Normally, Jupiter transits through one sign approximately every 12 months. This year, however, Jupiter will transit through at least parts of three signs. Starting in Aquarius, it transited into Pisces on January 17 but remains there only until June, when it enters Aries. It remains in Aries until September, when it retrogrades back into Pisces. The last time Jupiter made so many changes was 1999, the next time will be 2021. So, like many other things this year, Jupiter it acting in unusual ways.
Jupiter is a co-ruling planet of Pisces and thus very powerful in that sign. Its journey through that sign suggests an increase in spirituality in the sense of striving for a direct and personal connection to Divine Spirit. This could lead to an increase in people meditating, taking yoga classes or paying more attention to their dreams. This transit also can lead to a time of humanitarian concern for our fellow beings. Striving to help the less fortunate among us can stimulate generous charitable contributions, volunteer service and revised interest in the Peace Corps. Perhaps President Obama will call upon our citizenry to accept compulsory service in an agency or organization that promotes health and well-being.
Part of the challenge of Jupiter in Pisces is not to get carried away with excessive, idealistic expectations. We could expect more from ourselves than we can realistically achieve, or we could expect more from others than is going to be forthcoming. In either case we are left feeling either drained and overextended or disillusioned and disappointed. This could be especially true when Jupiter enters Aries and immediately conjuncts Uranus. Astrologers observe planetary cycles and note when certain patterns happened in the past as a way of surmising what might happen this time around. For example, that last time that Jupiter and Uranus were in Aries was 1927. The late 1920s was, of course, just prior to the Great Depression which saw a combination of a stock market crash and bank closures. This is all too similar to what is happening already and could continue throughout the year. The good news at that time was a previously unprecedented period of innovative expansion in technology. This time the technology could, among other things, bring a proliferation of prosthetic devices and other body parts. Much of that innovation as a result of the recent mapping of the DNA genome.
Aries is an independent, assertive sign known for its courage and willingness to get involved in new activities. Jupiter can bring opportunities and prosperity. We could assume that this summer, when Jupiter is in Aries, the job market could open up. New venture capital pouring into new businesses and even new industries could lead to new jobs. This is a small window of opportunity that might re-open once Jupiter re-enters Aries in 2011, so for now we should expect modest growth of new jobs, especially since Jupiter will be in opposition to Saturn, the energy of limitation.
Aries can also be impulsive, judgmental and one-dimensional in its thinking. Jupiter tends to be joyful and optimistic. So, one of the challenges of Jupiter in Aries is to avoid being overly aggressive, attacking someone, verbally or physically, based on the assumption that anyone disagreeing with you must be wrong.
In general, we can use Jupiter in Pisces and Aries as a vehicle through which to be more confident in expressing the consciousness that we have been developing the last few years. Remember that in 2009 Jupiter and Neptune, the co-rulers of Pisces were conjunct in Aquarius. This suggested a new beginning in spiritual and humanitarian thinking. In addition, Uranus, the co-ruler of Aquarius has been in Pisces. This created what astrologers call a mutual reception, with planets residing in each other’s sign. Mutual reception greatly enhances the power of all the planets involved. Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune all pertain to higher consciousness and collective interaction. This year, with Jupiter and Uranus transiting into Aries, it’s time to overtly act out that emerging awareness both individually and collectively.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Jupiter and Uranus don’t enter Aries until late spring. In addition Mars, your ruling planet, remains retrograde. So bide your time and avoid impulsive actions based on frustration or restlessness. This is a good time to make plans for the future. While engaged in that process, however, you could also play. Have fun and be creative. This can help the time go by in more enjoyable ways.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
This could be a good time to get more involved in social activities that combine either artistic or spiritual pursuits. Joining a meditation group, an artist’s or writer’s support group or a dream analysis group could provide an opportunity for psychological clarity or creative productivity. Growth comes from remaining clear about your goals and limits in your involvement with others.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Early month is a good time to implement plans and goals you had envisioned the last two months. This could be a period of disciplined and sustainable manifestation. Late month brings a shot of creative imagination that could benefit you artistically. This would also be a good time for insights into your children and your relationship to them.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Mid-month could bring heightened awareness about the global situation combined with insights into your own financial situation. Late month brings the energy to act on those thoughts in both areas with clarity and confidence. There may even be the willingness to shift some fundamental priorities that could enhance your material security in the future.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Relationship issues are in high focus for you this month. In general the energy is very good. You could experience a deep sense of devotional love for your partner and express those feelings with generosity in a variety of ways. Growth for you comes from being realistic about both how much you can afford to give and what you can expect to receive in turn. Striving for balance in the interaction can lead to real harmony.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
The full Moon in Virgo on the 28th can bring a heightened sense of emotional self-awareness that, in turn, can help clarify feelings for others. This also provides an opportunity to get out of your often over active linear, analytical mind and access your intuitive right brain. Growth comes from taking action based on decisions made from information gleaned in this way.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Artistic activities as well as time spent with children and lovers can bring deep feelings of happiness and satisfaction in early month. From mid-month on, focus more on practical matters involving work and health. This is a good time take advantage of new opportunities presented to you or to expand something that you are already doing. This is also a good time to initiate a new health maintenance routine.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
This is a good month to play and enjoy your life. Spending time with children could prove to be harmonious for all concerned. Being involved with romantic activities could also prove fulfilling. Between social activities, be creative. Your aesthetic juices are flowing, especially from mid-month on.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
The Jupiter transit through Pisces could take you in one of two directions. One is staying close to home. Enhancing relationships with family members or being reclusive and enjoying quality time alone could bring feelings of joy and satisfaction. The other pull could be to leave the residence and travel. You also might enjoy staying home this month and planning a fabulous journey later in the spring or fall.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
This is a good time to take stock of where you are professionally and where you want to go. Do some research and plan some strategy, but wait to actually take action until at least mid-March. When thinking about a change, factor in values and priorities as well as the pragmatic consideration of money. In the long run, the integration of all three of those factors will bring the greatest sense of fulfillment.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
This is a good month for social activity. Some of it could be simply for the enjoyment of it. Some could be networking and data gathering about practical issues that could directly involve your work or your financial situation. Spending some time in artistic activities could provide clarity about certain issues as well as provide a deep sense of spiritual connection.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
This is a good time for intellectual inspiration combined with the ability to communicate those ideas to others. You could even feel motivated to do some creative writing. Social activities could also prove enjoyable, especially in early month. In general, this is a period of clarity and confidence and sharing your energy with others should benefit all concerned.
Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and has been a practicing professional astrologer since 1976. The author of Astrology and Consciousness, Rio offers classes in beginning astrology through SRJC and ongoing classes through Crystal Channels. To make an appointment for a reading, call Rio at 707-887-1820.