Jupiter in Leo by Ed Tamplin-Astrologer with predictions

From August 2 2002 Jupiter, by far the largest planet of the solar system will travel through the tropical sign of Leo. Jupiter is at home in a fellow fire sign and in the spotlight of Leo should encourage growth through self-expression and the performing arts. Jupiter represents success but also excess. The phrase of, 'over the top', readily comes to mind. Consider the following personalities - Elizabeth Taylor, Pamela Anderson, Bette Davis or Joan Crawford, comedian Groucho Marx and singer Mick Jagger. Or consider the spectacular visual effect 'Star Wars' phenomena as filmmaker George Lucas is another whose king planet is in the lion's den. Is it any wonder that Jupiter in Leo followed the formation of United Artists as superstars Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks pioneered the celluloid revolution and roaring twenties. From now until August 27 2003 may be the perfect time for an 'unbelievable' box office smash, or will the flamboyance of the stars be too much to handle?

On a more serious note countries with a preponderance of Leo planets will have to be monitored more closely lest they go 'over the top'. But keep in mind that people make decisions, not planets, and the following is only a measure of possibilities.

The two Leonian countries that readily come to mind are India and Pakistan. Each has five planets in Leo indicating a rather imperious and bombastic approach to world politics. Having so many planets together in one area of the zodiac makes for a decidedly one-sided view of matters. It was a Sun/Mars (planet of war) conjunction of 1998 that saw these two protagonists detonate nuclear weapons and destabilize world peace. On more curious note the Irish Peace deal was struck under the same auspices.

At the time of writing India and Pakistan are still to celebrate their Independence Days and the astrological portents are fairly volatile from August 10/11 2002 and throughout the rest of the month. Jupiter highlights their Leo planets in October of 2002, January of 2003 and June 2003. So the archetype of India and Pakistan as two warring neighbors is a cosmic, as well as an earthly, reality.

The Iraqi Kingdom chart of August 29 1921 set for 6 a.m. Baghdad also has a Leo influence with the Sun, Mercury, Mars and Neptune here. Jupiter's last transit through Leo ushered in the Gulf War. Precisely as Jupiter entered Leo in August of 1990 Iraq annexed Kuwait, and by Christmas Jupiter had reached Iraq's Mars (the traditional war planet). Western tradition prevailed but just over a fortnight later the US reigned bombs down on Baghdad to commence Operation Desert Storm.

As Jupiter re-enters Leo the same scenario returns for resolution. Late September to October 2002, January 2003 and May/June 2003 are the active Jupiter months for this Iraqi chart. Let's hope that the educative effect of Jupiter has meant that they have learnt from experience rather than more of the same.

Interestingly the Iraqi Kingdom chart suggests a change of leadership in 2003 as Uranus (planet of sudden change) opposes the Sun (ruler). For the astrologers reading this article I found the Iraqi Independence chart (Oct 3 1932 at 10.30 GMT) more responsive to the planetary movement of the Gulf War and that would also suggest around late August 2002 and April May of 2003 but whichever way you look at it something's got to give. Israel also have four planets in Leo, including the malefics Mars, Saturn and Pluto and so the next year represents similar volatile energies in September, October 2002, January 2003 and toward the middle of next year.

There is little doubt when one examines the USA chart alongside its leader George Bush (and note the Uranus Mars contacts) that sudden and often unexpected violence will mark his administration. He was even sworn in with Mars at the point of war (seventh house cusp) at 12.02 pm January 20 2001. It's interesting to note that the USA with Mars in their seventh house of enemies is often attacked by stealth. Witness the bombing in Havana Harbour of the USS Cole which sparked the Spanish/American War, or Pearl Harbour, or even the recent World Trade Tower attack.

Leo is historically the sign of royalty and rulers. Whilst the public cracks were all too obvious in the marriage of Charles and Diana as Jupiter entered Leo, this time it may spell a different story.

Lastly Jupiter's Leo appearance will re-activate the Grand-Cross Eclipse that blacked out all of Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia of August 11 1999. I have written a short piece on this to conclude this article. Pakistan leader General Musharraf celebrates his birthday also on August 11 and came to power under the eclipse. (See also my companion article Pakistan - The Grand Eclipse).

