Thinking Outside the Box: Jupiter Retrograde in Capricorn 2020

On Thursday, May 14th, at around 10:31 AM EST, Jupiter will station retrograde at 27'14 degrees Capricorn. It will continue it's backwards journey until September 12th when it will station retrograde of 12 degrees of this cardinal earth sign. How will this affect your sign?

What does it mean for Jupiter to be in 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.

As I wrote here, retrograde periods are known to be riddled with delays and disruption, but they don't necessarily have to be. These periods are not so much a time for action as they are for reflection. These periods are often loaded with synchronicity and karma. So, they can also be periods of magic and manifestation if you just focus on within rather than without. Things from the past will return to us. This could be people from our past, including from our past lives, situations or memories that we thought we had forgotten about, or maybe 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 goes retrograde only once a year, but its retrograde period is longer, lasting for about four months. As with all of the larger, generational planets, the length of time causes it to go unnoticed by some. Traditionally known as the great benefic, some astrologers consider Jupiter's retrograde period to be "less negative," than the other planet's, but that doesn't mean it's without its challenges.

Jupiter brings blessings to whatever area of the chart it's located in. But when Jupiter goes retrograde, you may find out that blessing isn't what you thought it was, or isn't yours at all. It's as if the Universe gifted you with most magical thing you could possibly imagine only to snatch it away from you just like that. Why? You may wonder. Well, think of it as a test. A test to see whether or not you're really prepared for the gifts Jupiter is about to bring your way. In order to receive what you want, you have to learn how to be happy without it. You can't depend on an external source for your happiness. True happiness comes from within. Think of this as a period of learning how to be happy on your own. Once Jupiter goes direct, you may find you don't even want it anymore. It may come back, or you may be blessed with something even better. Perhaps what you thought you wanted wasn't really what you wanted, anyway. Either way, you'll find that the knowledge you gained during this retrograde period paid off. Whatever difficulty you went through, it was really just a blessing in disguise.

To give you a good example about how Jupiter in retrograde can play out, last year, when Jupiter was in Scorpio, my friend thought she had met the man of her dreams. It's worth noting that Jupiter ruled both of their seventh houses. They seemed to have a telepathic connection, their meeting seemed fated, and he seemed to feel the same way about her too. It seemed magical, he was everything she wished for, it seemed too good to be true, and it was. On the exact day that Jupiter went Retrograde, he called her to say it wouldn't work out. For personal reasons, he wasn't ready for a new relationship just yet, and wouldn't be ready for a few months. Being a bit of an astrology fanatic herself, she took note of the date, thinking he’d be back by July 10, when Jupiter went direct. Four months. Perhaps, he'd be ready then. She dated other people, a wide variety of other people, and tried to cultivate happiness from within, but she couldn't let go, until by the end of Jupiter's retrograde period, when she was starting to gain more and more confidence in herself, she met someone else. A new boyfriend. Someone unexpected, someone even better. That man she thought she liked never did come back, but by then, she stopped caring because she already had all that she wanted. Of course it could play out in many different ways!

More than anything, Jupiter retrograde is a time for philosophical reflection and spiritual introspection. It helps us to become aware of whatever is hindering our spiritual development so we can move forward and grow.

Jupiter Retrograde in Capricorn

Jupiter was at home in Sagittarius, helping us to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but Jupiter in Capricorn is not so comfortable. In fact, it is the sign of Jupiter's fall. Jupiter is all about faith, freedom, abundance, as opposed to the doubt, blockages and limitation represented by Capricorn's ruler, Saturn. While Jupiter in Sagittarius helped us to make our dreams a reality, Jupiter in Capricorn makes us wonder if it all was just a dream after all.

While Jupiter in Capricorn helps us to remain realistic, it's retrograde period may have us doubting ourselves too much. Our perspectives are limited and we see no end in sight to our torment. We may feel like we're trapped in a box, like there's nothing else but the here and now of the 3D world. Pessimism may be our downfall. It's important that we don't let the negative voices of logical mind overpower us. Our thoughts can create our reality, and if we ever want to be free from eternal damnation, we need to learn how to think outside the box.

