Jupiter Enters Capricorn
a Step Up in the World!

Every year, Jupiter, Lord of Fortune, moves from one sign to the next, setting the stage of human consciousness for the ensuing year. This year the change is from fiery Sagittarius, the Archer, to earthy Capricorn, the Goat, generating a cautious sense of optimism combined with a need for stability and material security in the collective, especially at a political, financial and religious level (these are the areas mainly governed by Jupiter). Rob Tillett, one of the founders of Astrology on the Web, discusses the effects this new transit will have on the various signs of the zodiac.

Click here to find out how it affects your sign!

On December 18th 2007, Jupiter, the mighty lord of the ancient gods, moves from his own sign, Sagittarius, into Capricorn, the earthy sign of the Sea-Goat. Whenever Jupiter changes signs, a new flavour is brought to the underlying experience of our lives, and this cosmic change will be even more significant than usual, as Jupiter's switch is accompanied by a number of other major transits outlined in this article. We also need to bear in mind that Jupiter in the heavens remains in each sign of the zodiac for approximately twelve months, taking twelve years to transit the entire zodiac. At the end of each of these cycles, matters must progress to a new level, or else they will fall away into obscurity and eventually oblivion.

Elemental Balance

Once Jupiter enters Capricorn on Dec. 18, the elemental balance will be restored, with Saturn and Jupiter, the two Great Chronocrators or "Time Lords", settled in Earth Signs. This shift from Fire to Earth will be consummated on January 26th, 2008 when dark Pluto, Lord of the Underworld, also enters Capricorn, after some thirteen years in Sagittarius. Pluto first entered Sagittarius on January 17th, 1995 (just after Jupiter on his previous 12-year cycle entered the sign of the Archer, in December 1994), then due to a retro phase, went back to Scorpio between May and November 1995 before reactivating Sagittarius on Nov 10, 1995. This was not long prior to the election of the Howard Liberal Government on March 2nd, 1996 and may mark its fall at the 2007 elections on November 24, 2007, though the stars are by no means clear on this.

At the same time, the Moon's True Node, the Dragon's Head, a slow-mover that changes sign every eighteen months or so, shifts from Pisces (a Jupiter-ruled sign) to airy Aquarius, another Saturn-ruled sign. This may well generate a frenetic burst of activity in the information technology industry, similar to the DotCom boom that began in 1995 (when the Moon's north node entered Libra, another Air Sign), though one with more stability, due to the hefty Earth Sign foundation, or backdrop if you like.

Almost to the minute that Jupiter enters Capricorn, Saturn, after having been stationary all month, turns retrograde for a period of more than four months, calling something of a halt to the cosmic charge. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, so Jupiter is under his influence all year, but especially when retrograde. Notwithstanding, the Time Lords make contact again when Jupiter forms the auspicious trine aspect to Saturn between the 14th and 24th of January 2008, and circumstances affecting the part of your life described in the forecasting section will be aided by any past effort that you have put in, bringing satisfaction along with the rewards of your hard work, organization and careful planning. If you have so far not managed to put this side into play in the past, you are likely to find it easier to do so now, thus ensuring your success in the future. Benefits also come because of your seniority or authority. Restrictions and responsibilities can be eased, or perhaps even disappear under this influence.

This said, Jupiter's naturally expansive character is somewhat diminished in Capricorn, a calculating, Saturnine sign. Jupiter in Capricorn is ambitious, self-reliant and self-controlled, with the desire to rise to a position of authority over others. It also indicates a careful and economic disposition. Capricorn is known for ingenuity, resourcefulness and mechanical ability. Trust-worthy, sincere and honest, this position enjoys general popularity. Unfortunately, however, when Jupiter is afflicted in Capricorn it produces a miserly disposition that denies all bar the bare necessities. The natural frugality of Capricorn can be expanded by the magnifying glass of Jupiter, generating an undue focus on security.

