Jupiter

Jupiter-Neptune Conjunction – ND #125

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Planetary lineup in the Southeast sky (above the horizon after dawn) – Sky Guide app

Jupiter-Neptune Conjunction

One of the major astrological aspects to occur in 2022 happens today (12 April 2022) at 10:42 a.m. EDT, with a Jupiter-Neptune conjunction. As you know, when planets are conjunct each other when they’re occupying the exact same place in the sky (from our perspective here on Earth).

These two planets only come together every 13 years, and of course each time they do, it’s in a different sign of the zodiac. This year, they’re both at 23 degrees 59 minutes of Pisces, and the last time Jupiter and Neptune were conjunct in Pisces was in 1856. Rather amazingly, in February of 1856 Russia lost the Crimean War to France and the Ottoman Empire. How weird that Russia is in a war over that same area 166 years later!

What’s It Mean?

In the simplest of terms, Jupiter is the planet of expansion. Wherever it goes, it tends to make things bigger or cause attributes to take on a more powerful presence. Jupiter is also the historical ruler of the sign of Pisces, which is a mutable water sign. Pisces is often known as the sign of mystics and dreamers.

So even if Jupiter were just traveling through Pisces on its own, we might expect dreams to play a bigger part in our life, both individually and on a collective (worldwide) basis. And when you consider that Jupiter is meeting up with Neptune, it’s likely that dreams (and possibly even illusions or delusions) could become much more pronounced.

It’s interesting to note that Neptune is also acutely connected to water. Once Neptune was discovered, it became the ruler of the sign of Pisces – and of course Neptune was the God of water, so this particular conjunction of planets in this specific sign calls forth a remarkably huge connection to water. And it’s good to remember that water is often associated with emotions.

Photo: L.Weikel

What To Do

While I’m giving the barest of basics with respect to what’s going on above us today, it seems important to watch how big and volatile our emotions may play out today. We also may realize, or perhaps finally decide to begin manifesting, our biggest, boldest, most audacious dreams. It’s also possible that we may realize that some of our dreams are, in fact, delusions (of grandeur, Jupiter might say). It seems like it might be tricky to navigate the waters of thinking grand thoughts for the future, while keeping them within the realm of possibility.

Since these are huge, slow moving planets, the effect of their conjunction is not as ‘flash-in-the-pan’ as, say, a Mercury transit. Mercury (or even more rapid a mover, the Moon) zip in and out of the signs and the various aspects they make with other planets. Jupiter and Neptune, meanwhile take their time, and their influence, while gradual, is often much more profound and long-lasting. And since they’re so slow moving, don’t feel you have to have all your aspirational ducks in a row as of 10:42 a.m.

Give yourself permission to feel the expansion of your greatest dreams. Ask yourself what you want to feel (and bring into your life) over the next 13 years. And if you need some inspiration, here’s something to listen to as you consider how this week may unfold for you (and us all). (Remember, we’re approaching a full moon on Friday!)

Certainly we’re beginning a new cycle of seeding the expansion of our dreams – a cycle that will take 13+ years to culminate. Remember: nourish your dreams well.

(T+125)

Touching the Sacred – ND #29

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Last night’s crescent – Photo: L. Weikel

Touching the Sacred

As I mentioned last night, the moon has been stunningly clear (and uncharacteristically photogenic!) on our walks the last few evenings. And walking beneath the vast and attenuated winter sky overflowing with brilliant points of light gives us the sense that we’re touching the Sacred.

I am trying my hardest to steer clear of writing about ‘out there.’

And by ‘out there,’ I mean pretty much anything that’s happening outside of our own direct experience and personal lives, but especially the myriad dramas playing out around us.

Tonight’s Waxing Crescent, Jupiter, and… Photo: L. Weikel

Another ‘Out There’

But now that I mention it, there were a few intriguing moments this evening that felt more connected to way far away ‘out there.’ The photo below, for instance, seems to depict a somewhat dull object (neither self-illuminated nor affixed with lights) underneath and slightly to the right of the moon. In every other photo I took of that same area of the sky, that object does not appear.

