Jupiter changes sign every 12 months. This is the month and Jupiter is moving from Virgo to Libra on September 9. On a personal note, my next class in Beginning Astrology at Santa Rosa Junior College will begin on Wed. September 7. For more information about the class call me or the Community Education office at 707-527-4372. Jupiter represents the principle of expansion. It could be attitudinal, in which we feel increased joyfulness, optimism and enthusiasm. It could be in terms of learning new information. It could be in terms of traveling and increasing our understanding of different cultures and ethnicities.
Before we explore the possibilities of Jupiter in Libra, let's review its impact in Virgo. From ancient times astrologers have pronounced Jupiter to be in be in its "detriment" in Virgo. This means that for various reasons Jupiter may be unable to exercise its true nature in that sign. Virgo tends to focus on the details of a situation. It can be discerning about what to do and how to do it. It likes to be efficient, productive and efficient. It enjoys refining its skill level and is task oriented. Jupiter, however, prefers big picture thinking. It likes to embrace concepts that are universal in scope, such as philosophy or metaphysics. In Virgo, Jupiter can feel a little pinched, as if there is not enough room to expand in ways that would be appropriate and fulfilling to its nature.
Yet there were some benefits to the Jupiter in Virgo transit. Virgo is an earth sign, strongly connected to both nature and health care. During the Jupiter in Virgo transit we saw increased acceptance of the reality of climate change. We saw the nations of the world agreeing to make significant changes in their response to this crisis, both from philosophical as well as practical perspectives. Now we must hope that this was not merely Jupiterian idealism and that concrete results will ensue. In the United States we saw Obamacare, as close to universal health care as this country is capable of at this time, being more widely accepted and actually helping people.
What can we expect with Jupiter entering Libra? Jupiter is more comfortable in Libra than in Virgo. Like Jupiter, Libra can be idealistic. Both the sign and the planet can be concerned with public welfare. For example, Jupiter's nature is to be generous. Libra likes things to be equitable and puts a premium on social justice. This suggests that two issues will become increasingly prioritized in the current presidential campaign. First is the issue of income inequality between different economic classes. Second is the social inequality between different races as well as the LGBT community. Jupiter can pertain to religion. In the interest of fairness, its transit through Libra can highlight any prejudice against any specific religion as being counter to the core values of a country founded on the concept of religious freedom and tolerance. Similarly, extreme expressions of any religion could become less tolerated by those who are more moderate.
Equality is a core Libran quality. Jupiter is an energy that is always seeking the highest, clearest form and manifestation of the truth. It isn't satisfied with just thinking and talking about it. It can be visionary as well as activistic. We could see this happening in two ways in the upcoming months. Most immediate is the presidential election. We have an opportunity to elect a female to the highest elected office in this country for the first time in history. This after electing the first black man. Although this will neither obliterate our history of racism nor cancel a global tendency toward sexism, it is a step in the right direction. It will enable us to join most of the other industrial democracies of the world for whom having a female leader is not a novelty.
The second is more personal. Regardless of our political philosophy or affiliation and independent of our economic situation, religious proclivity or ethnic background, we are all engaged in social interaction. Libra is the sign of one-to-one relationship. It enjoys sharing common experiences whether that is with a friend or lover. Jupiter in Libra can enhance the philosophical precept of equality in our most important social activities. Although Jupiter can be quite beneficent, it can also be quite adventurous. In Libra in could bring a gentle, harmonious prodding to make sure we act in ways that are fair and balanced in relationship to others. Even more fundamental than that, Jupiter in Libra can provide the energy that can impel each of us to find the internal balance between our own assertive masculine as well as receptive feminine natures. This in turn can enable us to feel the inherent truth about who we are as individuals. The more we create and maintain that inner balance, sometimes referred to as the inner marriage, the more successful our relationships will be. Instead of playing a role, or trying to be seen as being a certain way, we can actually portray ourselves to others in ways that are authentic. This can help us to choose more appropriate partners with whom we can create a relationship and a life together that is harmonious, mutually fulfilling and growth oriented.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: This is a good time to begin new projects at work. Similarly, you could startpersonal projects that may a long time to come to fruition. Getting clear about your intentions and communicating about them in early month could lead to rapid changes or achievements by the end of the month.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: This could be a time of relationship challenges. Respond to them by being honest about who you really are and how you really feel. At times this could feel awkward to the point of feeling vulnerable. That risk, however, could lead to being rewarded with a relationship that is deeper and more emotionally honest and fulfilling.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Inner dialogue in early month could lead to clear communication later on, especially with family members. This could also lead to a breakthrough in understanding with a partner, either in the personal or professional arena. Growth for you this month can come from striving for a deeper understanding of where you are coming from in your most important social interactions.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: Three areas of focus for you this month: beginning an academic activity, social service and spiritual growth. The new Moon solar eclipse on the 1st can bring enhanced spiritual clarity. The combination of the new Moon in Virgo and full Moon in Pisces can impel service either in your community or family. That combination can also impel a desire to take a class or provide incentive to get on with your education.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Confusion in early month can give way to clarity later on assuming that you are willing to look within yourself for direction. You could feel challenged and even have to deal with anger issues all month. The more you strike out aggressively the less likely it is for the confusion to lift. Domestic harmony can bring happiness the last week of the month.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Self-awareness in early month can lead to a joyful attitude and outlook all month. This in turn can lead to transforming experiences romantically creatively, or with your children. This is a good time to do some creative writing as a way of clearing your mind.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: This is the beginning of what could be an opportune and abundant 12 years, with Jupiter transiting through Libra. This could bring travel, education or working to enhance the quality of your relationships and community. This could also enable you to feel and express joy, which could open many doors and bring much fulfillment.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Research into financial matters can lead to changes in spending and budgeting habits. Networking with others can lead to new income streams. This is a time to be conservative and plan for the long haul.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: The transit of Jupiter into Libra can lead to expansion in your social life. Opportunities for new friendships can bring joyful situations as well as new understanding of others. Growth for you with this transit comes from learning to be more diplomatic in sharing your ideas and perspectives with others.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: Power struggles in early month challenge you to get clear about your intentions as well as ways of implementing them. That frustration could give way by late month as a surge in drive and physical energy enable you to manifest things more completely.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Two themes emerge for you this month. One is a drive for creative expression. Think outside the box and strive to do things that are original and inspired. The second is developing a more authentic sense of friendship, even with your primary partner. Independence and romance are not experiences usually connected. But for you this month they could be.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: The good news for you this month is a strong potential to feel and share a deep connection to Divine Source. The bad news is a tendency to be more psychically affected by others than usual. This is especially true around the full Moon on the 16th. Growth for you comes from learning how to protect yourself from being unduly influenced by others.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of A Manual for the Modern Mystic and Astrology and Consciousness. He offers both private readings as well as classes for both beginning and intermediate students. To make an appointment for a reading or to find out more information about classes and lectures, call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.