Under this transit, people will be overly concerned with how things are done, rather than what is done. The tendency will be to gain understanding and wisdom only through experience and maturity. Jupiter's transit through Capricorn in 2008 means our growth and expansion in life will rarely be a matter of haphazard luck or whimsy. Circumstances will force us to keep track of where we have been, where we are at present, and where we want to go in the future.

Moving Up a Notch

Jupiter's entry into Capricorn will release much of the stasis marked by the elemental disharmony that has arisen since September 2007 between restrictive Saturn in earthy Virgo and expansive Jupiter in fiery Sagittarius. Jupiter was very much at home in Sagittarius, his domicile, but is not so well-placed in Capricorn, the sign of his "fall", a debility due to the sign of the Sea-Goat being the opposite sign to Cancer, Jupiter's exaltation. Capricorn is a Cardinal Earth Sign, so, thanks to this new move, the elementary disharmony of Sagittarius (Mutable Fire) being snuffed by Virgo (Mutable Earth) immediately transforms into the harmonious trine relation of Earth harmonising with Earth.

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, which has recently entered Virgo, another Earth Sign. This is part of the collective restructuring that sees the cosmic focus turn from Fire (energy; activity; spiritual growth) to Earth (material satisfaction; security; ambition). Jupiter, the cosmic king of growth and expansion, and Saturn, the karmic taskmaster, have been in a favourable aspect over much of the past year, when they were moving through Sagittarius and Leo respectively, for these are both Fiery Signs. After Saturn entered Virgo on September 2, 2007, the fiery expansive and growth-oriented phase came to a sudden shuddering halt, expressed in the USA primarily by the opening up of the sub-prime mortgage scandal, which has had massive reverberations across the markets of the globe. The price of oil has skyrocketed and gold is going for broke, just as real estate and the stock market have stagnated. The US dollar, which has been the defacto global currency for 50 years, is under threat. Saturn demands his due...

This awkward period ends when Jupiter enters Capricorn, though the retro phase of Saturn still keeps things a bit edgy for a while, due to the need for resolution of issues from the past that have demanded reconstruction under this transit. A debilitated Mars retrograde in Cancer (the sign of his Fall) opposes Jupiter in the second degree of Capricorn on Boxing Day, the Feast of Stephen, further inflaming the issues. Under this influence actions are likely to go too fast and too far. It is in our best interests to remember that too much of a good thing is sometimes altogether too much. Physical efforts will be either paralyzed by laziness and unwise actions, or proceed with such extreme force as to invite dangerous consequences. Spirituality can turn into fanaticism, and intellectuality can become arrogant displays of superiority.

Let's hope our political leaders save their grandstanding and bravado for another time, or at least until they see which way the wind blows, as Mars then opposes Pluto during the first week of January 2008 (partile Jan. 2). Opposing forces during this period have a paralyzing effect and a contest of wills is to be avoided at all costs right up to when this aspect is released in March 2008. Efforts to gain control may well produce the opposite effect. This is not the time to change or interfere with the status quo. Deliberately engaging the hostility of another will arouse a formidable opponent one might not otherwise have had to confront. Any form of confrontation, whether overt or covert is likely to blow up in the faces of the combatants, whether they expect it or not. This said, Pluto's move to Capricorn at the end of January 2008 will cement the shift into a new collective awareness that will be maintained to one degree or another until Pluto enters Aquarius in March 2023. A long-term shift indeed!

One important thing that should definitely be mentioned here is that the rare conjunction of Jupiter and Pluto occurs between the 9th and 14th of December 2007, at the New Moon in Sagittarius, which occurs conjunct the node of the planet Uranus. The last time this conjunction happened was also at the New Moon in Sagittarius, on December 2, 1994, so think back to what was happening then and you'll get a good fix on what is likely to happen now! Admittedly the conjunction of Jupiter and Pluto was then in Scorpio, but it was in the 29th degree... Anyway, now it promises to be a very lively experience, surrounded by unexpected and perhaps controversial events. Jupiter and Pluto meet in partile conjunction on the 11th in the 29th degree of Sagittarius. This lunation and rare conjunction are also in conjunction with the Galactic Centre, so it is a remarkable and potentially fortunate time indeed!

