Hurry Up And Wait – Michelle Piller

Today at 8:11am EDT Jupiter goes retrograde until September 8. Then at 4:20pm EDT Mars moves into the sign of Leo until July 1. The resulting energy: hurry up (Mars in Leo) and wait (Jupiter retrograde in Capricorn).
Let’s look at Jupiter retrograde first. Planets are in retrograde motion when they are closest to the earth and furthest from the Sun. They appear to be traveling backwards, though this is an optical illusion from our vantage point. When a planet moves from direct (forward) motion to retrograde motion we are given that period of time to reflect on how we utilize that planet’s particular energy. In the case of Jupiter, because he represents our search for truth – whether through exploring philosophy, religion, spirituality, justice, teaching, education or travel – these are some of the issues that will come under the microscope over the next four months. We’re able to reflect on and ultimately judge (very Jupiterian) what’s working for us in these areas, and what’s not. Jupiter is the planetary embodiment of expansion, for we do feel expansive as we learn. He’s generally seen as the jovial and generous conveyor of bounty and good fortune - think Santa Claus - unlike Saturn who’s often maligned as the Grinch. (These two have a great “good-cop, bad-cop” routine going – but that’s another story.)
As it happens, Jupiter is in Saturn’s home zodiac sign of Capricorn. And, since Saturn in particular and Capricorn by proxy are associated with restriction, Jupiter feels somewhat imprisoned in Capricorn. (What did you think all of Saturn’s rings were for, if not to impose restrictions and boundaries?) Now toss in a retrograde, and we hear a collective chorus of “What just happened? My promotion (my contract, my windfall, my ascendancy as Ruler of the World) was a sure thing!” Not so sure at the moment – perhaps delayed, perhaps withheld altogether. Now, before you go running off the bridge, consider the upside. Perhaps we can be grateful that those things we have been expecting have not materialized just yet, for this is a time to go within and re-evaluate the journey we’re on. There’s time for a course correction, if we need it. As you re-assess those things that nourish your growth, and those that hinder it, it may turn out - in the long run -that the promotion (or whatever it is that seemed destined to be yours) was not quite right for you after all. Besides, Mercury is getting ready for his retrograde transit, and that means that we don’t yet have sufficient information to make a useful decision. (We’ll talk about that on May 26.)
So over the next twelve weeks, get your inner guru on (Jupiter is related to gurus) and start navel-gazing. You’ve got a plethora of cosmic support – and not just from Jupiter retrograde. Right now we have a locomotive pattern in the skies. We’re all on this train together and Pluto is our fearless conductor. Pluto is retrograde too, for the record - in the sign of Capricorn, so Jupiter is in fine company. Pluto rules transformation. Think of the phoenix as it rises from the ashes. Pluto also rules obsessions, taboos and compulsions. (Anyone remember the film 9 ½ Weeks? Spank me if that’s not a Plutonian film.) This planet covers life and death - the ultimate transformation of energy. So Pluto retrograde is instrumental in helping us shed the past – think major purge. And, because he’s very high-focus in today’s chart (being the locomotive conductor and all) he is driving us to transform, reform and change. Between now and September 8 Pluto retrograde insists that we re-evaluate our power structures and infrastructures. Government, education, banking, corporatism (all ruled by Capricorn): these are ripe and ready for deep change. And we, the people, play a crucial role in shaping our societies. This is why Jupiter has stepped up to the plate, in retrograde fashion, to help us think about what kind of changes we desire on a personal and civic level (Jupiter), as well as on a global level (Pluto). Consider your code of ethics, for instance. Has it changed? Do you have a code of ethics to begin with? Do you leave ethics up to the grand folks who run this joint we call home? If so, wake up your inner politician, law-maker or ethics proponent! Each of these planets invites us to change from within.
This theme of change from within is echoed by spiritual Neptune conjunct (hand-in-hand with) Chiron and North Node. We are collectively on a quest to fulfill a deep spiritual yearning - a unified sense of spirituality - and to reach for our highest potential. Now, that’s right up Jupiter retrograde’s yin-yang! Meanwhile, Sun and Jupiter trine each other, while sextiling Uranus. These three giants form a mini talent triangle – if you have a flash of brilliance, if the next best idea in the world (that’s going to change the world for better) comes to you, write it down. Today, however, we don’t launch our best idea ever because you can’t bottle this energy; it’s dissipating rapidly. However, you’ve got four months to refine and work your best idea. And by then it will be realistic - a far cry from the rather extravagant and over-indulgent energy we have at the moment. Fortunately, with Saturn trine Pluto we are self-motivated and have follow-through on our plans.

Now, let’s take a quick look at Mars’ ingress (move) into Leo. (We have to be quick for impetuous Mars simply won’t pay attention for too long.) He has now moved out of the water sign of Cancer and into his own fire element, and he’s proud as punch (Leo) to be the only planetary ambassador in a fire sign at the moment. Being such a pioneer is right up his alley. And the drama – oh, how Leo loves drama. This is the sign of the actor, after all. Yes Mars has moved into the theatre sign just in time for summer-stock season. Actor or not, expect a bit more spice and pomp and vanity. And because Leo is a fixed sign, there is some stability and staying power in our Mars-related activities. But do be aware of digging in your heels - there is an awkward aspect, known as a quincunx (yikes, even its name is awkward) between planetary bad boys Mars and Pluto. They’re doing this inelegant dance together, and one of them is likely to get their toes stepped on. As the skies mirror our lives, do tread lightly if you value your Manolos. Little power struggles erupt, and someone needs to make a concession – who will it be?
If we return to the idea of change from within, it seems that the key planetary message is that the best way to change the world is to change ourselves. Namaste.