If Jupiter is the planet of luck, does that mean that Jupiter retrograde is a particularly unlucky time? No – but it does mean that instead of expecting good things to fall into your lap, it’s up to you to find and create your own good fortune.

Jupiter turns retrograde on June 20th, 2021 until October 17th, 2021.

What Happens When Jupiter is Retrograde?

All of the planets, from time to time, appear from earth to be moving backwards through the zodiac. This backwards movement is what we call retrograde motion. This is an optical illusion – no planet actually moves backwards. Because of the variable orbits and orbital speeds in the solar system, it just appears to that way to us. The outer planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, have slow orbits and so appear from earth to be retrograde much more often than the inner planets, because from our earth orbits much faster, so these planets, seen from earth, spend longer moving ‘backwards’.

Jupiter turns retrograde approximately every 9 months, for up to 4 months at a time.

Because of this, roughly one third of the world’s population are born during a period of Jupiter retrograde motion. If this is the case with you, then you have what we call a natal Jupiter retrograde in your birth chart. This will subtly affect the way Jupiter’s energies play out in your natal chart, but often this is quite a generalized, non-specific influence.

Probably more significant is the effect that each Jupiter retrograde period has on any given birth chart, as the retrograde symbolically travels backwards through the chart in what we call a transit Jupiter retrograde. In astrology, the house Jupiter transits during its retrograde period becomes significant from a spiritual and philosophical point of view.

What Is the Importance of Jupiter Retrograde in Astrology?

The planet Jupiter’s astrological association with good luck and good fortune is well known. That does not mean that a Jupiter retrograde period is ‘unlucky’; on the contrary, it means that fortunate things can happen if you turn inwards for a while and start to learn some spiritual lessons.

Jupiter as a planet is the astrological teacher or guru, strongly linked with spirituality and the evolving of our life’s philosophy. Jupiter retrograde is also said to illuminate lessons left over from a past life. Those with a strong Jupiter in their natal chart are on a permanent quest for knowledge; during Jupiter retrograde, we’re all on a quest, for guidance and answers from within as shown by the relevant astrological house.

You may find during a Jupiter retrograde period that your own truth differs somewhat from the truth seen by those around you. It’s an important time for working out your own values, and for understanding that not everyone shares them. And that this is OK. Your own subconscious and unconscious will be hard at work sending you clues and messages; great personal growth is possible if you only take time to listen.

One of the more negative ways in which Jupiter’s energy manifests in the birth chart is in excess. During Jupiter retrograde, it’s important not to allow greed to get the better of you. When you find yourself thinking that you want more or need more – whether it’s love, money or donuts – ask yourself why, and remind yourself that you are already surrounded by blessings. If you’re into reincarnation, spend some time thinking about what in a past life may have caused you to become negative about your current abundance.

Jupiter Retrograde in the Natal Chart

Generally speaking, those born with Jupiter retrograde in their birth chart have less faith in life than others. They don’t feel ‘lucky’ and may tend to look on the dark side of life. If this is you, you may have tried to find answers through an established religious or belief system but been left disappointed. Natal Jupiter retrograde people often need to establish their own unique beliefs or to differ from the path in some way. As ever with this planet, it’s about finding what feels right rather than about conforming to anyone else’s expectations.

Astrology suggests that you may struggle with the concept of joy, finding it hard to understand how blessed you are. Keeping a daily gratitude journal can be beneficial for those with natal Jupiter retrograde – and once you start seeing the joy in everyday life, you won’t be able to stop!

Jupiter Retrograde Transiting the Astrological Houses

When it comes to retrograde planets, the zodiac sign the planet is traveling through gives us an overall flavor of what to expect, but this changes during each retrograde motion period. For a better insight into what to expect during a Jupiter retrograde transit period, we look at which astrological house the planet is moving through.

Jupiter Retrograde Transiting 1st House
This is a key period in your spiritual growth and it’s vital that you challenge your own boundaries and rules now. Move beyond your comfort zone and don’t be afraid of the consequences. Do something which may seem mad, but which you instinctively know will benefit you. You can now truly create your own luck.

Jupiter Retrograde Transiting 2nd House
Instead of bemoaning a lack of money, try focusing on your own inner resources. Jupiter is highlighting your many under-used talents, and it’s about time you stopped hiding them. You have everything you need to succeed in this life, but it’s up to you to showcase your talents; you can’t expect the rest of us to come and beat down your door.

Jupiter Retrograde Transiting 3rd House
Is something missing in your life? You may be taking more than you’re giving right now, and this Jupiter retrograde period is an opportunity to fix that. Try to get more involved with the local community. Speak your truth on issues of importance, campaign, mobilize and help others to grow a stronger community.

Jupiter Retrograde Transiting 4th House
Jupiter retrograde here has strong karmic links, so you may wisely spend this period investigating hypnotic regression or similar. Spiritual growth comes from re-visiting your roots, whether that’s going to spend time in a childhood haunt or researching your family tree. Find out what makes you you.

Jupiter Retrograde Transiting 5th House
The best thing you can do during this Jupiter retrograde period is to have fun. Spiritual and personal growth will come by following what makes you laugh and avoiding what makes you sad. It really is as simple – and as complex – as that. Make a conscious effort to cut negativity from your life and instead focus on the positive.

Jupiter Retrograde Transiting 6th House
Honor your body at this time by focusing on your physical wellbeing. It’s a good time to re-think your diet or exercise regime and to investigate alternative or complementary therapies. Create your own abundance by manifesting a healthier you – if you’re healthier in body, you’ll be healthier in mind and emotions too.

Jupiter Retrograde Transiting 7th House
Surprisingly, this can be a good time to meet your true soulmate if you’re single. People you meet during this period may seem to have an instant connection with you, possibly from a karmic link. Look out especially for someone who you instinctively dislike at first but can’t quite shake off – there’s a lesson in there about judging people too early.

Jupiter Retrograde Transiting 8th House
Don’t be afraid of emotional intimacy. During this period, open up to your sweetheart or to a trusted friend or ally. Let your fears show, let your darkness show, and trust that you will still be loved regardless. This is a very good time for working on trust issues, for seeking counseling or therapy and forgiving those who don’t really deserve it.

Jupiter Retrograde Transiting 9th House
Stop obsessing with details. There’s no point having the route between A and B mapped in infinite perfection if you have no idea how to get to C. Use this period to deliberately look at the bigger picture. Force yourself to let the day to day worries take care of themselves for a while, so that you can take an overview.

Jupiter Retrograde Transiting 10th House
It’s never too late to change your mind over what you do for a living. If your job doesn’t spiritually satisfy you, use this period to think about where your true calling may life. If that means re-training or taking a pay cut, so be it! You won’t be happy until earning money brings you a genuine buzz, not just a financial one.

Jupiter Retrograde Transiting 11th House
Jupiter’s associations with luck take on a revolutionary zeal when retrograde in this house. You’ll be incensed at life’s unfairness and this is an ideal time to do something about it. Make small positive steps towards change in society, whatever that means to you. Join a political party, demonstrate, write, teach – be the change.

Jupiter Retrograde Transiting 12th House
Investigating faith is a good way to spend this period. If you’re religious, make progress on your own pathway. If you’re not, think about philosophy and spirituality in a more abstract way. Work on what you believe and why. Everyone believes something. Shore up your own belief position but be sure to listen to the views of others too.