Waxing Crescent Moon, Jupiter (above), and… Photo: L. Weikel

‘Blink and it’s gone.’

Experiences like this do make me wonder just how much we miss every day.

The planet Jupiter, naturally, proudly shines forth just above the moon. It’s hard to miss. And astrologically, Jupiter tends to make everything ‘bigger,’ and usually ‘better.’

It doesn’t feel like that’s the case lately. Well, bigger maybe. But better?

I’m left feeling like there’s a lot left that’s being unaddressed. Everywhere.

(T+29)

The Big Dipper – Day 1093

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The Big Dipper in the early evening sky – Photo: L. Weikel

The Big Dipper

I managed to get in a long walk this evening. I refer to it as evening, but in reality it was closer to 5:30 p.m. or so. The joy and peace feeling that settled into my heart as I watched the stars becoming brighter and brighter was just what I needed. The Big Dipper took up such a huge swath of sky, I just had to take a photo of it.

I walked an extra loop tonight because the weather was simply too perfect. Karl and I took the pups on the initial two mile walk around, but then I did some separate hoofing because it I needed more contemplative time.

I have to hand it to the puppies. Yet again, they walked all the way around all by themselves. Lately, Brutie’s been balking at the whole concept of a walk, dragging his heels in a most hilarious manner

Moon and Venus – Photo: L. Weikel

Moon and Venus

It was hard to keep my eyes off the sky tonight, to be honest. The moon, even though she’s only just past fingernail status, is a brilliant beacon. And lining up with Venus, it really was hard to tear my eyes away from the utter clarity of these celestial beings.

Jupiter and Saturn were also joining the lineup, with the four heavenly bodies lining up in a most dramatic arc across the southwestern sky.

There was something deep and quiet about tonight’s walk. The temperature outside was incredibly pleasant. It almost felt as though I was cheating somehow – being able to immerse myself in such loveliness on the 8th of November.

Walking at Night

It occurred to me as I was walking in the dark, illuminated only by the crescent moon and burgeoning starlight, that I’m not afraid to walk in this way. I’d hear deer scrambling in the brush beside the road, or perhaps a fox or opossum scurrying across the road.

I realized that I am not afraid of Nature as I walk by myself. The only thing that really engenders fear in me is the prospect of encountering other humans.

That truth made me sad. But I guess it’s not surprising.

Crescent Moon through the Trees – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-18)

Beam Us Up – Day 1062

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Possible Mothership – Photo: L. Weikel

Beam Us Up

As I was driving home late this afternoon I couldn’t help but notice the massive cloud hovering menacingly above a local farm. I have to say, I was moved to pull over and take a photo because I wasn’t sure whether it was going to beam us up and speed away.

It seemed prudent to take a photo of the possible interloper, just in case anyone might want to track us down. Of course, that would mean I’d have to toss my iPhone out before being successfully transported into the spaceship so obviously ‘cloaked’ as a cloud. (And they think they can fool us… Lame.)

That’d be a toss ‘up,’ though. (Yeah, I know. Groan.) If I was beamed up into a spaceship, I can’t imagine chucking my phone out the car window hoping those ‘left behind’ might look at my photos for clues to where I’d been taken. Nah. I’m pretty confident I’d take my phone along. I’m always looking for photos that can spur a blog post. And being abducted could yield some pretty provocative fodder for future posts.

Regardless of your stance on the existence of extraterrestrials, you have to admit that is one weird looking cloud.

A Better Look at the Mothership – Photo: L. Weikel

Draconids

In yet another extraterrestrial vein, I’m frustrated that Karl and I wimped out on taking a walk this evening. Indeed, I’m even more annoyed now that I realize we missed a grand opportunity to see a meteor shower (the Draconids) that are unusual in that they’re best seen in the early evening.

How many times have a stayed up late to watch meteor showers? It has to be at least a dozen times over the years that I’ve been writing this 1111 Devotion. I’m surprised, too, that I’ve never realized that the Draconids are easiest to see in the northwest sky in the early evening.

