Gemini Season, starring Jupiter!

Dear Rory,

The opening bell of Gemini season rang on Monday, May 19, meaning, in more literal terms, that the Sun entered the sign of the Twins, the first air and the first mutable sign of the zodiac. If nothing more (and there’s actually a lot more), this should serve to lighten the mood and quicken the pace after the Sun’s month-long trek through tenacious, tethered Taurus.

One way to think about the progression of signs is as an evolution through life's developmental stages and the soul's evolution. Aries energy is about "I am," the discovery of self once again emerging from the cosmic goop and the assertion of will and selfhood. Take action, do something, urges Aries. Don't waste time overplanning, analyzing or waiting for permission.

It makes sense, then, that the "reaction" to that would come in the form of Taurean patience and methodology—and embodiment. The Bull says, Take your time, build it well, shore it up with stability and security… and some soft comfortable materials and snacks wouldn't hurt, would they?

And then we get to Gemini, where we discover the mind—and the voice. Here we explore ideas and connection with other souls-from-the-goop. How are we alike, where are the divergences, how can we be more effective together? Aries and Taurus have found their own path, but Gemini considers a multitude—it contains a multitude. (Nod to Walt Whitman.)

Where Aries is self-directed and Taurus is ponderous, Gemini is quick on its feet and mentally agile. It feeds on the exchange of ideas and appreciates a variety of experiences. The energy is lively, stimulating, diverse and scattershot. That can give the impression of fickleness or superficiality, but uncork a conversation on a topic they care about, and you'll quickly discover Gemini's incisiveness and focus.

Wonderful friends, creative collaborators, playful partners: Gemini’s gifts are often undervalued because they're less dramatic and shocking than other signs'... but when you're spinning your wheels, at a loss for words or just feeling sad and lonely, there's no better energy to call upon than a Gemini’s. And with the Sun’s ingress here, the party’s just getting started.

What to expect when Venus & Jupiter arrive?

On Thursday, May 24, against the backlighting of a refulgent Sagittarius Full Moon, Venus springboards into Gemini until June 17. This can amplify the friendly and sociable vibes and help you break the ice or bury the hatchet. Your creativity could shift into overdrive—without any prompting on your part. Make the most of this fertile time by following the muse wherever she leads. You can always edit or modify it later.

But the big-deal Gemini-flavored transit of the week—of the year!—is the entrance of magisterial Jupiter into Gemini for the first time since June 2013. His is a 12-year cycle, an interesting number since we work with 12 signs and 12 houses, and, if you include the modern planets and the lunar nodes, there’s another 12 heavenly bodies that factor into astrology.

Jupiter’s keyword is expansion, but his bailiwick extends far beyond that. Jupiter is growth, abundance, positivity, enthusiasm, adventure, truth-seeking, justice, education and wisdom (don’t confuse those last two). There’s a reason he was called the greater benefic in ancient astrology. Even when he’s retrograde or making a challenging aspect, he’s considered “not so bad.”

Jupiter can actually feel like a lucky star, especially if you implement Saturn’s teachings of hard work, self-discipline, goal-orientation and focus. Lean too much into Jupiter’s temptations to do/get/be more, and you may find yourself challenged in this regard when those two planets square this August. (And with Venus and Mars in the picture, some of your nearest and dearest may get dragged into it.)

But really, think of Jupiter as an amplifier: If you’re enjoying a relationship, pursuit, activity or situation, this is excellent news because you can’t have too much of a good thing, right? Um… actually, this is where Jupiter’s shadow can trip us up. We can get greedy, gluttonous, excessive, overcommitted, indulgent, overconfident, impulsive and self-righteous. Did I mention that shadow-Jupiter is associated with weight gain? There’s a big oof for ya!

While we’re looking at potential pitfalls, it’s important to consider the ancient concept of essential dignities, or how well or unimpeded a planet functions in a sign. Jupiter is the traditional ruler of Pisces and the only ruler of Sagittarius, and in these signs, he’s in domicile—“at home.” But in those signs’ polarities (Virgo and Gemini, both ruled by Mercury) Jupiter is said to be in detriment, or challenged to fully express his natural gifts.

For the next year (until June 9, 2025), Jupiter will augment, extend and enhance areas of life where Gemini falls in your chart, suggesting that if you have plans, ideas, hopes or dreams in those realms, this is the year to passionately pursue them. It’s literally time to go big or go home. No more playing small or playing victim. The universe has your back, and all you have to do is take one brave step in that direction.

(Well, then keep taking brave steps until you get there!)

At the same time, you will do well to consider those shadowy traits mentioned above and maybe scrawl a few in lipstick on your bathroom mirror as a reminder. Jupiter’s temptations can be hard to resist, but if you have a vision, then you also have a soul-level responsibility to manifest it. Jupiter says, Trust me, do your bit, and it will happen!

In closing, a short verse:

With Jupiter's blessing, minds take flight,

Exploring possibilities, both day and night.

In Gemini's embrace, knowledge unfurls,

As Jupiter's wisdom enlightens and swirls.

— Chat GPT4o