Tag Archives: Jupiter

Some Rough Air Ahead

We’ve had kind of a break since the wild ride of mid-July. The Mercury retrograde we’re currently experiencing seems pretty mild compared with the astrology of last month. But now, we’re gearing up for some more interesting transits next week, and it looks like things are going to get turbulent again. 

On Wednesday, August 14th, Mars, which is now in buzzy Gemini, is going to align with Jupiter, forming a conjunction. On its own, a Mars-Jupiter conjunction could signify an expansion (Jupiter) of aggression and assertiveness (Mars). Mars is also about passion, and with it and Jupiter both in Gemini, you could be feeling the urge to vision board and make grandiose plans. You may send rambling texts to your friends with big ideas for the future. It’s cocaine energy. Mars and Jupiter are about dreaming big, but not so much about the details. And in the news, we may see some big protests and/or some large-scale threats of violence. 

With both Mars and Jupiter approaching squares (tense aspects) with Saturn in the days following their conjunction, there’s going to be conflict between the big, passionate, grandiose visions and movements and the harshness of reality. Saturn puts a damper on all that. It asks how you’re actually going to accomplish those pipe dreams of yours. I have both a Saturn-ruled sun and Mercury in my chart, and I feel like so much of my job is pressing my colleagues on how they are actually going to achieve those things that they are planning. I often ask, “OK, but what can you realistically do in this timeframe?” Saturn says no, which can be really frustrating, but sometimes we need the reality check!

The Mars-Saturn square will be exact on August 15th and the Jupiter-Saturn square is exact on August 19th. In the news, this coincides with the weekend leading up to and the beginning of the DNC. There’s been both astrological and non-astrological focus on how 2024 has paralleled 1968 in so many ways. The Astrology Podcast, the gold-standard of, well, astrology podcasts, had a really great breakdown of this in its August forecast episode. In the U.S., we’ve had student protests, an incumbent choosing not to run for re-election, an assassination attempt, RFK, this time Jr., and a planned DNC in Chicago of all places. Does that mean that the 2024 DNC is going to be the kind of chaotic shitshow that 1968’s was? TBD. But with the Mars-Jupiter-Saturn configuration, I could definitely see some large scale protests and demonstrative actions that are harshly suppressed by law enforcement.

Speaking of the sixties, I really love Mad Men. I want to go back and rewatch season 6, which felt super disjointed, but the point of the dissonant tone of that season was to show just how insane 1968 felt to those living it. There was a whole episode on the MLK assassination, and then in a subsequent episode, the RFK assassination appears merely as a last-couple-minute coda, as if to say, another one…when will this end? Megan weeping quietly on the bed, listening to the morning news, as Don numbly gets ready for work….how much of this year has felt that way? Then the credits roll to Friend & Lover’s bubbly “Reach Out in the Darkness”. The mindfuckery we’re experiencing now isn’t totally unprecedented, but that doesn’t make it less exhausting and anxiety producing.

One last potential manifestation of this transit: with both Mars and Jupiter in air sign Gemini and Saturn in Pisces, the most watery of the water signs, there’s big hurricane energy (i.e., big fierce wind up against water). Not a surprising parallel given this summer’s active hurricane season.  

And the Mars-Jupiter-Saturn of it all is just one strand of the astrology of this upcoming week.

On August 18th, there’s a Mercury-Uranus square, so another tense aspect, this one between the messenger planet of communication and technology and the planet of disruptions and surprises. This is another transit that drums up anxiety. Our thinking during these few days may be less rational than usual. Just take a beat before acting on any quick thoughts or impulses you may have. This is also the second time we’ve had this transit because Mercury is retrograde now; the same configuration also occurred on July 21st and will happen again on September 6th & 7th. So if you think back to what stories occurred on July 21st, both personally and in the zeitgeist, there may be some revisions to narratives or further developments, with the conclusions coming in September. 

And finally, on August 19th, there is a full moon in Aquarius at 27 degrees, opposite the sun in Leo, which is also aligned with Mercury. The moon and sun sidle up to that Mercury-Uranus configuration.

Whew. This is a very interesting full moon, compounding the energies described above. There are just a lot of things that are going to culminate, and the full moon, in the sign associated with innovation and the collective, is going to shed some light on our own roles in shaping our collective future. Leo is very much about ego, but the moon in Aquarius balancing it out encourages us to think less about the “me” and more about the “we.” What can we do for the betterment of our communities, for all? Reach out in the darkness, indeed. 

Of course, take this all with a grain of salt. Manifestations of these themes may be big and loud, but they could be small and quiet, too. Ground yourself and don’t freak out–we have a long way to go.  

Jupiter (& a Ton of Other Planets) in Gemini

Jupiter moved into Gemini on May 25th, where it will be until June 9th of 2025. When Jupiter transits through a sign, we see the themes associated with that sign amplified and spread. They get bigger and more prevalent. 

Gemini is an air sign that represents duality and communication. Gemini is ruled by Mercury, known as the trickster. I just read Circe by Madeline Miller and loved it. The book features Hermes (aka Mercury) as a character, and the playful and impermanent nature of Mercury is well described in the novel. Hermes is the messenger of the gods. He wants to be amused, entertained, to engage in tête-à-têtes, but he leaves at his liking, coming and going with the winds. In traditional astrology, Mercury can be either a benefic or a malefic planet, depending on certain factors. Again, duality is inherent to its essence.  

With Jupiter moving through Gemini over the next year, we can expect to see advances in communication and transportation technology. We’ll also likely see a continued preponderance of news about air travel. I hope there will be improvements and expansion in air travel, but I also expect that there’s going to be a lot of news and buzz about increasing winds due to climate change, so there will probably be more and more stories about the kind of turbulence that has been so prominent lately. 

