Jupiter Retrograde in Scorpio ♃ 2018

Mar 8 – Jul 10, 2018

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 turns retrograde 4 months each year. Jupiter Retrograde is the heart of the lessons. This retrograde falls in the constellation of Scorpio. Jupiter initially entered Scorpio on Oct 10, 2017. Jupiter in Scorpio is visceral, potent. This transit has already made good on its promise to clear the lower chakras – just look at the news and all the men who have been made to face their shadow, and all the survivors who are rising like deities from the depths of psychic ruin. This is where Scorpio lives, and it is here that we are also asked to be, like animals, like feral beasts, chained by no one. Scorpio is about power, control, money, addiction, sex and desire.

Scorpio evicts fear and crowns integrity. This is the year of triumph and redemption. This is the year of tantric witches, of forgotten souls ascending from the sepulcher. Yes, feel it, and don’t be afraid. Scorpio is synonymous with metamorphosis, rebirth and divine trust.

Sisters and brothers, wield the unparalleled focus and drive offered to you by the cosmos at this time. Fall in love with yourself, and your fierce eyes, peering into the belly of trauma unflinchingly. May we continue, at all costs, our work to banish malevolent power/control/sexual dynamics from the lower chakras of humanity. Do not ignore your work. Do not shy away from your work. Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid.

Prepare to be more immersed in Jupiter’s lessons than ever. This cycle asks us to revisit lessons that were ignored out of fear, particularly from mid-December onward. Whatever you’re working on is about to be amplified to extreme proportions. When Jupiter is retrograde, our collective quest for greater awareness becomes a personal journey. Normally Jupiter operates on a large scale, guiding the arc of shared human destiny. When he is retrograde, we reach instead for the highest version of ourselves. We will be preoccupied with our healing path and wondering whether we’re on the right one.

Most exciting dates to watch: on May 25 and Aug 18 Jupiter forms a harmonious trine to Neptune in sister water constellation Pisces. These are extraordinarily fortuitous days, and we will not see them again for another 8 years.

After the retrograde ends, Jupiter will continue hanging out in Scorpio until November 8. Difficult days in the post-retrograde include Aug 6, Aug 10 and Aug 27, the first involving a square with the sun, and the latter two involving a square with Mercury – two more days to treat like Mercury Retrograde. Though this is the ideal year to invest in all things, I recommend waiting until the first weekend in October before committing to anything. If you have been meaning to buy property or link your finances with someone else – do it. The last aspect of Jupiter in Scorpio ends on a high note with Jupiter conjunct Mercury on Oct 29. This would be the perfect day to invest or move forward with any other scorpion plans left until the final hour. Heal yourself with Scorpio Yoga. To find your Jupiter sign and whether he was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here.

Mantra:  I have no fear