Astroweather -- November 2010

Jupiter changes signs from Pisces to Aquarius
November 1, 2010

November begins with a big energetic shift. The great gas giant Jupiter retrogrades out of its own sign of Pisces into Saturn's sign of Aquarius on November 1, 2010. The optimistic and expansive energy of Jupiter in Pisces is dampened by Saturn's somber influence, but over time may benefit the collective as the air sign of Aquarius is concerned with social services. The last time Jupiter was in the late degrees of Aquarius was during May 2010 when the BP oil spill and national health care became all consuming news. Public outrage and concern for the environment put political leaders and BP on the defensive as they played games about response and responsibility for the worst environmental disaster on record. It was a very challenging time and we may revisit some of these themes when Jupiter transits Aquarius. This change also occurs the day before US elections. Jupiter is an indicator for politics and law and its transit to the last degree of Aquarius may contribute some surprising results in the US elections that benefit all humanity.

In Vedic astrology this juncture between signs it is called sande. It is considered a weak position, especially if in a water sign which would also make it a karmic knot, gandanta. In this case the air sign effects the mental field and society. Our collective minds may vacillate as we try to figure out the best way to cast our votes. In addition the polls will open under the influence of the Moon situated in self-oriented Leo opposite Jupiter in the humanitarian sign of Aquarius. This opposition will create tension between the needs of the people and the self interests of the wealthy or ruling classes.

For example, here in Washington State, there is an initiative to create a state income tax only for the wealthiest 1.2 % of the population, which would generate $2 billion a year for education and health care programs that have been shrunk by budget cuts. It is supported by billionaire Bill Gates and his father, but has drawn criticism from both big and small businesses that fear it will push companies out of the state. Other billionaires such as Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos are funding a $6.3-million campaign to defeat it. These billionaires are playing on the collective fear that this initiative will force companies to move out of state, or will open the door for implementing state income tax for all. They are relying on the public being as selfish as they are. With the waning Moon in Leo, the public might not be as enlightened and progressive as usual and may in fact vote with their wallets against this proposal. Or they might realize this initiative will in fact benefit them, and self-interest will synchronize with collective benefit.


As the Moon represent the public and the collective mind of the masses, it is an important indicator to assess during election day in a democracy. When the polls open in Washington DC, the Moon begins the day in the nakshatra of Purva Phalguni ruled by Venus which is still in its weakened combust state, in retrograde motion, and now in its early morning star position. Venus is a raja yoga planet for the US Scorpionic chart and may not be strong enough to completely protect its interests of the 4th and 9th houses: real estate, institutes of higher education, law, art, and diplomacy. By the end of the day the Moon joins Saturn, the chart ruler of the US chart, in Virgo in the nakshatra of Uttara Phalguni, ruled by the Sun which is currently positioned in its weakest sign placement of Libra. The Moon's conjunction with somber Saturn does not bode well for the state of mind of the collective. The people may continue to feel burdened by a political system that is as broken as our health care system. Saturn can represent the status quo, so things may not change a whole lot. However, the Sun in Libra is not strong for leaders or corporations. In fact the Sun in Libra may make leaders more likely to make concessions for the sake of unity. Concession speeches should prove to be interesting.

As election day winds down, the Moon transits the US 8th house illuminating the collective worry about unemployment, the national debt, and ongoing financial crisis. It will be clear that there is still a lot of work to do to heal this nation. The burden on the middle class will continue to effect the entire country across the board until Saturn leaves the 8th house next year in November 2011.

In Western astrology planets positioned at 29 degrees are also considered critical. The anaretic degree is the final degree of any sign, which is 29 degrees 0 minutes to 29 degrees 59 minutes. Planets or luminaries placed within that range are likely to display the most extreme attributes of the sign or planet. Often the Sabian symbols are used to describe the karma associated with these late degree placements. The Sabian symbol for 29 Aquarius is "a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis." Perhaps all this hard work that we are doing will indeed bring forth something wondrous. But for a caterpillar to turn into a butterfly it must first undergo a painful transformation in which it completely dissolve its old structure into a gooey mess before it is ready to emerge with its new power of flight. Jupiter goes direct on November 18, 2019 and will remain at the significant 29 degree until December 5, 2010 when it returns to its own sign of Pisces. During this time we may all be experiencing a metamorphosis as we prepare for the day of emergence. Are you ready to fly?

Namaste.