Beyond Binaries: Jupiter, Uranus, and a Queer Dance in Taurus

On December 31, 2023, Jupiter undergoes a significant shift, transitioning from retrograde motion to direct motion in the zodiac, specifically in the sign of Taurus. This pivotal change begins a period that sets Jupiter on a trajectory to align with Uranus on April 18, 2024. Then on April 21, the sun enters the third degree of Taurus—a crucial point known as the Exaltation Degree of the moon. Looking at the end of this period where the conjunction occurs, we can start now to prepare for the journey to come in the next several months.

 

In this third degree of Taurus, a remarkable planetary phenomenon occurs. The sun, typically associated with masculine archetypes, transcends its gender orientation and embraces the embodiment of divine womanhood. This degree becomes a nexus where the sun channels the most potent significations of the moon, representing a complete unification of both body (moon) and spirit (sun). As the sun reaches this point, Jupiter and Uranus form a degree-based conjunction, precisely in the 22nd° of Taurus. The synchronization is so precise that, at the moment the sun enters the third degree of Taurus, Jupiter and Uranus are a mere five arc minutes apart.

 

This synodic connection holds deep significance, metaphorically aligning with a sexual union of these two energies. While the sun connects with the lunar principal through its exaltation degree—a symbolic and ethereal linkage through the threads of spirit—the conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus is a tangible, bodily union in the sky.

 

Mythically, Uranus initially emerged from the mother, Gaia, as the first entity separate from Gaia. Uranus’ journey began pre-gendered and subsequently involved assuming a masculine identity as a result of the craving for reunion with Gaia. Ultimately expressing destructive forces often associated with the masculine. The archetypes of Uranus signify the creation, unification, separation, and annihilation of gender constraints, shaping gender orientations in our world.

 

In the ancient tales, Uranus’ journey took a significant turn when his son, the titan Saturn, motivated by rage and jealousy, castrated Uranus. This symbolic act represents a transformative phase where Uranus, initially singular and transcendent, undergoes a profound change where his destructive urges become pacified internally, yet are transmitted to his son Saturn, who we later learn is destined to repeat and refine his father’s violence.

 

In this narrative, Saturn, the father of Jupiter, driven by forces beyond mortal comprehension, severs the genitals of Uranus, casting them into the Neptunian sea. This act becomes a potent metaphor for the cycle of creation and destruction, where the severed genitals of Uranus serve as the genesis of a miraculous and spontaneous emergence. From the seafoam created by these titanic gonads, the goddess Venus arises—an embodiment of beauty, love, and sensual allure.

 

The myth underscores the archetypal significance of Uranus, showcasing the journey from emergence to identification and transcendence leading to a transformative encounter with Saturn's castration. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the birth of Venus, symbolizing the interplay of forces that shape the very fabric of our existence.

 

As we delve into the astrological energies of Uranus and its conjunction with Jupiter, these mythic echoes add depth to our understanding. The alignment in Taurus, a sign representing sensuality and earthly connection, becomes a canvas where the archetypal energies of Uranus and Jupiter will converge. It invites us to explore the dynamics of creation, transformation, and emergence, connecting our lived experiences to the timeless narratives etched in the sky.

 

In the story of Venus rising gracefully from the ocean's depths, there is a resonance with the creation myth itself—the birthing of life and beauty from the watery abyss. This allegory mirrors the broader narrative of land arising from the ocean, an elemental genesis that echoes in the symbolic energies of Taurus.

 

In astrology, Taurus holds the distinction of being both the domicile of Venus and the exaltation of the moon. This dual association underscores the connection between Venus, sensuality, and the earth element. Taurus embodies the raw, primal energies of the earth, and the expression of Venus as its depositor accentuates the sensual and fertile qualities that define this sign.

 

Taurus amplifies the earthly and material aspects of life, emphasizing pleasure, beauty, and the tangible experiences of existence. The mythic origins of Venus, intertwined with the castration of Uranus and the emergence from the ocean's depths, echo in the archetypal energies that define Taurus—a sign that beckons us to revel in the earthly delights and embrace the beauty that arises from the dance of creation and transformation.

 

As Jupiter journeys through Taurus and engages in a bodily conjunction with Uranus, an alchemy of energies occurs. The fluidity of gender inherent in Uranus intertwines with the expansive influence of Jupiter, creating a blend that challenges and transcends traditional gender roles. This union becomes a pivotal point where the transformative forces of Uranus meet the expansive energies of Jupiter, all within the earthly embrace of Taurus.

 

This alignment inspires us think about gender identity through the sensuality of Taurus. Connected by the mythic origins of Venus from the ocean through the sexual transformation of Uranus, the upcoming Jupiter and Uranus conjunction sparks a break from societal norms for a deep dive into gender expression and breaking old boundaries.

 

In this dance, Venus, ruling Taurus, strengthens the link between sensuality and the earth. It encourages us to embrace transformation, where the earthly and the cosmic connect. This time invites us to go beyond expectations, redefine identity, and express our creativity freely.

