Jupiter in Aries May 10: Forging a new direction

The story of Jupiter.

The astrological meaning of Jupiter can be deduced from his position in Roman mythology and modern astronomy: As King of the Gods he was the highest ruler and presided over law and order as well as the fates of men and women. Noble in nature, he represents the search for the highest expression of human life. As the One who fulfilled requests and wishes, Jupiter has come to be associated with good fortune and luck. As the largest of all of the planets, it symbolizes expansion of all things including expansion of human understanding. Jupiter is often called the “greater benefic,” (with Venus as the “lesser benefic”) and the bringer of good fortune. I tend to think that Jupiter’s association with good luck tends to be the result of the optimism and faith that Jupiter brings to the table, enhancing a positive outlook which itself will bring good fortune.

Jupiter is a partner to Mercury in their rulership of the mutable (flexible and adaptable) signs: Jupiter rules Pisces and Sagittarius, and Mercury rules Virgo and Gemini. Under Mercury’s rulership of Virgo and Gemini we are working with the “small mind” – the personal viewpoints and opinions and ways to measure the world. Under Jupiter’s rulership of Pisces and Sagittarius we seek a broader perspective – that of the “higher mind” or “universal mind.” We seek expansion and growth and tend to become unsatisfied with the status quo.

Because of its association with good fortune, Jupiter is considered a powerful ally in the chart and that is true to an extent, but Jupiter’s tendency to overdo everything can lead to trouble. And that brings us to Jupiter in Aries.

Jupiter in Aries.

Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, is the sign of initiation and self-discovery. Ruled by the planet Mars, Aries seeks to discover oneself through a courageous embrace of the new – blazing new trails both physically and mentally. Any planet in Aries tends to operate rather independently, and when Jupiter goes through Aries we are all fed by the light of the Jupiterian search for personal fortune as well as greater understanding of our own selves. This by necessity is somewhat self-centered, since under the Aries influence we ARE centered on ourselves and our personal (Aries) growth (Jupiter). Issues around self-confidence and self-worth are highlighted, and the tendency towards self-aggrandizement is always a danger when we are dealing with Jupiter in Aries.

Self-aggrandizement can work to our benefit when we are in pursuit of a goal or dream, since Jupiter rules our lofty desires. Famous people with Jupiter in Aries include many celebrities and actors with big personalities including Brad Pitt, Nicolas Cage, Anjelica Huston, Michael Keaton, Steven Seagall, Robin Williams and Angelina Jolie (no wonder there was so much conflict between Brad and Angelina!). Contrasting this list with famous people with Jupiter in softer Pisces makes for an interesting comparison: Penelope Cruz, Drew Barrymore, Ralph Fiennes, Sidney Poitier, Joan Cusack, Ingrid Bergman, Natalie Wood. These are people with a lower celebrity profile who are known more for their work than for their personalities.

While Jupiter is in Aries (see the dates and details below) there is a tendency for everything to become more inflamed. Jupiter last entered Aries in June of 2010 but the entire time Jupiter was in Aries during that period it conjoined Uranus and squared Pluto which amplified the inflammation even more. A giant earthquake caused great destruction in Haiti, Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter catalyzed a new revolutionary fervor which spread across the globe (remember the Arab Spring?). This time around, Jupiter will make no stressful aspects to the more powerful outer planets so I don’t anticipate that kind of major reaction and this will help us to get the best results from Jupiter’s trip through Aries.

While Jupiter is in Aries it will be beneficial to ponder all of the ways in which we can expand the positive things in our lives. Jupiter encourages positivity and optimism, and under the Aries influence our own needs will take precedence. Failing to honor that could result in built up resentments and anger, so nip those things in the bud by gaining clarity over what we need for ourselves and our loved ones, and make these things a priority. Take that trip you’ve wanted so that you can enjoy the change of perspective that travel provides. Sign up for a class to enhance your knowledge and expertise in a particular subject. Charge up your confidence to ask for that raise or promotion.

With any Jupiter experience there is always the danger of overconfidence though, so while Jupiter is in Aries it will be important to temper our optimism with a good dose of Saturnian realism. Can you afford the trip? Do you have time for the class? Is it realistic for you to get that raise? This is a difficult balance to achieve but an important one when the fire of Aries adds extra enthusiasm to Jupiter’s push for MORE!

Important dates: