All That Glitters is Plastic: Jupiter Retrograde in Taurus ~ Autumn & Winter, 2023

On September 4th, 2023, the same day that Venus went Direct, Jupiter, planet of wisdom and luck, went Retrograde at 15 degrees Taurus. It will continue its journey backwards until it reaches 5 degrees Taurus on December 30th, going direct just in time to finish the year. Here's what to expect, both in general and for your sign!

What dos it mean for Jupiter to be Retrograde?

A retrograde planet is a planet that appears to be moving backwards. All planets go retrograde at some point, save for the Sun and the Moon. From an astrological perspective, this means that the energies the planet represents are directed backward or inward. Often, this means reflecting on the past; people from our past might return to us, situations or memories that we thought we've forgotten about or even just lessons that we're getting a second chance at learning after having failed the first time around. You may have already heard of Mercury in Retrograde, when communication goes haywire, or maybe even Venus in Retrograde, when our relationships are put into question, but what does it mean for Jupiter to be in retrograde?

For starters, Jupiter turns Retrograde once a year and these periods always last for about four months, a length of time that can cause it to go unnoticed by some. Known as the great benefic, some astrologers consider Jupiter's retrograde period to be "less negative" than with other planets, but that definitely doesn't mean that its without its challenges...

Jupiter brings blessings to whatever part of the chart it is located in. But when Jupiter goes Retrograde, you may find out that the blessing isn't what you thought it was, or perhaps, it was never really yours at all. It's as if God has gifted you with the most magical thing possible, only to snatch it away just like that. "Why?" you may wonder. I wonder so, myself. Perhaps, you can think of it is as a test, a test to see whether you are really prepared for the gifts you are about to receive. In order to get what you want, you need to learn how to be happy without it. Or maybe what you thought you wanted wasn't really what was best for you, after all. Perhaps, you'll be blessed with something better. Either way, this is a good time for spiritual reflection and philosophical introspection, helping us to become aware of whatever is hindering our development so that we can move forward and grow.

Jupiter Retrograde in Taurus

Jupiter in Taurus is associated with times of economic boom. As an earth sign, Taurus is rooted in reality but ruled by Venus, it is driven by pleasure. Businesses are expected to flourish, finances are expected to stabilize and people are expected to be happy & secure. The sign of the bull is also associated with beauty and the natural world. But what happens when Jupiter goes Retrograde in Taurus? Should we still expect good fortune and an increase in money?

Well, there may be some bumps on the road to success, or it may be all that glitters is not what we thought. Perhaps we've been working hard for the wrong things, chasing after what is aesthetically pleasing while ignoring things of real use and value to us. We might find that gluttony and greed has left us with even less. Alternatively, we may work as hard as can to meet our goals, only to find that it all goes wrong anyway, completely opposed to what we had in mind. It could be that our stubbornness has prevented us from seeing things as they really are. This is a time for reflection, preparation and planning. We'll chase after our goals, yes, but we also need to decide on what they are first. In any case, it might feel like the universe is testing us, to see if we're ready to receive the fortune and wealth that we seek.

On a socio-political level, we may see more inflation, banks crashing and businesses falling apart. We may see more strikes, protests and a delay in negotiations. Because Taurus is associated with beauty and consumerism, we might see the return of old fashion and entertainment trends. More importantly, however, we may begin to question our consumerist habits. Are we buying ethically? Are we spending responsibly? I expect to see more revelations regarding the shady business practices of some of our favourite companies (i.e. fast fashion, sweat shops labor, factory farming etc.). Environmental problems might also arise during this transit; like earthquakes and natural disasters, causing us to pause and think about our own effect on the environment. Hopefully, this will lead to new solutions and better choices once Jupiter goes Direct.

Aspects

Jupiter will conjunct the Moon at 13 degrees Taurus, triggering our emotions and heightening our sensitivities. It helps us to stay optimistic but with Jupiter Retrograde, it is possible that some of us may get our hopes to high, only to feel disappointed. Still, this aspect will help give us the faith to keep moving forward, despite whatever disappointments come our way. Since the Moon rules over ancestry and family, particularly the mother, home and family may also be an important theme during the course of the transit. Jupiter is also widely conjunct Uranus, suggesting that there will be some shocking twists and turns, wherever Taurus falls in our charts; on a global level, this can be an indicator of natural disaster.