Jupiter is technically in its detriment here because Jupiter rules Sagittarius, the sign opposite Gemini. Whereas Sagittarius wants to dive deep into topics and learn everything it can about them, Gemini wants the CliffsNotes. Geminis want shortcuts, tips, tricks, and workarounds. They get both intrigued and bored easily. They’re quick-thinking, questioning, and skeptical. Those with prominent Gemini placements often have a lot of friends and a lot of different interests because they need variety. They’re renaissance people. 

Right now, the sun, Mercury, and Venus are all also in Gemini, giving us a lot of a ton of swift, airy Gemini energy. It’s like a blast of Gemini. The languorous days of Taurus season are behind us. My snake plant promptly died when all these planets moved into Gemini. I decided to give up on trying to keep it alive. And a few hours later I signed up to practice French on Duolingo. That’s Gemini season. 

And coming up on June 6th, we have a new moon in Gemini. So atop all this Gemini energy, the new moon offers a chance to start anew, to make some choices, to put words to our thoughts and dreams. Saturn in Pisces will be squaring the new moon, causing some tension. Saturn is the planet of responsibility, so you may feel burdened and not fully able to do what you want, but write it down anyway. Gemini season is the season of the notes app. 

Based on your rising sign, these are the broad brushstroke areas where you’ll see a lot of focus in the next few weeks, and then more long-term sustained growth over the next year as Jupiter moves through this part of your chart. 

Gemini rising – This is your first house, the house of self. You may be faced with some big choices over the next year which could result in long-term implications, but generally (everything is dependent on your own chart and planetary placements), this is a time of opportunity for you. Ride the wave. You get an extra boost now, and some of that magic will sustain until next June. 

Cancer rising – This is the area that deals with the subconscious and solitude. Dreams will be vivid and if you keep a dream journal, you’ll likely learn a lot about your innermost desires and fears. It’s a good time for planning a solo trip or meditation retreat for sometime in the next year. If you can, spending some time alone will likely be extra restorative and illuminating. 

Leo rising – Gemini is in your house of friend groups, community, and hopes. You may see some more action in this area and find yourself branching out, making new connections, and putting yourself out into the world. Leo placements are social creatures, but you’ll probably feel more social than you already do and reap the rewards to casting a wide net. 

Virgo rising – This part of your chart deals with your public persona and legacy. Most often this is tied to career, so this year you may be presented with some opportunities for career advancement or growth. You could create output that earns you widespread recognition. If you have been wanting to forge a new career path, this would be an auspicious time to take steps to do so. 

Libra rising – The planet Jupiter and the part of your chart where it will be this year share some significations, meaning that you may feel even more of a push toward some of their themes: spirituality, teaching and learning, and long distance travel. While Jupiter is in Gemini, you may take a longer and/or longer-distance trip than you would otherwise, develop a strong interest in another culture or language or religion (or astrology, which is a topic associated with this area of the chart), or enroll in an academic program or begin teaching classes yourself. 

Scorpio rising – For you, Jupiter will be in your 8th house. In traditional astrology, it’s the area of the chart that deals with life and death. More modern significations, though, expand the associations to the things we give to or receive from others. It’s the fruits and the byproducts of our relationships, everything from inheritances, our partner’s finances, and loans, to murkier stuff such as our emotional baggage and trauma. This could play out in many ways. You may get a mortgage or sell your place (when Jupiter was in my 8th house, I bought an apartment). You may get a bigger tax refund than usual that allows you to do something you wouldn’t normally do. Or you could start therapy!

Sagittarius rising – Jupiter is your chart ruler, so when Jupiter moves into a new part of your chart, you (and Pisces risings) feel it the most. There will be a lot of focus on relationships and partnerships this year. It could be that you’re entering a new phase of an existing relationship, or you begin a new one altogether. It could also mean you join forces with someone in a business partnership of some kind. Compromise and collaboration will be heavily featured themes for you with the planets in Gemini. 

Capricorn rising – The transits through Gemini are occurring in your area of work, health, and service, so there will be a short-term heavy focus on these themes, and then as Jupiter continues to go through Gemini for the next year, you’ll see an expansion in this area. It’s a good time to take steps to improve your work habits and your health routines, as the efforts put in now can pay off in the future. This part of the chart also deals with pets, so given Jupiter’s significance, you may find yourself adopting a new furry friend this year. 

Aquarius rising – Lucky you, this is the fun house, the part of your chart that rules joy, creativity, and romance. With so many planets in Gemini, this is the time to start doing the stuff you want to do. Lean into your creativity, and enjoy your sex life. This is also the part of the chart that deals with children, and Jupiter indicates expansion and growth, so just know that and act accordingly, depending on whether you do or don’t want a child anytime in the near future. 

Pisces rising – Gemini is in the area of your chart that is associated with home and family, and Jupiter is your chart ruler, meaning that you’ll likely feel Jupiter’s influence more than most other rising signs. This could be a year where you expand your home base, or focus more energy on your home. It could also be a time when your family grows, or the time you spend with your family increases. 

Aries rising – The area of your chart that deals with your neighborhood and neighbors, your siblings, short-distance/domestic travel, and communication will be buzzing. It’s a variegated collection of themes, so you may see growth or focus in just one of these topics or several. Maybe you find yourself traveling for work or pleasure a lot more than usual this year, or maybe you actually end up connecting with your neighbors in a way that feels enriching and expansive. 

Taurus rising – For you, Gemini is in your house of money and resources. This could indicate growth in income or an expansion or advancement to the way you earn your income. With Jupiter going through your second house, there’s a lot of potential for increased abundance over the next year, which could resonate in different ways. Maybe it’s money; maybe it’s the people around you that you value most.  

