Jupiter Retrograde in Gemini

Of the nine planets utilized in Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, Jupiter is considered to be the great benefic.  Jupiter is currently occupying Gemini in Vedic astrology. It has come to a standstill in its movement in the heavens as we are about to experience Jupiter retrograde in Gemini, starting tomorrow.

Jupiter is known as the Guru or the spiritual  teacher.  Jupiter is the mantri, or the adviser or Guru. It is charismatic, enthusiastic, generous, and adheres to dharma or moral codes of conduct. Jupiter is the planet of wisdom and discernment. In Gemini, Jupiter dispenses advice after much analysis and contemplation.  As Jupiter is also the indicator for religion and spirituality, those in a Jupiter planetary cycle (dasha or bhukti) will be drawn to practices which involve the reading of spiritual or scriptural texts.

Jupiter is currently in the nakshatra or star of Punarvasu.  There is a strong connotation with spiritual practices and rituals with Punarvasu nakshatra.  Jupiter retrograde in Gemini can heighten the desire to perform these practices.

In Vedic astrology, retrogression is seen as a sign of strength.  When a planet is retrograde, it is closer to the earth than usual. People feel its presence more powerfully than usual, for better or worse.  Retrogression connotes the notion of repetition, renewal, and revisiting of situations.

What can be troublesome is when a planet goes from being direct (forward motion) to retrograde or from being retrograde to being direct.  For any planet to change direction, it first has to slow down considerably.  A planet stops moving for a period of time and then has to slowly gain momentum.  Planets are exerting their full force when retrograde but are also in a state where there is no movement.  They are stuck wherever they are.  With Jupiter retrograde in Gemini, this can deliver powerful results for better or worse, depending on the individual chart and planetary cycle.

Jupiter turns retrograde on November 7, 2013.  It returns to one third of its normal speed one week later, and to two thirds its regular speed on November 23.  Jupiter returns to its regular daily movement on December 2, 2013. 

People in a Jupiter dasha or bhukti may feel more magnanimous, gregarious, philanthropic, when Jupiter is retrograde. They may also be more powerful speakers, orators, writers, and teachers with Jupiter retrograde in Gemini.  Gemini is the sign of the zodiac which signifies communication.

In Ayurveda, the word guru translates as heavy. It is associated with Kapha dosha and the adipose tissue (meda dhatu).  Jupiter retrograde in Gemini can lead to certain stagnation and build up of the fat tissue if people get too stuck in their theories and beliefs and don’t move – both physically and mentally.

On January 16, 2014, Jupiter re-enters tumultuous Ardra nakshatra (which it had occupied from June 28, 2013 to August 31, 2013).   The symbol of  Ardra is a teardrop, as there is an association with loss and difficult circumstances. The intense feelings of having to start anew may be more dramatically highlighted with Jupiter retrograde in Gemini.

Jupiter comes out of retrogression on March 6, 2014.  Jupiter re-enters Punarvasu on April 24, 2014.  Jupiter remains in Gemini until June 18, 2014, and then it enters Cancer, its sign of exaltation, or greatest strength.

How each individual will be impacted by Jupiter retrograde in Gemini will depend on the individual’s ascendant, natal planetary placements in Gemini, and their planetary cycle.  A personalized Vedic astrology reading can shed light on what these transits may hold for you and how to optimize the weeks and months ahead.