Jupiter Enters Sagittarius
a Charge into the Light!

Every year, Jupiter, Lord of Fortune, changes from one sign to the next, setting the stage of human consciousness for the ensuing year. This year, the change is from Scorpio the Scorpion to Sagittarius the Archer, generating a bold, new sense of optimism 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 the eve of November 25th 2006, Jupiter, the lord of the ancient gods, moves into Sagittarius, the sign of the Archer. 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.

Jupiter is a Time Lord

These 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 in Taurus, the sign of the Bull. The point of this conjunction, at 23° Taurus, was re-activated by the conjunction of Mars on October 1, 2005, when Mars turned retrograde at 23° Taurus (there were a number of other powerful aspects on that day — see Mars Retrograde 2005). Taurus is a Fixed Sign.

This same point was exactly opposed by Jupiter in Scorpio in the last week of October 2006, when Jupiter and Saturn were in partile (exact) square to each other — Scorpio and Leo both being Fixed Signs, as is Taurus. The personal planets, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars are all in Scorpio, just as Mercury prepared to turn retrograde in close conjunction with Jupiter. The planets created a Grand Cross in Fixed Signs, because Neptune in Aquarius, the fourth Fixed Sign, is only a few degrees away from the partile aspect. The Moon's mean node (the Dragon's Head) at 23° Pisces will also be in partile aspect, thus increasing the karmic pressure. People with Fixed Signs, especially Taurus and Scorpio, prominent in their charts have thus been suffering during this period.

Moving into the Light

Jupiter's entry into Sagittarius will relieve a good deal of the pressure many of us have been undergoing over the past twelve months. Sagittarius is a Mutable Fire Sign, so it defuses the Fixed Grand Cross. Saturn, the other major Time Lord, is in Leo, also a Fire Sign; the elementary disharmony of Leo (Fire) fighting with Scorpio (Water) immediately transforms into the harmonious trine relation of Fire dancing with Fire. Sagittarius is a Mutable Sign, so the unforgiving conflict of the hard aspects in the Fixed Signs is diminished by the more fluid approach of free-flowing, mutable Sagittarius.

Jupiter in Scorpio for the past year has generated issues connected mainly with financial manipulation, clashes of deep worldviews, hidden and secretive motivations, affecting the law, religion, politics, travel and sexual relationships. As Jupiter, one of the most potent forces in our solar system, enters the sign of the Archer, a more positive feeling comes to the fore, for Jupiter is the planetary ruler of Sagittarius – meaning that his positive, expansive and fortunate characteristics are perhaps best expressed in that sign. Jupiter here is humane, broad and philosophical, with a religious disposition, a love of travel, higher education and spiritual growth. Foreigners, people of other cultures and matters connected with faraway places will leap into prominence. Moreover, with Saturn remaining in Leo until September 2007, the underlying energies are made more harmonious because of the elemental affinity. Pluto has been hovering around the Galactic Centre in 27th degree of Sagittarius for some time now and Jupiter reaches this point in the first week of December 2007, so expect some powerful spiritual, religious and humanitarian developments approaching that time.

Nevertheless, when Jupiter is afflicted, or when it presents difficult aspects to your own chart, it may bring loss and trouble through sport, gambling, speculative attitudes, a cheap and gaudy attitude that inclines people to be unduly extravagant and ready to take a chance on any risk, no matter how implausible. Financial difficulties, narrow-minded sectarian views, legal troubles and loss of social standing are also characteristic. The stock market and property prices are likely to take off, but this has the downside of increasing inflationary pressure.

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 Sagittarius 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.

Sagittarius, the Archer

Jupiter is your life-ruler, so in the coming year, your personal magnetism goes through the roof! Your health and physical appearance should improve and, as your personal individuality comes into focus, you'll find yourself becoming much more outgoing and optimistic about the future. Pleasure is everywhere! Go for broke regarding advancement and the improvement of your personal self-image. Travel, whether for pleasure or for higher education becomes almost irresistible. You will be drawn to people from faraway places and will enjoy the experience of other cultures. It's time to implement decisions for improving your personal image and health. 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.

Capricorn, the Sea-Goat

Sagittarius marks your twelfth house of secrets, sorrows and sub-conscious motivation. Jupiter is the greater benefic, so even in the twelfth house, he brings some advantage. Benefit comes for Capricorn through connection with government departments, large corporations, hospitals, fraternal or charitable institutions. You'll feel the urge to donate to institutions that aid the poor and needy. Even if you don't have much cash, you'll want to give some 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. Avoid gambling and extravagance — though if you are in the entertainment business, you should do well. Anything connected with the ocean may also attract you, either as a fascinating field of study or as a satisfying hobby.