Aries - Jupiter now in your solar house of self-expression stretches your creativity to the max. If romance has been a missing ingredient in your life, it may come in abundance now. Jupiter is joy and it's in your house of fun, so time to really start living it up. Children can play an increasingly important role now, or maybe it's time to encourage the inner child and throw off the shackles of self-doubt. Even Jesus intimated that only by having the faith of a child might we enter the Kingdom of Heaven. If your heaven is to be brought down to earth it's by living in the moment and allowing your Inner Light to shine forth. If you think you've got talent now's the time to find out but ouch, it doesn't have to be at a karaoke night.

Taurus - Do you feel boxed in? Is your family environment encouraging or stifling your life path? Jupiter enlightens you on family matters and can also mean expanding your home base in some way. If you're not happy where you are you may seek to move to bigger more supportive surrounds. This is generally a good time for real estate investment for Taureans, all else being equal. You are attending to the real foundations of your life now and that begins from your immediate living area. Finding a comfort zone is top priority and the force is with you to succeed. You may also bring some matters to a fortunate conclusion.

Gemini - Life is a learning experience it's true and the school bell has rung for you. What classes will you be taking as you add to your font of knowledge? No need to trek up the mountain as the guru has come to town. You may well discover that learning is easier than you thought. Have confidence in your abilities to assimilate information and take advantages of all opportunities for short holidays and meeting new and interesting friends. Information will come thick and fast and you may find yourself busier in your local community. You could be updating your car, your resume and your qualifications before Jupiter moves into Virgo on August 27 2003. Study, assimilate new information and allow Jupiter to expand your intellectual understanding.

Cancer - You've had the advantage of seeing into the future over the past year. Specifically your own future as potential situations, partners and new ideas emerged. You may have enjoyed more recognition in your field than before, or had increasing support, and hopefully you've learnt something new become more qualified or rewarded. The benefactor Jupiter has now moved from your home sign into your money house, so it's time to put your expertise to practical purposes. This is the testing time and also the period of gathering the resources that you need for the journey ahead. Luckily Jupiter usually supplies in these areas with the minor warning that this mega planet can be excess as well as success. Seek financial opportunities.

Leo - Yo, ho, ho, Santa Claus is coming to town - well not exactly. Let's look at the nature of the fifth planet from the Sun and get down to planning tactics. Think of Jupiter as a bit like a magnifying glass - it tends to expand what it focuses on. This planet is future orientated. Hopes and dreams are its fuel for living. It's time to look at broadening your outlook, fulfilling dormant potential, taking a chance on life. No longer can you afford to contemplate the treadmill of existence or deny yourself the right to the joys of living. Without faith there is nothing and even if armed with only this you must use it, as your candle to illuminate the darkness and it will. Good things happen when you believe and now is the time for good things. Jupiter is often called the reward planet and its rewards may be in proportion with your own self-esteem. Just ensure you know the difference between that and ego aggrandizement.

Virgo - There is an old saying that lying within the depths of our unconscious mind is a shining light just waiting for our arrival. Socrates was one who was big one 'knowing oneself which he considered the key to all knowledge. If we can unravel our hidden failure scripts, if we can make friends of ourselves then life is good no matter what's going on around. The lesson for Virgo is to explore the hidden realms, to embark upon a journey of the spirit. And it's not a glass-bottomed boat in a sewer either, as you'll be finding what works for you now. Positive subliminal suggestions, facing what were once thought of as fears can even find them your allies. You may dream in abundance and they do have a message so go to sleep with a pen under the pillow. This is a time for planting good seeds; the harvest season is not far away for you now.

Libra - There may have been significant changes around your workplace of late. Your workload should lessen, or at least the responsibility concerned with it. What you can look forward to now is positive co-operation within group settings. You seem to function more successfully in a team situation, or as one of the crowd. The time is ripe to network yourself to those who share your ultimate aims and ambitions. There's a hint of some of your ultimate dreams coming true and whilst that may sound like romantic fantasy, you've earned your brownie points. New friends may appear on the scene as well and they will ultimately be connected with those ideals you hold closest to your heart.