Aspects

Jupiter makes a positive aspect to the Sun, a trine, at 24'14 degrees Taurus. This indicates feelings of confidence, good fortune, and opportunities for personal growth. We are likely to use the next few months as a time to go within and focus on evolving as human beings. We might use the social distancing as an opportunity to connect with our inner spiritual nature.

Jupiter is also conjunct Pluto, also retrograde at 24'54 degrees Capricorn. Our urge for power may be amplified. This aspect can indicate government overreach or corporate oppression. At the same time, however, our search for spiritual truths may be intensified. The trine between the Sun and Pluto indicates that this is a time for inner transformation and self-analysis. By digging deep and healing patterns buried deep within our subconscious minds, we can grow as human beings.

Meanwhile, the Sun in Taurus will be square the Moon 24'28 degrees Aquarius, another Saturn-ruled sign, while Jupiter stations retrograde. When the two luminaries meet, climactic events are bound to happen. The Sun represents the conscious ego, our wants, while the Moon represents our subconscious, our needs. While we might consciously desire economic security, while we might say we want things to carry on as usual, deep inside we know we need a revolution, deep down there's an impulse to revolt. When the Sun squares the Moon, our wants and needs may appear to be in conflict, and the Sun may shine a light on our more negative emotions and habits so that we can heal from them.

It's important to mention that Jupiter isn't the only planet that's retrograde. Venus in Gemini will station retrograde just one day before, causing us to reevaluate our relationships with others; it's square to Neptune triggering feelings of idealization and warning of potential deception. Jupiter in Capricorn's ruling planet, Saturn, also stationed retrograde on May 11th, at 1 degree Aquarius, another Saturn-ruled sign. When Saturn entered Aquarius on March 21st, we began to get a taste of what the new era represented by Saturn in Aquarius might look like, but with Saturn heading back into Capricorn, along with Jupiter, we have one last time to take responsibility for our actions and become better versions of ourselves before we have to kiss our current age goodbye.

Jupiter Direct

Jupiter will station direct on September 12th, 2020, at 17'24 degrees Capricorn. Jupiter will once again be trine the Sun, this time at 20 degrees Virgo, showing us that the retrograde will have a very positive influence. Opportunities we thought we had lost have come back, and we're taking full advantage. The Sun will be making an aspect to the Moon here too but this time, a sextile to the Moon at 21 degrees of it's home sign Cancer, showing us that our conscious wants and unconscious needs are aligned. Our needs are being met, we are getting what we want, our dreams are coming true. The Moon opposite Pluto and Saturn shows that there are still some challenges, we are now in the space to see them as lessons rather than setbacks.

Horoscopes

Now it's time to see how it will affect your sign. I suggest reading the horoscope for your ascendant or rising sign, in addition to or instead of your 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 fine.

Aries

With Jupiter in your 10th house, you may have received your dream job offer, you may have been hit with the most exciting opportunity for your career, only for things to turn sour. This could be a result of our current corona-crisis. Perhaps, you were laid off shortly after being hired, or maybe, if you're an essential worker, the job may have been more difficult than you had prepared for. You may feel like all hope is lost, Aries, like you're never going to achieve your goals, or be the person you've dreamed so long of being. Don't give up hope; an even better opportunity may be on it's way.

Taurus

With Jupiter 9th house, you may have been all set and ready to go on your dream vacation, or else maybe you were excited about going back to school, only for travel bans to be put in place, and the school year pushed back until January. You may feel trapped by these current restrictions, Taurus. You may wonder if you're ever going to do all these exciting things you've dreamed of doing. The good news is that there's a way to travel from the comfort of your own home. Read a book. Learn a new skill. Seek out knowledge. For this, the internet is your best friend. You don't have to stop learning and expanding your mind, just because you can't physically go anywhere.

