Jupiter/Pluto Conjunction, Part Three:
Divine Fire continues to illuminate everything between heaven and earth this week. The nights burn as brightly as the days and the days are simply dazzling. Be prepared to see what hasn’t been seen before — there’s no place for the shadows to hide — and also expect some of what’s revealed to be more than just a little uncomfortable, if not downright disturbing. But also anticipate what’s positive to be undeniable. Pay attention: We’re in the midst of a personal and collective quickening, and it’s not often we get to simultaneously witness and participate in such a magnificent display of cosmic intensity.
The source of this accelerated frequency is the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction in Sagittarius; it was exact on December 11. And this week, even though Jupiter and Pluto are separating, the Sun and Mercury, also in Sagittarius, join the conjunction, and their combined presence extends the effect. For new readers, the Pluto/Jupiter conjunction marks the end of Pluto’s thirteen-year transit through Sagittarius, a cycle that ends on January 25, 2008.
Sagittarius is the Sign where we reach for wisdom through knowledge that has been substantiated over time; it’s the classics, not pop music, and what endures beyond the trendy. Wisdom is its strength, and ignorance one of its shadows. Certainly there’s no denying that over the course of the last thirteen years, ignorance has gained ground. Our culture increasingly worships form rather than content, and the “religion” of appearance has created a climate where image and innuendo, unsupported by fact, have the power to sway opinion. “Half-truths” pass for substance, and just like fast food, even though we know the spin is harmful, we swallow it anyway. When ignorance triumphs, it sets the standard at the lowest common denominator, and the bully becomes a symbol of bravery, cheating, a viable modus operandi, and women willingly objectify and identify themselves as an assortment of body parts designed solely for sexual pleasure.
As we become dumb, we also become numb. The insidious side effect of numbness is futility — another Sagittarian shadow — and a sense of “what’s the use.” It all feels too big to rail against — the government, the media, the political system, and the economy. We don’t expect to be heard. So instead, we despair and try to cope, failing to realize that impotence, personal and collective, is another sinister consequence of ignorance. Watching small minds win as they recklessly put all of us in danger has been one of the most difficult challenges of Pluto’s transit through Sagittarius. I mean, really, who would have thought we would miss Nixon?
But the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction also amplifies hope, a positive Sagittarian characteristic, as well as a potent antidote for despair. And in times of ignorance and futility, hope can also serve as a powerful subversive agent because it resists defeat. It allows us to believe in ourselves, in each other, and in the possibility of change. Hope is the creative fire of the heart and it should be worn proudly, as a badge of courage, especially in these times of personal and collective turmoil. This week, let hope protect you, guide you, and inspire you to do the soul work at hand.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Observe, rather than judge, and you’ll emerge with new skill. It isn’t often you are presented with an opportunity to witness the depths of your personal fire, so try not to be judgmental about your intensity.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Negative thinking will only unravel what’s good. So rather than worrying about how others are assessing your contribution, simply continue to do your best.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Relationships with significant others, personal and professional, continue to rearrange themselves to accommodate your picture of reality. Be clear and direct about what you need, and you’ll manage the intensity with skill.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Be decisive, but also flexible. Not everyone will agree with all of your choices, but if you’re willing to compromise, you’ll find common ground for mutual success.
Leo July 23-August 22
The risk requires all of you — body, mind, heart, and soul — and there is no way to predict the outcome. The only important piece of this process is your willingness to believe in yourself.
Virgo August 23-September 22
It is an unsettled situation, but that doesn’t mean the entire tumult is negative. Before you jump to conclusions, take a deep breath, and resolve to let the resolution develop in its own time.
Libra September 23-October 22
Being blunt may be satisfying, but it could do more harm than good. Instead of communicating off the cuff, be cautious, and think before you speak.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Indulge me, and once again, contemplate how to measure your true value. If you’re still thinking self-worth can be accurately reflected by your bank account, think again.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Take one more look at the last thirteen years, and as you do, pay attention to where you might have been resistant to growth, because as this cycle comes to a close, what was denied seeks resolution.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
There is no need to push the river — life is moving fast enough as it is. So be patient, and you’ll navigate the intensity with skill and agility.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Consistency will yield the best results. So rather than spreading yourself too thin, concentrate on one or two projects. Stay focused and you’ll reap positive rewards.
Pisces February 19-March 20
It’s an emotional week, but that doesn’t mean it’s a negative ride. Expect to be tender, and rather than resisting that sensitivity, welcome it — it will only expand your capacity for wisdom and compassion.