Enjoy the intellectual stimulation, and stay safe from the winds! And take all of these horoscopes with a grain of salt. Astrology is entertainment, not fortune telling. 

Uranian Vibes & the Sun-Jupiter Conjuction

“All the other girls here are stars, you are the Northern Lights” – Josh Ritter, “Kathleen”

The aurora borealis was visible for a wide swath of the US last weekend. At least where I was, it was cool-looking to the naked eye, but captured through a cell phone camera, it was pretty spectacular. The geomagnetic storm that allowed the lights to be visible farther south than usual was a very rare event. Did you feel like you were buzzing? It felt very Uranian, which is appropriate given all the Uranus conjunctions we’ve had lately. 

Slow-moving Uranus, the planet of disruption, surprises, revolution, and yes, electricity, has been hanging out in Taurus since May 2018, and in the last month, we’ve had several faster-moving planets meeting up with the big U. First, there was the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in April, which coincided with the proliferation of the student protests against the war in Gaza, and to which we will likely be able to trace other major movements and innovations that have yet to unfold. Then, on May 13th, there was a Sun-Uranus conjunction, which means that individually, we have felt some nervousness or anxiety, got some jarring news, or had some emotional or mental revelations. Now, on May 18th, we get the Venus-Uranus conjunction, which could mean that personally, you learn something you didn’t know about your partner, or you may get some unexpected news about your finances, or something you thought you valued may suddenly shift. 

Right on the heels of the Venus-Uranus conjunction, also on May 18th, there is a Sun-Jupiter conjunction. This happens once a year, when the sun gets to the same place in the sky as Jupiter. Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth, and success. For those of us with day charts, this is especially auspicious, because the sun is our sect light and Jupiter is our primary benefic. (For those with night charts, the moon is your sect light and Venus your primary benefic. And if you want to learn more about your individual chart, book a consultation with me!)

The Sun represents our identity, our calling, our life force. The Sun is what gives us purpose. The Sun meeting up with Jupiter marks a time for us to think about how we want to expand our sense of purpose over the next year. If you have been horrified by what is happening in Gaza, for example, this is a great time to get active, call your reps, and join a movement. If you feel moved to do something else–writing, going back to school, planting a garden (Taurus always lends itself to the literal planting of seeds)–go for it. This weekend is a ripe time to listen and pay attention to inspiration that crops up. 

Jupiter has been in Taurus since May of last year. You can read my thoughts on Jupiter in Taurus here and check out what this would have potentially meant for you depending on where Taurus is in your chart. However, since Jupiter moved into Taurus after the Sun had already arrived there, and the Sun moves a lot faster than Jupiter, this is the first and only Sun-Jupiter conjunction we’ll get in the sign of Taurus for a while. So, again, really have your feelers attuned to what is moving you and inspiring you, especially as it relates to the part of your chart with Taurus, because the seeds you plant now (it’s Taurus, all the metaphors are gardening metaphors), may blossom into events and outcomes that are especially fruitful for you. 

With the electricity in the air, many of us have felt in our bones that big or new things were on the horizon, and this weekend is when whatever it is that is next for us may become clear. And in a couple days, Gemini season begins! Less planting, more talking. 

As always, take all astrological-based advice with a grain of salt. Astrology isn’t fortune telling, and this post is based on my own interpretations of the planetary movements and what they represent.

New Moon in Capricorn

On the morning of January 11th, at 6:57 am EST, there is a new moon at 20 degrees of Capricorn. This is the first new moon of 2024. When a moon is “new,” it’s aligned with the sun, and this represents the beginning of a new cycle. 

Given that this is the first lunation of 2024 and it’s in cardinal earth sign Capricorn, which is about practical initiation, this is an excellent opportunity for setting intentions or making your New Year’s resolutions. And because of its positioning in relation to the nodes, currently in Aries and Libra, these intentions may not be just for the year ahead, but more aligned with your soul’s purpose or ultimate destiny. Dream big.

Not only is the new moon in a sign that’s about taking charge and setting plans in motion AND in relationship with the nodes, but there are other aspects at play that make it auspicious for laying the groundwork for what we hope to achieve.

First, both the sun and moon trine Uranus, the planet of disruption, revolution, and change. This means the moon, sun, and Uranus are all lending one another big time support. The intentions you set now could lead to major changes ahead. Or you may get some surprises around this new moon that contribute to your self-reflection and the goals you want to set. All of these guys are in earth signs, which grounds the big shifts and disruptions that come from Uranus. And with Uranus in Taurus, all topics financial would be especially relevant for this new moon.

Concurrent to the new moon, Mars, the planet of action and drive, is also in Capricorn, a sign it loves. And it’s in a supportive trine with Jupiter, the planet of expansion and growth, which is also in Taurus. This is helpful for taking practical action on big plans. And with both in friendly aspects to Saturn, the planet of structure and longevity, concrete plans made now have a good chance of sticking. 

I was going to write up horoscopes for this new moon, but then I thought best not to lead you to focus on one particular area of your life and chart where the new moon occurs over others. This new moon is a good time for setting your intentions to align with your big-picture plans and soul’s desires, so why limit it to one area of your life? 

The astro forecast gets more tumultuous from here on out, especially in the months to come (ahem, April), so this marks a good time for getting your ducks in a row and ensuring your structures are solid for any bumpy weather to come. 

New Moon in Sagittarius

The last few lunations (new and full moons) we’ve had have been very intense (that Gemini full moon a couple weeks ago was crazy!), and this upcoming new moon in Sagittarius is no exception (and neither is the full moon in Cancer later this month). 

