Mars Conjunct Jupiter

On the 14th, Mars and Jupiter begin a new ~2 year synodic cycle focused on the themes of mental maturity and measured exertion for the sake of progress.

Their conjunction occurs in the 17th degree of Gemini. The Tarot correspondences for this degree include The Lovers (Gemini) and The Magician (ruler of Gemini), The Wheel of Fortune (Jupiter), The Tower x2 (Mars also rules the second decan of Gemini), the 9 of swords and the King of swords. These cards tell me a story of the necessary clear-headed and mature choices and actions we must take after upheaval in order to improve our fortune.

Gemini 17’s Sabian Symbol is “The head of health dissolved into the head of mentality”, and is related to the maturing of our rational thought. Rudhyar gives it the Keywords “Mental metamorphosis” and description “The transformation of physical activity into the power to build concepts and intellectual formulations through which knowledge can be transferred.” This degree contrasts Gemini 16 (A woman suffragist haranguing) which focuses more on initiation through passionate persuasion. If you feel like you’ve been passionately trying to convey a point or exert your will to little avail, this focused energy in Gemini 17 may help ground your desires into a more concrete and rational approach.

This conjunction also relates to I Ching Hexagram 35 (Progress), Line 6 which speaks of advancing with a deliberate, focused and measured (but not excessive) use of force. This Line changes Hex35 to Hexagram 16 (Enthusiasm). Line 6 of this encouraging hexagram also relates to arriving at a logical understanding after a harrowing experience.

Overall, the symbols for this new cycle between the planet of our drive and ambitions and the planet of growth and expansion indicate the next two years will see us personally and collectively maturing and achieving more logical, rational solutions to some big problems.

And as Jupiter/Saturn make their first square (in Gemini/Pisces 18) on the 19th, the Saturnian influence will be pushing us to get the work done!