Thoughts

In Pursuit of Wisdom

A Close-Up Look at Jupiter's Dynamic Atmosphere
Jupiter is the king of the solar system, more massive than all of the other solar-system planets combined. Although astronomers have been observing the gas-giant planet for hundreds of years, it still remains a mysterious world. Astronomers don't have definitive answers, for example, of why cloud bands and storms change colors, or why storms shrink in size. The most prominent long-lasting feature, the Great Red Spot, has been downsizing since the 1800s. However, the giant storm is still large enough to swallow Earth. The Red Spot is anchored in a roiling atmosphere that is powered by heat welling up from the monster planet’s deep interior, which drives a turbulent atmosphere. In contrast, sunlight powers Earth's atmosphere. From Jupiter, however, the Sun is much fainter because the planet is much farther away from it. Jupiter's upper atmosphere is a riot of colorful clouds, contained in bands that whisk along at different wind speeds and in alternating directions. Dynamic features such as cyclones and anticyclones (high-pressure storms that rotate counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere) abound. Attempting to understand the forces driving Jupiter's atmosphere is like trying to predict the pattern cream will make when it is poured into a hot cup of coffee. Researchers are hoping that Hubble's yearly monitoring of the planet—as an interplanetary weatherman—will reveal the shifting behavior of Jupiter's clouds. Hubble images should help unravel many of the planet's outstanding puzzles. This new Hubble image is part of that yearly study, called the Outer Planets Atmospheres Legacy program, or OPAL.

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This week the Moon figures prominently affecting our emotions and for some, their internal security system.  As if all the celestial happenings this year haven’t been enough already.  On the 13th the Moon moves into Leo bringing about a desire to be outgoing, to get out and do something.  Those with a Leo Moon will feel this more keenly than others.  Those with a Leo Sun might feel the need to shine their light on the world.  The world is beginning to open up a little more, and our forced seclusion over the last year could heighten this desire.

Moon conjunct Mars

Before you rush out to plan an outing with friends, keep in mind that this movement is happening with a few other key celestial alignments.  The Moon is conjunct Mars at this same time, and both of them are also conjunct the Midheaven.  These other two alignments will heavily influence how this affects us.  

Mars involvement will tend to make us a little more irritable than normal.  Mars also has a tendency to make trivial things seem more important than they are.

The Mid-heaven

The mid-heaven involvement can make you feel more vulnerable and have your mind focused on personal fears and petty personal motives.  Being in the sign of Leo amplifies all of this.  If you are a secure person, this won’t have much of an effect, but if you have vulnerabilities in these areas, the heavens are going to point out areas that need work.

With Mars conjunct the mid-heaven, the ego gets involved.  It can cause impulsive actions that stem purely from an egocentric place.  While this alignment is great for athletic activities and anything that requires you to be original and innovative, keep an eye on the motivation.  If the ego figures prominently things might not go as planned.

Mars is also trine Neptune until the 13th, and the Sun is square Neptune from the 13th to the 21st.  This adds to the issue of small annoyances getting blown out of proportion.  It could have a critical eye turning inward.  This isn’t a good time to make major life decisions, especially where relationships are concerned.  While leaving dirty towels on the floor might be annoying, is it really worth breaking up over?  

Mercury Semisquare Mars

On the 12th Mercury came into the influence of Mars semisquare.  This becomes exact on the 15th and ends on the 20th.  Mercury being the messenger could bring a project your way that lets your intellect shine.  Be sure to check out the project thoroughly before accepting.  This aspect has associations with growth issues, so whatever you are being tasked with could have some hidden issues.  Once you look at the project completely you will be able to determine if your abilities can see it through.

Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter

On the 13th Venus begins moving into a sesquiquadrate with Jupiter that is exact on the 16th and ends on the 19th.  This transit is a good one.  It brings about favorable indulgences and things you enjoy.  This could be a romantic interest, or just staying home and spoiling yourself.  Depending on the houses in your specific chart, it can put the light of expansion (Jupiter) and love (Venus) on any part of your life.  If a new love interest pops into your life during this transit, keep in mind that it could be a fleeting infatuation, and let time tell the real tale.

Moon moves into Virgo

On the 15th the Moon moves into Virgo.  This placement shines its light on the ability to organize and gives energy to anything that requires a methodical structure, or a system of rules.  Attention to detail is the order of the day.  The moon will make this focused on the personal side of things.  If you are planning a gathering, bringing a Virgo in to help will make sure that the details are well thought out, and creature comforts are a highlight of your happening.

Moon moves into Libra

The 18th has the Moon moving into Libra.  Your focus will turn to living in peace and harmony.  This will ease the irritation from the Sun/Neptune transit and could put your focus on domestic harmony and balance.  

Jupiter Retrograde

One last note.  Jupiter stations (stands still) on the 17th and begins retrograde on the 20th.  This will last until the end of October.  A key point here is retrograde motion isn’t bad.  The actual planet isn’t moving backward, only our perception of it from earth.  

Jupiter retrograde is a time for inner growth and introspection.  Since Jupiter expands things, this can bring about movement in growth ventures.  Those ventures can be anything from personal growth to altruistic concerns and social consciousness.  

This is happening in the sign of Pisces, moving back into Aquarius.  Jupiter in Pisces is about generosity and optimism.  Jupiter in Aquarius is idealistic and hopes for change.  We start working toward a better world.  I see this as a time for us to focus on the promise of a future with more economic equality globally.  Don’t be surprised if there are sudden shifts in global priorities toward the end of October.  

The economic crisis brought about by Covid isn’t over, and world leaders will be forced to deal with the longer term economic repercussions when both Saturn and Jupiter begin their forward march through the sky again in late October.

Sources:

George, Llewellyn. A to Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator. 26th ed. St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 1970.
Gillett, Roy. The Secret Language of Astrology: The Illustrated Key to Unlocking the Secrets of the Stars, 2012.
Hand, Robert. Planets in Transit: Life Cycles for Living. Expanded 2nd ed. Atglen, PA: Whitford Press, 2001.
Obert, Charles. Introduction to Traditional Natal Astrology: A Complete Working Guide for Modern Astrologers, 2015.
Stathis, Georgia Anna. Pushing through Time: Synodic Cycles and Their Developing Phases, 2018.