Retrograde Jupiter

Do you need a spiritual realignment? From June 15 – October 12, 2009, Jupiter, the planet of spiritual beliefs, will be in retrograde. Because retrogrades beam a spotlight on your inner life, this is the perfect time to evaluate and improve your connection to Source.

However, it can be a difficult time to start a new business venture because retrogrades don’t support your material goals. It’s not about focusing on prosperity, which is usually the domain of lucky Jupiter, but about being aligned with your integrity, beliefs and destiny. Goals of the soul, in other words.

If you do launch a new business during retrograde Jupiter, you may find yourself in a philanthropic role, like giving away services to those in need, which can be a good thing in the long run, but frustrating financially. Also, new clients won’t be stampeding to your doorstep. So be patient concerning the financial and growth aspects of the business. Things will likely improve after Jupiter turns direct in October.

Be true to yourself
So what’s the best way to handle Jupiter in retrograde? Look to see if your beliefs reflect your values. Are they truly a part of who you are, or are you blindly following the beliefs of someone else? Do you pay as much attention to your spiritual life as you do your job or family? If not, you may need to make time for contemplation, meditation or religious services, whatever form of spirituality nourishes your soul. Attuning yourself to nature, taking a class on Eastern religions or having your astrology chart read are also ways to energize your spiritual life.

The phony-buster
Jupiter is also about integrity. During the next few months, you may find yourself face-to-face with any pretenses you’ve build up. For instance, if you need the accoutrements of success (fine clothing, high-end car, six-figure income) in order to feel validated, be prepared for a lesson in what’s truly important to you. However this lesson shows itself, just know it’s there to realign your integrity with your soul’s purpose.

Complete what you’ve started
Jupiter also rules education and adventure, while retrogrades prompt you to backtrack over old territory so you can complete your goal. Is there a distant land you’ve longed to visit? Are you needing to finish your bachelor’s degree? Now may be the time to take that trip to Egypt to see the pyramids, or enroll in a college course (or two) to complete your education.

But what if you’re starting college in the fall? With Jupiter retrograde through October 12, 2009 you might need to change your major eventually or readjust your schedule in some fashion. Most important, keep searching your heart to see if what you’re studying supports your destiny.

It’s a sign!
As the planet of the future, retrograde Jupiter will prompt you to examine your goals and how you’ll get there. Heeding your intuition can keep your goals on track – or help you find a new path altogether. Be open to receiving messages from unexpected (unseen?) sources that can guide your direction – signs from the universe, if you will. A sign may come from meeting a long-lost friend who works in a field you’ve been considering, which propels you toward a new job. Or perhaps you’ll suddenly hear a song on the radio that offers a clue about what you need to do.

During this time, be introspective and let the Universe guide you. Then you’ll have a clearer perspective about your life, both spiritually and materially, after Jupiter turns direct.