Jupiter (not tonight) – Photo: L. Weikel

I’d even wandered around in my yard earlier, noticing the astonishingly bright countenance of Jupiter. I even commented to Karl how surprised I was at the clarity of the night sky. But alas, Jupiter was rising in the southeast. My attention was pointed at the exact opposite place in the sky than where we might’ve glimpsed a Draconid or two. Or 500. Oh – no – that may be more likely in 2025.

Maybe we’ll all get lucky and catch a few late-comers if we go outside tomorrow night and look toward the northwest. There’s a chance a few streaks may still fall our way.

I hope so. If you catch a falling star – make a wish.

(T-49)

Perseid Meteors – Day 1002

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Jupiter and Saturn taken minutes ago – Photo: L. Weikel

Perseid Meteors

Over the past few nights, the sky has been exquisitely clear in my neck of the woods, especially around midnight. In spite of conducive conditions, I’ve yet to catch a glimpse of any Perseid meteors streaking across the sky. I’m hopeful, though. Maybe tonight will be my lucky night.

Technically, the Perseids last until August 24th but they are at ‘maximum streaks per minute’ across the sky later this week.

Of course, as I looked up into the moonless sky last night, thinking about the Perseids and how happy I am when they arrive every year, I was distracted by a few other bright celestial objects calling out to me.

Jupiter & Saturn right now – w/horizon – Sky Guide app

Jupiter and Saturn

First and among the most prominent are Jupiter and Saturn.

Jupiter is pretty hard to miss in the Southeastern sky. It’s obvious why this massive planet is deemed to be a ‘benefic,’ or planet that brings good fortune to us when it makes aspects in our charts. Jupiter is the ‘biggest’ planet we can see with our naked eyes, the one that unexpectedly draws our eyes toward it and say, “What’s that?”

And once again, I must confess, I cannot gush enough about my Sky Guide astronomy app. I love how it tells me exactly what I’m looking at – and even shows me what’s going on below the horizon. The Milky Way dazzles on this app – and only makes me ache to see it again from a place with little vast stretches of open sky and little light pollution.

I was thinking about all of you last night as my heart kept opening wider and wider. I was on my back on top of a picnic table, entranced by the night sky and the accompanying cadence of crickets and katydids. The ethereal music the app creators added to the Sky Guide is truly a perfect accompaniment to cosmos-gazing.

Jupiter & Saturn – just minutes ago – Photo: L. Weikel

Shooting ‘Stars’

I’m almost always amply rewarded for my determination to celebrate our planet’s annual trek through space dust – a/k/a the Perseid Meteor Showers. My only worry is that it’ll be cloudy on Wednesday (11th) or Thursday (12th) night, when ideally they should be peaking.

Believe me, I know how hard it can be to drag yourself outside once you’ve settled in for the evening. But the magic inherent in drinking in the vastness of the visible universe borders on the indescribable, and I want all of you to remember to indulge if you are so inclined.

It seems to me that we so easily and so often forget our relative unimportance in the grand scheme of things. It’s essential, in my opinion, that we remind ourselves of that insignificance every once in a while, especially when we’re on the brink of trashing this beautiful blue planet and potentially rendering it uninhabitable.

Are we truly incapable of raising our game and actually becoming thoughtful stewards of this planet? I’d like to think we’re still redeemable, but my hope is dimming.

Another view of Jupiter & Saturn with a bit of the Milky Way; Sky Guide app!

(T-109)

Presence – Day 778

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Rising Moon – 12/28/2020 – Photo: L. Weikel

Presence

While the moon won’t be at its fullest until tomorrow night at 10:30 p.m. ET, it was hard to ignore her presence as she rose above the tree line early this evening. My eyes were drawn to the horizon and when I caught sight of that massive orb rising in the eastern sky, I felt a direct connection between it and my heart.

Tomorrow’s full moon is 2020’s 13th full moon. It’s time to say goodbye.

It’s interesting to note how some objects and some people don’t need to say or do a thing in order to have an influence on their surroundings. Every time I look at the moon, no matter what its phase, I feel a reaction inside myself. Sometimes it’s wonder and awe. Other times it’s delight. Sometimes – not often, but occasionally – it’s a sense of foreboding.

Whatever reaction the moon has on me inevitably comes down to its presence.

