Astro Magickal

Jupiter opposes Saturn at 1:45 pm PDT August 16. This is a naturally intense opposition as Jupiter and Saturn are , in many ways, opposite in nature.

The general theme when these two forces clash always revolves around restriction and expansion in some way. Saturn is a notoriously difficult energy to work with. Even though most modern astrologers acknowledge the positive influence of Saturn, his transits and activity are still dreaded by many. In spiritual matters, Saturn is cast in a much more favorable light.

Saturn is the ruler of, among other things, wisdom. Jupiter is known as the planet of belief and faith – making him a very important influence in spiritual matters. These two concepts may seem vaguely related, and quite compatible. However, as Jupiter and Saturn oppose we will see these concepts clashing – in the typical expansion/restriction way of Jupiter and Saturn.

Wisdom, knowledge, and information are very similar in many ways, and the terms might even be used interchangeably by some. In reality they are vastly different. Bits of information may or may not bring knowledge – it depends on how well you understand and interpret them. Knowledge may or may not bring wisdom, it depends on how well you use it. To Pagans, the distinction is easily defined in a single word: Crone. Saturn, associated with The Crone, relates to wisdom.

Enlightenment, ideas, experiences, and revelations are inspirational and exciting; laced with endless possibility. To allow yourself to believe is to open yourself to the possibilities. When you cast aside fears and doubts, taking a leap of faith, it can be a monumental experience. New worlds open up; excitement and enthusiasm abound. This is Jupiter’s territory.

Expanding your horizons, accepting new beliefs, and taking that leap of faith are all necessary at times if you are striving for growth (spiritual or otherwise). However, this type of belief does not meet Saturn’s criteria for wisdom. There is no experience, no history, and no deep down certainty.

Jupiter urges us toward expansion and growth. He urges us to seek bigger, better, and more. Stretch for what is just within (or just beyond) your reach. This is uncharted waters, possibilities, maybes… Saturn perpetually asks "Are you really sure?" In uncharted waters, possibilities, and maybes the answer is "No."

In the name of wisdom – born of experience, certainty and depth – Saturn can smother sparks of enthusiasm. On the other hand, Jupiter – armed with passion and faith, can lead us to throw wisdom (along with caution) to the wind.

There is nothing exciting about wisdom. It, in itself is not inspirational. It is deep, calm, sure and Earthy. In fact, the greatest value of wisdom reflects the most hated realm of Saturn’s influence – restriction.

Genuine wisdom is sought after for a reason. It means you know the right answer, the right thing to do, or what not to do. This isn’t always (though it may be) doing the right thing morally when it’s unpleasant. The right answer may be exactly what you want to do, or the last thing you want to do. It depends on the situation, the subject, and your criteria for determining what is right. However, with enough wisdom, you know. You don’t think maybe, or make an effort to believe – you know the right answer. No dilemma, no maybe maybe-not, no possibilities, no excitement…

This is where we encounter the catch-22. Jupiter is pushing for growth and expansion; learning and experiencing. This is how we acquire wisdom. Some of the greatest lessons in life are taught by some of the most fantastic mistakes. Some are taught by the most fantastic successes. Be it a good or bad experience, you come out of it (ideally), a little wiser for it. But existing wisdom may tell you not to take the chance in the first place. "Remember the last time…"

Now it’s Jupiter’s turn to ask "Are you sure?" Is that really wisdom talking or is it fear, bitterness, and pessimism? But why take a risk, when there is a tried-and-true option? But how will you grow if you don’t take a risk? Round and round, in the true challenging nature of an opposition, you will find the Saturn-Jupiter war playing out somewhere in your life.

So, how do you solve the dilemma? Always, with an opposition, you need some degree of balance. However, as this opposition is part of a larger T-square, it requires decisiveness. Strive for balance, but this brings the kind of situations where you must choose to tip the scale definitively one way or the other. Especially with Saturn currently in Libra, the only option for complete balance is inertia and stagnation.

The tricky part is choosing what direction to tip the scales. That, only you can decide. There is no right or wrong planet in an aspect. There are right and wrong uses for the energies of the aspect, but it is right or wrong for you and your life. The answer must come from within.

The issues triggered by this aspect will depend on your individual chart, and your current circumstances. Watch for inner struggles of tried-and-true, proven methods, tradition, and wisdom opposing opportunity, growth, and inspiration. Watch for times when it feels foolish to believe, yet oppressive to be wise. Whether it a major decision/event, or a trend of minor things it points to something deeper.

We accumulate unfounded beliefs (or unfounded rejection of beliefs) We confuse unresolved fears or unhealed wounds for wisdom. We reject our deep down wisdom in search of something more appealing than reality. We hold beliefs closer to out hearts than we know until they are tested. This opposition is bringing these things to the surface, to light where they can be confronted.

There is usually no easy answer to these questions (unless you are very self-aware). The easy-sounding answer is listen to your heart. However, you need to go through layers of conscious ideas and pre-conceived notions before you can hear your heart. These issues may be a good topic of meditation during this coming Mercury retrograde – beginning August 20th.

Learn more about Mercury Retrograde here