Jupiter is a Time Lord

The cycles of Jupiter, in coordination with the cycles of Saturn, the other "Great Chronocrator", or "Time Lord", direct the energies that have significant effects on the collective being, marked especially by the conjunctions between these two massive forces, but also by the sign changes, hard aspects and retrograde periods. The cycles of astrology are reflected in our daily lives, as well as informing the patterns of our human creativity, whether artistic or musical, social, political or financial.

The last conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn occurred in May/June 2000 at 23° Taurus, the Fixed Sign of the Bull, which marked a number of major developments (see Jupiter's transit of Scorpio 2005). Jupiter next enters Taurus on June 4, 2011, but Saturn is not in aspect until this point (at 23° Taurus) is reached on May 16, 2012, when Jupiter and Saturn are exactly inconjunct, just as Venus turns retrograde at 23° Gemini. 2012 marks the end of the Mayan Calendar, so mark that point in your diary...

In the even more distant future, Jupiter at 20° Leo is just prevented from reactivating the Fixed Sign Grand Cross via a square to Saturn at 23° Scorpio by the end of October 2014, due to slowing to a retrograde period just before catching up to Saturn, which then accelerates away leaving Jupiter in a cloud of cosmic dust. The next major hard aspect between the Time Lords is the square from Jupiter in the 15th degree of Gemini to Saturn in the 15th degree of Pisces on Christmas Eve 2025. It's a long way off, so don't lose too much sleep over it, folks.

Growth and Expansion

Jupiter rules our potential for growth and expansion on many levels: physical, intellectual, spiritual and cultural, along with the accumulation of material assets, power and status. He rules our optimism and aspirations, including our interests in faraway places, travel, foreigners, academic and artistic types, cultural endeavours such as publishing, higher education, structured personal development, healing, government and religion. Jupiter is a risk-taker, so also rules gambling and speculation, adventure – and moving into unknown territory.

Luck and wellbeing are primarily governed by Jupiter, known as the Greater Benefic (Venus is the Lesser Benefic). When well-aspected, the Thunder God brings superb opportunities for expansion and success. Poorly aspected, he generates over-confidence and foolhardy actions with little care for the consequences.

Here is a brief outline of the effects on each sign as Jupiter enters Capricorn for a period of twelve months. Remember to check the forecast for your rising sign too, for a more balanced reading. To calculate your rising sign, click here.

Capricorn, the Sea-Goat

Jupiter is an optimistic and expansive influence, so in the coming year a good deal of benefit comes your way. Your unique way of presenting yourself to the world comes under the spotlight and it is a great time to push yourself forward and achieve your ambitions. It's the ideal period in which to pursue pleasure, advancement and executive honours. It's just the year to follow that urge to travel! As your health and physical appearance improves and your individuality comes into focus, you'll be uncharacteristically bullish and noticeably more outgoing and optimistic about the future. Pleasure is to be found just about everywhere! You should not hesitate to put your plans for advancement into action, as you will naturally attract attention and will exude confidence. Travel for pleasure, higher education or spiritual development is favoured, as people from distant parts or other religions and cultures to your own take the focus. You will benefit through interaction with them, so relax and enjoy the experience. Jupiter is expansive, but your expansion should not be mainly in the waistline! Avoid overindulgence in all forms, especially in food, drink and the pursuit of excitement, particularly gambling and speculation. Overconfidence will be the big trap.

