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JUPITER IN TAURUS Jupiter has recently moved into Taurus. Jupiter could be thought of as the planet of convictions, belief systems, philosophy, and opinions. Jupiter is the symbol of the preserver, the protector, and the provider of benefits derived from good will. We benefit when we agree with the belief system around us because it protects us. Laws are in place to safeguard us, and are developed by the well-thought out decisions of those concerned with the welfare of the group. Our personal beliefs are formed by the family, religion, and community we are raised in, and then further expanded by our reading and education, but always we are strongly influenced by the opinions of others as to what is considered right or wrong. Jupiter should provide expanding viewpoints and educate us, and in Taurus this education should become "grounded", down to earth, and stabilized. Maybe it is time to educate our collective personal value systems. One question always present in my mind is, where does an educated opinion end, and bigotry and personal prejudice begin? Facts are the territory of Mercury, but just as Mercury can pose as the trickster, Jupiter has another side, too. To jump to a conclusion with few facts is Jupiterian, just as an overused or afflicted Jupiter can lead to an overpowering conviction that "we" are right, and everyone "else" is wrong, whether this be religious fervor, or the enthusiasm for our team on the football field. Long ago there was a document that I read, signed, and took to heart. This document was an astrological group membership, and one stipulation was that members agreed to never predict death. It surprised me when I arrived on the Internet that there were practicing astrologers who were unaware that predicting death was considered unethical in some circles. I recently had an illuminating experience that brought this injunction to mind when I mentioned a family member's minor health condition and showed the chart to an astrologer I knew briefly. I was told that the chart showed disease that would lead to death if not treated immediately. I was urged to give this message to the family member right away. Then, later, when this astrologer was angry over something else, I was told, "I hope (that family member) dies……." The ban on predicting death was not superstitious nonsense, an arbitrary rule to protect astrologers from liability, or a religious belief, but based on sound psychological principles. In some areas of the world, it is said, a witch doctor can curse a person and the victim of the curse will lie down and die because of belief in the omnipotence of the witch doctor. In those cultures one must placate the witch doctor, and do what he wants, or he will curse you, and cause you harm. The power of the mind is amazing. The brain is an immense organ that can translate visual and mental pictures into reality. We can be subtly programmed by the manipulation of our thoughts. Look at biofeedback techniques, creative visualization, brainwashing, propaganda, advertising techniques, and the profusion of audiotapes with subliminal messages. One famous study demonstrated that basketball players who practiced mentally performed as well or better than those who physically practiced their plays on the court. This stuff works! As astrological consultants our words can heal or harm directly in proportion to how much belief and faith the person has in our knowledge. And who are we to judge another person's faith? It is an awesome responsibility, and we can never truly gauge the impact of our words. The astrologer described above was anxious to prove himself at the expense of the mental and emotional state of the other person, and showed a lack of responsibility to his profession. What is ethics but rising above our personal needs and the gratification of our ego to serve the greater good and the welfare of our clients? What is ethics but our fiduciary duty to those who place their trust in us? It is not only in the matter of death that we must watch the impact of our pronouncements. The fine line to consider is whether our astrological words of wisdom create subtle harm or positive impact. An example is the choice between an ominous and negative prediction: " oh, dear, Saturn is conjoining your Venus and you will lose all your money. " Or an empowering and constructive, "Saturn is conjoining your Venus and a good way to use this energy is to be frugal, careful, and organized about finances." I was taught that the first and best rule for all astrological consultations is "Do no harm." Predicting death, or any other matter, can place the suggestion in the mind of the recipient, and indirectly cause the event to occur, because the subconscious mind can and does work behind the scenes. In modern times, and educated circles, no one is likely to curl up and die, but unnecessary fear, anguish, and dread is inflicted on the public that reflects badly on astrologers everywhere. Let us get rid of the witch doctors in our profession. Their time is past. |