This new moon, which occurs on December 12th a little after 6:30 pm EST, is fiery. While the sun has pulled away from its conjunction with Mars, Mars is still co-present in the same sign as this sun-moon combo. But with Mars in the mix and not currently making any hard aspects to other planets right now, this new moon is a good one for harnessing our energies and focusing them on our lofty goals and global views (in true Sagittarius spirit). However, the moon is making a hard aspect with Neptune, the planet that shrouds circumstances in uncertainty and vagueness, so you may find it hard to get clarity on what you actually want. 

Venus, now in Scorpio, is currently separating from an opposition to Jupiter in Taurus. Venus doesn’t usually like being in deep, dark Scorpio, but its movement through this sign gives us the opportunity to dive deep into our relationships, face hard truths, and strategize about our finances and our resources. Opposite expansive Jupiter, Venus is a little more powerful and friendlier in Scorpio than it would normally be. 

However, Mercury retrograde looms. Mercury is stationary when the new moon occurs, which means it’s at a virtual standstill. It starts to go retrograde overnight on the 12th/13th. When a planet is stationary, its influence is felt even more than usual, so our communication and our tech activity is going to be very prominent during this new moon. If you haven’t already, you may start to experience the usual Mercury retrograde mishaps. A package I mailed to a friend in Virginia last Monday somehow passed through Virginia on Wednesday and sailed on to Florida. Florida! She ended up getting it, just several days later than anticipated. 

The good thing about Mercury being retrograde in earth sign Capricorn is that there’s a grounded quality to it, so it’s not going to feel a mile minute. Capricorn is a take-charge cardinal sign, so even though Mercury retrograde encourages reflection and reassessment, in Capricorn, you’re likely going to feel hard-pressed and want to forge ahead regardless of the retrograde. Just know that anything you move forward with now will likely need to be revisited again and potentially revised in January. 

To learn more about where this new moon will play out in your chart, read below for your rising sign and your sun sign. 

Sagittarius & Sagittarius Rising: You’re renewed at this time. This new moon is an excellent time to harness that energy of renewal and plant seeds for the next year. The Mercury retrograde encourages reflection prior to manifesting anything new, so look backward before looking to the future, but it’s still a good time to think about your goals, your desires, and your dreams. Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, is about the big picture, so mood board or journal your loftiest goals. It’s also a good time to think about a new look, e.g., coloring your hair or zhuzhing up your wardrobe, if you’ve been feeling stagnant and wanting a change. 

Capricorn & Capricorn Rising: New moons generally have us feeling more tired, but this may be particularly true for Caps and Cap risings this time because it’s occurring in your 12th house. Mars’s energy could offset some of the darkness of the new moon, so you may find yourself with some erratic sleep schedules around this time. Rest as much as you can, hydrate, and with the nights getting longer now, use the opportunity for hibernation and self-reflection. Mercury is going retrograde in your sign, so it’s time to get introspective. 

Aquarius & Aquarius Rising: This is occurring in the part of your chart concerned with friendships, community, and hopes and dreams. Think about what you’re giving to and getting out of your friendships and your larger networks, and consider whether you should make adjustments. It’s also a good time to spend some QT with your friends. Go to people’s parties, even if you feel out of your comfort zone. You may end up planting seeds and making connections that will be fortuitous down the road, and even if not, you’ll have a good time. Take a tip from one of my all-time favorite Joni Mitchell lyrics and wreck [your] stockings in some jukebox dive.

Pisces & Pisces Rising: For you, this new moon may signal a new career opportunity. Even if no offers or interview requests come your way, you may try to lay some groundwork for career growth through small actions, such as setting a new LinkedIn alert or reaching out to an old colleague that you haven’t spoken to in a while, that leads to a new opportunity. With the Mercury retrograde, reassessment is key, so you may want to revisit your resume/CV and make some edits that are more reflective of where you are now.

Aries & Aries Rising: Have you been feeling some sort of spiritual calling, or a desire to study a topic that intrigues you? Or is the cusp of winter making you get the urge for going? This new moon may have you both seeking deeper meaning in life and craving adventure. Aries folks are impulsive, but this is an apt opportunity for some soul searching. And whatever you embark on at this time, whether it’s going back to school, signing up for a meditation retreat, or checking out international job boards, could influence or result in a new income stream in the future.

Taurus & Taurus Rising: Things may be feeling particularly heavy around this new moon, as it is occurring in an area of your chart that relates to finances and resources, which can be tangible assets, time, or energy, that we receive from others or that we owe. A new moon represents the new phase of a lunar cycle, and with Mercury retrograde, it’s a good time for reviewing not only your bills and spending habits, but also the mental and emotional resources you share with others. Take stock of how you give and take, and make adjustments where necessary or advantageous for you.

Gemini & Gemini Rising: This new moon is occurring in the area of your chart concerned with partnerships. Against the backdrop of your ruler, Mercury, about to go retrograde, it may have you feeling some extra stress or facing some questioning thoughts about your relationship. Reassess the give-and-take of your relationship(s) and make some changes if you feel an imbalance. This new moon could also mean that you are beginning a new phase of your relationship with your partner, or that you’re meeting someone with whom you’ll build a relationship. It could also indicate the beginning of a new phase or change for your current partner; where this will play out for them depends on where this new moon occurs in their own chart. 

Cancer & Cancer Rising: New moon, new routines. For Cancers and Cancer risings, this new moon marks an opportune chance to review your daily schedules and rituals relating to work and your health. Are you slacking off in some area? During this new moon, you should be able to harness the energy of Mars to change it up. If your work life is feeling stale and stagnant, now’s the time to focus on what you can do to switch up and energize it so that it doesn’t feel like drudgery. You’re also primed to assess your diet, your exercise plans, and your sleep schedules and make changes. 

