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Last month, Jupiter entered Taurus on June 4th, then immediately linked up with Neptune (insight/spirituality/the subconscious) on June 8th. And last weekend on July 2nd, Jupiter aligned with Chiron (what's broken and needs healing). Now, Jupiter trines Pluto on July 7th.

A trine is harmonious alignment between at least two planets. Jupiter trine Pluto offers a chance to overcome difficulties. Perhaps, a breakthrough resulting from a breakdown or a transformation through surrender/the act of relinquishing control...in release, we stumble onto the answer we've been searching for or the clarity we've been seeking. In letting go, we rise above and are able to 'see' the bigger picture which enables us to carve a path towards our destination.

With Pluto involved, there must first be a confrontation of truth, of recognizing our own on shadows, of becoming aware of unhealthy habits or patterns. Through that process of realization, there must then be a 'death', elimination, purging before there can be a renewal, a transformation, a breakthrough.

Jupiter reminds us of the best that life can offer, gives hope, offers opportunities, expands our horizon, and fosters personal growth. Pluto is the (dwarf) planet of power, able to regenerate, renew, transform through digging deeper and deeper until the root cause is revealed so that it can be destroyed, expunged. Both Jupiter and Pluto transit earth signs (Jupiter in Taurus & Pluto in Capricorn) so, for most of us their influence could be something related to our material world -- security, income, structure, a change in what's been the norm/accepted?

This can also be experienced as a grounding/stabilizing energy following the Jupiter sextile Neptune which may have opened our spiritual eyes onto something we've been missing, and Jupiter sextile Chiron where old wounds might have resurfaced so healing can occur.

Jupiter trine Pluto occurs on July 7th at 6 degrees. Those celebrating a birthday on the days approaching to this trine's perfection may find this energy present throughout their Solar Return year (astrological birthday year).

This is the first of three occurrences. Jupiter will once again trine Pluto on:

• October 28, 2011 at 5 degrees and 19 minutes
• March 12/13, 2012 at 9 degrees and 19 minutes

Those with natal planets/house angles around these degrees may experience this Jupiter-Pluto trine more powerfully than others.

For me, with my natal Cancer-Sun at 5 degrees, Jupiter sextiles my Sun while Pluto opposes it. Pluto additionally squares my natal Uranus (triggering the natal square between my Sun and my Uranus) and sextiles my North Node (triggering my natal Sun-North Node sextile and Uranus-North Node quincunx)...which means, I better change or else!! I wouldn't want to find out the 'or else', especially with the recent Cancer-Solar Eclipse square my Chiron (what's broken and needs healing).

How might Jupiter trine Pluto manifest in your world? Look to the Capricorn and Taurus-ruled houses in your natal and/or solar charts to gain insight and see if you have natal planet/house angles on or around 6 degrees of fixed or cardinal signs.

Unsure if you have natal planets/house planets near 6 degrees of fixed and/or mutable signs? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Alternatively, I am also available for personal consultations tailored to your needs. Are you celebrating a birthday? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays), 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or 24-month Pluto Transit. You may also request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Related articles:

• Jupiter in Taurus ~ June 4, 2011 to July 11, 2012
• Jupiter Sextile Neptune ~ June 8, 2011
• Jupiter Sextile Chiron ~ July 2, 2011
• Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn ~ April 9 to September 16, 2011
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year

Original image source unknown.

False color image of Venus' clouds as seen by the SSI instrument on Galileo. © NASA

Love and relationship take on a more serious tone as Venus leaves light and carefree Gemini for the deep, complex waters of Cancer. Venus enters Cancer on July 3rd at 9:17 p.m. PDT / July 4th at 12:17 a.m. EDT, where she stays until July 28th. Venus governs love, relationships of all types, our values/value system, and worth (self-worth/material worth).