 

The interplay of Uranus and Jupiter in Taurus, Venus's home and the moon's exaltation, opens a gateway to explore gender, sensuality, and earthly embodiment. This alignment encourages us to navigate this transformative journey openly, break free from norms, and embrace the beauty emerging from the dance of creation and transcendence.

 

In order to get a sense of the way that Taurus sets the background for this conjunction between Uranus and Jupiter we look to how Venus unveils a dual nature that aligns with the embodied essence of the earth element of Taurus—the sign Venus governs. This dual nature unfolds as Venus alternates between its roles as the Morning Star and the Evening Star, embodying both the most masculine and feminine forms of itself.

 

As the Morning Star, Venus radiates the embodiment of the masculine archetype, illuminating the dawn with its assertive and active energies. In this phase, Venus symbolizes the awakening of vitality, strength, and a drive towards action. The canvas is painted with the hues of masculinity, invoking a sense of empowerment and forward momentum.

 

Conversely, when Venus transitions into its role as the Evening Star, it gracefully descends into the twilight, embracing the most feminine aspects of its persona. This phase evokes qualities of receptivity, intuition, and an invitation to introspection. Venus, as the Evening Star, beckons us to explore the softer, more nurturing facets of our being.

 

Yet, it is in the cyclical conjunctions of Venus with the Sun—the superior and inferior conjunctions—that the true magic unfolds. These unions symbolize the interplay between the interior and exterior conjunctions, marking the transformative journey of Venus between its masculine and feminine expressions. The interior conjunction occurs when Venus passes between the Earth and the Sun, heralding a rebirth and a shift towards the Morning Star phase. Conversely, the exterior conjunction unfolds as Venus moves behind the Sun, transitioning towards its Evening Star manifestation.

 

This dance of Venus mirrors the unifying nature of Taurus itself—a fixed sign adept at harmonizing binary states into a whole that is an expression of two extremes equally present. Taurus, through its fixed and earthy essence, unifies the contrasting energies of masculine and feminine, transcending duality to create a cohesive and integrated reality.

 

As Venus, in its cyclical metamorphosis, seamlessly transitions between the Morning Star and the Evening Star, it becomes an exemplar of Taurus' ability to harmonize opposites. This transformative journey invites us to witness the dance of Venus, mirroring the unity inherent in the dual nature of Taurus—an earthly embrace that transcends duality, inviting us to embrace the totality of our own existence.

 

Getting back to the story of the period that culminates at the end of April 2024, where the sun graces the third degree of Taurus, we find a symbolic union between the spiritual and the earthly. This convergence becomes an embodiment of the divine within the material realm. As the sun channels the moon in the third degree of Taurus, it signifies a spiritual essence seamlessly intertwining with the earthly—a dance echoing the archetypal forces at play.

 

So, we can see in April, a significant cosmic dance unfolds with the union of Uranus and Jupiter in Taurus, marking a transformative journey beyond traditional gender and identity boundaries. The sun, positioned at Taurus's start, symbolizes a spiritual essence entwined with our earthly existence, setting the stage for the impending conjunction.

 

The meeting of Jupiter and Uranus in Taurus, both influential forces, becomes a powerful blend of expansion and innovation within Taurus's earthly and sensual embrace. This mirrors a transformative dance between masculine and feminine energies, evident in the sun at Taurus's third degree.

 

As the sun, Uranus, and Jupiter align in Taurus, a chance arises to channel a unified gender energy within us. April becomes transformative, breaking societal constraints and unlocking creativity. This period urges us to transcend self-judgments related to identity, religion, and body image, fostering physical and mental connections with others.

 

Embodying a deep connection with the earth, April invites us to break free from confinements and explore new avenues. It's a time to experiment with gender roles, indulge in creative expressions, and engage in tangible, physical connections. This transformative phase encourages breaking free from societal norms, unleashing creativity, and anticipating a receptive world.

 

As planetary energies guide us through April, it prompts exploration of inner depths and tangible connections with others. The period encourages experimentation, suggesting reversals of gender roles or trying new dynamics. April's energies push us to connect with our creativity, rejuvenating our senses.

 

The period between December 31, 2023 and April 21, 2024 serves as a gateway to transcend self-judgments, touch others in transformative ways, and embrace a new year with a liberated mindset.

 

Then, with Jupiter entering Gemini at the end of May, the expansive influence of Jupiter, coupled with its recent connection with Uranus, will continue to channel opportunities for personal growth and fortune throughout the year. This makes the period leading up to April an essential time for introspection, preparation, and aligning our thoughts with our inner creative needs.

 

So now, as December 31 approaches, we can reflect on the upcoming months and plan for the transformative connection between Jupiter and Uranus in Taurus. Shedding the governmental shackles quite literally mere days after the federal Tax Day in the USA, we can turn outward to the world, our relationships, and the aspects of our lives waiting to be released into a space of creativity and dynamism.

 

This alignment invites us to begin the new year by reorienting our thoughts, contrary to previous self-perceptions. It encourages us to delve into ourselves, preparing for the imminent dissolution of boundaries and the simultaneous embodiment, taking on a new mantle while releasing another. December 31 becomes a symbolic starting point, guiding us to navigate the months ahead with a focus on aligning our inner creative urges with our evolving self-identity.