Astrology and the Jupiter Retrograde

If you thought my previous description of the effects of Mercury
retrograde was dire, then you need to get a load of what happens
when Jupiter, a much larger and more influential planet, decides to
do the same and troll backwards in the sky.

Jupiter is one of the most potent planets in the solar system,
typically ruling health, wealth, generosity, kindness and anything
that is big, welcome and good in our lives.

Unfortunately, this lordly planet decides to go retrograde
(appear to move backwards through the sky) for about three months
every year.

When this planet moves backwards the more unpleasant aspects of the
human condition are often emphasized including selfishness, greed,
fanaticism, over-indulgence and war. On a mass scale a
backwards-swinging Jupiter can mean regression to barbarism and
torture. On a personal level it can mean a swelling waistline or a
shrinking waistline. To sum it up, a retrograde Jupiter mostly
means pain, suffering and exploitation of some kind especially for
the sign it is in.

Jupiter, which rules political, religious and financial matter
experienced a retrograde phase in 2006 from March 6th to July 6th.
This was in the sometimes very nasty sign of Scorpio making
revenge, torture and war the focus of this particular phase.
During this type of Jupiter retrograde, morals appear to be lacking
altogether or people are subjected to a religious dominance that is
too orthodox and strict. Typical of the fanaticism signified by a
Jupiter Retrograde in Scorpio would be the religious wars taking
place in the Middle East.

Jupiter rules our potential for growth and expansion on many
levels: physical, intellectual, spiritual and cultural, along with
the accumulation of material assets, power and status. This is also
a planet that rules our optimism and highest ideals (including our
religious beliefs and faith) as well as publishing and higher
education.

Jupiter is also symbolic of the bold and merry fool so he also
rules speculation, adventure and gambling. It is probably likely
that the casinos cleaned up during March, April, May and June of
2006 as the Jupiter retrograde would not have favoured the luck of
the gambler but rather the luck of the house.

This massive planet spends about a year in each sign, taking twelve years to complete the journey through all twelve signs. He turns retrograde once a year for 120 days, being stationary for some 10 days.

In 2011 the retrogrades will take place from August 30, 2011 until December 25, 2011 in Taurus.

Rethink philosophical challenges and religious activities. Engage in philanthropic work. Reevaluate previous beliefs, legal matters, and management policies. Faith in government, education, experts and law is questioned. Folks born with Jupiter retrograde make great travel agents who prefer to stay home, and great sports coaches who don't play the game.

Jupiter retrograde is more spiritual and philosophical so it is a time to explore philosophies, possibly something simpler from a time in your past. According to Delphine Jay, this period may produce an event that reminds you of a time when you had a better perspective on life. She furthermore feels that it is an excellent time to complete Jupitarian projects such as going back to school to complete your education, taking a long distance trip that you have postponed, and making a connection with a long lost friendship. It is a good time to take spiritual or philosophical courses with the objective of gaining a better perspective on life.