THE MOOD: Gimme Gimme More

Who is Jupiter?

Jupiter stars in one of the major astrological headlines this spring. Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system, which is visible to the naked eye and has been observed since prehistoric times.  Jupiter’s scale sets the tone for its astrological significations. Jupiter makes things bigger, naturally supersizing everything it touches. 

Materially, Jupiter keeps clicking “add to cart” – it loves nothing more than to give and get more, more, more. It prizes a life that is abundant, ever-growing and ever-flowing, rich, joyful, and juicy. Philosophically, Jupiter thinks big, and from above. It keeps our eyes on the prize, swatting aside the small stuff. It’s no coincidence that, mythologically, Jupiter is the god of the sky, the great philosopher-king. Spiritually, Jupiter inspires with enthusiasm, optimism, and grandiosity. Jupiter inflates, adding helium, breath, and bravado. Jupiter moves us by uplifting the potentials and possibilities in our lives.

In traditional (Hellenistic) astrology, Jupiter is considered a “benefic” (a beneficial planet); in pop culture, Jupiter is often described as a harbinger of luck and good fortune. However, I always encourage us to consider planets beyond the binary of “good” and “bad,” and Jupiter is no exception. Jupiter has immense power to nurture our individual and collective abundance; and, when left unchecked, Jupiter’s endless hunger for growth can become cancerous, a disease of too-much. Jupiter’s expansive urge can easily cheer on the wild accumulation of profit while disregarding the exploitation of humans and nature; it can channel the toxic positivity of “good vibes only” and look away from injustice. We must harness its energy – in tandem with checks, balances, and boundaries – to achieve liberation and abundance for all, not just the few.

What is Jupiter up to now, and what does it mean?

Jupiter the god, the giant, the mood is on the move this spring. On April 20, Jupiter conjuncts Uranus at 21° Taurus. Effusion meets explosion in this high-energy meetup. As Jupiter’s magnamity knocks into the live wire that is Uranus, we may encounter brilliant breakthroughs and Big Gulp-sized breakdowns that challenge what feels comfortable, stable, and grounded. Uranus flips tables, and Jupiter is more than happy to take it to EPIC proportions; in Taurus, a reliable and stubborn earth sign, the impact is groundbreaking, material, and perhaps monetary. Simultaneoulsy, Mars conjoins Neptune in Pisces. Given all of it, we may find ourselves in the midst of overflow that is creative, heated, and perhaps messy. This is a mood to flex our flexibility, stay attuned to emerging opportunities, and ride the mechanical bull of this moment with strong and open arms.

As we move into May, the wild rhythms stirred by Jupiter and Uranus reverberate and settle. On May 25, Jupiter enters Gemini, where it will stay for about a year. Jupiter in earthy Taurus orients towards material growth and expansion; Jupiter in airy Gemini balloons the buzziness in our minds. The energy feels like a Powerball machine – with all the numbers, ideas, and possibilities whirring in our brains, we may struggle to pick just one, or even make sense of it all. It’s a surge in TikToks and text messages, a new kind of hunger for, and gorging on, all kinds of content. 

As Jupiter in Gemini bellows gimme gimme more, it will be important to consider: How much is too much? How can we avoid drowning in the details and not lose sight of the big picture? When is less more? The house where Gemini lands in your chart may offer clues as to where these questions might be most useful to consider. 

At its highest and best use, Jupiter can elevate us to a place to ponder, wonder, and make meaning – and know that we need all levels of sight to inspire the kind of generosity that fosters collective care, heartfelt action, and true abundance for all.