Leo & Leo Rising: If you have kids, this new moon could signify a new phase for them. Maybe they start a new project, make a new friend, learn new things that delight you, or suddenly seem like an adult. With or without kids, this lunation marks a chance to reevaluate your attitudes around joy, fun, creativity, all the good stuff, the stuff that brings you pleasure. Think about how you’re structuring your daily life and how you can carve out space for the stuff you do purely because you like it. Sex? Have it! Wine? Drink it! Painting? Buy new brushes. 

Virgo & Virgo Rising: It’s a good time to reevaluate your commitments to your family and your home and make sure you’re taking enough time for yourself. Striking the balance between what you want to do and what you are obligated to do can be difficult. With your ruler, Mercury, going retrograde, now is the time for introspection and reevaluation. You may also feel compelled to get in touch with your roots, which may involve booking some international travel. Start a new adventure, but just make sure to triple check any reservations you book from now through January so that you can minimize Mercury retrograde-type snafus. 

Libra & Libra Rising: You may have a heightened awareness of your everyday routines and communication at this time, and with Mercury about to retrograde, this is an especially opportune time to reflect on how you interact with the people with whom you surround yourself. There may be some frustrating misunderstandings that occur, or expectations you have of others or vice versa are not clearly stated. Try to be as clear as you can with others and ask for details and specifics from them, so no one is left guessing. Also be conscious that Neptune is going to have people feeling anxious and sensitive, so it’s all about being explicit but striking a balance by also being diplomatic (which, as a Libra, is your forte).

Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: The focus of this new moon is on your finances, your resources, and how you make your money. Take a look at your bank account(s) if you haven’t in a while, and consider carving out a dedicated savings account for something you’re striving for. Mercury retrograde is all about those “re” activities, so you may want to wait until January to make any big moves, but this is a great time to review your finances and your assets and think about how to configure or reconfigure them so they are helping you achieve your long-term goals.

As always, horoscopes are for entertainment purposes. so take them with a grain of salt. These are based on my interpretation of the transiting planetary positions. Unfortunately, I cannot predict the future. 

Mars in Virgo

Mars moves into Virgo on July 10th and will be moving through Virgo until August 27th. Mars has been in fire sign Leo, where it’s been acting out and doing the most. Mars is the planet of action and aggression, assertiveness and drive. In Leo, it’s about the self and getting ours. In Virgo, a mutable earth sign, it’s about ruthless prioritization. 

Mars in Virgo is cutting. Mars rules needles and sharp objects, and I think of Mars in Virgo as scissors (or maybe a machete). While Mars is in Virgo, it’s wise to assertively embody the more evolved Virgo qualities of preparedness, organization, efficiency, critical thinking, and discernment, but try not to lean into the less evolved Virgo qualities of being hypercritical and a perfectionist. It’s a good time for focusing our drives and energy on getting organized, making to-do lists, editing anything that needs it, and weeding out the superfluous stuff in our lives.

I think of Mars in Virgo sort of like Tracy Flick, the main character of Election. She knows she’s right, knows she’s the most qualified, and is singularly focused on her goals, but she alienates even the teachers (Saturn) in her pursuits. (I also recommend reading the sequel from last year, Tracy Flick Can’t Win, in which life has tempered her most abrasive qualities and she’s operating from a more evolved Virgo energy but of course still chafing against a misogynist society, people who aren’t as smart as her, and her own inability to get out of her own way.)

Transit-wise, Mars makes an opposition to Saturn later this month. That’s then followed by some more pleasant aspects in August and then finally an opposition to Neptune on August 22nd. Since it’s coming up, I want to focus on the Mars-Saturn opposition for now. 

Mars opposes Saturn on July 20th. In traditional astrology, Mars and Saturn are the two malefic planets, meaning that they bring with them some difficulty, and you have to learn how to work with them instead of just letting them do their thing. The way they will be situated, in opposition to one another, lends to culminations but also conflict. It’s a push-and-pull energy. Mars and Saturn were conjunct in Aquarius back in early April 2022. This opposition is another phase of that cycle, which would mean there’s a climax or wrapping up of whatever narrative began when Mars and Saturn aligned back in early April last year. 

Mars rules drive, and Saturn rules structure. Mars in Virgo is the car, Saturn in Pisces in the bascule bridge that lifts for the boat on the river below, causing you to be late on your way to an appointment. The way to avoid the situation is to have left earlier in the first place. So the second week of July, leave lots of extra time. Be prepared for obstructions of your efforts.

These obstructions then can lead to pushing boundaries. That can manifest literally, mentally, and physically, like with endurance. I was listening to The Astrology Podcast’s July forecast, and on it, the hosts agreed that while it’s OK to push yourself mentally during this time, physically you probably only want to push 80% because with Mars and Saturn, there’s a risk of injury. (The Astrology Podcast, if you aren’t familiar with it, is the gold standard of astrology podcasts, so if you’re interested in learning a lot more about astrology, it’s my first recommendation.) So please be cognizant to not overdo it in the days around July 20th!

Mars then moves on to form a trine with Jupiter in Taurus on August 1st. A trine is formed when planets are at a 120-degree angle from one another, and generally they are considered to be a helpful aspect, with the better parts of the planets’ energies in harmonious communication with one another. The best parts of Mars in Virgo will be given an expansiveness that comes from Jupiter. Mars also makes a trine with Uranus in Taurus on August 16th, which can bring disruptions. During this time, Mercury will be following closely behind Mars. Mercury never quite catches Mars, though, because it stations retrograde on August 22nd, then moves backwards through Virgo until September 15th. 

