We have a very special Moonday this week—not only is it National Moon Day and National Lollipop Day, but it’s also the day Jupiter makes an exact opposition to Pluto, marking the halfway point of the Jupiter–Pluto cycle that began on November 12, 2020, when the two planets aligned at 22° Capricorn. Jupiter expands whatever it touches, and Pluto probes and possesses. Their cycle began in Capricorn, with Saturn in Capricorn only a few degrees ahead—an alignment that speaks to what many of us have been reluctant witnesses (and victims) of: the expansion of a probing, possessive, ruthlessly intolerant administration.
There’s a million different ways to describe the current Jupiter-Pluto cycle, and they aren’t all doom and gloom– I know many people have found success since 2020 (the ultimate goal of Capricorn), but the overarching theme since 2020 hasn’t been that great and many people have struggled to find the meaning or purpose of all we’ve had to endure or watch from the other side of the world.
When this Jupiter-Pluto cycle reaches its halfway point this upcoming Monday, we’re given an opportunity to reconcile the differences that this cycle has stirred up and to come to a compromise. In theory, that sounds easy, but in reality, an opposition is a disagreement, a fight, a war. And as humans, we have yet to evolve to the point where we can rationally acknowledge differences and peacefully come to a solution that restores balance. Even the most spiritually ascended, psychologically sound individual cannot avoid conflict with other humans. We’re all bound to step on toes in our lifetimes.
The differences between Jupiter and Pluto are vast: Jupiter is enthusiastic, while Pluto is intense; Jupiter has faith and trust in the intelligence of the Universe, while Pluto carries unhealed wounds that can manifest as power struggles and control issues. Jupiter is the justice system; Pluto is the secret meeting behind a locked door. Jupiter is our morality; Pluto is our integrity.
Jupiter in Leo, the faster of the two planets, moves into opposition with Pluto in Aquarius at 10:44 AM EDT on July 20th; when it comes to aspects, the slower planet has the greater influence. Jupiter in Leo believes life is meant to be enjoyed, and may even see itself as “the Greatest King There Ever Was.” It preaches strength, nobility, positivity, and romance, and is focused on building the confidence to put on the greatest performance there ever was. Pluto in Aquarius, by contrast, expels specialness and seeks to transform our perspective of humanity as a whole, uncovering the (in)tolerance and corruption within the collective. Pluto is associated with extremes, and Aquarius can swing between connection and disconnection—both of which can be restorative or destructive.
So, when Big Love Jupiter opposes Iconoclast Pluto, the Greatest King must tone down its extravagance, share the stage, and make room for others—or risk losing its most powerful connections. The compromise is to infuse hope into the mess: Jupiter can illuminate what urgently needs to change in society and inspire radical reform.
This Jupiter-Pluto opposition is the loudest transit; the one that will be most visible with the largest talking points, but it isn’t alone. Jupiter is also forming a trine to Neptune in Aries, a sextile to Uranus, and Pluto is forming a trine to Uranus and a sextile to Neptune. Creating what looks to be a cup or basket in the sky. This is an extraordinary alignment. Astrological poetry at its finest.
With all of the outer planets forming supportive aspects to one another, it’s clear we’re living in extraordinary times—times that are rapidly shifting the collective’s perspective on the power they hold and how they can use it to create a more equitable, humane, and just society. Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto will remain in aspect to one another for the next couple of years, but right now—with Jupiter in the mix—the most significant truths are being revealed, awakening a deep thirst for discernment and repair within all forms of relationship. The details matter most right now: we can easily assess how effective our leaders have been at protecting their communities, see their backroom dealings and power plays with greater clarity, and leverage that insight to shake things up.
This alignment is a warning to those who can’t back up their lifestyles with receipts—those who have been hiding behind ego or a morally bankrupt system. They may have thought they were safe or immune to consequences simply because they belong to an “elite” organization. But someone has always been waiting in the wings, watching, collecting, and cataloguing every movement—and they’re now enjoying a windfall of revelatory information and handing it over to those in the positions that can create waves.
As an astrologer, I’m constantly looking to the past, present, and future in search of patterns. I’ve been tracking and studying the cycles of the generational planets for over seven years, and if seeing world history through the lens of astrology interests you, I recommend starting with Richard Tarnas’ 2006 book, Cosmos and Psyche, for an in-depth analysis of how these planets reveal trends and attitudes. The time period that we’re living through feels heavier than usual, and it is true that there are somethings that we are too late to change, but I still believe that we have the capacity and potential to change things for the better. And when I look ahead, I only see progress.
Keep in mind, Venus is in Virgo during this Jupiter-Pluto opposition, so it is evident that there is work ahead of us, but as any Virgo would likely agree, anything worth doing is worth doing better. We can always aim to be better.