A Note on Jupiter Conjunct Pluto
Happy Halloween, my friends. This seems an appropriate day to tell you about Jupiter conjunct Pluto, an aspect that can have scary implications. Keep in mind that all aspects have a trick or treat quality. The best aspects can trick us into false optimism and over indulgence. The worst can treat us to important learning and opportunies for healing and success thanks to lessons learned. The third and last Jupiter Pluto conjunction in this cycle will occur on Nov 12. It’s already quite strong as it approaches the exact conjunction. It will be with us through November. Look back to the previous exact conjunctions for themes that may be revisited. The first was April 5. A couple weeks before and after are worth considering, personally and collectively. The second occurred on June 30. What problems remain unsolved? What have you learned since those conjunctions? Has your definition of success changed? Have you found a sound basis for optimism?
First a look at the negative possibilities. While Jupiter can indicate success, joy, justice, expansion, religious understanding, and such positive qualities as generosity, optimism and hospitality, in essence Jupiter amplifies. Here Jupiter amplifies Pluto, which during this third conjunction is also conjunct Saturn. Jupiter will be exactly conjunct Saturn in late December this year, commencing a new 20 year cycle. The last 20 year cycle unfortunately typified the negative qualities of Taurus: selfishness, love of wealth and luxury, stubbornness, might is right, chronic anger, unwillingness to change one’s mind, and an unapologetic false confidence. We certainly have a president that typifies these qualities. The next 20 year cycle will be in Aquarius which provides considerable contrast with its interest in equality, the future, and multiple points of view.
Now to those negative possibilities of Jupiter conjunct Pluto. This could indicate the continuation of a surge in the pandemic, and an increase in deaths and serious illness particularly. So November is not a good time for taking risks. Jupiter conjunct Pluto can be foolishly optimistic, as well as arrogant; try to avoid those qualities in your thoughts and actions. Pluto can be subversive, violent, destructive, and Jupiter amplifies these tendencies. Avoid anything or anywhere criminal. With Jupiter conjunct Pluto there is a tendency to suspicion, paranoia, envy, projection and the like. Don’t become compulsive about other people and what they may or may not be doing. Ask questions. Communicate. You may discover you are quite wrong about people you hold in disdain. Allow them to evolve. Perhaps you might be surprised by our common humanity.
Needless to say this aspect does not bode well for a peaceful election. Expect confusion and violent reaction whoever wins. Jupiter conjunct Pluto can lead to protests, and protests can lead to violence and attacks on protestors. Avoid anyone with a fanatic opinion about the value of destructiveness in changing society. Attacks against symbols of wealth and authority are likely in areas where feelings are running high. Conversely the authorities are likely to clamp down on what they consider threats of terror, no matter how well intentioned. Extremism on both sides is quite possible. Resist mass delusions. Don’t dwell on feelings of fear and futility regarding the future. Don’t expect the worst. This too shall pass. Many of the most dire aspects of 2020 will fade out of orb before the end of the year. 2021 has great challenges, especially the series of Saturn Uranus squares, but these are less intense than the Saturn Pluto Mars Jupiter storms we’ve been suffering. Saturn square Uranus indicates the consequences of the pandemic and political chaos causing challenges next year, and we can expect that the division within the country will continue. Q-anon will not disappear. Over the next several years Uranus in Taurus will continue to disrupt and evolve the way money and food distribution function in our society. The conservative and progressive sides of America will continue to struggle over the future. It’s a pity they don’t see how much they need each other.
The current economic turmoil is typical of Jupiter conjunct Pluto, and we can expect more bad news around the markets, jobs, homelessness and the other consequences of lock downs, predatory corporate practices, and exhausted consumers. Recovery promises to be a slow process but in the ashes of the old 20th century institutions new forms of governance and business are being born. On the extreme negative end of the spectrum is authoritarian corporatism, a danger to which neither party is immune.
Now some positive possibilities individually and collectively. With the Zoomers voting a new generation steps up to shape the future. They will help us to moderate the excesses of the oligarchy that has run roughshod over the American dream. Institutions of every kind will continue to undergo signficant changes. Success will be redefined. The oligarchy gorges on the chaos but then must face the consequences of economic inequality. Voltaire said the way to make money is to see which way the government is going and position oneself where the money is flowing. That’s an especially good idea these days.
Pluto is not only about destruction and perversion, it can also indicate deep healing, tranquility, social and spiritual reform and transformation, necessary repairs, and rebirth collective and personal. How do we get the best from Pluto? Identify areas in your life that require reform and repair. Do the research. Make changes conscientiously. Include the greater good in your definition of success. Let go of habits and beliefs from the past that create unnecessary suffering. Meditate. Let go of bad habits and cultivate good ones. Force is not the right approach. Silent contemplation can help you find the right timing and the right place. Above all, take this opportunity to learn about yourself, about your goals, and about society. Who do you want to be, and what do you want to do, on the other side of the chasm? Know when to turn off the news. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of nature. Find pride in survival, and allow the humbling that society has suffered to bring you a deeper appreciation for who and what you cherish.
Here is a quote from The Lord of the Rings that is quite appropriate for these times. “Sam struggled with his own weariness, and he took Frodo’s hand; and there he sat silent till deep night fell. Then at last, to keep himself awake, he crawled from the hiding-place. The land seemed full of noises, but there was no sound of voice or of foot. Far above the Ephel Duath in the West the night-sky was still dim. There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach. His song in the Tower had been defiance rather than hope; for then he was thinking of himself. Now, for a moment, his own fate, and even his master’s, ceased to trouble him. He crawled back into the brambles and laid himself by Frodo’s side, and putting away all fear he cast himself into a deep untroubled sleep.”
