by Benjamin Bernstein

Would you like to know my thoughts on what's coming up astrologically in 2011? Then be sure to read the next few editions of this newsletter, where I am serializing and expanding upon the main points from the 2011 forecast lecture I gave last month.

Last week I discussed the Uranus-Pluto square that is nearly exact in 2011, and discussed the importance of consciously co-creating with the moving planets; please read that article if you haven't already. This week, I'll be focusing on...

A Year of Jupiter Aspects

All the exact outer planet aspects in 2011 include Jupiter. This is not only uncommon, but lucky! Why? Because Jupiter's core meanings are faith, expansiveness, confidence, humor, grace, optimism, generosity, good fortune and hope. In ancient astrology, Jupiter was known as the "Great Benefic" - the luckiest planet in the sky!

Harmonious Aspects

Not only that, but the aspects that Jupiter makes in 2011 are overhwelmingly flowing and harmonious. Here's the complete list, with harmonious aspects in green and the
one challenging aspect in red:

• Jupiter conjunct Uranus: Jan. 4 (3 of 3; also conjunct June & September 2010)

• Jupiter square Pluto: Feb. 25 (3 of 3; prior squares July & August 2010)
• Jupiter sextile Neptune: 6/8 (1 of 1)
• Jupiter sextile Chiron: 7/2 & 12/6 (1 & 2 of 3; final sextile Feb 2012)
• Jupiter trine Pluto: 7/7 & 10/28 (1 & 2 of 3; final trine Mar 2012

Jupiter moves through one sign per year on average, and so typically aspects the above planets annually. Again, with four out of five aspects harmonious, this adds plenty of positive energy to the 2011 mix.

Jupiter Conjunct Uranus

Jupiter's conjunction to Uranus is the most powerful of these events. Jupiter, being the largest body in our solar system except for the Sun, tends to expand whatever it connects with. This, it has the ability to amplify Uranus' positive qualities, which include helpful technologies, innovation, breakthroughs and genius. This sense of new beginnings is even stronger because Jupiter crosses into Aries, the sign most representative of fresh starts, just 18 days after it conjuncts Uranus in Pisces. (Uranus enters Aries on March 11, and stays in each sign for about seven years.)

Of course, this conjunction could also amplify Uranus' dark side attributes of insanity, chaos and turmoil, and bring out Aries' potential for anger and violence. As I said in Part 1 of this series, the planets collaborate with the energies we humans generate here on Earth. That's why keeping our thoughts positive and hopeful is so important if we want to enjoy the planets' highest manifestations!

Jupiter Square Pluto

Jupiter's square to Pluto on Feb. 25 - a hard angle - could be the most challenging single aspect of 2011. Some sort of amplified death-and-rebirth process is called for in the weeks around this square. To harness this energy positively, release and surrender all that doesn't serve you, and actively seek positive transformation.

Those Other Aspects

Jupiter's remaining aspects are not only harmonious angles, but occur after Jupiter enters Taurus on June 4. Taurus is much more stable and grounded than Aries, which will have a calming influence on Jupiter's behavior.

Jupiter's predominantly positive aspects in 2011 don't get us completely out of the woods - not with everything else that's going on and 2012 just around the corner - but they provide plenty of reason for hope!

      Next week: Aspects to the chart of the United States

12/6 (Mon). Be alert for inspiration and mentorship on your spiritual path as the Sagittarian Sun quintiles Neptune and Chiron.

12/7 (Tue). Enhanced stability and productivity are available as the Sun sextile Saturn. Plus, Energizer Bunny endurance is more available 12/7 through 1/15 as Mars transits Capricorn.

12/8 (Wed). Want to go deeper in your relationships, express your creativity more authentically, or make more money? Increased opportunity for all of these is strong as Venus sextiles Pluto.

12/10 (Fri). Mercury is retrograde today at 7:04 AM thru 12/30 at 2:20 am. The usual cautions apply: avoid starting major new projects, take extra care when traveling, back up critical data, and make sure that communications are clear. Mercury retrograde periods are ideal for reflection, planning, and finishing things you've already started.
        Mercury is conjunct Pluto and Mars as it turns retrograde in Capricorn, asking what practical steps you can take to replace outworn structures in your life with new ones that serve you better!