Gemini

These are dark times, Gemini, and with Jupiter in your 8th house, they're feeling darker than ever. This crisis has given you a strong awareness of your own mortality. You may find yourself more afraid of death than you've ever been. Circumstances may have you wondering what happens when we die. You may be researching different philosophies about the afterlife. You could also be thinking deeply about this life; what does it all mean? Have you been using your time on earth wisely? If you die now, what sort of legacy are you leaving behind? This won't be the most easiest transit, but the good news is, it will give you a deeper appreciation for life. When this transit is over, it might inspire you to do all those things you've dreamed of doing but have been putting off, because there might not be a tomorrow. This transit will remind you to live life the fullest and don't waste a second.

Cancer

You might be lonely, when Jupiter goes Retrograde in your 7th house. Your love life seemed to be going somewhere, you were finally having the relationship you've always dreamed of, only for circumstances to put romance on the backburner. The social distancing may be hitting you especially hard, Cancer. Circumstances may be keeping you and a loved one apart. With all these coronavirus restrictions put in place, you may not even get to see your partner, potentially doing damage to your relationship. If quarantined with your partner, all that time together may have brought you a greater awareness of each other's flaws. Perhaps, you aren't as happy in this relationship as you thought you would be. Use this as an opportunity to focus on yourself and really hone in on what you want in a partnership. That way, when this is all over, you can find the love that you deserve.

Leo

With Jupiter Retrograde in your 6th house, you may find it hard to take care of yourself. Normal everyday routines to keep up your personal hygiene, such as showering or brushing your teeth, may feel pointless to you right now, Leo. What's the point in say, brushing your hair or washing your face, if you don't have anywhere to go in the morning, if you don't have anyone to see? On the other hand, the coronavirus may have brought a greater awareness to your hygiene and health, to the point of developing symptoms of hypochrondria. Seasonal allergies may be causing you to spiral into a cycle of negative thoughts. It's important, especially during these times, to remember that keeping up with our hygiene isn't just something we do to make ourselves presentable. It's something we do for our own personal health. But it's important that we keep up with our mental health too, Leo.

Virgo

It can be hard to find joy when stuck in quarantine, Virgo. Right now, everything feels grey, and it may be hard to be productive enough to do anything, even the things you normally enjoy, preferring to spend your days lying on the couch watching Netflix. But Jupiter Retrograde in your 5th house, you're being asked to snap out of your funk and find things that make you happy. Go back to your normally organized and productive self, and maybe make a schedule for yourself of things to do to stay healthy. While you may be out of work, now is the time to do the things that you want to do but normally don't have time for. Paint a picture, play a music instrument, write that novel you've been meaning to write, study astrology. Find a new hobby to do. When you look at things from the right perspective, this is an amazing opportunity to do the things you actually love doing!

Libra

Things may have been going well at home for you, Libra, but with Jupiter Retrograde in your 4th house, you may feel like that is no longer the case. You're a social being and all this time at home may be driving you nuts! Being forced to quarantine with your family may magnify their flaws, and force you to work through past traumas. On the other hand, if away from your family, you may begin to miss them and realize how much you truly love them. Or, being stuck inside the house all day may open up your eyes to how flawed your dream home actually is: perhaps, it is loaded with cockroaches or moths; perhaps it's old and needs some repairing. Of course, with so many people being out of work, there is also a possible danger of losing your home, perhaps shortly after moving-in. But this is the worst case scenario, and may not be as bad as you think; you may find some place better with an even cheaper price. In any case, you will get through this. On the flip side, this transit could help us to connect with our families in a more positive light, and even find healing. It is also a good time to do some re-decorating, and clean out your home.

