Jupiter in Taurus- Here, have a homebrew

Imagine yourself in a calm, peaceful beer garden. You're surrounded by friends, all generously buying rounds for each other of exquisite German Helles. The sounds of birds and the comfort of friends and familiarity are a reassuring backdrop to your optimistic mood. It's time to discuss expansion, new possibilities philosophy- with a strong dash of patience. Let's not rush in here. Have another beer and relax first. Mmm... crispy hops with rich malty body, in a big stein covered in the condensation of the cool evening mist. Like a painting.

Sounds nice? That's Jupiter in Taurus. Jupiter moved into the sign of Taurus hot off the Aries presses on June 4th. The energy of Jupiter in Aries was unquestionable over the past year- pioneering, individual action and risk taking. Pure initiative, with a goal of building a different, more positive future. A bit brash, at times. With this energy, and Jupiter's conjunction with the even slower-burning Uranus in Aries, we saw the sudden rise of protesters all across the Middle East. Freedom, energy, change through action, all these became themes of the past few months. And, sure enough, change is happening, though with the swift repercussion that comes with swift action. Jupiter in Aries was not about holding back. Jupiter in Taurus, however, kind of is.

Taurus elementally is a fixed earth sign- the most stable, and stubborn, combination that you could get in the zodiac. The stability of Taurus fits well with it's associations: possessions, values, tastes, pleasures- that which we accumulate and hold onto and enjoy. Taurus represents patience, perseverance, and security. For action-taking Jupiter in Aries, this is a jarringly different pit stop. But it's a chance to kick back, relax, and enjoy the "finer things"... like homebrewed beer, for instance. This may befit its own post, but the rulership (overriding association) for alcohol is usually Pisces- dissolving boundaries, changing consciousness, opening imagination and delusion at the same time. If you're drinking beer to get drunk, it's probably a Pisces situation. However, particularly in the growing culture of beer appreciation in recent years, the variety and rich components that make up decent beer may fall under the rulership of pleasureable Taurus. If you're smelling the beer before you drink it, considering the carbonation, thoughtfully savoring the rich variety of flavor without focusing on alcohol intake, or doing all of this while actually getting your hands dirty and making more, I'd say it's a Taurus situation.

"Crap, here comes Jupiter. Better get another keg ready."

Though a homebrew is never unwelcome, there is of course a more negative side to Jupiter in Taurus. Caution can lead to reluctance to take needed action. As Jupiter expands its senses, and sense of physical stability, it can be quite enticing to simply stay put. The balancing act with Jupiter in Taurus is to relax and enjoy the pleasurable opportunities that grow, while at the same time maintaining a perspective on when action is necessary. Jupiter in Taurus can grow stronger, more stable, more prosperous, and as long as it doesn't get drunk on all of this our philosophical sides can grow in a new Taurean way. From Hajo Banzhaf and Anne Haebler's Key Words for Astrology, Jupiter in Taurus: "Religion/Philosophy: Epicureans of ancient Greece. Sensual happiness in life within a circle of good friends is the highest goal in life." We can't ignore our physical needs. Jupiter in Taurus is a great time to come down to Earth... and have a beer.