Jupiter Retrograde 2024: What Is It and What It Means for You This Year

It’s not only speedy Mercury that can go into retrograde. Every single planet, and some bodies that are not planets, can have apparent retrograde motion that affects astrological outcomes. In fact, in 2024, every single planet except Venus will have a retrograde period. Jupiter usually goes into retrograde for four months every nine months.

What Is a Retrograde in Astrology?

While astrology diverged from astronomy as a science several hundred years ago, retrogrades are an observable phenomenon that are part of both astrology and astronomy. When planets go into retrograde, they appear to move backward. However, they are still on their usual forward-moving course. They seem to go in reverse because of the laws of physics relating to two bodies moving at different speeds. The Earth moves faster than Jupiter. So, when we pass the Gas Giant, it appears to slow down and move backward in our sky.

In astrology, retrograde motion affects each planet’s qualities and how they show up during that time. In general, it may weaken that planet. Retrogrades are generally a time to reflect on things related to that planet. You can scheme up plans, but it is best not to act on them until the retrograde is over. Because there are so many periods of retrograde throughout the year, awareness is important, but you can’t let it stop you from living your life. Retrogrades keep us humble and teach us to go with the flow.

2024 Jupiter Retrograde Dates and Meaning

Jupiter will go into retrograde from October 9, 2024, until February 4, 2025. It will intersect with a few other periods of retrograde including the November 25 to December 15 Mercury retrograde and the December 6 to February 23 Mars Retrograde. It will also coincide with most of 2024’s Uranus retrograde and a small portion of the year’s Neptune retrograde. Early December of 2024 is bound to be a quiet one with so many planets in retrograde. It will be a perfect time to stay in, get cozy, and reflect on your year.

In general, Jupiter retrogrades are a time to process spiritual and philosophical things that we’ve learned resulting in synthesis and more solid and concrete ideas about our philosophies and beliefs when we come out the other side. You may find yourself questioning things spiritually. Because retrogrades are a great time to return to or reflect on old ideas, you may find yourself “coming home” to old spiritual practices.

Jupiter also rules over laws. However, it doesn’t typically affect legal proceedings directly. Instead, it affects our overall beliefs about the laws of our land. During a period of Jupiter retrograde, you may reflect on your opinions on laws that also involve spiritual philosophies, such as laws around the death penalty.

The planet Jupiter relates to good fortune, luck, and abundance. Your luck may not be affected during this period, but you may find yourself reflecting on your relationship to these topics. Jupiter retrograde is the perfect time to start a gratitude practice.

What comes up for you during a Jupiter retrograde depends on which natal house it is transiting. For example, if it is transiting your 3rd house, you may find yourself dealing with philosophies, laws, or spiritual topics around your local community or communication.

This particular Jupiter retrograde will happen in Gemini. Jupiter only changes signs once a year, and it stays in each sign for almost exactly 12 months. Jupiter will transition from earthy Taurus to airy Gemini in May of 2024. With that transition comes a shift from a focus on earthly abundance and comfort to sharing and receiving intellectual ideas and connecting with others. With the retrograde occurring in Gemini, you will have the chance to think about the new information you have received since this sign shift and choose the beliefs that really resonate with you.

What To Avoid During Jupiter Retrograde

These are just general guidelines for what to avoid during periods of Jupiter retrograde. People still have to live their lives despite astrology! If you do find yourself needing to do these activities during Jupiter retrograde, simply take care and be prepared for a few things to go a little haywire. Learning to take things as they come and accept them is a big lesson of retrogrades in astrology.

• Avoid excess eating, spending, and hedonism. Moderation during this period will keep you healthy and happy.
• Avoid committing to new religious groups or philosophical and political organizations. Exploring is encouraged, but wait until after this retrograde to commit or become a member.
• Avoid getting into spiritual and philosophical arguments. You can debate but holding your position too strongly in an argument or worse, playing devil’s advocate, can backfire significantly during this period, potentially causing damage to relationships. Remember, this period is about reflecting on your philosophies, not indoctrinating others with them.

What to Focus on During Jupiter Retrograde

It’s easy to focus on the negative aspects of a retrograde period, but there are always good things about them too. During Jupiter retrograde, the following activities can give you a good idea of what to focus on.

• Develop a gratitude practice. During Jupiter retrograde it is easy to focus on all that we lack. A gratitude practice will help you to realize how many blessings you have, large and small.
• Review your beliefs, especially any new ones you have taken on in the past year. Let go of those that no longer serve you.
• Be kind and thoughtful in your disagreements with others, especially those on spiritual and ethical matters. Agree to disagree rather than go deeply into conflict if you want to preserve the relationship.

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