Scorpio

You're known for being quiet, Scorpio, and with Jupiter in your 3rd house, you were just starting to break out of your shell! Only for you to be forced back in it once more. Don't give up home. Just because parties and short journeys are no longer an option doesn't mean you can't still chat or make friends. The internet provides us with an amazing alternative that we didn't always have, go online, find a forum or Facebook group or something that puts you in touch with like-minded people. If you have a lot of thoughts you need to share, start a blog or a YouTube channel. You could also read & write in the old fashioned way, send letters, or talk on the phone. This transit might actually benefit you, Scorpio, as you're able to expand your communication skills without ever really having to put yourself out there.

Sagittarius

Money may finally have been looking good for you, with Jupiter transiting your 2nd house. You may have received a huge promotion, or a raise in salary, only for this crisis to hit and let you down. Perhaps, you've been laid off due to the situation with the coronavirus, or else you're getting less business since no one wants to go out. You may be struggling to put food on the table, or pay your bills, and you are most definitely not able to be living the kind of lavish life you want. But you will get through this. This transit will eventually come to an end, and when it does, you may receive more money than you've even expected. Take this as a lesson in appreciating what you have. You are known to be a bit irresponsible at times, Sagittarius, so if you are someone whose wealthy enough to waste money on useless things, perhaps in the future you'll know to save things for when you might most need them, or else have more empathy for those who can't afford the things you can. Be more generous.

Capricorn

You were feeling lucky, Capricorn, but now that Jupiter's gone Retrograde, you may be doubting your ability to attract luck. You may feel like your luck has taken a negative term. Perhaps, you're suffering from feelings of low self-esteem, low self-worth. Maybe you have doubts about your appearance. But in truth, your thoughts create your reality, and retrograde periods are a better time than ever to see that. If you just use this time to focus on within rather than without, you'll find that this is a powerful time for magic and synchronicity. Words are spells & negative and self-deprecating thoughts are a form of black magick. Retrain your brain to see the good even in negative situations and you'll create the life you deserve to live.

Aquarius

As a social animal, you may be struggling with the whole social distancing thing, Aquarius. It's hard not being able to see your friends, and perhaps, there's even a part of you that supports the push to reopen things, if only to be able to interact with others once more. These times can be tough, but with Jupiter Retrograde in your 12th house, you're being asked to see the positives if spending time alone. You have more time to go within, and get in touch with your soul, to reflect on your behavior and spiritually evolve. You can also help the community in indirect ways, perhaps by grocery shopping for people who can't, providing childcare for essential workers, or simply venmo-ing some friends who are in need. Overall though, this can be a very positive & joyful time, a time for internal growth and regeneration, even magick, if only you look at things from the right perspective.

Pisces

You may have finally been deepening your bonds with friends, meeting new people with like-minds, only to be isolated once again. With Jupiter Retrograde in your 11th house, you may be struggling with self-isolating. The loneliness may be getting to your head. Of course, there's video chats, and Facebook groups where you can meet like-minded people, but you're a spiritual person, Pisces, and it just isn't the same as seeing people face-to-face. My advice is rather than focusing on your loneliness, focus on the bigger picture. People are suffering in much bigger ways. This isn't to say you shouldn't feel sad because others have it worse than you. You are capable of tremendous amounts of empathy, Pisces, and seeing that other people have it worse, will only make you feel worse. Instead, my suggestion is to put that empathy into action, do something to help out those who are in need. That will help you find the meaningful connections you want.

Conclusion

This current coronavirus crisis has been difficult for all of us, and with Jupiter Retrograde in Capricorn, it's emotional affects may become even more intense. Our current situation may seem all-encompassing, like it will last forever and only get worse. It may seem like there's no way out, the light at the end of the tunnel is nowhere in sight. Our 3D reality comes crushing down on us, and we may feel boxed in. But it's important not to lose hope. It's important we begin to think outside the box, because if we focus on our present or current reality, we're only manifesting more of that. The trick is to go within and focus on the reality you want. Use this time to imagine and visualize things the way you want them to be, pretend it's already here, because whatever you think, that is the truth. Reality is not some force outside ourselves but it's something that we create. Our perspectives shape everything.