Jupiter squares Venus, now Direct, at 12'12 degrees Leo, suggesting some ups and downs in regard to love and relationships. This aspect also suggests that some of the themes we experienced during Venus Retrograde, such as being confident about what we want and embracing our sexualities, may carry on while Jupiter is Retrograde, as well. However, despite what challenges may come to our relationships, Jupiter's exact trine to Mercury Retrograde at 15 degrees Virgo will make it easier to talk about the past and gain closure, while the Sun's trine to Jupiter at 11 degrees will make the bigger picture clear and help you make sense of it all.

Jupiter Direct in Taurus

Finishing off the year with a new way forward, Jupiter will station direct at 5 degrees of the bull on December 30th, 2023. This will help us to move forward with a fresh perspective, as we put the lessons we learned during the retrograde into practice. Jupiter will be trine the Sun at 9 degrees Capricorn, helping us to see the bigger picture and the meaning behind the challenges we face, as we gain the hope and faith to keep climbing. However, Mercury will now be Retrograde at 22 degrees Sagittarius, conjunct Mars at 26 degrees and trine the Moon at 25 degrees Leo, giving us the confidence and courage to be honest about how we feel.

Horoscopes

Now it's time to see how it will affect your sign. I suggest reading the horoscope for your ascendant or rising sign, first, instead of the sun. I find the rising sign horoscope to be more accurate than the sun, as these horoscopes are based on the houses. If you don't know your rising sign, click here to generate a birth chart. Yes, you will need your birth time for this. If you don't have your birth time, Sun sign horoscopes are the next best thing. If you want to know more about how this transit will affect you in depth, on a more personal level, click here to schedule a reading with me.

Please remember that these are general descriptions and in reality, this transit is more likely to affect you if it aspects your angles or personal planets or if say, Jupiter is the lord of the year. For example, those of you with planets or angles between 4 and 16 degrees of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) are likely to be the most affected.

Aries Sun, Moon or Rising

With Taurus Jupiter in your 2nd house of finances, you may have received an increase in pay. But we know how impulsive you can be, dear Aries, and you will quickly lose that money if you waste it on useless things. With Jupiter Retrograde, you might be better off learning patience and saving it. It's a good time for planning and organizing your budget. As retrogrades are about all things past, it is also possible that you'll receive a delayed paycheck or a gift you've been waiting on.

Taurus Sun, Moon or Rising

With Jupiter in your 1st house of self, you feel on top of the world, dear Taurus! It's quite the positive change from last year. Right now, you are loving life and indulging in all the pleasures it has to offer but with Jupiter Retrograde, you may have started to doubt the way you present yourself. Have you been too over-the-top and alienated yourself in the process? Please don't lose your self-esteem: you're having fun and don't let anyone make you feel guilty for that. You can be both vivacious and graceful and this retrograde will help you do that.

Gemini Sun, Moon or Rising

With Taurus Jupiter in your 12th house of self-undoing, perhaps this transit has been harder for you than it has been for others. Normally the life of the party, Gemini, this transit has been all about listening to your inner voice, and getting in touch with your more spiritual side. Now that Jupiter is Retrograde, perhaps things are getting extra lonely, or maybe things seem to be going wrong for you. It may feel like your dreams are turning out to be nightmares. But ever think it is all a lesson in how to trust in the universe, trust in yourself? When God closes on door, another one opens and it is about time you trust in that.

Cancer Sun, Moon or Rising

With Taurus Jupiter in your 11th house of friends, your social circle has likely gotten larger. But as caring as you are, dear Cancer, you don't let just anyone get close to you. Jupiter Retrograde is likely about figuring out who your true friends really are. Who amongst these new friends are really worth it? Who will be loyal to you through thick and thin? Who will go the distance? It's possible that some of your friendships will be tested at this time, but for those who pass, this transit will bring you even closer.

