A week ago Jupiter turned retrograde, preparing to retrace his oppositions to Eris and Uranus. In a few days, February 16th, he reaches his aphelion (14 Libra 20, heliocentric). Within a few weeks he squares the perihelion of Earth 15 Cancer 42 (4 March), and days after that he reaches the aphelion of Makemake 15 Libra 52 (6 March).
Aphelion is the point in a body’s elliptical orbit around the Sun where the planet retreats to its greatest distance from the gravitationally compelling star. At aphelion a planet moves at the slowest speed in its orbit and simultaneously receives solar emanation through the maximum distance and thus minimum intensity. It offers a point of reflection, review and contemplation before gearing up and stepping back into the thick fray of engagement.
Jupiter at his own aphelion permits a review of basic beliefs, operating philosophies and mundane mandates. Given his passage through Libra, relationship themes, nearly perfectly align with Valentine’s day. As well, Libra addresses diplomatic doctrines, cooperation, deal making and knowing what it’s like to walk a mile in the footwear of another person. Compassion, tolerance and inclusion loom as strong priorities to heed in order to win the favor of Jupiter.
Given Jupiter’s pending second opposition to Eris, the issue of inclusion ranks very high on the “how do we make this planet a better place?” axis. Eris in Aries, which anyone born after the early 1920's bears natally, strikes a chord in the psyche that always wonders about ones fit with the rest of humankind, and believes that for whatever unknown reason, one is a bit of an outsider looking in.
The old saying that you get more bears with honey than vinegar applies to any significant astrological rendering in Libra. Instead of asking, “why do we want to attract bears, anyway?” turn conscious focus toward cooperating toward a win for all stemming from a bit of give on the parts of all parts. If one says, “I’m sorry you don’t like my opinion, action or stated purpose,” a feeling of insincerity and mistrust accompanies the declaration which no doubt feels patronizing to the receiving party. Also, “with all due respect,” as a preface to a point of contention undisputedly reeks of a lack of respect. And if one writes, “with all do respect,” let us hope they are not referring to your latest blog.
Jupiter soon touches the aphelion of Makemake. This enigmatic Rapa Nui deity carries an awareness of the limits of the world’s resources. With Jupiter here, what a time for the political policies makers to give climate change the due it deserves. Issues of conservation, sustenance in food supply and population management demand clear and objective consideration. Whatever any individual can do to draw attention to matters of what keeps us all alive and thriving is a good thing.
The influence of Makemake’s world resource concern receives prioritization with Jupiter’s square to the perihelion/aphelion axis of Earth. The fate of the world needs to remain a critical consideration in all political decisions.
Jupiter and Eris often align their powers to ensure that those who do not meet the high bar standards of Jupiter get put in their place.
Personally, if there’s listlessness or restlessness within, could it be a cause seeking your personal commitment? Could it be that you see to step back long enough from the social and economic pressures of society to determine what it is you really require to flourish versus what you are supposed to want?
“Absolutely,” is the answer to the above questions. On February 20th Venus reaches her perihelion in Leo (note: heliocentric placement). Curiously, the perihelion of Venus tidily lines up with the North Node of Neptune. How is it you perceive glamor, glitz, glory, goodness and grandness? Can you accurately assess the immediate environment while standing in the blinding lights brought by being the center of attention? Can you discern what your rendering to the world is supposed to be? Do you clearly see needs, wants, resources and relationships - most important what you render to the relationships you find meaningful?
It seems earthlings would do well to recall that Jupiter is the lord of the lords. Even though Makemake hails from a culture different from Greco-Roman roots, it does appear Jupiter holds the reigns of the celestial hierarchy.
A prescription for the current Jupiter retrograde era and his transit of aphelion blended with Venus’ perihelion would include (but is not limited to):
Take time for personal sacred space in which you are the only priority.
Spend time reviewing the merits and value of your God-given gifts.
Review what you belief. Ensure that your beliefs are those that suit your nature and are not “hand-me-downs” from life experience.
If you discover faulty or failing beliefs, create a solid, improved belief to replace the failing protocol. When complete with that task, delete the previous belief as “wrong.”
With the Libran influence, seek to convert no one. Simply present objective truths and let the opening of consciousness inclusion organically follow. True, this is far easier to write than it is to execute.
In any situation in which you have an opinion, make a point to start any discussion with statements of improvements and alternatives.
Keep in mind, as much as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the perception of fairness lies in the reaction of the person examining the length of the stick in her/his hands.
Cooperation without compromise is possible.
What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Function in a hypocrisy free choice zone.
Be cool and collected. Jupiter flies through an air sign and at a sufficiently high altitude that his perceptions of flying through life can be turbulence free.
If you need to step back and chill, make that a priority.
More soon.