Jupiter conjunct Neptune in Pisces
A Special and Inspired Occasion
In many ways, Jupiter conjunct Neptune in Pisces is the antidote to the harsh, limiting reality of the last couple of years. This transit has hope, imagination, inspiration, and optimism freely flowing through the cosmic waters in a configuration that is literally once in our lifetimes. Jupiter and Neptune come together in a conjunction every 12.8 years, the last time was 2009 in Aquarius. Still, to meet in Pisces, a sign associated with compassion, dreams, and mysticism, well, that is a much more rare event! It hasn’t happened since 1856 and won’t happen again for another 166 years. So let’s get into it and learn how we can fully appreciate and make the best of something so special.
Jupiter, the Greater Benefic
Jupiter is the planet associated with optimism, faith, and generosity. It represents wisdom, hope, and luck. Through Jupiter cycles, we gain opportunities for growth and possibility. As the largest planet in our solar system, it expands both the themes and the potential of whatever it touches. Traditionally, Jupiter rules Pisces, so is at home here, and becomes strong, potent, and comfortable, able to show us the best of what it’s got. Or at least the biggest! As with everything in astrology, Jupiter has another side… one of excess, exaggeration, and arrogance.
Neptune, God of the Sea
In modern astrology, Neptune has been deemed the ruler of Pisces, although not everyone agrees with that designation. Ruler or not, Neptune undoubtedly has an affinity with Pisces, sharing many of the same qualities. In mythology Poseidon (also known as Neptune) was the God of the Sea, and the astrological Neptune is associated with oceans, water, and anything liquid. Like the cups suit in tarot, water represents the element of emotions, symbolizing our intuition and unconscious self. Not only is water a conductor of energy, holding emotions, but also a solvent, dissolving and purifying. Water can also distort our vision, so we can’t see clearly. Imagine driving in a storm with your wipers broken, or trying to see clearly on a foggy day. It’s hard to get an accurate read on what could be right in front of you. Neptune is associated with things and experiences that blur the boundaries of what is real and what is not, with drugs, intoxication, and the dissolution of the ego. It’s also linked with inspiration, compassion, and yearnings for unity.
The Transit and Dreaming Big
The exact conjunction between the two is happening on April 12th, although these energies are already active and will remain so until the end of the month, coloring our collective and individual experiences. Jupiter inspires our sense of possibility, Neptune enhances our imagination, and together, they can help us dream up a better future. If we can dream it, maybe we can create it?! Imagination has the potential to make the seemingly impossible, possible. “Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning. ” - Gloria Steinem. Or, more simply put by the whimsical and wise astrologer, Caroline Casey… “Imagination lays the track to the reality train”. We need to be able to imagine what is possible, and a transit like this can help us tap into more expansive possibilities. Later, we can do the work of putting those into action if we desire, but now is the time to allow ourselves to dream big, imagine a better world, and see what we can come up with!
A Caveat
Imagination and optimistic dreaming is one way to put it, fantasy and delusion are another. During this transit, it’s easy to get swept up in illusions, mirages of grand opulence, deluded into believing things that are ungrounded and unfounded, and disappear into our escapist tendencies. We’ll be wearing our rose-colored glasses after all! Mindful awareness is generally a good practice and skill to cultivate, especially in times like these. Paying attention to intention, and checking in with ourselves and intuition, are some ways we can help clear the path.
Knowing the spectrum of ways transits can play out can help us direct our consciousness to the best use of this energy while being aware when we start getting lost in the fog. This is an amazing time to tap into different realms of creativity and possibility, best to do so with some kind of tether.
The Past and The Present
The last time that these two met in Pisces, there was a rise in spiritualism, mediumship, the paranormal, and magic. We may see similar themes, an increased prevalence in tarot, astrology, and things that connect us to the spirit realm. A thirst for transcendent experiences, spiritual, philosophical, religious ideas, and teachers. We will be craving connection and searching for more.
With Neptune and Pisces’ association with water, and with Jupiter expanding that, we could see that very literally with water events. This can also show up as the flooding of compassion, grace, or connection.
Planting our Seeds
This transit offers us hope for healing the planet and opens us to compassion. We can use this time to dream up a better future. This is fertile and expansive energy. What do you want to grow?
- Edited by Anna Gard