Bridges and Platforms: Astrology, TikTok, and the Vulcan Paradox
History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes. The TikTok exodus to Xiaohongshu (Red Note) in 2025 mirrors the 1977 Vulcan Bridge saga, where a forgotten community reached out to a foreign power for aid. In both cases, disenfranchised groups, neglected by their governments, turned to alternatives that raised questions of loyalty, trust, and the cost of foreign assistance. Astrology offers a unique lens to connect these narratives.
Astrological Parallels: Mars Retrograde in Leo and the Rebellion of the Overlooked
Mars retrograde cycles have a way of bringing simmering frustrations to the surface, particularly when they span Leo and Cancer. In both 1977 and today, Mars retrograde has highlighted themes of disempowerment, rebellion, and the struggle for agency. Though the retrogrades weren’t in identical signs during these two periods, their paths were moving from Leo back into Cancer. This movement carries similar messages about the limits of leadership and the need for survival-based decision-making.
Leo, a sign of individuality, creativity, and pride, becomes an arena for rebellion during Mars retrograde. When progress feels stifled, frustration builds, and actions often challenge authority. In 1977, the residents of Vulcan bypassed their own government by appealing to the Soviet Union for help rebuilding their bridge. This as a bold and symbolic move designed to expose the failures of U.S. leadership.
Fast forward to today: TikTok creators, facing a looming ban and frustrated with governmental overreach, are migrating en masse to Xiaohongshu, a Chinese-owned platform also known as Red Note. The migration doubles as a protest against censorship and a survival strategy for creators whose livelihoods depend on the platform. Both moments reflect Mars retrograde’s knack for forcing unconventional, defiant choices in the face of systemic neglect.
Astrological Parallels: Jupiter and the Push for Security
The 1977 Vulcan Bridge saga and today’s TikTok exodus share themes tied to Jupiter’s movements through Gemini and Cancer. Both highlight a progression from innovation and outreach to the pursuit of stability and protection. In 1977, Jupiter in Gemini set the stage for Vulcan’s bold move to write to the Soviet Union, amplifying their plight through communication. Today, Jupiter’s placement mirrors this dynamic as TikTok creators find ways to adapt and connect on alternative platforms like Xiaohongshu. Gemini’s energy fosters resourcefulness and innovation during times of disruption.
In 1977, Jupiter’s transition to Cancer brought a resolution to Vulcan’s crisis, emphasizing security and foundational needs. Similarly, Jupiter will enter Cancer in 2025. Might there be a shift from current chaos to a focus on rebuilding stability for those navigating upheaval in digital spaces?
Neptune and Venus: The Illusions of Connection Across Time
In both 1977 and today, the co-presence of Neptune and Venus (then in Sagittarius and now in Pisces) highlights the allure of connection amidst uncertainty. For Vulcan, turning to the USSR embodied Sagittarius’s bold optimism, embracing a solution that promised freedom but came with geopolitical tension. Today, TikTok creators flock to Red Note under Pisces’s influence, drawn by a sense of belonging and creativity while overlooking potential censorship and control. Both placements, ruled by Jupiter, underscore a desire for expansion and harmony, yet Neptune’s influence warns of illusions and hidden costs. These moments remind us to balance hope and connection with critical evaluation of what lies beneath.
