JUPITER ENTERS VIRGO: A TIME FOR MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS

Astrologers stay attuned to major celestial shifts, as symbolized by planets moving into new sectors of the zodiac. These transitions represent new energies that influence human experiences in various realms of life. Recently, we observed a significant change when Jupiter left the sign of Leo and reached 0 degrees of Virgo on August 11, 2015 and it will remain in Virgo until September 9, 2016. Jupiter travels the complete zodiac in approximately twelve years, thereby spending about a year in each sign. 

In astrology, the planet Jupiter is the energy of expansion and optimism. Jupiter rules the sign of Sagittarius, which oversees the domains of higher education, philosophy, the law, travel, and internationalism. Prior to August 11, Jupiter spent the year in Leo. Jupiter and Leo share the love of the “big,” and both are associated with the fiery realm, thereby attracted to the exuberant and passionate. When transiting Leo, Jupiter imbues that area of a native’s chart with the themes of love, creativity, and joy. 

Virgo is a mutable earth sign. As such, it values the practical and substantive, and its actions are a balance between the initiatory and fast-moving cardinal signs and the slower and steadfast fixed signs. Virgo seeks to use its strengths of discernment and discrimination for self-improvement and for enhancing the quality of worldly elements. Virgo rules the domains of health treatments and healing, diet and nutrition, service and caregiving, mentorship, and the divine feminine. Virgo also has an appreciation and concern for nature. For a more extensive discussion of Virgo, you may want to refer to my archived article at my old blog at this link: http://www.astrologyspeaks.blogspot.com/2013_08_01_archive.html

Traditional astrology considers Jupiter’s placement in Virgo to be in its detriment, meaning that it does not operate comfortably or naturally in this sign. In Virgo, Jupiter may be more contained and concerned with refining what it currently possesses, rather than expanding and creating more. This transit period will focus on practicality and getting things done. We can expect that many Virgo themes will be highlighted. For example, there may be an emphasis on public health matters, such as disease outbreaks, or breakthroughs in the treatment of illnesses. It’s not that these phenomena don’t occur at other times, but that they may be brought in sharper focus. The themes in 2015 and 2016 may be similar to events in 2003 and 2004, the last time Jupiter transited Virgo.

Individuals will experience Jupiter in Virgo energies differently, depending on what sector of his or her chart this planet is transiting. If you know some astrology, you can locate the house(s) where Virgo is placed in your chart. This will be the area impacted by Jupiterian motivations. A consultation with an astrologer may also be an opportunity to expand your awareness of how this and other transits operate in your life.