In Gemini, Venus is less complex, requires mental stimulation and is driven by logic. In Cancer, Venus is sensitive, emotional, loving, maternal, and is driven by intuition. At best, is nurturing, intuitive, protective, sincere, loyal. At worst, unsure, needy, confused, manipulative, moody, vengeful.

Cancer is the first zodiac sign to think about others, to consider someone else's wellbeing other than that of the self beginning with family (biological or otherwise). Venus in Cancer reminds us that there is more to love and relationships than what I need or want (Venus in Aries), what I own or can get (Venus in Taurus), or what makes sense and can be explained (Mercury in Gemini). Venus in Cancer encourages us to nurture relationships with those we care for and set aside time for things that matter to us, for those people/things/activities make loving and living more worthwhile.

As we treasure one another, we invest our time, give our love, and entrust parts of the self to that person. We become vulnerable to another being, as that person also opens himself/herself to us. Caring for another or others requires emotional support and sensitivity to their needs and not our own. Matters of the heart cannot always be understood with words, reason or logic. Emotions are raw and valid with their own merit. They are sourced within the self and the 'why' is sometimes inexplicable. In issues relating to finances, Cancer is less frivolous than Gemini. Perhaps this can be a time for planning on saving for a rainy day or anticipating future needs or tightening the spending plan and sticking to it. Cancer is also the first water sign of the zodiac so there is sensitivity to the unseen world. We all have some degree of intuitive ability. Tap into yours during Venus' transit in Cancer.

Cancer also governs the 4th astrological house. Venus in Cancer might be a time where you spend money, time, and energy on your home. Maybe have more quality time with family. Or something more basic like honoring your private life, especially if you've been too busy catering to others (at work, with friends or family).

On the day Venus enters Cancer, she quickly makes friends with Jupiter (ideals/opportunities), Neptune (hopes/dreams), then Chiron (wounds/healing). Elsewhere in the sky, Jupiter is also still linked with Chiron while Mercury (thought/communication) allies with Uranus (awareness/radical change). Keep a look out for opportunities, even from the most unlikely places or sources. Think out of the box when brainstorming or troubleshooting. Listen to your intuitive self more. Awareness. Acceptance. Release. Transformation.

How might Venus' transit in Cancer manifest in your world? Look to the natal house/s ruled by Cancer in your birth chart. Match the sign with the house cusps on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the Cancer zodiac sign on your birth chart then click here for a brief explanation.


Click image to see larger
For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and Rising signs below then click here for a brief explanation of Venus transiting those houses.

• Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 4th House
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 3rd House
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 2nd House
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 1st House
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 12th House
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 11th House
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 10th House
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 9th House
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 8th House
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 7th House
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 6th House
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 5th House

Alternatively, you may cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Are you celebrating a birthday? Schedule a session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Package Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months). Or you might consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

What significance do planets, signs, and houses have in astrology? Planets have the function, the job to do. The style/manner they will use get that job done is defined by the zodiac sign they occupy. Where in our life the job gets done is determined by the house the planet occupies/transits. So, when Mars (aggression) is in Aries (bold), he is more assertive than when he is in Cancer (sensitive). When traveling through the 10th house (professional life), he may bring his confidence and motivation in matters relating to our career. While in the 11th house (friendships), we may be more inclined to having our social calendar packed with activities. Having the foresight for what may be coming up or receiving confirmation on what may be happening now are ways astrology can be beneficial ... as above, so below.

Related articles:

• Transiting Venus in Natal Houses
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Schedule an appointment
• Client reviews

False color image of Venus' clouds as seen by the SSI instrument on Galileo. Credit and copyright to NASA.

Original image source unknown.

With the Eclipsed New Moon in Cancer having just occurred the previous day, the perfection of Jupiter sextile Chiron encourages and allows for whatever healing we may need in our lives. Perhaps, we've lost hope or trust in ourselves/others/the universe. Maybe, we've been afraid to face facts or step out and take a chance to make a real change. Or we've seen what's real, become aware of the true nature of the challenges we face now and are feeling frustrated, angry, confused, desperate, or even betrayed.

