By Shelley L. Ackerman
From Shelley's weekly "Shimmering Stars" column in
The Westchester Guardian, © 2007]
*Note: Comprehensive Coverage of the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction is the subject for the article I wrote for the December 2007/January 2008 edition of The Mountain Astrologer (also the 20th anniversary issue), available at Barnes & Noble, Whole Foods, and most New Age Bookstores.
In this astrologically very busy week, in which every planet in our solar system makes one or more exact aspect to other planets, it all pales in comparison to THE celestial event of the year: The rare conjunction of expansive, high-minded Jupiter and big bad Pluto, lord of the underworld.
Though these two ‘titan’ planets of highs and lows conjoin at least once every 12-13 years, Jupiter and Pluto have not done so in fiery, chatty, broad, brassy, religious, political and opinionated Sagittarius since Nov. 10th 1758.
This event occurs two days after the Dec. 9th new moon, on Dec. 11, 2007 at 2:26 PM EST.
Amongst astrologers, there has been much fanfare, speculation, and even some angst-ridden jitters concerning this larger than life planetary 'merger' which occurs just 6½ weeks before Pluto enters Capricorn on January 25, 2008, and during the Mars retrograde which seems to stalk as well oppose Pluto three times during the sequence.
Though Pluto was unknown and unseen at the time, this powerful and auspicious conjunction occurred at the very same 28 Sagittarius degree on Nov. 23, 1023 A.D., by most accounts the year that paper money was first printed and issued in the world (by the Chinese government).
Interesting that China is very much in the news now: There have been multiple reports of incidents of lead and other toxins in food and toys, manufactured cheaply in sweatshops where human rights are violated & labor conditions are unspeakable. These stories, according to Charles Kernahan of the National Labor Committee, are hard to believe, but sadly true. (‘Made in China’ labels seem more like a warning these days). Possibly the most egregious report, but one that illustrates the extreme-corruption- distortion end of the Jupiter/Pluto energy spectrum is that of crucifixes sold at Saint Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity Church for $17.99 that were made in Chinese sweatshops by teenagers who work 15-25 hour shifts and are paid 22 cents an hour (9 cents an hour after deductions for room and board) and in dreadful working conditions.
As a close-to-home manifestation and a darn good example of the religion/money/politics/publishing qualities of the conjunction, it was announced this week, that the multi-faith website Beliefnet.com (which I have written for extensively) has been bought by Fox Entertainment Group, a division of News Corp. The owner of news Corp, Rupert Murdoch, has a Jupiter/Pluto conjunction in his natal chart.
Cheap manufacturing, hypocrisy, media sales, selling out, slave labor, and unbridled greed on the part of church gift shops aside, Jupiter and Pluto conjoined in a natal horoscope is usually thought of by astrologers as a very good thing to have. Just ask Bill Gates, Rachael Ray, George Soros, Warren Buffet, Mick Jagger, or Mel Gibson, all have it in their charts as do both Sid Bernstein (who brought The Beatles to America in 1964) and the late Leonard Bernstein, who composed West Side Story.(The unrelated Bernsteins were born 12 days apart in August 1918).
Jupiter/Pluto is a planetary combination associated with unlimited regenerative power and the potential for great wealth, luck, and opportunity: What could be more desirable than that? But now, 984 years later, as we anticipate the most eventful and dramatic presidential election in American history and prepare for the massive structural upheaval that Pluto in Capricorn promises to deliver over the next 15 years, we are left to ponder this: Years from now, will the fiery Jupiter/Pluto conjunction of December '07, come to symbolize the first 'shot' of a civilization spinning out of control and into a world-wide revolution?
On a lighter note, the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction is being creatively and satirically expressed by way of Reverend Billy and his Church of Stop Shopping, now immortalized on the silver screen and at a theatre near you in "What Would Jesus Buy", a film produced by Morgan ("Super-Size Me") Spurlock. A highlight of the film is an exorcism performed by Reverend Billy outside of Walmart. Too bad the Reverend or some other form of divine intervention weren't around to prevent the horrific murders at the mall this week in Omaha Nebraska.
On an individual level, the fiery Dec.11 conjunction will potentially kick off a burst of exhilarating energy that goes deep and has the potential-no matter what your sign is-to lift you out of whatever rut you're in. Don't waste this big opportunity: Make the most of it NOW. This conjunction, which sets the tone for the next 13 years, will occur next in November 2020 in the sign of Capricorn.
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Chart: Jupiter-Pluto Conjunction |
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What the Jupiter/Pluto Conjunction Means for YOUR Sign:
ARIES: This week marks a brand new era, one of new beliefs and a new philosophy by which to live your dreams. You may explore a new church/temple and/or plan to go back to school as an investment in a life-changing venture or profession. The challenge at hand is for you to think in terms long range goals and to keep the big picture in mind as you deal with the slow and emotionally draining reality of home and family. Be patient and tolerant as you keep the faith. This 'testing period' will be over in less than two short months.