Finally, Mars will oppose Neptune on August 22nd. I’ve written about Mars-Neptune aspects before. With Neptune in Pisces, for all of Mars in Virgo’s ruthless efficiency and clear-eyed discernment, Neptune will be doing its best to make things murky and throw the to-do lists and mission statements into question. You may find yourself looking back at the plans you’ve laid out over the few weeks and thinking, “Do I really want to do this?” Best to let the Neptune fog burn off and wait a few days before making any adjustments. 

So that’s that on Mars in Virgo, which will take us through most of the summer. I’ll say more about Virgo (I love Virgos!) when it’s actually Virgo season. 

Full Moon in Sagittarius

On Saturday, June 3rd, at 11:40 pm Eastern, there will be a full moon at 13 degrees of Sagittarius (opposite the sun in Gemini). 

Sagittarius is a Jupiter-ruled fire sign. It’s about learning and exploration and spirituality and travel, and Jupiter is the planet of expansion and amplification. Full moons are always emotional and a time for release, but in a Jupiter-ruled sign, the emotions are going to be even bigger and more amplified than with other full moons. You may feel an intense desire to embark on Sagittarian-type activities. This full moon will likely be marked by a strong need to explore. 

Jupiter is currently in Taurus and is answering to Venus (the planet that rules Taurus), so this full moon is also likely to have Venusian themes, with a focus on relationships, love, and money. Venus is currently at the late degrees of Cancer and approaching an opposition to Pluto, still at 0 degrees Aquarius. That energy will be felt around the time of this full moon. 

Oppositions generally mark culminations or turning points, and with Venus opposite Pluto, the planet of transformation, you may experience some deep and long-lasting changes at this time. Venus-Pluto aspects can feel a little obsessive. This may tie into the Sagittarian themes, so a positive manifestation of this full moon may be an intense drive to learn more about a topic that interests you or to book a trip far afield. However, the energy of the full moon could also potentially manifest in feelings of jealousy and insecurity. You might be convinced your partner is keeping something from you, or you may be the one hiding something. Even in friendships and family relationships, we may be feeling extra sensitive, or power struggles can present themselves.

With the full moon in Sagittarius, a sign that is very much about truths, opposite the sun in Gemini, which is all about talking, there will likely be some secrets revealed. It should be an interesting weekend. 

Jupiter in Taurus

On May 16th, Jupiter changes signs and enters earth sign Taurus, where it will stay until May of 2024. 

Taurus is a fixed earth sign ruled by Venus, and it’s associated with money, commerce, the economy, values, resources, materials, stability, and sustenance. Jupiter is the planet of expansion and growth. With Jupiter moving into Taurus, we can expect to see expansion in the areas that Taurus rules. As Jupiter moves through Taurus, though, it will be in conversation with other planets as it moves through Taurus, which will shape its impact.

Right away, as Jupiter first ingresses into Taurus, it will form a square to Pluto, which is currently at 0 degrees Aquarius. When planets form 90 degree angles to each other, there’s tension between them. With Pluto’s movement into Aquarius, we’ve been seeing themes of transformation and regeneration in technology (particularly AI) and movements of collective action. As Pluto forms a tense aspect to Jupiter in Taurus, we can expect to see push-and-pull between the efforts to expand these things and the reactive efforts to tamp them down.

This is further emphasized by Mars, which joins the action as it moves into Leo on May 20th. Mars will be opposite Pluto and forming a square to Jupiter in a configuration called a T-square. The energy will be volatile, and because each planet is in a fixed sign, the conflicts that will arise will be more fraught because of the unmovingness, the unblinkingness, the sheer will of each sign. 

Once Jupiter moves past this initial aspect, its presence becomes a little more chill. That’s until next April, when Jupiter gets to the 21st degree of Taurus and it will form a conjunction with Uranus, the planet of disruption, rebellion, and revolution. Conjunctions represent new cycles, so when Jupiter and Uranus are conjunct in Taurus, we’ll see a new cycle of expansion and disruption in the realms associated with Taurus.

Taurus is about stability, so Jupiter will likely increase the ongoing disruption to stability we’ve been facing since Uranus moved into Taurus. Given that Taurus is an earth sign, there could be literal earthquakes and/or some major climate-related catastrophes. There could also be big changes to the economy, or the value that is assigned to certain things, i.e., currency fluctuations or jolts in the housing market.

It could play out in more positive ways too, though. Disruption and revolution can lead to great things. This transit could coincide with the proliferation and growth of more socialistic movements to check the effects of unbridled capitalism and/or more vocal and mass mobilizations for environmental protection and justice.

Jupiter’s transit through Taurus is a great time for us to examine what we truly value, and to grow our efforts and activism around those values. 

How Jupiter’s time in Taurus will affect you depends on the ways it will interact with your natal planetary placements, but based on your sun and/or rising sign, these are the areas in which you will likely see Jupiter’s influence play out. 

For Taurus & Taurus Rising: Jupiter will be working its way through your first house, the house of self, which relates to our appearances, our personalities, and how we experience the world. Jupiter in the first house can be a great time of personal growth, and because Jupiter is traditionally considered a benefic planet, meaning that its presence is generally thought to be positive, its movement through your first house and/or its proximity to your natal sun can lend to success in your endeavors. It’s an excellent time to hone in on what you really want out of life and take the initiative to make that happen. 

For Gemini & Gemini Rising: Jupiter in your 12th house lends its influence to the realm of your shadow self, your subconscious, and your mental health. This can help with matters of your mental wellness or growth in this area through meditation, therapy, or other practices. When Jupiter is squaring Pluto at the very beginning of its journey through Taurus, you may experience some crises or moments of conflict that affect your mental health or awaken buried parts of your psyche, but ultimately as Jupiter progresses, so will your outlook. 