Jupiter reminds us of the best that life can offer, gives hope, offers opportunities, and expands our horizon. Chiron has a way of unmasking our wounds, revealing our deepest pain/disappointments/loss, and through facing them, we are made whole. Jupiter represents expansion, luck, happiness, and abundance. He is currently in Taurus, where his energy seeks comfort and stability. Chiron symbolizes what's broken, needs healing, and our capacity to help others through their healing process. He is presently in the super compassionate and uber-intuitive sign of Pisces.

Jupiter's sextile to Chiron reminds us to breathe, have faith, and let the healing process run its course -- may it be physical, mental, emotional, psychological, or financial healing. The work, however, must always begin with the self; this time especially, with the New Moon/Solar Eclipse preceding Jupiter's sextile to Chiron. What we sow is what we reap. Where our attentions are focused on, our realities become them. "Energy flows where attentions goes."

If you're like me, you've been diligently and consciously steering your thoughts and energy toward what's positive, uplifting, and towards the goal. Yet, your reality seems to fight you every step of the way. If you're wondering, "how can it be that my thoughts and attentions are truly focused on the outcome desired, yet the hurdles I have to jump over doesn't look to have an end anytime soon?"

For me, the answer was me -- it was me I had to first change. Maybe that's Capricorn-Pluto opposing my Sun while Aries-Uranus square my Sun and oppose my Uranus talking, but I realized my thoughts are focused on one thing while my actions reflect something else entirely. They're both equally important -- what I have my sights set on (reflect my thoughts) and what my world in the physical plane requires of me (reflect my actions). I had to make changes and somehow fit into my already full schedule, time for what will help me accomplish my other set of goals...the ones I'm truly passionate about. Pluto is forcing me to eliminate (square to my Sun), as Uranus pushes me to break away (square my Sun) and carve out a new path (oppose my Uranus), while the Solar Eclipse in my sign casts a spotlight on me.

June began with a Gemini-Solar Eclipse (where we were asked to completely 'see' things as they truly are); followed by Jupiter sextile Neptune (where we were asked, "what's your dream?"); then came the Lunar Eclipse (that brought out questions about our life direction); as if all that heavy, intense energy weren't enough, we find ourselves with yet another Solar Eclipse, in Cancer this time (where we were once again thought this time, forced to 'see' our reality). And now, here we are with an offering for healing with Jupiter and Chiron. Next week, Jupiter and Pluto (transformation), both in Earth signs, become allies to offer up some sense of grounding while we begin or continue to go through the changes required of us.

Jupiter sextile Chiron occurs on July 2nd at 5° 14' of Taurus (fixed sign) and Pisces (mutable sign). Those born around February 22-25 and April 24-27 or those with natal planets/house angles near 6° of fixed and/or mutable signs may be more sensitive to this Jupiter-Chiron sextile. Those celebrating a birthday on the days approaching to this sextile's perfection may find this energy present throughout their Solar Return year (astrological birthday year).

This is the first of three occurrences. Jupiter will once again sextile Chiron on December 6, 2011 at zero° 57' and a final time on February 15, 2012 at 4° 32'. Those with natal planets/house angles near these degrees or have a strong Chironic influence in their birth chart may experience this Jupiter-Chiron sextile more thoroughly than others.

Unsure if you have natal planets/house planets near 6° of fixed and/or mutable signs? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Alternatively, I am also available for personal consultations tailored to your needs. Are you celebrating a birthday? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Related articles:

• Solar Eclipse/New Moon in Cancer ~ July 1, 2011
• Jupiter in Taurus ~ June 4, 2011 to July 11, 2012
• Chiron in Pisces ~ 2010/2011 to 2018/2019
• Chiron Retrograde ~ June 8 to November 10, 2011
• Jupiter sextile Neptune ~ June 8, 2011
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Schedule an appointment
• Client reviews

Original image source unknown.