Scorpio - If every dog has their day its time for you to start wagging the tail where career matters are concerned. Over the next twelve months you may receive an appealing promotion or location to a new area that offers more opportunity than before. Travel may be involved in this possibly at someone else's expense. The one minor warning is that work may come thick and fast so you need to be ready for the overload in these feast or famine times. Parents are more accommodating during these times, as are authority figures who recognise your potential. Jupiter, the planet of abundance and opportunity is travelling through your solar house of public responsibility, status and career and all changes in these areas should be positive.

Sagittarius - It wasn't all that long ago that sailors kept to familiar waters in fear that if they sailed to close to the edge of their world, they would fall off. There are still people convinced that the earth is flat and that revolves at 33/3 rd RPM. Thank god for the Magellans of the world, or for that matter the Neil Armstrongs too. Man can only jump a couple of meters off the ground but forethought and planning have added to that so that we now send spacecraft to photograph the rings of Saturn. When Jupiter enters a fellow fire sign it's equilibrium makes it easy for you to set your sights on a new target and draw back the Sagittarius bow. You will hit it too, just as long as you remember to let it go - and that includes more than just the drawstring. I'm talking about the past here. You're not sailing off the edge at all - simply into new waters. Travel may well be part of this.

Capricorn - When we give of our hearts we receive tenfold in return. We're not necessarily talking money here, although it can extend to that. There is a bounty owing to you and if you are to receive rewards not necessarily of your own immediate doing then now is that time. Ancient astrologers considered this a period of legacies and inheritances. It is also a time of giving up some of our long cherished beliefs, simply because they are outdated and wrong for you now. And you'll find it easier and enlightening to do that. So chuck the ballast overboard and take on some new perspectives embodied by the immediate people you associate with.

Aquarius - Jupiter is travelling through your partnership house here and so people may come into your life who seem larger than life. As the planet is often called 'Guru' in the Indian form of astrology, some of these people may act as teachers or mentors. So it would be a good idea to listen to what your partner(s) has to say over the next twelve months as the message is likely to be beneficial. As Jupiter is a widely regarded as the greater benefic of the planets the people who you do attract should have a positive effect upon your life, with their infectious optimism and enthusiasm. In days of yore this was considered a good placement for all legal affairs, and foreign dealings. Those born early February may travel with a partner coincident with Jupiter's presence.

Pisces - The area of your solarscope activated is that concerning work, health, pets and obligations. The upside of this is you can find work available that was previously hard to obtain. You may actually enjoy going about your tasks and find personal fulfillment in meeting your obligations. Working conditions may change leading to an improved job situation. In terms of health you may find a general improvement which is partly due to your greater awareness, keeping in mind that Jupiter is the planet of higher education. If you have children then a pet may be on the agenda, but you will need to refrain from spoiling the child with gifts. Your time is much more valuable. This influence always encourages you to get your life together on the organisational side and having a diary may be a must.

The age-old belief was that an eclipse punctured a section of the skies that was peculiarly sensitive to planetary energy transversing across the same point over the next couple of years. The August 11 eclipse of 1999 is a case in point. It was billed as the eclipse to end all eclipses. It was the last of the 20th century leading into a New Millennium and fascinated scientists, astronomers, stargazers and tourists alike. Together they witnessed the total blacking out of the Sun virtually from just outside New York, stretching across southern England, Central Europe, and the Middle East finally settling in the Bay of India. According to the ancients the eclipse path designates the area affected.

At the heart of the eclipse was Turkey and within days (August 17) they experienced the first of two devastating earthquakes. At 3.02 a.m. local time in the heavily populated northwest city of Izmit, the first quake hit claiming 17,000 lives and leaving many more homeless and destitute. In 45 seconds Turkey had moved two metres closer to Greece.

2. It preceded a massive lineup in the constellation of Taurus due May 2000, when the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn would all gather in the sign of the Bull.

3. It was too close for comfort to the dreaded Nostradamus quatrain which clearly mentioned the seventh month of 1999 as the time when terror would come from the skies.

If we take into account the theory that planets have to travel across the eclipse degree to re-activate it then we do have a tie in with September 11 2001. On this day Venus went exactly across the eclipse degree. This then makes August 10 and 11 of 2002 certainly worth noting, as then both the Sun and Mars together arrive at the eclipse point. Realistically nothing may happen as astrology points more to possibilities and to have probabilities we need a corroboration of evidence. Hopefully this article may spark further research and shed further light on the synchronicity of us and the planets.