Walk the middle way 🛤
Jupiter in Pisces + Temperance
Jupiter has been in and out of Pisces over the past two years, and the next two weeks are the last time Jupiter will be in Pisces until 2033.
Jupiter expands, it’s known as a benefic planet, it symbolizes good luck and our search for meaning, truth and ethical values. Jupiter also rules the sign of Sagittarius, so it’s pulling focus now until December 20th. Skillful application of this energy brings benevolence, generosity and optimism. Maybe because I have both the moon and Neptune in Sagittarius, but I’ve been thinking a lot about optimism lately, and the lack of it I see in the world.
Media, headlines, advertising, and social networks seem to peddle fear, shame and separation. Whenever I open my phone there is so much outrage and chaos consumption readily available, it’s depressing. And while of course, there is a lot to be outraged for, I can’t help but think that this time in history isn’t that much different many times in the past - society has lived through pandemics, through wars, through injustice and inequality and yet, overall, we continue to improve.
Technology will continue to advance, we will find ways to live more sustainably, to heal the planet, to heal our trauma, to be the best stories of our ancestors and create even better stories.
I look to the younger generations and to the future will so much hope and admiration, because I truly believe we will be alright, as a planet, as a society, as a human family. And yet, there are those who insist you believe otherwise, that we are doomed to fail and live in despair. That we or “they” will continue to consume resources at such a rapid rate that our planet will become desolate and barren. Or, at it’s worst, that “the other ones” (party, patriarchy, generation, etc) will take over and win.
What a waste of time and energy fighting a battle that will never be won. We will never be a perfect society. There will never not be darkness to balance out the light, there will never not be injustice or pain, or suffering or poverty. Does that mean we are broken? We are doomed? Or is that just part of what this life is here to teach us? How to live in it all with love, compassion, kindness? How to align with our personal values and make the changes that keep advancing our world. How to step out of judgement and instead find what unites us.
Perhaps this sounds like spiritual bypassing or a way to avoid the troubles of our world. But I know that I get more done and help more people when I am at peace then I do when I am bitter and angry. I know when I reach for hope in moments of darkness it shifts something in me. I know when I stop looking at my fucking phone and instead look into another’s eyes that my heart softens.
Scientifically speaking, studies have shown that optimism not only improves our quality of life, but can actually help us to live longer. Dr. John Medina - professor of bioengineering at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and author of Brain Rules for Aging Well, states that changing our outlook can add up to eight years to our life span!
He cites two very important exercises that increase our capacity for optimism, gratitude and “3 good things” - finding gratitude at the beginning of each day and writing down 3 good things that happened at the end of each day. When I read this, I realized that the two daily planners I have used for a a few years, (the monk manual and the panda planner) have these exact prompts written in each day, so they clearly did their research when designing the exercises.
While it’s easy for me to believe in the future of humanity, it’s not always so applicable when I’m struggling with personal dreams and visions. I easily fall into separation, despair and bitterness when things don’t go my way or my wounds feel deep and penetrating. My spiritual practice, as well as my daily planner and journaling, help me transcend, to remember my innate connection to everything around me and come back to gratitude. When I can balance that with a dose of realism and practicality, I find my center.
As we spend these last two weeks with Jupiter in Pisces we can reflect upon these themes: What has expanded in your life over the past 2 years (this transit started in May 2021)? What visions do you have for your future? What role does spirituality play in your life? What does generosity mean to you? What makes you feel hopeful? What or who are you most grateful for? Why?
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Temperance
Not only is Temperance the card associated with Sagittarius, but last week we pulled Death (#13) and Temperance(#14) is the card that follows in the Major Arcana. In tarot teachings, it is often said that Temperance feels like a salve to help us heal after Death. Traditionally, this card represents moderation, to temper, to pull us towards center when we are veering out into extremes. It is also about alchemy, the mixing and blending of different elements to create something entirely new - the mixologist, the chemist, the baker.
For us, this week, I feel Temperance helping bring us back to center after a tumultuous eclipse season. A soothing balm, a healing energy, gentle guidance towards the middle way. Sagittarius is a fiery energy, there is an innate hunger for knowledge and expansion, and while we may feel a burst of energy, remember to also set boundaries with your time, energy and resources, we are wintering after all.
We are invited to work with Temperance, to mix and blend and find our sweet spot. If the past few weeks have brought you out to your edges, this week we find the right ingredients to come to balance. What can you add into the mix? What would true balance feel like and look now for you?
Vibes:
mix, blend, create, explore, nervous system regulation, adaptogenic herbs, connect with angels / divine support, notice what boundaries or routines support you, the colors orange and purple, trust and faith in the process, let it be possible it will all work out for you, the universe has your back