On faith, fertility and fresh perspectives: Jupiter Retrograde through Dec. 31st 2023

Other than the Sun and Moon, all the planetary bodies retrograde. Some a few times a year, others less. And if you’ve been following me, you‘ve learned that “retrograde” is an illusion from our vantage point on earth. The entire premise is that the planets appear to be moving backward in the sky — but in truth, it’s just a cosmic illusion. Just as in life, so many of our perceived “problems” are a result our fixed expectations of something— until we look at things differently. Suddenly, the situation morphs before our eyes, and problem solved.


I’ll add that planets don’t “make us do things,” here on earth - despite our culture’s willingness to sensationalize astrology. Planetary bodies in Vedic Astrology (just like characters in any tradition) represent archetypal wisdom that help us understand aspects of ourselves.


All this being said, Jupiter is our giant gaseous friend in the sky and he lumbers through one sign every year. Within that sign, he also retrogrades once a year. This year, he’s retrograde in Aries… and he turns direct just in time for champagne toasts and New Year’s resolutions.


It can be helpful to consider retrograde periods as an opportunity to re-trace your steps, or think outside whatever box you normally find yourself in. Jupiter is the planet of expansion, creativity, fertility (of all kinds, not just children), and beliefs. And unlike some of the other planets who have reputations for “putting us through the wringer,” Jupiter is known as the great guru and the great benefic of the Zodiac. He generally gives gifts and boons wherever he goes.


An example: Fertility. If you’ve been experiencing infertility of some kind — whether children, a writer’s block of sorts, or even too much fertile soil at your disposal — Jupiter retrograde can be a good time to look at your situation with a fresh set of eyes. You may see things or learn something in a different way. Thus, you may be motivated to (in true Aries fashion) take bold action to achieve results.

​Another example: Faith. Our faith can be tested in so many ways. And with Jupiter’s retrograde, we can explore our faith in new ways… read a book from an inspiring new author. Attend worship at a new place. Read a new chapter in your spiritual text that gives a fresh perspective. Follow a new teacher on social media. Try a new style of yoga. Add a new ritual to your morning routine. You get the idea.


Jupiter retrograde isn’t necessarily “losing faith” and “following false gods.” Rather, he can expand our existing faith in all directions. As we say, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” Through the end of the year, pay close attention to who you’re called to learn from. It might surprise you — and if the timing is right, it could be just what you need in your life.


One final thought for this time is simply gaining a fresh perspective. Jupiter is the great guru of the zodiac, and we are his students. What have you personally been learning since Jupiter entered Aries at the end of April 2023? This is usually indicated where Jupiter sits in your birth chart, what Aries represents for you + which parts of your life are influenced by Sagittarius and Pisces. (All things best unlocked with an astrologer like me during a birth chart analysis! 😉) Based on that, this is your chance to retrace your steps. Perhaps what you’ve read about, you’ll get to experience IRL. Or something that didn’t quick “click” before is now in full color.


Jupiter represents our capacity to learn and teach — no doubt this retrograde period will be a chance for us to expand what we think is possible for our faith, fertility and our outlook on life.