Aquarius, the Water-Bearer

The year ahead is one to set your sights high! Now that Jupiter is bouncing through your house of friends, you'll feel more at home in your skin. At last you can realise many of your hopes and wishes, make money from career developments and enjoy anything to do 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. Anthing to do with clubs or associations will pay dividends through positive action over the coming months, so join in and get to it.

Pisces, the Fishes

Jupiter is your life-ruler, and as he moves into your solar mid-heaven, a great deal of good fortune is likely to come your way. Focus this year on your career and public image, because for once the cosmos is on your side. There's plenty of dumb luck about, so it's just the time to pull your career plans together. You'll easily be able to display your intellectual talent in public, even if it's a bit scary to do so. Those inner qualities that you treasure will attract prominent people and help you obtain an influential position, whether in the church, state, law or public affairs. You may even put great wealth together and if you are that way inclined can take a prominent part in the stock exchange, banking, shipping, trade or trusts that aid the good of the public in general. Be sure to straighten up and fly right, as any flaws in your behaviour will also be visible under the cosmic spotlight.

Aries, the Ram

Hey, Rams... What a great year ahead it will be for you! 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 Sagittarius – like Aries, a Fire Sign – stimulates your optimistic nature and awakens your generous side. You'll be keen to travel and overseas contacts will become prominent. 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. Religious or spiritual awakening is more than possible, as the coming year has much potential for success and personal growth, especially as a result of decisions you take now.

Taurus, the Bull

Things are looking brighter and some financial gain should come for the Bull through marriage and partnerships. Nevertheless, you should move with caution when taking on loans, mortgages or other forms of debt, as with Jupiter in your solar eighth house, the lender tends to have the upper hand. Joint income, investments, collection of debts, taxes, insurance, inheritance and the settlement of estate matters are likely to come into the foreground during the months ahead. Your sexuality is likely to take a deeper form of expression than that to which you have been accustomed. You will be more than usually inclined to investigate the occult and other hidden subjects related to life's mysteries.

Gemini, the Twins

With Jupiter striding through your solar seventh house, this is a year when you can form successful partnerships, or even get married. You need to get out and about, as mingling will be more than usually beneficial. Court cases, legal decisions, partnership issues and any open conflicts are likely to be resolved in your favour. Female Geminians will be attracted to guys who remind them of their fathers, but no matter what sex you are, partners and allies will be stimulating, opening up a wider field of knowledge and bringing new and delicious experiences for you.

Cancer, the Crab

Jupiter's transit through the sign of the Archer gives a much more favourable outlook for your health, daily routines and relationships with co-workers. Your work and responsibilities expand in scope during the year ahead, but it would still not be wise to get too big-headed. 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. You may acquire a pet or 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.

Leo, the Lion

Lions rejoice! Jupiter moving into fiery Sagittarius promises 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. You will feel supremely confident, even over-confident. Don't go overboard with gambling or speculation, as you will be unduly inclined to take big chances. Sober Saturn remains in your sign until September 2007, advising caution.

Virgo, the Virgin

The coming year marks the beginning of a twelve-year cycle of learning and new experiences in one form or another. Jupiter's transit of Sagittarius does prefigure comfortable, peaceful and agreeable domestic relations and harmonious family surroundings, but you may become involved in higher education or a particular study, receive advanced training, or take on long distance travel, writing, publishing, or promotion. This transit promises that you will greatly expand your personal, professional, and intellectual horizons. It's an ideal time for real estate and home improvement decisions, or perhaps selling up and relocating to the home of your dreams. 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.

Libra, the Scales

New educational opportunities will arise for Libra in the coming year, with Jupiter moving through adventurous Sagittarius. You'll be popular with your brothers, sisters and neighbours and the people you meet in your local environment. Communications and travel take more of the focus, widening your circle of contacts, exchanging and sharing ideas and information. It's the right time to acquire telephones, computers, answering machines, or other communication devices. Get cracking with your intentions regarding creative writing, publishing, education. Success also comes through developing your mechanical skills, travel, or promotional activities that improve your status.

Scorpio, the Scorpion

This can be a year of material prosperity, but only if you make sensible decisions about the proper allocation of your resources. If you don't keep the urge to spurge under control, you'll be struggling to shut the door after the financial horse has bolted. Jupiter stimulates a tendency to exaggerate your status in order to impress others, tempting you to indulge in unnecessary purchases of 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! Do you really need that Porsche? Other expenditures concern higher education, political interests, religious or spiritual activities, travel, publishing and cultural pursuits.

Sagittarius is Jupiter's own sign. This makes everyone feel more optimistic and expansive, but it does tend to over-confidence. Keep in mind that Jupiter turns retrograde on April 6, 2007, then returns to direct motion through the zodiac on August 7. 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.

Read more about Jupiter!