Aquarius, the Water-Bearer

Capricorn marks your twelfth house of secrets, sorrows and sub-conscious motivation, but Jupiter, the greater benefic, brings some advantage wherever he is cruising, even through the twelfth house. Benefit comes for the Water-Bearer through fraternal or charitable institutions, connection with government departments, large corporations, hospitals, universities and the like. If you have the money, why not donate to institutions that aid the poor and needy? Even if you don't have much cash, you will be inclined to give of your time and energy time to help the maimed, sick and otherwise unfortunate. In the coming year the focus turns to behind-the-scenes or otherwise solitary activities, even mystical or astrological studies. Any benefits or gains may be hidden, or at least not as obvious to others as might normally be the case, but you definitely need to pay attention to your spiritual development, issues connected with institutions, partner's health and concealed matters in general. Anything connected with the ocean may also attract you, either as a fascinating field of study or as a satisfying hobby. Avoid gambling and extravagance — though if you are in the entertainment business, you should do well.

Pisces, the Fishes

Now that Jupiter, your life-ruler is cruising through your house of friends, you'll feel so much more you. Set your sights high because at last you can realise your dreams and aspirations, make money from career-related activities and have serious fun with other people's children in your life. The income you gain from your career should expand and you can expect some financial assistance from friends and associates. Be content with what the world sends you, but if you owe friends money, make the effort to repay it. Watch out for bloodsuckers who, though incompetent themselves, may become envious and secretly work to bring you down. Matters connected with clubs or associations will pay dividends through positive action over the coming months, so join in and work towards the common goal.

Aries, the Ram

As mighty Jupiter rolls into your mid-heaven, good fortune is heading your way in 2008. Your career and public image are in the spotlight and there's plenty of dumb luck about, so get your act together, Rams, and shoot for the stars! You'll shine like a comet and so will attract the attention of prominent people who will be only too pleased to boost you into a better place, whether in the church, state, law or public affairs. You may even make a vast bundle through good luck rather than good judgement and if you are so inclined can feature in the stock exchange, banking, shipping, trade or trusts concerned with the public wellbeing. Keep a tight ship, as a misbehaving Ram will also show up in the glare of the cosmic footlights.

Taurus, the Bull

It's a fabulous year ahead for the Bulls! Get to work and plan that vacation and make your decision about any cultural, religious, or educational involvement you have been thinking about. Jupiter in Capricorn and Saturn in Virgo create a Grand Trine with Taurus, the most favourable aspect known to astrology. These three are Earth Signs, the symbols of material security, pleasure and a stable determined position. This year stimulates your optimistic nature and awakens your generous side. Religious or spiritual awakening is more than possible too, as the coming year has much potential for success and personal growth, especially as a result of decisions you take now. You'll be keen to travel and overseas contacts will feature strongly in your life. A second marriage, or anything to do with in-laws and your partner's relations can be satisfactorily organized now. However, you should avoid overdoing things and stay out of the law courts if you can.

Gemini, the Twins

This year brings some financial gain for the Twins through marriage and partnerships, but move with caution if taking on loans, mortgages or other forms of debt. Jupiter in the sign of the canny Goat gives lenders the advantage. Your sexuality, always (shall we say) somewhat light and flipperty, is likely to take a deeper form of expression than usual. Don't be surprised if you feel drawn to the occult and other hidden subjects related to the mysteries of life. Joint income, investments, collection of debts, taxes, insurance, inheritance and the settlement of estate matters are all areas that feature in the year to come.

Cancer, the Crab

Jupiter cruising into your solar seventh house marks a year when you can form successful partnerships, alliances, or even tie the knot. Be sure to see and be seen, because the only way to take advantage of this potent energy is to get out and network. Court cases, legal decisions, partnership issues and any open conflicts are likely to be resolved in your favour. Crabettes will be attracted to males who remind them of their fathers, but no matter what sex you are, partners and allies will bring stimulating experiences, broadening your store of knowledge and brightening your social life. Bear in mind, however, that those who come to you with grandiose ideas or the promise of some successful enterprise are unlikely to be able to deliver, no matter how well-intentioned they are. Of course, this is not to say you have no choice in the matter. Keeping a conservative attitude will serve you well in the months ahead.

