Becoming Sober Curious

In recent years, a surprising trend has emerged among young adults: they're drinking less alcohol than their predecessors. This shift, which is now associated with the "sober curious" movement, represents a significant departure from traditional young adult behavior. Unlike previous generations who viewed alcohol as a cornerstone of social interaction and stress relief, today's youth are increasingly questioning their relationship with alcohol and exploring the benefits of sobriety or reduced consumption.

This cultural pivot not only reflects changing attitudes towards health and wellness but also coincides with a broader cosmological shift in the planetary alignment between Saturn and Neptune. Saturn, the archetype of limitation and restriction is merging with Neptune, the archetype of fantasy and illusion, which is often associated with drugs and alcohol. Thus, these energies are manifesting in the embrace of 0% alcohol beverages and sober bars.

A Conscious Decline and a Marketable Increase

According to recent research, the non-alcoholic beer segment is the fastest-growing in the overall beer market with a 163% increase in sales in recent years. Non-alcoholic beer brand Athletic Brewing Company is now being valued at approximately $800 million. The market is undeniably catching up to a growing trend which is indicating that there is a significant decline in alcohol consumption among young adults aged 18-25 over the past decade.

Another research study indicates that, "young adults are particularly concerned that moderate drinking is unhealthy, with 52% now holding this view, up from 34% five years ago." Thus, young people are becoming wiser, healthier, and making the bold choice to move in the direction of avoiding alcohol altogether. In other words, Gen-Zers are not so into brownouts and blackouts.

Saturn-Neptune and Sobriety

While humanity's relationship to alcohol has been both political and recreational throughout history, the political side has continued to diminish especially since the 1960s. However, temperance movements have continued playing their part in helping addicts recover while also inspiring people to drink mindfully. Interestingly, major movements and periods in which sobriety infused society coincided with a Saturn-Neptune world transit. History shows that whenever these two planets come into alignment there is a societal shift toward limiting alcohol consumption and embracing a more sober lifestyle.

1737 Saturn-Neptune Conjunction: Native American Origins

The temperance movement, a social campaign advocating for reduced alcohol consumption or total abstinence, has deep historical roots in North America. Surprisingly, its origins can be traced back to 1737, beginning with Native American communities. This movement emerged as a response to the introduction of alcohol by European colonizers and its destructive effects on indigenous populations. Native leaders, observing the negative impacts of alcohol on their people's health, social structures, and cultural practices, began promoting sobriety as a means of preservation and resistance.

1826 Saturn-Neptune Opposition: American Temperance Society

The American Temperance Society (ATS), founded in 1826 in Boston, Massachusetts, marked a significant milestone in the organized temperance movement in the United States. The society aimed to combat what they perceived as the widespread and detrimental effects of alcohol consumption on American society. Initially, the society focused on moderation rather than total prohibition, encouraging members to pledge abstinence from hard liquor while still permitting the consumption of beer and wine. Within a decade of its founding, the American Temperance Society had over 1.5 million members, laying the groundwork for the more radical prohibition movements that would follow in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

1874 Saturn-Neptune Square: Women's Christian Temperance Union

The Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was founded in 1874 in Cleveland, Ohio, emerging as a powerful force in the American temperance movement. The WCTU quickly grew into one of the largest and most influential women's organizations of the 19th century. Unlike previous temperance groups, the WCTU approached alcohol abuse as part of a broader platform of social reform, advocating for women's suffrage, labor rights, and public health initiatives. The organization's motto, "For God and Home and Native Land," reflected its Christian foundations and its members' belief that alcohol was a primary source of family destruction and societal ills. Through grassroots activism, education campaigns, and political lobbying, the WCTU played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and policy regarding alcohol consumption, ultimately contributing significantly to the passage of the 18th Amendment and the era of Prohibition.