This concept applies similarly to humans. It’s fascinating to witness the effect some people have on their surroundings simply by showing up and being themselves. Their mere presence has the power to shift attitudes or change minds.

Full Moon Seeing Its Future – Photo: L. Weikel

Yearning

As we walked this evening, I found it difficult to tear my eyes away from the moon. The shadows she cast were stark and profound. There was no wishy-washy doubt lingering between light and dark. Our shadows, leading us forward since the moon was peering over our shoulders, were crisp and certain. They knew where we were going.

Sensing a slight dimming of the moon’s brilliance at one point, I looked up and saw clouds flirting and taking shape around and beyond her. As I watched, it looked ever so much to me as though the clouds took the form of a waning crescent ‘ahead’ of the moon itself – indeed, a crescent with a classic ‘man-in-the-moon’ face. For the life of me, it looked like the full moon was chasing its future, which in its own way was yearning to move forward, cloud arms outstretched toward an invisible goal.

Reaching Forward – Photo: L. Weikel

Take Advantage

It feels important for us to take advantage of the next few days to contemplate what we want to lean toward this coming year. Where is our shadow leading us? What adventures do we yearn to pursue?

I’m reminded of the dance between Jupiter and Saturn. As we’re well aware, Jupiter has been pursuing Saturn, leaning toward it, and it finally managed to catch its prize one week ago today in the Grand Conjunction.

It was quite surprising then, tonight, to witness just how far Jupiter has left Saturn in its dust in the mere seven days since that conjunction.

I wonder if we’ll slingshot forward toward our dreams just like Jupiter in 2021?

Jupiter (left) whizzing past Saturn – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-334)

Eyes on the Sky – Day 757

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Saturn (left) and Jupiter (7 Dec 2020) – Photo: L. Weikel

Eyes On the Sky

As many of you may know, eight hours after the precise moment of the Winter Solstice this year, on December 21st, 2020, we’ll have the opportunity to witness a pretty cool astronomical (and astrological) phenomenon: the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. But since these planets move so slowly, we won’t need to train our eyes on the sky at the precise moment of 1:20 p.m. ET. In fact, we won’t be able to see them then anyway. But we will be able to see them (weather permitting) just after dusk. And they should be quite a cool sighting.

Technically these two massive planets meet up with each other in a phenomenon known as a Grand Conjunction or a Great Conjunction (lining up in space from our perspective on Earth) every twenty years or so. But this year what we observe will be especially dramatic because the planets will be separated by only 0.1 degree. The last time these two met each other in the sky this closely was in 1623, but that took place so close to the sun that our ancestors may not have noticed. Indeed, it’s thought that the last time these two planets achieved this close of a conjunction that we could see from Earth was in 1226. Think of it! And the next time they’ll be almost as close will be in 2080 – a mere blip on the cosmic calendar to Jupiter and Saturn. But for us?

What About the Moon?

Luckily for us, the grand conjunction on December 21, 2020 will be taking place at a primo location in the sky for all of us to be able to witness the phenomenon. We’ll actually be able to see what appears to be a single, much brighter ‘star’ in the southwestern sky (if we’re in the Northern Hemisphere), which is actually just the two snuggling up very close to each other. There is conjecture that such a very close or tight conjunction of these two planets may have been the Christmas Star of Bethlehem.

Making this event extra special is the fact that it will be occurring at a time and place in the sky where the planets’ light won’t be drowned out by either the sun or the moon. Beyond the degree of closeness the planets achieve to each other, the presence (or absence) of the luminaries in the sky also determine how dramatic a conjunction appears to us – or if we can see it at all.

Yet another gift of 2020 (this time ‘for reals’ – an actual gift!), only a few days before Jupiter and Saturn technically conjunct, a waxing fingernail crescent of the moon will appear just below the two planets. We’ll be able to observe the three of them conversing in the southwestern sky just after sunset on the evenings of December 16th and 17th.

Perspective

While Karl and I were walking this evening, I managed to get a decent photo of Saturn and Jupiter, which I included at the top of this post. (It’s actually much more obvious and clear when observing with our naked eyes.) I’ll try to provide a few more shots of them over the course of the next two weeks as Jupiter really starts picking up speed, documenting their positions in the sky as they approach this grand conjunction.

