Sun-Jupiter Conjunction

Sun-Jupiter Conjunction - Courageous Optimism

"What makes a freethinker is not his beliefs but the way in which he holds them. ... if he holds them because, after careful thought he finds a balance of evidence in their favor, then his thought is free, however odd his conclusions may seem."

— Bertrand Russell

It isn't easy to gain our footing this week. In a sense, we have come through the 'birth canal' into a brand new reality. There are any number of intriguing, new, 'shiny bits' that draw our attention. We seem to be somewhat torn between wanting to explore our new surroundings, test the boundaries, but also look for ways to establish a new, reliable sense of security within this new environment. The Sun-Jupiter conjunction on Tuesday expands optimism and produces the courage to explore some 'New Horizons'. However, Mercury is slowing down to turn retrograde (April 21 - May 14) in Taurus, which is beginning to draw our attention to an upcoming process of reviewing our sense of security, safety and reliable protection. Mercury will turn retrograde in a sextile to Mars in Cancer, which will further increase our awareness of a need for some kind of safety. The need for a consolidation of resources also begins to gain increasing focus. Perhaps most helpful this week is the arrival of Venus in Gemini, which creates a 'mutual reception' connection to the slowing Mercury. This connection offers significant help to explore new routes of communication and connection. The expansiveness of the Sun-Jupiter conjunction may increase a tendency to self-righteousness, which may surface through a superior attitude or outright arrogance. However, the Venus-Mercury connection encourages us to look for new and innovative new ways of communicating our unique, individual message and — hopefully — discover ways to diffuse or dissipate the 'attitude of superiority' which can tend to weaken the quality of our connections to others and sour our overall message. Ultimately, we need to find ways to establish a methodical way to examine our new environment as well as make new connections with others that will help us to orient ourselves to this new environment. Next week's Aries New Moon — an unusual second Aries New Moon this year — will tightly square Pluto, demanding that we deeply examine our individual position within this brand new world. Our ability to persevere will be tested. Reliable, deep connections with others will be extremely important to our overall sense of security and stability.

We face unanticipated complications on Sunday. A desire for freedom is constrained by a competing desire for safety and security. Spontaneous action takes over on Monday, pushing aside concerns for security. Impulsiveness creates a great deal of confusion. The Sun-Jupiter conjunction on Tuesday increases the feeling of clarity and some philosophical perspective. We recognize that we are wise to try to put our 'best foot forward'. Venus arrives in Gemini on Wednesday and serves to improve communication and soften any tendency towards self-righteousness. The Capricorn Moon helps to increase responsibility. We feel a great deal of optimism on Thursday. Valuable spiritual gems of insight are available. Challenges surface on Friday that are likely blessings in disguise. We will do well to take extra time to methodically assess our situation. There is a rather easy-going atmosphere on Saturday but, by the end of the day, there may be some sense of 'impending doom' to contend with.