For Cancer & Cancer Rising: When Jupiter transitions from your 10th house, where it has been in Aries this year, into your 11th house, it’s time to take the career goals you honed in on and act on making those hopes and dreams a reality. The 11th house is also the house of friends and community, so you’ll likely see some growth in these areas over the next year. You may shed some friends whose values don’t align with yours, but you’ll likely feel more compelled to put yourself out there socially and feel more at ease than usual doing so, which could help bring your goals to fruition. 

For Leo & Leo Rising: Jupiter will be transiting through your 10th house of career and legacy. The 10th house isn’t always just career focused, but it deals with the imprint we ultimately make on the world. With Jupiter, a benefic and the planet of growth, in this house, it’s an exciting year for you. You may see yourself getting a promotion and raise, or being elevated in a way that brings you accolades or renown in your field. If you aren’t loving your career trajectory, it can also mark the beginning of a time of exploration for you, where you may take the initial steps toward figuring out what you actually want to do or transitioning to a career that matches your passions. 

For Virgo & Virgo Rising: With Jupiter in your 9th house, you will likely deepen your interest in learning, and you may be asked to teach in some way. Once Jupiter moves further from the square it’s making with Pluto, it’s also a good time for long-distance travel. You may find yourself with an increased sense of wanderlust over the next year, and quenching it through some far-flung travel will be enlightening and feed your need to study.

For Libra & Libra Rising: The transit of Jupiter through your 8th house over the next year could bring about a few different things. The 8th house deals with resources, as Taurus also does, but it’s those resources we receive from others or owe to them. It’s inheritances and debts, and it’s also transformation. So you may experience some changes and growth on a psychological level. You may also see your partner’s income or resources increase, or you could receive some money that’s been owed to you. Jupiter is generally considered a benefic, or a positive planet that helps with success, but depending on what it’s doing in your chart, it could expand your debts as well, so this is a good year to be careful when managing your own and your partner’s and/or family’s finances. 

For Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: Jupiter will be moving through your 7th house, which will see an expansion of your partnerships. If you are in a relationship, you may feel renewed investment in that relationship and it’s generally a harmonious time (save for Jupiter’s interactions with Pluto at the beginning of its transit). You may also build other partnerships during this time, either business collaborations or other one-on-one relationships. If you’re not currently attached, you may be beginning a new romantic relationship at this time, or if you’re at the early stages, this is when you may get more serious or take that relationship to its next stage. 

For Sagittarius & Sagittarius Rising: Jupiter’s going to be moving through the area of your chart that deals with the day-to-day work you do, in your job or in caretaking, your co-workers, and your health. You may be taking on increased responsibilities or tasks at work, which one would hope would also lead to an increase in pay or a path to professional development. You could also find yourself increasingly focused on your health, so this is a good time to use Jupiter’s influence to commit to a more healthy lifestyle and/or implement any changes to your routine you have been thinking about or that your body’s been telling you that you need. 

For Capricorn & Capricorn Rising: The 5th house, where Jupiter will be in your chart until May 2024, deals with a few topics: sex and romance, children, creativity, and fun. Embrace joy and leisure time and just doing what you want to do during this transit. If you are single, this is a good time to put yourself out there because you may see some sparks in your love life. If you’re with a partner, it’s a good time for reinvigorating your sex life. You are also likely to find creative and artistic endeavors to be rewarding over the next year. If you do your morning pages, it may lead somewhere. With Jupiter all about expansion, if you’re looking to conceive, you may be more apt to be successful during this period, or you may actually have a child. For those with kids, you may just be spending more quality time with them or find yourself valuing your free time with them more over the next year. 

For Aquarius & Aquarius Rising: Your home and your family will be a focus for the next year, with Jupiter going through the part of your chart that deals with this. You may be buying real estate during this time or moving into a bigger place. You may also see your family expanding in some way, or your relatives and/or the people you live with may see their wealth or resources increase. Jupiter represents abundance, so when it comes to your home and family, this could also mean more abundant love, a compulsion to spend time with the ones you love. 

For Pisces & Pisces Rising: The next year will see some expansion in your communication, and you may feel more energized when it comes to socializing. There will be a buzz around you. Jupiter may also see you traveling a lot because the 3rd house deals with short-distance travel. You might be taking a lot of trips for work or spending the year taking a lot of quick weekend trips to visit friends and/or siblings who live in other cities, and it’s a great time for that. Because Jupiter is a benefit and the 3rd house also encompasses siblings, your siblings may be experiencing some successes or growth during the time that Jupiter is in Taurus. 

For Aries & Aries Rising: Taurus and the second house, which is where Jupiter will be in your chart until May 2024, have overlapping areas of focus: money, resources, and that which we value. Jupiter can signal successes in this realm, so you may find yourself getting a raise or growing your business in a way that increases your income. You may be focused on investing or building your savings accounts now, and it’s a good time to get more focused on your finances and your portfolio. It’s not just money we value, though, so this is also a good time for increased focus on the other things that matter to you. It could be your time, in which case organizing your calendar and ensuring you have more time to spend the way you like can also pay dividends. 

Just a reminder that astrology is for entertainment and is based on subjective interpretation of what’s happening with the planets in the sky. It’s not fortune telling, nor should it be interpreted as such, so take these horoscopes with a grain of salt. 

The Week of April 9th: Venus in Gemini & Jupiter-Sun Conjunction

This week starts off with a couple really great aspects on the 11th, then gets a bit more challenging closer to the 14th. 