Leo Sun, Moon, or Rising

With Taurus Jupiter in your 10th house, your career has taken center stage. All eyes are on you, dear Leo, and we know how much you love that. If you're lucky, perhaps, you even received a promotion or the job of your dreams. But with Jupiter Retrograde, you may be questioning whether what you're doing is all it's cracked up to be. Are you really on the right path? Is this really what you're passionate about or are you just doing it for the security? Or maybe, despite your passions, this job isn't bringing you the security that you need? These are some questions to think about, so that when Jupiter goes Direct, you can take advantage of this transit's benefits.

Virgo Sun, Moon or Rising

Like Taurus, you're a creature of comfort, dear Virgo, and Jupiter here, in your 9th house of travel and education, has been all about broadening your horizons, expanding the definition of what you find comfortable. However, with Jupiter now Retrograde, perhaps these lessons weren't what you expected; perhaps they challenged your worldview in ways that you didn't anticipate. Now is a good time for reflecting on your philosophy, and getting a better sense of why it is that you believe the things you do. That way, when you have to stand up for it, you can stand firmer in your convictions than ever before.

Libra Sun, Moon or Rising

With Taurus Jupiter in your 8th house of death and debt, this transit may have been harder for you than others. You love it when things are peaceful and pleasant, dear Libra, but this transit has been all about facing your fears, facing your traumas and getting in touch with your dark side. Perhaps, you've seen something you don't like and you want to run away, but Jupiter Retrograde isn't about running, it's about reflection. A memory from your past may come out from the depths of your subconscious to help you gain a better understanding of yourself.

Scorpio Sun, Moon or Rising

Love is in the air, with Taurus Jupiter in your 7th house of partnership. But now that Jupiter is Retrograde, you may be having some doubts or perhaps, you've been disappointed in some way. You want commitment, dear Scorpio, a passionate love affair that will last forever. Trust is important to you and for you to stay with this person, they need to prove their reliability. With Jupiter Retrograde, it is possible that a person from your past comes back in your life to test that or perhaps you're being tested to see if you're ready for them now that you've gone through some growth. If you're single, this is a good time to look within and think about why it is your relationships keep failing. If you're in a relationship, it's a good time to think about what you really want, so if this relationship is worth it, you can make it the best it can be.

Sagittarius Sun, Moon or Rising

Focusing on the mundane has never really been your thing, Sagittarius. However, with Taurus Jupiter in your 6th house of health and work, you've given more attention to the little things. But is there such a thing as given the little things too much attention? This transit has likely done wonders for your health. You're all about staying well and fit these days, organized and on top of things. But you don't want to lose sight of the bigger picture: in the end, it's all about moderation. It's possible that wellness trend you jumped on isn't turning out to be as beneficial for you, as you had hoped. Perhaps, Jupiter Retrograde is all about figuring out the right thing for your mind and body.

Capricorn Sun, Moon or Rising

It looks like you've finally allowed yourself to have some fun, dear Capricorn. With Taurus Jupiter in your 5th house, it's about time you got in touch with your inner child. But with Jupiter Retrograde, it is possible that your inner child needs some comfort? Maybe your inner child's too insecure to unleash their creativity and let themselves be free. Perhaps you're suffering from some writer's or artist's block (or whatever equivalent). Maybe now is the time to unlearn any unhealthy messages that you internalized in childhood. Now is the time to unleash your creativity and let yourself be free, the way you wish you had when you were a kid.

Aquarius Sun, Moon or Rising

You want a solid home and family just like anybody else, dear Aquarius, even if it's not how others think that 'should' look like. Taurus Jupiter in your 4th house is here to help you build just that, but now that Jupiter's Retrograde, perhaps your home isn't what it appears to be. Perhaps, your house has some issues that need to be repaired or there are still some issues from childhood that need to be addressed. Now is the time to look back, reflect and clear up any problems. That way, you can build the happy and secure life for yourself that you and your family deserve.

Pisces Sun, Moon or Rising

Taurus Jupiter in your 3rd house has likely brought you out of your comfort zone, dear Pisces. It is the house of communication, siblings, short travels and foundational knowledge, putting you in the right mood to learn and explore. It's possible that with Jupiter Retrograde, you're finding that the things you learned aren't as useful as you'd hope them to be. This is a good time for trial and error, discerning information and putting it to the test. On another note, you could return to a place, subject or person from the past, and learn new lessons from an exploration of the past. You might return to a discussion from a long time ago with better insight on what to say.