The 166 Year Jupiter/Neptune Cycle

[Michael Hawkins]

One of Dane Rudhyar's truly excellent articles, giving us a taste of deep meaning within this long-term cycle:

www.khaldea.com/rudhyar/astroarticles/jupiter_neptune.php

Here are the first two paragraphs:

On September 24, 1958 Jupiter and Neptune reached their conjunction at 3° 18' Scorpio. Such a conjunction occurs every 13 years, each time (or nearly each time) taking place in a different zodiacal sign. The complete cycle of such conjunctions around the zodiac takes about 166 years to occur. As 13 times 13 equals 169, we are confronted with a cycle of 13 conjunctions occurring at almost exactly 13-year intervals.

This emphasis on the number 13 is significant, and I shall presently discuss its significance. But first let us list the dates at which these conjunctions occur during the 18th to 21st centuries, as this is the best way to show at a glance how the cyclic pattern of relationship between the two planets operate. This pattern is quite regular: the three-times-repeated conjunctions occurring when Jupiter is "stationary retrograde" near the place of conjunction.

Rare insights from the great father of Western astrology....

[Michael Hawkins]

Notice how the next Jupiter/Neptune conjunction occurs on December 21, just eight days from now.

Chiron is right there with Jupiter/Neptune this time, which makes Rudhyar's piece that much more important....

[roamer]

I'm quite new to astrology and also a bit skeptical but find Rudhyars work compelling. One thing I notice is that the symbolism each planet embodies is not merely the projection of our own intepretations but instead is somehow the relationship that planet makes with the whole of the cosmos.

For example he talks about the peripheral planets like urananus and Neptune as being gateways and portals into the greater cosmos at large, while Jupiter and Saturn being somehwat closer tend to symbolize the social structure. For some reason I have always found it compelling to think that the macro is reflected in the micro, and perhaps this assumption is part of the train of thought involved in astrology?

Regardless in my own personal life I can definetely see that I am at a junction where old social conventions no longer are making sense. Family traditions, working traditions, and to a degree sexual roles are all up for being redefined in a new light. As these old structures crumble I sense a good deal of uneasiness amongst friends and family who have not sensed the opportunity to change in a deeply positive way. My personal difficulty in the midst of these changes seems to be my inability to see my role in the process.

For me the difficulty of change is mainly hesitation and uncertainty in knowing what to leave beyond and what to embrace. Once I make up my mind I can often act with blinded will, which has through unintended consequences taught me to contemplate and consider things a bit more deeply before acting.

[Michael Hawkins]

Knowing that you are something of a skeptic, Nick, I appreciate all the more that you entered into the alchemical crucible with me for a consultation around the signs and symbols. This shows that your healthy skepticism has not closed off your heart and mind.

From an astrological point of view, this sense of disclarity around where to be and what to do is not unique to you. There is a great deal of energy and vitality available to individuals right now (the fire planet Mars moving into a fire sign, Leo, a couple months ago, and staying there for about seven months -- a very rare occurrence, as Mars takes two years to travel around the Zodiac and normally stays in a sign for just two months)... but that energy is more-or-less "on hold" until March, when it lurches forward into a frenzy of activity until it exits Leo in late June. There are also some heavy transits involving Saturn/Pluto as well as Neptune/Chiron/Jupiter that are adding up to an interesting (to astrologers, anyway) set of "signatures" that have not really occurred together, at least not within historical memory. Bottom line is, look toward summer and the later part of 2010 for things to really start "popping" in your life, as well as in the collective drama. Now is the time to incubate.

I think we probably talked about some of this during your reading a couple months ago. I am, indeed, finding that this "exercise patience" theme is almost universal in the readings I'm doing right now. Everyone is chomping at the bit, but the horses are still being kept in their stalls for a few more months.

It's a good time to meditate... as much as possible!

With love,
Michael

[leann]

For me, the Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron conjunct has been a great letting go....and being with the unknown. The letting go has been hard.

The softer side of this energy feels to me about being in touch with oneness and compassion on collective and personal levels...wherever we have it in our chart a place where there is an opening for us to re-evalute our personal beliefs and collective vision of the best way to proceed with life.

I'm hoping we all make it to the transformational part (:

Thanks for the sharing the article Michael...

Best wishes, LeAnn

[juliemarie]

Thanks for that info and link, been studing more on the cycles and seasons so much to know and so helpful, thanks again, I will be trying to get some mediatation and perhaps journaling in (so much still going on in my life!) Have a Happy New Year Michael

[Michael Hawkins]

I meant to answer your note a few days ago, juliemarie -- sorry for the delay....

The Holidays are an interesting mix of insane activity and best intentions toward a healthy calm... so now that we're into the New Year, perhaps we may all be able to build our lives around more contemplative pursuits, yes? It's the best gift we could ever give ourselves.....

Much love,
Michael