Just to make things interesting, I’m including a photo (above) that I included with a post I wrote back in July, when I first started noticing and paying attention to their flirtations with each other. As you may recall, astrologically, we’ve been reaping the effects of Saturn, Jupiter, and Pluto all hanging out together in Capricorn since January of 2020 (heralding the arrival of Covid-19, among other things).

Tonight I’m focusing upon the astronomical aspect of the conjunction between Saturn and Jupiter. I’ll save a discussion of the astrological implications for another evening.

In the meantime, I can’t recommend highly enough the invigorating exhilaration you’ll feel by bundling up and taking a just-past-sunset stroll over the next several evenings. Watching the planets approach each other and realizing that it will be another 60 years before anyone gets to witness what we are now is just…cool.

It’s the little things in life. Or maybe it’s the cosmic things. Either way, I love sharing them with Karl and with all of you.

Sunset – 7 Dec 2020 – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-354)

Another Moon Shot – Day 738

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Waxing Crescent – two days on; Photo: L. Weikel

Another Moon Shot

I wish I could figure out how to take great photos of the moon (with my phone) once the sky has darkened to the tones and shades that waver between deepest navy and just-shy-of-black. While I’ve managed to capture the waxing crescent moon over the past few days while the sky sported a Mars-like hue, I’ve met with decidedly less success once all vestiges of sunlight disappeared. And so it is, I’m sharing yet another moon shot or two with you.

I took the photo above with the simple desire to show how much the crescent had grown in just two days. Of course, this growth is inexorable. It happens every day, every week, every month without fail. Why I’m so taken with its observation at the moment escapes me.

Maybe it’s because I am feeling caught between the tug of realizing just how profound the change has been to so much of our lives in the past year, while also feeling stuck in limbo or a never-ending Mobius strip of repeating insanity. (OK, maybe that’s a little dark and dire. But some days I do ‘go there.’)

My point is that I’ve been reveling in the moon’s reflection of the constancy of change.

Woefully inadequate attempt – Photo: L. Weikel

Different Moods

I love the photos of the moon that manage to be in focus, capturing her beauty as she starts to ‘show.’ But then, every time I catch a glimpse of her after darkness has settled, my heart swells even more. I wish only to convey the awe that fills me when I witness Grandmother Moon’s sickle of golden light, supported by her companions of these last many months, Jupiter and Saturn.

And so I dance around, my feet clad only in socks, trying to cajole the phone’s camera to focus just right and reflect the beauty before my eyes. Brr. My reward is cold feet and frustration. But the sense of the night lives within me, even if I don’t quite know what to make of the utterly different mood that’s conveyed.

Unease

I’m not even sure what I’m writing about tonight. The moon, the vagaries of my iPhone’s camera, slow and almost imperceptible change, or a sense that nothing will ever be what it was again. Which of course it won’t be – but in a profound way; and sooner than we know.

Arcing Ripples of Beauty – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-373)

Another Dimension – Day 711

Posted on by Lisa Weikel 4 Comments
Crescent and Fog – Photo: L. Weikel

Another Dimension

Sometimes we stumble across a person, place, or thing in our everyday lives and we almost have to pinch ourselves to see if we’re dreaming. That’s sort of been Karl’s and my experience the past two early evenings. Not just once, but twice we’ve encountered a very obvious threshold; a portal into another dimension.

The spontaneous rising of a rather substantial bank of fog in the fields surrounding our home lent an eerie and ethereal atmosphere to our walks the past few evenings. On the one hand, we were treated to a spectacularly clear view of Saturn, Jupiter, and the waxing crescent moon creating a graceful arc in the evening sky. It’s also kind of cool to realize that, if our eyesight were only powerful enough, we’d also be able to see Pluto nestled in the expanse between Saturn and Jupiter.

Yet at the same time that we revel in that unobstructed view of those outer planets and our moon, when we bring our gaze down to ground level, we can barely see beyond our own shoes. There’s a little inner double-take that happens when we first realize how backwards this all seems. Why is our ability to see things up close so obscured?