Leo, the Lion

Jupiter's transit through the sign of the Goat gives a much more favourable outlook for your health and for relationships with co-workers and associated professionals. It's a good time to streamline your working routines; relations with subordinates can also be improved, though you'll be happiest when working unsupervised. Your work and responsibilities expand in scope during the year ahead and you may need to take on assistants, but don't believe that you are invincible, as pride often comes before a fall. Your job may require more travel, or advanced training – and, although your efforts will be rewarded, don't take any aspect of it for granted. A pet might enter your life, perhaps you'll take more interest in small animals. Your interest in health and physical fitness may increase, but don't take your health too much for granted. Avoid procrastination and overeating.

Virgo, the Virgin

As Jupiter barrels into hunky Capricorn, this brings a year of romance, pleasure and creative, egoboosting fun. This transit improves your lovelife, presents investment opportunities and creates happier relations with children. A good thing all round, really! Speculative opportunities will present themselves, so money can be made, but with stern Saturn in your sign, you should not set the bar too high, nor should you be unduly critical of yourself, as this is a period of excellent potential, even though partners may behave somewhat erratically from time to time. The watchword is forge ahead with confidence, but remember not to be over-confident, as Jupiter tends to excess. You will be inclined to take some judicious risks with gambling and speculative interests, but if you base these risks on a well-thought-through foundation, making use of your experience and expertise, you should do very well this year.

Libra, the Scales

The year ahead marks the beginning of a twelve-year cycle of learning and new experiences for Libra, as Capricorn symbolises your solar fourth house, the house of beginnings and endings. Your life must take things to a new level, or relationships, employment and other forms of personal interaction will likely fall away. Jupiter's transit of Capricorn brings comfortable, pleasant domestic relations and harmonious family surroundings, and you will greatly expand your personal, professional, and intellectual horizons. It's just the time for real estate and home renovation, or perhaps selling up and relocating to the home of your dreams. You will feel the call of higher education or a particular study, receive advanced training, or take on long distance travel, writing, publishing, or promotion. Decisions you make now, especially those influenced by people you meet, will be catalysts for new ventures that affect the next twelve years of your life.

Scorpio, the Scorpion

New educational opportunities will arise for Scorpions in the coming year, with Jupiter moving through ambitious Capricorn. Your brothers, sisters, neighbours and the people you meet in your local environment will take up more of your time and attention. Communications and travel will widen your circle of contacts, exchanging and sharing ideas and information. Success comes through developing your mechanical skills, travel, or promotional activities that improve your status. It's the right time to acquire telephones, computers, answering machines, or other communication devices. Creative writing, publishing, or educational interests are highly favoured in coming months.

Sagittarius, the Archer

You'll find that some of your cherished values and opinions will come under presssure, probably through the influence of philosophies or religions that are different to the ones you grew up with, Archers. Nevertheless, you'll do well this year through the proper allocation of your resources. Jupiter stimulates you to go for status to impress people, tempting you to spend on luxury items and status symbols. Your personal priorities and values are being redefined, but remember that under this influence money is the source of pleasure – which is fine if you can afford to spend it! How badly do you really need that new i-phone? Other expenditures concern higher education, political interests, religious or spiritual activities, travel, publishing and cultural pursuits.

Capricorn is the sign of Jupiter's fall, a debility that channels this mighty planet's optimistic and expansive energies into tighter and more restrictive channels in 2008 than we experienced during 2007, when Jupiter's energies were heightened by being in his own sign, Sagittarius. Keep in mind that Jupiter turns retrograde on May 9, 2008, then returns to direct motion through the zodiac on September 8. The week or so either side of these dates will be excellent for making decisions about the matters outlined under your sign's forecast.

This concludes the article.

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