Time to Move: Mercury and Jupiter Direct

While spring’s eclipses on April 19 and May 4 force initiations and conclusions, events triggered by the solar and lunar eclipses may seem beyond our control. In contrast, the forward motion of Mercury and Jupiter signal us to make conscious choices to move ahead with plans that have been on hold. One of my personal experiences with these retrograde delays includes a book proposal I intended to submit this winter. In January, I spoke with an editor, who is also an astrologer, about the project. I was enthusiastic about the possibilities and had a multitude of ideas to pursue. In that conversation at January’s Full Moon time, four months ago, she told me not to be surprised if it took me several months to work up an outline and proposal since Jupiter would be retrograde until May. As an astrologer, I heard her message loud and clear; the same one I deliver to my radio listeners and readers every day. However, I use astrology to inform my activities, not direct them! I thought, “Not me. I plan to seize the moment. I’ll have a proposal done in a month or two. Jupiter won’t hold me up!”

I’m sure you can predict where I’m leading. Jupiter backtracked and put my work on hold. Though I set days aside sporadically to focus only on my publishing endeavor, even when the inspirations came, something always seemed not quite right or ready. In fact, I haven’t even written a full article for four months now. My husband and I have also been dreaming of a significant remodeling project for our home, and though we secured the financing this spring, none of the builders we’ve discussed plans with have produced an estimate for the work! Each contractor was initially contacted during this spring’s Mercury retrograde phase, by the way!

Another significant event in my own family comes as these retrogrades end this spring. My parents will purchase a new home after a long, thoughtful, and emotional process. They have lived in their first and only home for nearly 42 years and raised their three children there. After searching in the summer of 1962 while Jupiter was retrograde in Pisces, they made their home purchase after Jupiter turned direct that October. Now, 4 decades later, Jupiter will be directly across the zodiac at 10 degrees Virgo when they finalize the deal on their brand new home. My Libra Mom and Taurus Dad may not understand the benefits to having Mercury and Jupiter in forward motion, but it helps assure me that the timing is right and the move will benefit them!

Hopefully Mercury’s and Jupiter’s forward movement in the first week of May will help us all initiate or progress with the plans most important to us. Ahead are some of the ways you might take conscious actions to work with the energies of these two planets to make things happen.

Mercury: On May 16 when Mercury moved to Taurus, earth sign activities began to get special priority. Business opportunities related to plants and flowers, environmental and agricultural improvement, the arts, and interior design benefit from a Mercury/Taurus placement. Plans may move a bit more slowly and methodically while Mercury is in Taurus, but the results will have the attractive influence of a Venus ruled sign. The period from May 16 to June 5 will help us stick with commitments, be satisfied with slow, steady progress, and relentlessly work on selling our talents and ideas through both the spoken and written word. Using charm to win over clients, managers, and other influential people works well with Mercury in Taurus.

Jupiter: Health and prosperity both come to mind when I consider the influence of Jupiter in Virgo. From May 7 until September 24, Jupiter in an earth sign favors expansion from growing a business to adding living space in your home. This is an analytical placement for the largest planet of our solar system, indicating that well planned investments made now will pay off. Putting the finishing touches on long-term project and handling the details that fill in the big picture are Jupiter in Virgo tasks. Accountants, educators, media specialists, and medical professionals relate to Jupiter in Virgo, so whether that’s how you earn your living or you require service in one of those areas, make beneficial moves this spring and summer.

In terms of health specifically, I believe Jupiter in Virgo is contributing to the current interest in diet as reflected by the national best selling books. Diets such as Atkins and South Beach and the accompanying cook books and recipes have captured the interest of the masses during this time. Natural and whole foods are gaining in popularity, and a variety of health magazines have surfaced on the shelves of newsstands and groceries everywhere. If you’ve hoped to make healthy changes, use the power of Jupiter in Virgo to help you explore options in diet and exercise that can improve your condition. With the influence of Virgo, the most pure and wholesome alternatives will present themselves if you seek them.

Mercury and Jupiter trine: On May 23, Mercury and Jupiter formed a trine in the earth signs Taurus and Virgo which should boost their individual effects. Near this time you might have noticed how the rewards of your efforts became evident. A smooth negotiation, important milestone in your progress, interesting opportunity, or other concrete evidence of growth and progress should be the result!

Check your monthly horoscope for more details on how Mercury and Jupiter affect your Sun sign and rising sign as they move forward.

Robin Ivy is an astrologer, educator and tarot reader in Portland, Maine. She hosts the morning show on 94.3 and 93.9 WCYY Portland's New Rock Alternative where her daily forecasts are aired at 6:15 a.m., 7:15 a.m., and 8:15 a.m. Robin's website is found at www.robinszodiaczone.com