Hello to readers everywhere, on and off planet!
I am in a time warp—and it’s the same one I enter every national election year: I’m writing this column several days before its publication, which means I have no idea what the midterm election results are. It’s frustrating each time because the temptation to predict is so strong—and there’s just no telling who will win. But this year is different, because as I write, I realize just how exhausted I am from the entire political process that has become daily reality: for the last two years, just like millions of other people, I wake up and check the news to see what horrible thing has occurred overnight. I know I’m not alone in this dread and exhaustion. But more importantly, I am keenly aware that no matter who wins, America’s political turmoil will persist well past 2020, not only because our cultural polarization has reached a fevered pitch that’s going to take a long time to cool down, but also because the upheaval in America—and all around the world—is part of a healing crisis, a catharsis of gigantic scope that is still in process. There’s no telling what the eventual, long-term outcome will be because we’re still deciding what we want to create.
On November 6, in the midst of the voting day, Uranus retrograded back into Aries, where it will stay until March 6. Uranus represents the nervous system, so it’s likely that your natural election antsy-ness felt more intense—so intense you might have mistaken the intensity for an anxiety attack. As Uranus retraces its steps, it reviews its path since April 2018, but given that this is the last pass through Aries until its next cycle there, which begins in 2094, it’s more than certain that the coming five-plus months will be a review of what’s happened since 2011, when Uranus ignited its revolutionary intentions through the fire of Aries. As part of that Uranian journey, we experienced seven Uranus/Pluto squares, all of which set the stage for our current turmoil. Uranus, in Aries, signifies the charismatic individual, and one of the questions we’ve confronted, and continue to confront individually and collectively is how to balance the needs of the one with the needs of the many. Mr. Trump is emblematic of that question, as he signifies the glamorization of the powerful individual who refuses to be constrained by any external reference point (as Mr. Comey put it), not even the awareness of right and wrong. Perhaps Mr. Trump’s excesses are exaggerated by the aggregation of his followers’ projections.
On November 8, Jupiter enters Sagittarius, the Sign that explores and expresses our intellectual as well as our instinctual urges, and because Jupiter rules Sagittarius, those urges are sure to be amplified by Jupiter’s presence. Sagittarius is the symbol of synthesis—the Archer/Centaur who aims for the stars as he is simultaneously rooted to the earth in a half-human, half-horse body. All spiritual and philosophic traditions fall within the domain of Sagittarius and Jupiter, and together they tell all the stories humans have imagined and told to meaning to existence. So those of us who are suffering from the “what’s it all about” blues may find some solace during the coming twelve months of Jupiter’s Sagittarian journey. There are always more stories to tell, and certainly our recent history is delivering doozies. Sometimes just telling the story can console the soul.
The Moon follows Jupiter into Sagittarius, which has the potential to color the next year of Jupiter’s journey quite emotional. Not that there’s any need to ramp up emotions. As part of my Post Traumatic Trump Disorder, I often find myself in a dystopian tear-o-rama, crying over almost every aspect of the damage he and his Gang of Hungry Ghosts have done—a photo of caged immigrant children, the malicious maneuverings on the part of Republican politicians to prevent huge segments of the population from exercising their right to vote, regressive government policies on gender issues, women who still think that Mr. Trump is the ideal man, and the blatant disregard for the health of Planet Earth and all her inhabitants. Sometimes it’s just heartbreaking to realize how much work lies ahead. Nevertheless, Jupiter’s journey through Sagittarius offers several rays of hope, if only because they both represent the capacity for optimism—something we need plenty of.
The next couple weeks are certain to be bumpy with adjustments on both sides of the polarized landscape—no matter what the election results, we are in the foothills of the American Revolution 2.0. Do your best to keep in mind that all of what we are going through is part of a much broader process leading up to the elections of 2020 and beyond. Pace yourself—there are many more miles to go. As always, when possible, offer a helping hand to a fellow traveler.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
As Jupiter moves from a Water Sign to a Fire Sign you’re likely to experience a deep sense of relief, especially as lots of areas of life start to dry out from Jupiter’s Sagittarian heat. This new astral climate has the power to generate greater clarity and that clarity easily turns into action. And there’s a bonus: decisive action has the power to shift you into a more positive attitude.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Jupiter’s entry into Sagittarius is going to help you dispel that cloud of futility that’s been interfering with your ability to feel as if you’re making progress. Allow Jupiter’s optimistic presence to help you form a positive alliance with your Higher Self so you can trust and rely on the wisdom of vx your heart to guide the way.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Jupiter stirs a wealth of interaction with like-minded people, and as a result you feel much more connected to all those you love and who love you. Let yourself contemplate the value of true partnership, because it is through those intertwined relationships that we come to know the depth of our hearts and the beauty of others.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Jupiter’s move into Sagittarius stimulates the sector of your Solar chart that relates to health, so don’t be surprised if this phase is all about learning to take better care of yourself. Also anticipate that care to be on several levels simultaneously—physical, psychological, and spiritual. Answer the call of self-care and the next year will yield positive results.
Leo July 23-August 22
It’s all about romance and risk-taking, especially taking creative chances, as Jupiter stimulates the need for authentic self-expression. Don’t worry—the only possibly negative expression of this transit is that you might overdo and indulge your addictive appetites. The best possible expression is that Jupiter will enhance your ability to love.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Jupiter moves into Sagittarius, which governs is the deepest sector of your Solar Chart. This point represents the home, both external and internal, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to expand your physical surroundings as well as your metaphysical practices. Have at it—and be determined to create a space that absolutely authentically expresses you.
Libra September 23-October 22
Jupiter has you talking—almost endlessly—with just about anyone who will listen. You have boundless ideas and you want to share them. Interestingly, you also have an almost equally intense need for quiet time. Finding the appropriate balance is an important part of this phase because it requires you to pay attention to what you need—and that’s always a good process if it provides valuable insight.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Jupiter stirs your ambitions, especially your desire to make money, and while you may be disappointed at first that success doesn’t come as easily as you would like, with determination and hard work, you will eventually be satisfied with the results. Try to avoid indulging in negative thinking about money—whatever we focus our attention on becomes reality, so be positive.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Consider Jupiter’s move into your Sign an early Christmas gift—or something to be grateful for on Thanksgiving. Anticipate that there will be lots of social activities and that you will shine in every instance. Also allow Jupiter to recharge your sense of humor. You know better than anyone that laughter is the greatest healing agent of all.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Jupiter stimulates your imagination about all the possibilities in life. Open to this phase because it will foster your capacity to not take everything so seriously. I’m not suggesting you turn cavalier—that’s actually not possible for you. But I am advising you to embrace Jupiter and its grand, excessive ramblings because those excursions will help you revitalize your spirit.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Jupiter is likely to spark a need for company and that could ignite a hunger for community. Notice its effect—this fire may not spring forth immediately, but it is certain to gain strength over the coming weeks, and by the New Year, you will be feeling a new and necessary strength to find your tribe. Use this phase to build your stamina and you’ll find yourself growing increasingly confident.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Let yourself shine—Jupiter is at the very top of your Solar Chart, and that makes you a star—s-t-a-r—which means you need to burn brightly and not be ashamed of being in the spotlight. Learn to handle the attention skillfully by constantly acknowledging the gifts and contributions of others. This generosity of spirit will help you to stay balanced in Jupiter’s very bright light.