Jupiter Retrograde in Libra ♃ 2017

Feb 5 – June 9, 2017

Planets in retrograde are not actually spinning backwards – it is entirely an optical illusion as seen from Earth. Backwards motion appears to happen when Earth passes slower moving planets in the outer solar system. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planetary roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde.

Jupiter is retrograde approximately 4 months out of the year. Jupiter Retrograde is the nitty gritty, the heart of his lessons. In point of fact, Jupiter rules “higher learning” in the zodiac.

Jupiter in Libra has already made good on its promise to challenge us interpersonally. Libra is ultimately, however, a mirror for Self, and all of her teachings lead us back to this realization. So Jupiter Retrograde in Libra is a conflict with internal demons. Conversations, though appearing to occur externally, are really just questions directed inward.

Libra brings who we are into harmony with not only the people in our lives but all of Existence, including work, creative pursuits and everything else. In the process, we are stripped of that which enables illusion: that which is built to fail. Whether single, married or floating in and out of love with seven people, we are all students of Jupiter in Libra.

With the knowledge that your partner, your friends, your parents, your co-workers and your peers are all gurus, what exactly are they here to teach? Do not be mistaken, every single person you interact with, old and new, plays a very special role in your growth. I think you’ll find, underneath it all, that the most reverberating question remains: what am I allowing to stop me from becoming the highest version of myself?

Jupiter Retrograde in Libra will teach us many things, like how to communicate more effectively; how to discern with even greater accuracy who feeds our needs and who drains our energy; how to balance solitude with socialization; how to compromise and how to know when we’ve given too much. What does it mean to be in a partnership, and what’s it doing for you on a practical level? And if you’re single, look at your friend group or co-workers, or whoever forms the backdrop of your daily life. It’s some great cosmic joke I guess, the fact that everything happening around is happening within. Rest assured, the highs and lows will appear to continue issuing from interactions outside the Self, i.e. with other people.

Jupiter Retrograde in Libra is a master class in diplomacy. This is not just a buzzword for a saccharine Libran archetype. Diplomacy means keeping your cool in the heat of the moment. Diplomacy means delegation of your time and energy in a way that makes sense for you and for others.

When Jupiter turns retrograde, our collective quest for greater awareness becomes a very personal journey. We will be more mentally preoccupied with our “path” and wondering whether we’re on the right one. With Jupiter retrograde, we push for the highest version of the Self. Anything you’re working on is about to be supremely amplified. You will be more immersed in Jupiter’s lessons than ever. Specifically, we will revisit lessons we failed to learn before – retrograde periods return to that which has been forgotten or simply ignored.

Libra comes from the Greek goddess Themis, who was a soothsayer and original founder of the Oracle of Delphi. Her prowess is clearly not to be denied, nor her insights questioned. In Greek mythology, disregarding Themis incurred the wrath of Nemesis, goddess of retribution. Nemesis’ arrival is an indication that hubris has been committed – to disobey Libra is an exhibition of arrogance, or the belief that your lower mind can somehow trump the wisdom of immortal celestial deities. In English we use the word nemesis to describe someone who is an enemy. How interesting that those we consider problematic are, in theory, sent to us because we have not heeded the advice of demiurges such as Libra/Themis…!

Jupiter opposes Uranus on the evening of March 2. This same aspect just surfaced a few weeks ago on December 26. This is number two in a sequence of three bursts, occurring once every twelve years. From astrologer Jamie Partridge:

“…there is likely to be a[n] … event that releases your built up tension and leads to a major change in circumstances. The more restricted you have felt, then the more upsetting the change is likely to be.”

Whenever Uranus comes to town, life is full of the unexpected. Everything comes suddenly and without warning, including healing and revelations. And in this way, the mind rapidly attunes to new levels of conscious awareness. Uranus systematically destroys soul-growth inhibitors. So this opposition will lift the proverbial veil. Unfurl your wings, unleash your voice and be free! We will see this transit once more on September 27.

Jupiter then squares Pluto on Mar 30. We saw the same aspect on November 24, Thanksgiving Day. This is also number two in a sequence of three bursts, occurring once every six years, twice as often as the aforementioned aspect. Pluto rules transformation, rebirth, fear, integrity, control and power struggles. In other words, Pluto heralds shift. Combined with Jupiter’s sparkling, sweeping character, expect change for the better. We will see this aspect once more on August 4.

Stand tall with Libra Yoga.

To find your Jupiter sign and whether this planet was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here.

Affirmation:  I balance