On Sunday, June 20th, 2021, one of our most benevolent planets in the solar system turns retrograde. So what does this mean for us?
Jupiter is the planet of optimism and confident energy. When we feel great on those bouncy days, we attract positive experiences, which is why Jupiter is also a lucky planet.
However, on Sunday, Jupiter will turn retrograde, bringing a time-out period for us all.
Does this mean your luck will run out?
Not at all!
If you use the retrograde period the way Jupiter wants you to, this will be a time of learning important lessons.
People are always a little “meh” when planets go retrograde, but it really isn’t all bad. You are not being punished when Jupiter is retrograde. Quite the opposite.
Jupiter points out some lessons to you during this period and signals where you may have overlooked some tests in life. If your karma needs some tweaking, Jupiter points that out, too. It’s a bit like Saturn in that respect. These two planets are completely different, but Saturn is all about karma and recognizing the mistakes we’ve made in the past and how they affect us today.
If we look at retrograde periods as an opportunity to learn, not despair, we can work with retrograde energy and benefit greatly from it.
Jupiter Retrograde 2021 Dates
Jupiter retrograde this year falls on Sunday, June 20th, the day before the Sun moves into Cancer and the day when the moon is in Scorpio. It ends on October 18th and turns direct again.
The addition of a Scorpio Moon during this period enhances the need to face issues that we have not been dealing with, ones we have hidden beneath the surface.
Jupiter’s benevolent influence helps smooth out any rough moments, and we can view hidden issues with greater clarity, finding the best outcome for all.
This is also a highly favorable Jupiter retrograde, and there are many opportunities to transform the material into the spiritual during this period.
You might want to brush up on: The Complete Guide to 2021 Retrogrades
What is Jupiter Retrograde?
Jupiter retrograde occurs each year for about three to four months. You may be wondering what Jupiter retrograde means, especially since it happens much less frequently than the infamous Mercury retrograde.
Jupiter retrograde offers many beautiful opportunities for internal growth.
Jupiter is a large planet and moves rather slowly, staying in each zodiac sign for approximately 12 or 13 months at a time.
The effects of Jupiter retrograde aren’t as shattering as the impact of other retrogrades (such as Mercury, who moves very quickly and visits a different zodiac sign every 3 to 4 weeks).
When a planet is direct, it moves in a forward motion and at its regular speed. When a planet is retrograde, the planet slows down. It slows down so much that it appears to be moving backward, but it’s really not backtracking through the sky.
When a planet is retrograde, it is a cue from the Universe to slow down and reflect on our lives, decisions, and surroundings.
Jupiter rules the themes of philosophy, spirituality, growth, karma, and success. Where these issues exist in our life, we are encouraged by Jupiter retrograde to reflect on them.
Read this next: The Ultimate Guide to Retrogrades
5 Ways to Use Jupiter Retrograde for Better Karma
Karma is that thing we all talk about. It affects every one of us, and there is no escaping it.
One of the best ways to deal with karma is to face it head-on. Pretending the problem isn’t there isn’t going to make it go away.
That karmic boomerang could make the consequences even worse if you aren’t reviewing and reflecting, and correcting your role in certain situations. Below are 5 ways you can harness the energy of Jupiter retrograde to work for you and improve your karma.
1. Trust That Things are Happening as They Should
When you trust in the Universe, you are naturally attracting the very thing that you need.
As our Scorpio friends are familiar with, sometimes the best form of victory is surrender.
When you trust that things are happening according to Divine Order, you are surrendering to the Universe. This does not mean that you are admitting defeat. It just means you are accepting that there are forces out there that are more powerful than your ego and are in alignment with your soul.
When we find that deep, unshakable inner trust that we are right where we need to be, it builds the self-trust that will allow us to become successful.
Perhaps the experiences you have are an invitation to build trust so you can remove any blocks you have to success that come from fear.
2. Rethink Your Values & Look for Signs
Jupiter retrograde is all about rethinking your current values and looking for signs from the Universe that you are on the right track.
These signs can come in the form of dreams, intuition, conversations with others, a feeling you have, or even something such as stumbling upon a certain article or watching a certain TV show.
If the Universe is sending you a sign, you will know because somewhere deep within, you will feel it.
Jupiter retrograde allows us to see what is blocking us from success. It’s a time to look internally at your strengths, see if you feel your relationship and job are in alignment with your values, and even revisit your own philosophy on life to get more clarity.
Allow yourself to take a look at your core values, your spiritual beliefs, and your ethics.
Perhaps even ask the following questions of yourself:
- What changes can you think of that may lead you to long-term fulfillment and deeper motivation?
- Are you really content with your job?
- What does your heart say?
3. Remove Blockages & Embrace Change
Having a soul check-in with yourself is a fabulous idea during this period. This might involve going to your special space and taking a look at your personal strengths.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you let them shine or do you let yourself walk on the sidelines?
- How can you use your strengths to support society?
- What flaws or weaknesses are holding you back?
Use Jupiter’s benevolent influence to help you find these answers. It can take a while, but don’t worry because you’ve got several months to work with Jupiter retrograde!
Once you’ve had that open and honest soul check-in with yourself, it’s time to embrace change.
Change will come, perhaps drastically or not, perhaps unexpectedly or not, but it will come. When the Universe throws you a curveball, play ball. That means welcome the things that seem to throw you off and look at how you can strengthen yourself by staying positive no matter what.
Let unplanned events be an invitation to practice positivity, adopt a loving attitude, and simply love yourself. Your soul may be aligning you with something you can’t see yet so just keep that attitude of gratitude.
4. Be Mindful of How Much You Spend
Jupiter is a lucky planet, but during Jupiter retrograde, it is time to look at our spending habits and take care with going overboard, or the complete opposite, which is being too frugal to the point of stinginess.
Because there won’t be much expansive energy for our interaction with the world, we can expect to have some downtime when it comes to fortunes showing up.
That doesn’t mean bad luck; it just means you need to budget and not spend carelessly. It doesn’t mean you lose everything. It’s just a calm period for new opportunities
5. Take Time Out to Unwind
Let’s take this Jupiter retrograde as an opportunity to unwind, especially if things have been hectic!
You might want to consider these questions:
- Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a rut in any area of your life and you can’t get out?
- Are you having the same relationship problems again and again?
- Does your work life feel stale and uninspired?
If you answer yes to any of these, Jupiter is encouraging you to take time out. Thinking about your own personal integrity, morals, and values is essential under this retrograde.
Each planet has its own purpose when it appears to be moving backward. Didn’t back up your computer like you’ve been reminded to do a million times? Mercury retrograde will teach you a lesson there.
Didn’t meet the needs of your lover or handled your relationship inappropriately? Venus retrograde is going to send you a test.
Jupiter is the planet of integrity and karma. So if you have integrity and karmic issues that you have left unresolved, expect some tests in that area.
Let Jupiter Retrograde Lead the Way
Jupiter is a planet that everyone likes. It’s like that one person who’s always smiling and everyone wants to hang out with because they give off such positive vibes.
But when Jupiter goes retrograde, it doesn’t mean that this smiling person is suddenly miserable. It means they simply need a time-out to reflect, just like everybody else. During this 2021 Jupiter retrograde, you can expect to learn some important lessons from the Universe and engage in plenty of (sometimes unexpected) moments of realization.
Remember, Jupiter is there to help you expand the best of yourself. It is known as the planet of expansion for a reason. Never forget that, whether retrograde or direct, Jupiter wants you to succeed!
Related article: How to Be a Boss, Based on Your Saturn Sign