TAURUS: You won't go through this sequence alone: The Jupiter/Pluto 'explosion' as it were, is in your 8th house of shared resources and transformation, and it involves the death and rebirth of your economic life with a partner - whether that 'partner' is a spouse, a significant other, or a financial institution that you're bonded with. If handled wisely, this could set you on a brand new path of prosperity. Some form of restructuring is unavoidable so go with the flow. Don't try to fight this change, if you do, you'll lose.
GEMINI: Be careful what you wish for. You've prayed for the love of your life to appear and when he or she does, you panic and become unavailable. Or- you've prayed for your significant other to make some changes and when he or she does, you're terrified of being left for a newer model. You can't have it both ways. The partnership sector of your chart is alive and kicking, and by osmosis you're brought back to life. The square from Uranus to Mercury may put a temporary strain on communication, don't force anything.
CANCER: Though it's holiday time, the burst of Jupiter/Pluto energy in your 6th house inspires you to work harder and smarter than you have in years. You're likely to stumble upon a new and more effective way of approaching what you've done by rote for years, only now you actually enjoy doing them. Same thing applies to your health: a revelation is at hand. There could be a new instructor at the gym, or a massage therapist, but whoever it is preaches the gospel of renewal and it changes your life! Feeling good is your new religion. Praise the Lord!
LEO: Perhaps you more than anyone stands to enjoy and reap the benefits of this auspicious celestial event: Yes, you could win a bundle at the casino or playing the lottery, but the long terms effects of this conjunction are even greater than that: The creative bounty that the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction brings to your 5th house of love affairs and speculation can set you up for a lifetime of residual joy if you work it. Build on your strengths of loyalty and generosity and you will never want for a thing.
VIRGO: The Jupiter- Pluto conjunction hits you where you're most vulnerable and that may be a good thing. A profound shift in your family dynamic and/or in your home is inevitable and it's timely. Adjusting to what family members are going through and allowing each one the space to process is imperative for the long term health of the clan. Though your nerves are frayed, be patient. A minor renovation or reconfiguring pieces brings new life. If a relative needs to stay short term, put the conditions on paper and get it notarized.
LIBRA: The Jupiter/Pluto conjunction in your 3rd house should open up several opportunities for powerful self expression and ones that pay off. Be courageous and willing to share what you know to be true and remain open to a new way of relating to neighbors and siblings. You can't have the success you want if you insist on playing the role of parent with people who don't need it or want it. Love may not be in the air but have you checked the tub? Venus and Mars (in water signs) trine this week, Romance may be just a lap or two away. Go swimming. Pools and steam rooms are hot spots.
SCORPIO: OK- Go crazy and get carried away if you must, but make sure you have a return ticket back to earth. There's reason to celebrate and it involves an over the top financial win. No matter what your station is, a bonus or a payday for a job well done is pretty much guaranteed. But be grateful, humble, and gracious, and for heaven's sake, don't shove it in anyone's face. This gift from the universe should set you a healthier economic path for the next 13 years. From now on risk less, invest more.
SAGITTARIUS: If anyone tells you to 'curb your enthusiasm', you have permission from the cosmos to spit in their eye. True, you're generally not the most contained or quiet among the zodiac, but this week's burst of energy in your sign is impossible for you to stifle. So if you're moved to emit a joyful noise or to sing your heart out, by all means do it! But since everyone's not into it, think in terms of a place that's welcoming and appropriate. Write down all revelations: You'll want to review them later when the high wears off.
CAPRICORN: In order for you to move ahead and claim all that will be yours for the asking in 2008, there may be a few weeks of angst and soul-searching to get through first. You're no stranger to being tested, but this couldn't have come at a more inopportune time. The feeling that no one appreciates you and all that you do is just that - a feeling. It's not accurate. The behind the scenes 'explosion' or the one that's taking place in your psyche should be thought of as a necessary demolition that will pave the way for a brand new structure.
AQUARIUS: The conjunction of Jupiter and Pluto in your 11th house of friends, hopes, wishes and aspirations serves a dual purpose: On the one hand, a clean sweep of many friendships and clusters of energy that outworn their usefulness is in order. At the same time, there could also be a reemergence of others that you haven't seen in a while and who are worthy of a second chance. This is not the time to go it alone, but get clear about who you want to spend time with/align with and why.
PISCES: It's been hard for you to relax in recent weeks and you will soon learn why: The Sagittarius new moon followed by conjunction of your co-ruler Jupiter and transformative Pluto all in your career-centric 10th house puts your professional life on the launch pad of Cape Canaveral and it's about 15 seconds to lift off. This is what you've been working for forever. Don't allow self-doubt or any tendency to self-destruct to get in your way. No one deserves this break more than you.
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