus/Mars/Moon conjunction indicated a disgruntled populace ready for revolutionary action, especially when aligned with significant challenges to the existing belief system.

In 2025, a similar tension is forming. Mars and Uranus are both key players, suggesting potential military involvement or radical changes, though this time, the alignment is not quite as severe. While the public mood (represented by the Moon) is still quarrelsome, it may not fully align with a military solution. This nuance could mean a different outcome—perhaps something akin to a “cold civil war,” with intense ideological battles that stop short of all-out warfare.

Potential for a Coup or Shift in Power

With Pluto in Capricorn approaching Aquarius, astrologers are looking at this as a potential period of profound upheaval for traditional power structures. Pluto represents transformation, and in Capricorn, it often signifies a breakdown of existing governance or institutions. As it transitions towards Aquarius, the sign of innovation and social change, some predict a coup or radical shift in power rather than a traditional civil war.

This period could bring challenges to leadership or attempts to overthrow the government, echoed by Pluto’s position in the 10th house of the ingress chart (representing government and authority). There may be a push to dismantle outdated structures, potentially giving rise to new, unorthodox forms of leadership. The unrest may come from the sense that the ruling class no longer represents the people’s will, leading to efforts to restructure the political landscape.

Polarization and Revolutionary Spirit

Walter also warns that when groups no longer see democratic institutions as viable paths to power, they may seek extralegal or violent means to achieve their aims. The Uranus-Mars dynamic in the ingress chart and the Moon’s positioning symbolise a divided public that is increasingly unwilling to compromise. Neptune exacerbates this in Aries, which adds a sense of urgency and fervour to public sentiment. Walter’s observations about the erosion of trust in democratic norms are echoed here, as people may feel that taking matters into their own hands is the only option left.

Waning Saturn/Neptune Square and the End of a Cycle

Another important factor influencing the current atmosphere is the waning square between Saturn and Neptune, which represents a critical phase in their 36-year cycle. The current Saturn/Neptune cycle began in 1989, a year that marked significant geopolitical and social changes, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. This cycle has been about dismantling old structures and pursuing new ideals of unity and interconnectedness.

The waning square is a moment of reckoning—a time to face the disillusionment that comes when dreams (Neptune) meet the harsh realities (Saturn) of implementation. It marks a period where the ideals fostered during the beginning of the cycle confront practical limitations. During the waning square, disillusionment is common as the structures that were meant to support collective ideals begin to show their flaws. We are now seeing a similar tension, with public trust in institutions eroding and an increasing sense of discontent with how these ideals have been realized.

The new Saturn/Neptune cycle will begin in 2026 at 0° Aries, a powerful point known as the World Axis. This conjunction represents an opportunity for a new beginning, where old structures dissolve, and bold, pioneering visions take their place. The Aries energy brings a direct, action-oriented approach, suggesting that the collective will be focused on initiating new ways of manifesting societal ideals—ways that are bold and transformative. The current waning square is preparing the ground for this new cycle by encouraging us to let go of unrealistic expectations and to address the systemic weaknesses that have been exposed.

Moreover, the Saturn/Neptune conjunction in 2026 will soon move to 1° Aries, which hits the United States’ natal chart on the IC. In a mundane national chart, the IC signifies the ability of the citizens of that nation to find common ground. This suggests a whole new cycle for the United States regarding political changes and reforms, potentially redefining their brand of democracy. This could be the silver lining to the currently darkening clouds, as it hints at a potential rebirth of shared values and unity.

Unrest, Not Necessarily War

Walter points out that not all countries facing polarization end up in civil war; many experience prolonged periods of unrest and instability instead. This seems to align with the astrological interpretation of Neptune’s energy in Aries, which could manifest more as disorganized protests and ideological skirmishes rather than large-scale combat. Walter’s emphasis on the importance of diplomatic efforts and preventive measures resonates with the astrological suggestion of significant planetary placements in the 12th house, indicating behind-the-scenes negotiations that could help prevent outright conflict.

Emotional Disconnect and Redefining Home

Neptune’s opposition to the IC (the part of the chart representing home, roots, and foundational security) suggests an emotional disconnect or sense of loss regarding one’s national identity. For many, this could manifest as a questioning of what “home” means, especially in a country that appears increasingly divided. Astrologers see this aspect as an invitation to redefine personal values and beliefs in relation to the broader national narrative, which may no longer feel aligned with one’s ideals.

Unfortunately, in the chart showing the ingress of Neptune into Aries in March 2025, there is also Pluto at 3° Aquarius conjunct with the United States natal Venus, which in mundane astrology represents all that is pleasant for people to stay together. The Pluto/Venus combination suggests that, perhaps quite literally, all that currently keeps the people together explodes.

A Profound Reckoning

Ultimately, both astrologers and experts like Barbara F. Walter agree that 2025 could bring a profound reckoning for the United States. Walter emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of impending conflict and taking steps to mitigate them, including strengthening democratic institutions and fostering dialogue between polarized groups. The upcoming transits indicate that while conflict may be inevitable, the outcome is not predetermined. By remaining engaged, informed, and committed to constructive change, there is hope that the United States can navigate this period without descending into chaos.