Perhaps it’s a metaphor; I really can’t say. Maybe we’re supposed to be setting our sights on what we want to create and the ideals to which we choose to aspire. We know what we want; we can see it clearly. But maybe we’re supposed to reach those goals through an act of faith.

Approaching the Portal – Photo: L. Weikel

Entering the Portal

We reached a point in our walk both last night and tonight when the way ahead appeared to be an illustration straight out of a book of fairy tales. Clarity prevailed almost everywhere we looked, but straight ahead? Our path led us directly into what appeared to be a portal to another dimension.

Entering this portal felt like it might lead to another time and space. We joked that at least we had each other; maybe we should hold hands so as not to lose each other in the heavy mist. Perhaps the Beings of the threshold would try to persuade us to take a nap and we would awaken a decade or two hence.

It felt like we weren’t alone as we broached the almost cave-like threshold. A photo I took captured not a wall of fog but rather shapes and swirls and the maybe even the faintest source of cool hands brushing our cheeks and tickling our necks.

We walked maybe 25 yards through this ground cloud of haze only to emerge – suddenly – into a what felt like the other side of the mirror. We returned to the road, further along by far, but with our surroundings revealed to us with laser-like focus and clarity once more.

Photo: L. Weikel

Emergence

Were we changed by the experience? At first glance, it would appear we weren’t. But maybe we should take a little time. Wait and see. Was this a metaphor? Do we feel relatively unscathed because we persevered? Because we continued walking through the veil, putting one foot in front of the other and having faith we’d eventually emerge from the fog?

I don’t know.

It felt significant that we stayed the course; that we didn’t turn around or freeze up just because the way forward was suddenly and dramatically obscured. Not that we even entertained stopping. Or turning around. Not really. But…what was that passing in front of me as I tried to take a photo?

(T-400)

Planetary Clarity – Day 703

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Saturn & Jupiter (l-r) – Photo: L. Weikel

Planetary Clarity

As Karl and I neared the final leg of our evening jaunt both last night and tonight, we were treated to some breathtaking planetary clarity. Saturn and Jupiter shone brilliantly and obviously in the southwestern sky, while Mars blazed like a distant, illuminated pumpkin, reddish-orange and glowing as it rose in the east.

I don’t ever remember being so aware of the planets than I have been over the past year or so. And while the Sky Guide app I approvingly muse about so often is wonderful in the way it confirms for me just what I’m looking at, I think the initial awareness and subsequent desire to seek them out is also spurred by the astrological podcasts I listen to while mowing our lawn.

Yes, I realize that’s a rather specific time to pinpoint (while mowing lawn), but that’s actually when I get my most consistent listening accomplished.

Mars – 10/14/20 – Photo: L. Weikel

Mercury Retrograde

Just to add some fun to all the disinformation and misinformation and outright propaganda floating around in our ethers at the moment, Mercury stationed yesterday and is now appearing to move backwards from our perspective here on Earth, or move retrograde, from today until – get this – the morning of November 3rd. Yes. Election Day here in the United States.

So from now until Election Day, we’ll be operating under the influence of Mercury retrograde. When you consider that Mercury Retrograde is often associated with glitches in electronics and miscommunications, it’s easy to see that we just might have some serious shenanigans taking place over the next three weeks.

Mars Retrograde

Adding to the frustrations that may start piling up with Mercury going retrograde, we also are continuing to contend with Mars retrograding in its home sign – Aries – until November 14th. Even a cursory recollection of Greek and Roman mythology will tip us off to the fact that Mars, the God of War, is not exactly an easy going energy. And when moving retrograde? I believe a simmering pot with the lid on it, might be a good analogy.

There are a few interesting articles I want to link to in order to provide you with information and insight on the transits that and will be impacting all of us as we navigate these wild times. One of them is this monthly forecast for October by Rick Levine.

From the sound of a lot of different analyses, it would appear that the greatest planetary clarity we’re going to experience in the next couple months is going to be the type we see when we look up and peer directly into the night sky. Nevertheless, it pays to remain aware and awake to the possibilities, because forewarned is forearmed.

Mars – 10/14/2020 – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-408)