After midnight EDT on Tuesday, April 11th, Venus enters Gemini. Gemini, a mutable air sign, is about talking, listening, thinking, synthesizing. It’s nimble and quick but can suffer from a short attention span. It’s also about duality. Gemini is represented by the twins, and when a planet is in Gemini, the things that planet rules have two sides. Gemini gives us options. Two roads and all of that. (Robert Frost was an Aries, but maybe he was a Gemini rising.)

With Venus, the planet of values and resources, including relationships and finances, in Gemini, it means that we are going to find ourselves placing greater value on connecting and communicating. Time to talk. Gemini loves tips and tricks. It’s pithy. Read about budgeting hacks. Figure out the quickest way to get to your friends’ apartments. We’re going to want to learn more and feel more connected to people and to ideas with this transit, so you’ll likely find yourself asking more questions of the people you meet or have surface-level relationships with, and you’ll also likely find yourself with 2x your normal number of browser tabs open.  

Once Venus moves into Gemini, it will form a trine to Pluto in Aquarius. Pluto is about birth, death, transformation, and regeneration. This is a good transit for changing up something in your look, or the way you manage your finances, or something in your relationship that has gone stale. Pluto’s influence can help us examine the things we value more deeply, discard what is not serving us, and really support or improve what we hold dear. 

Also on April 11th, the sun, which is in Aries, meets up with Jupiter, forming a conjunction. Jupiter is the planet of growth and expansion and generally considered beneficial, and the sun is about vitality. This is generally a pretty great transit. This is a good time for shining your light and focusing your physical and mental energies on something that you want to grow. What area of your life or project could use a boost? On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, give that your attention. The only potential negative with any Jupiter transit is that we can be or do too much, so it’s a good time to be mindful of not over-exerting yourself, or over-committing yourself, or over-indulging. 

On Friday the 14th, the vibe changes a bit as Venus forms a square with Saturn in Pisces. Squares cause tension and can generate some conflict. And Saturn is a planet that is typically associated with limitations, contractions, and boundaries. So whatever Venusian ideas or things have been our focus for the past few days may hit some snags, or we may feel limited in those areas. After all, nothing gold can stay.

If you haven’t done them already, I wouldn’t suggest doing your taxes later this week, even though they are due on Monday the 18th. My unqualified advice would be to do them on Tuesday the 11th instead, when Venus is well-aspected. Saturn could also have us feeling a little stifled in relationships, or making us feel disappointed in the way we look. Just know that because Venus moves relatively quickly, this transit is fleeting, and those feelings will pass.

Enjoy the week! And take this all with a grain of salt, as always. Astrology is for entertainment purposes only. 🙂

Week of February 26th: Two Conjunctions

This week, we will be feeling momentum toward and then the apices of two big planetary conjunctions: Venus & Jupiter in Aries and Mercury & Saturn in Aquarius. 

Slightly after midnight EST on March 2nd, Venus will enter a conjunction with Jupiter in Aries at 12 degrees. Venus in Aries is fiery, passionate, sexy, and combustible. The day that Venus moved into Aries, I felt compelled to look up pole dancing classes. My favorite astrology Twitter account referred to it as “hoe era.” Conjunct Jupiter, we’ll see the expansion and spreading of those attributes. 

This transit could lead to burgeoning relationships becoming public or being taken to the next level. The “do now, think later” nature of Aries could mean that some people impulsively get engaged or elope. In Aries, Venus and Jupiter are in a sign ruled by Mars, which is still (yes, still, it’s been MONTHS) in Gemini, so there could be big talk of relationships or relationship changes. This talk may or may not pan out, but Jupiter’s presence means they are more likely to succeed. This transit can also mean sexual sparks flying and/or being with multiple partners. 

It may not be just or all about love and sexual relationships, though. At this time, you may start or grow other relationships that will be influential to you and affect your life in a positive way, or broaden your perspective. Or, existing relationships you have with others, even more casual, acquaintance-type ones, may bear fruit around this time. I’ve updated this post to add a real life example: my husband has been diligently working on getting all the paperwork and applying for his Irish citizenship for the last four years. His eligibility is based on his familial relationships. After years, his citizenship was finally approved and processed–with Jupiter and Venus both transiting and nearing their conjunction in his 4th house of roots, home, and family. Because of his family relationships, he’s able to connect more with his roots and heritage, and expand his home base. Astrology is wild!

This transit, because Venus rules money and what we value, could be lucky in terms of finances. Raises and promotions may come through, or you may just find a dollar on the street. The only minor caution here is to try not to be TOO spendy (Jupiter expands, so expand with money in, not out).

Chiron is also in the mix, within one degree of both planets, and Venus entering an exact conjunction with Chiron the next day, so some of the relationships that form may offer a healing quality to deep emotional wounds from early life. 

At the same time, Mercury is approaching Saturn, and those two planets form a conjunction several hours later in the early morning of March 2nd. This is in Aquarius, Saturn’s sign, so the Saturn influence will be strong on Mercury, and it’s at 29 degrees, the anaretic degree of Aquarius, so it’s mega Aquarian energy. There will be intellectual conversations, with the focus on the world outside of yourself.

On a personal level, this energy also makes for a good time for thinking about the systems and structures of your life and getting organized and practical, but in an inventive way (Aquarius). What can you do to improve the way you think and communicate? What are the systematic steps you can take? And can you use your voice to make things better in the world or community? 

Later on March 2nd, Mercury moves into Pisces, so our communications and our thinking softens, becoming a little more emotionally driven and intuitive. Mercury in Pisces is a great time to write songs and poetry. This week, with Mercury in conjunction with Saturn, with Venus and Jupiter empowering one another, it’s a good time to have potentially tough conversations. 

Next week, on March 7th, Saturn will move into Pisces, on the same day as a full moon in Virgo, which will usher in a major vibe shift. In fact, the entire month of March is about big sign changes, but more on that next week.