STARFIRE

July 2009

July 2009 - Jupiter and Neptune: The Retrograde Conjunction
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Jupiter and Neptune: The Retrograde Conjunction

If you didn’t have an astrology chart or an ephemeris, you could read the headlines and guess Jupiter and Neptune were in cahoots. Congress is talking about huge investments in altruistic and idealistic projects. There’s even a little filibustering.

So what’s going on, and how do you separate the real policy changes from the political gestures? It’s a good question, and the real answer is that we aren’t likely to know the outcome of healthcare and environmental reforms until the last days of 2009.

Jupiter and Neptune are conjunct, but they’re both retrograde. It’s daydream time, not action time. And that’s just the beginning of the complications in the sky this summer and fall.

Outer planets often do a three-step dance when they form conjunctions. Jupiter and Neptune were conjunct on May 23rd. Then each planet made a retrograde station, and they are reforming the conjunction as a retrograde conjunction on July 10th. The final, direct, conjunction will take place on December 21st.

The first conjunction often defines problems and opportunities. In May, Congress seemed focused on the economy and stimulus methods. The demand for gas and oil was down, the supply was improving, and prices were falling. (Jupiter normally expands the supply side of the economy; Saturn provides restriction from the demand side.) In New Mexico, legislators were anticipating shortfalls from falling gas revenues while other states were celebrating lower prices at the pump. Economic change is never simple.

The retrograde conjunction defines solutions, but doesn’t implement them. This conjunction finds Congress in an altruistic mood, wading through a 300-page cap-and-trade proposal that’s billowing with hot air and pet projects. At the same time, Congress is working on a complex healthcare package that would change health care in America forever. Neptune does rule the addictive pattern of trying to change everything at once–and Jupiter adds hot air to the fire.

I haven’t seen either bill. Based only on the astrology, there’s probably a core of good in each bill–and a lot of confusion, a lot of material that hasn’t been thought through. That’s the problem with Jupiter-Neptune optimism and altruism–it often dwindles away into heavy-handed do-gooding with unexpected consequences once the party is over (or the bill is signed into law).

Fortunately, the second stage rarely moves anything to completion. If the health and cap and trade bills pass quickly now, they’re likely to be challenged in court by the time of the final conjunction in December. Or there may be thoughtful debate and improved, well-planned legislation by December. Or something else could make one or both of these projects evaporate into thin air.

And there you have the problem with Jupiter and Neptune aspects. Intentions are great and everything seems possible. If there’s no Saturn aspect, no one takes the bottom line into account or figures out what projects will really cost. (I’m talking about both parties now; whether you relive the past or speculate about the future, it’s almost impossible to be realistic when Jupiter and Neptune are in charge. Each side is probably exaggerating some important figures and ignoring others.)

Saturn is currently in Virgo, but will move into Libra (and into closer aspect with Pluto) on October 29th. The shift from Saturn in Virgo, an earth sign related directly to the economy, to Saturn in Libra, an air sign related to balance and analysis and negotiation, should be good for the economy.

Before Saturn enters Libra, it will aspect Uranus, Jupiter and Neptune, so the bottom line of cost, the economy and perhaps the courts will affect the final shape of the reform measures.

The situation is further complicated by the current placement of Uranus in Pisces while Jupiter and Neptune are in Aquarius. Jupiter is the traditional and Neptune the modern ruler of Pisces. Uranus is the modern ruler of Aquarius. The rulers moving through each others’ signs, known as mutual reception, forges strong links between the ruling planets and their signs. It’s no wonder Congress is now studying sweeping reform proposals that link technological changes with humanitarian ideals and hopes for the future.

One important date to watch is November 15th, when Saturn squares Pluto. Over the centuries, Saturn square Pluto frequently marks small but devastating regional wars. Saturn squaring Pluto is also a time of increased nuclear risk, conversely, for genuine progress toward disarmament. The planets define the subject, but the direction action takes can sometimes be surprising.

Early in 2010, Jupiter will move into Pisces, suggesting that public benefits from pending reforms could be effective as early as February, 2010. The portions of the environmental reform packages which require international cooperation will be more manageable with Jupiter in Pisces. Saturn in Libra will give our government clarity about what allies will and will not do in cooperative efforts.

The balancing act itself is important. Jupiter and Neptune retrograde may not bring action as quickly as the Democratic leadership wishes. For members of the public, however, the mutual involvement of Aquarius and Pisces, along with the rulers of both signs, suggests an openness to input from the public and to public comments on blogs and in social media.

Public comment will probably be most effective before November 15th, when the government will find it necessary to take action on economic and military issues. Certainly public comment will be less effective after December 21st, when the government will shift from talking to implementing reforms.

What does astrology suggest for individuals who recognize their stake in healthcare and environmental reform?

• Go electronic. Blog. Twitter. Email questions to your representatives in Congress.
  
  
• Don’t leave these issues to the embattled organizations fighting for or against reform. Jupiter and Neptune retrograde listen internally and tend to ignore political rhetoric and lobbyists. Uranus and Aquarius favor individual input.
  
  
• Ignore the recommended petitions and express your concerns in your own words.
  
  
• Everyone’s emotionally open and vulnerable this summer, even the politicians. Polite requests will get you more attention than political slogans or accusations.
  
  
• Read the bills. I know. Read them anyway. Then make your comments simple and constructive.
  
  
• Recognize that we’re in a rapidly changing situation. You’ll need a sense of humor and patience to have input now.

Mary O’Gara, Ph.D.