As outer planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto make their (supposedly) backwards descent in the sky, we are preparing to reevaluate the aspects of our lives that these planets rule over. Since outer planets reflect our values on a more philosophical and generational level, their effects will not be immediate on our day-to-day lives.
This doesn't mean that we should ignore how these planets can drastically alter the course of our lives, especially if they're making major aspects to our inner planets. I always look towards the outer planets when meditating on aspects of my life that I'd like to transform. Working with these planets requires commitment. Since they take longer to revolve around the Sun, their impact is stretched over long periods of time.
Jupiter began retrograding on April 10th, 2019 and will station direct on August 11th, 2019. The planet of expansion rules over optimism, confidence, and our thirst for knowledge and adventure. Jupiter is currently at home in Sagittarius, the happy-go-lucky go-getter of the zodiac. A retrograde in this sign indicates our interior lives will be greatly expanded, as Jupiter bolster anything it touches.
During this time period, pay attention to the patterns that appear before you. Once you notice something, examples of it pop up everywhere. Do they feel coincidental or intentional? The Universe is a neutral force, but it always has your best interests in mind. Seek knowledge and understanding of what you're drawn to, and avoid superficiality and skimming.
For Jupiter's retrograde, I consulted my Pagan Tarot deck for more insight. The Moon card appears when it's time to release any repressed painful emotions from our past. It indicates uncertainty and illusion, as our subconscious mind isn't as clearly laid out as our conscious. Allow dreams, intuition, and occult practices to assist you in navigating the confusing aspects of this transitional phase. Jupiter retrograding through Sagittarius can help clear out emotional baggage that blocks our true potential. Pay close attention to the cycles of the Moon.
Speaking of the Moon, the Full Moon occurs on April 19th at 7:12am ET at 29° Libra. We've been blessed with a New and Full Moon in Libra this month, reaffirming Venus's lessons of partnership, collaboration, and balance. The Moon forms a square with Neptune in Capricorn, clouding our ability to clearly understand these planetary influences. Adding to the mix of chaos is Uranus in Taurus, opposing the Full Moon in Libra.
As Uranus is the planet of unpredictability and rebellion, it's difficult to project what can happen during this time. Expect the unexpected, as upsetting or transformation revelation and events may occur. How you approach relationships as an individual are a key theme during this Full Moon; it's time to release any toxic patterns you have in intimate partnerships, whether romantic, familial, or plutonic.
I pulled the Ten of Wands for the Full Moon in Libra. It represents a period of time where we may be taking on extra burdens in our lives, whether literally or emotionally. Perhaps it's too much for us to handle, and it forces us to recognize our personal limitations. The Ten of Wands asks us to take a step back and evaluate whether or not we're prioritizing our responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner. The number ten represents the end of a cycle. We may be finishing a chapter of our story, moving forward with more wisdom and better time-management skills.
This is a perfect transition into Saturn retrograde, as it echoes the themes present in the Ten of Wands.
Saturn begins its retrograde on April 30th, 2019 and lasts until September 18th (there are a lot of inconsistencies on the internet as to when this retrograde period begins and ends, but this is the most accurate date I found). Saturn will be moving backwards through Capricorn, a placement it's been hanging out in since December 2017. We've already experienced most of this transit, so hopefully our adaption to its retrograde won't be too jarring.
Saturn is at home in somber and responsible Capricorn. This energy represents how we navigate rules, structures, and our limitations. Depending on where Saturn is transiting in your chart and whether or not it's forming major aspects with other planets, you may have already seen the fruition of this intense, yet rewarding transit.
The Ace of Chalices is a card that reflects the overwhelming amount of Divine love and appreciation we're currently experiencing. Blessings and opportunities are presented before us, awaiting our answer. Since it's number 1, it represents the beginning of something. It's an inviting energy, one that asks us to become what we aspire to be. We are open to new things and are spilling over with creative energy. How will you channel it?
Pluto retrogrades April 24th and stations direct October 3rd, 2019. During this period, Pluto will be in the later degrees of Capricorn, beginning at 23° and ending at 20°. Since Pluto has been in Capricorn, we've seen major shifts in how people perceive and understand power. The 2018 election in America unmasked any illusions (if there were any left to began with) about whether or not the government is just. Even in my personal circle, a lot of my friends and family members have rediscovered their personal power and have applied it to achieve their dreams.
Power isn't inherently a bad thing. And this is what Pluto in Capricorn wants to teach us. Wielding power responsibility can lead to tangible results in our lives. Perhaps we've already begun this process, and feel it most evidently in our physical bodies and surroundings. Capricorn is an Earth sign, so any planet passing through is likely to be grounding.
I asked the Tarot to elaborate further on how this energy can manifest into our lives. The World is a reflective card, one that comes at the end of a cycle or chapter. It asks us to remember our journey and celebrate the knowledge we've acquired along the way. Completion and fulfillment are either present feelings or something we're close to achieving. In the context of Pluto retrograding through Capricorn, it's important to revel in the important steps you took that lead to this moment of wisdom. What did you learn that you can apply in the future? Remembering where we begun gives us insight into just how powerful and life-changing transformation can be.
There's a lot happening in the stars right now: a Full Moon, three outer planets going retrograde, and the Sun in Aries moving into Taurus on April 20th, 2019. But now that you understand a little part of how these energies can influence you, you're better equipped to cope with any challenges that come your way.
If you wish for a more in-depth and personal interpretation of how these energies will affect you, I'm offering a special transit reading for these three planets. Click here for more information.