1919 Saturn-Neptune Conjunction: The 18th Amendment

The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified on January 16, 1919, marked the beginning of the Prohibition era in America. This amendment prohibited the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors" within the United States and its territories. Coming into effect one year later, on January 17, 1920, Prohibition was the culmination of decades of temperance movement efforts. This radical social experiment aimed to reduce crime, corruption, and social problems associated with alcohol consumption. However, its implementation led to unforeseen consequences, including the rise of organized crime, bootlegging, and speakeasies. Prohibition dramatically altered American social life, law enforcement, and politics, lasting until its repeal by the 21st Amendment in 1933.

1935 Saturn-Neptune Opposition: Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in 1935 in Akron, Ohio, by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, two recovering alcoholics who discovered that mutual support was crucial to maintaining sobriety. The organization introduced a revolutionary approach to treating alcoholism, viewing it as a disease rather than a moral failing. AA's core principles, outlined in the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, emphasize personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and helping others as key components of recovery. The program's anonymity policy and non-professional status allowed it to reach individuals from all walks of life. AA's impact on society has been profound, providing a free, accessible support system for millions struggling with alcohol addiction.

Early 1950s Saturn-Neptune Conjunction: Forgotten Temperance Movement

The 1950s saw a resurgence of temperance sentiment in the United States. This movement was less radical than its predecessors but still significant. "In 1950, Protestants wrote more letters to their congressional representatives about temperance than any other subject. When a House committee considered an anti-liquor bill in the early ‘50s, it received more than 200,000 letters from Methodists." This push for temperance was largely driven by concerns about alcohol's role in traffic accidents, family instability, and workplace productivity during the post-war economic boom. Organizations like the National Temperance League and the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, though less influential than in previous decades, continued their advocacy.

Mid 2010s Saturn-Neptune Square: Sober Curious v1

The mid-2010s saw the emergence of a new sobriety movement, distinctly different from previous temperance efforts. This modern approach gained significant traction with the publication of Annie Grace's influential book "This Naked Mind" in 2015. Grace's work, which combined personal narrative with neuroscience and psychology, offered a fresh perspective on alcohol consumption in society. The movement was further bolstered by the growing popularity of month-long sobriety challenges like "Dry January" and "Sober October." These initiatives provided structured opportunities for individuals to experiment with alcohol-free living, often leading to longer-term lifestyle changes. Unlike earlier movements that focused on addiction or moral arguments, this new wave emphasized the benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle for overall health, mental clarity, and personal growth.

Mid 2020s Saturn-Neptune Conjunction: Sober Curious v2

The current sober curious movement, popularized by Ruby Warrington's 2018 book "Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol," has gained significant momentum, particularly among younger generations. This trend has led to a surge in non-alcoholic alternatives and sober social spaces. Major beverage companies and craft producers are investing heavily in creating sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks, from mocktails to alcohol-free spirits, beers, and wines. Simultaneously, sober bars have emerged worldwide, offering vibrant, alcohol-free nightlife experiences that challenge traditional drinking culture. This movement reflects a broader shift towards health-conscious living and mindful consumption.

0% Future

As history indicates, when Saturn and Neptune come into alignment, there is a sobering reality check. The Neptunian tendencies of escaping reality through alcohol and drugs meets the hard-edge of Saturn's restriction, which is often grounded in timeless wisdom. So as the sober curious movement unfolds into this decade, we may continue to see the rise in non-alcoholic beverages and bars. More established alcohol brands may also find themselves having to adapt to changing consumer preferences. Looking into the deep future, we could potentially witness a larger wave in this movement during the next Saturn-Neptune alignment from 2030-2035.

If you've been curious to experience a sober lifestyle, then this is your moment to participate. Saturn-Neptune is a profoundly tender and grounding transit–by embracing sobriety you will inevitably open yourself up to the realm of imagination (Neptune) and discipline (Saturn). By staying attuned to these cosmic rhythms and embracing a more conscious approach to indulgence, we can chart a path toward greater balance and well-being.