On May 16, Jupiter is ready to make a major move: The lucky planet is entering Taurus for the first time since 2011. If you’re wondering what that means, who will be impacted, and whether we can actually endure another cosmic shift (in this economy!), you’re asking the right questions. Keep scrolling, dear reader, for the answers to all your questions.
But, first, what’s Jupiter’s deal?
Astronomically speaking, Jupiter is pretty incredible. The fifth planet from the sun, Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system (ten times bigger than Earth!), and Jupiter’s supersize gravitational pull actually tugs on the millions of celestial objects in the asteroid belt, preventing them from traveling toward the sun and destroying Earth along the way. Nice.
So, it’s no wonder that — astrologically speaking — Jupiter is considered the luckiest planet in the cosmos. Referred to as the “Great Benefic,” Jupiter has the Midas touch, offering luck, fortune, and abundance wherever it goes. Jupiter is also associated with higher learning, worldly expansion, and spiritual enlightenment, which means that Jupiter encourages even our most existential curiosities.
But if all that sounds too good to be true, you’re right on the money. Jupiter will never take no for an answer — this planet knows nothing of boundaries, limits, or moderation. (Indulgence, decadence, and vices also fall under this planet’s gold-leafed purview.) Just like spending a few hours in a 1980s rococo-revival casino will leave you queasy and gasping for air, too much opulence is simply … too much.
One more thing: Astrologers measure the influence of a planet based on the speed of its orbit. Planets with slower orbits — specifically those on the far side of the asteroid belt, like Jupiter — are believed to impact long-term, large-scale, generational matters.
And what’s been going on with Jupiter lately?
Jupiter spends approximately one year in each sign, which means it takes this majestic gas giant approximately 12 years to move through the entire zodiac. As an outer planet, it’s believed that whatever zodiac sign Jupiter occupies will shape the cultural milieu of that year. And the past few years have proven this to be shockingly (or not) accurate: Jupiter in strict Capricorn (2019 through 2020) corresponded with lockdowns, Jupiter in innovative Aquarius (2020–2021) introduced vaccines and other medical and technological breakthroughs, and Jupiter in dreamy Pisces (2021–2022) offered rose-colored hope for a brighter tomorrow. (Exact dates of these Jupiter transits can be found here.)
Last May, Jupiter shifted into fiery, impulsive Aries — a loud, impulsive, singular-minded, and aggressive transit. Think “ripping off your shirt, pounding your chest, and asserting your dominance”–type energy. It’s giving Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover. Taylor Swift’s Ticketmaster meltdown. Gwyneth Paltrow whispering, “I wish you well.” Scandoval. It’s been … chaotic, to say the absolute least. But now, on May 16, the tide will finally begin to turn.
What’s the deal with Jupiter in Taurus?
On May 16, Jupiter shifts into Taurus. The second sign of the zodiac, Taurus is an earth sign associated with stability, practicality, and material possessions. Taurus is sturdy, stubborn, and a lot more grounded than its preceding sign. In other words, during Jupiter in Taurus, we should expect the pace to get a little slower.
But Jupiter in Taurus is no buzzkill. There’s a lot of magic baked into this transit. Taurus is governed by Venus, a.k.a. the “Lesser Benefic” because it tends to the fortune of more ephemeral, day-to-day matters. So, with the Benefics partnered up and working together, we may experience some really beautiful, well-deserved blessings, such as a greater sense of financial security and material abundance. Jupiter in Taurus can also inspire us to focus on practical matters, such as budgeting, saving, and investing in our future — we may feel motivated to take stock of our resources and create more solid foundations. Traditionally, Jupiter in Taurus is considered a time of economic prosperity. Phew!
Who’s going to feel it?
Since everyone has every single zodiac sign somewhere in their birth chart, everyone will be impacted by Jupiter’s movement into Taurus. However, if you were born when Jupiter was in Taurus, you’re in for a treat!
If your birthday falls between:
- April 29, 1952–May 9, 1953
- April 13, 1964–April 22, 1965
- March 27, 1976–August 23, 1976
- October 17, 1976–April 3, 1977
- March 9, 1988–July 21, 1988
- December 1, 1988–March 19, 1989
- June 29, 1999–October 23, 1999
- February 15, 2000–June 30, 2000
- June 5, 2011–June 11, 2012
- (Earlier dates can be found here.)
Then congratulations, friend, you’re experiencing your Jupiter return!
First, you should know that your Jupiter return is nothing like your notorious Saturn return. Jupiter returns happen approximately every 12 years (loosely the ages of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, etc.) and correspond with cultivating new wisdom, opportunities, fortune, and abundance.
Jupiter return is an excellent time to set new goals, embark on new ventures, and take risks that align with your dreams and desires. With a renewed sense of excitement and optimism, you may feel inspired to make brave, bold gestures, like career changes, cross-country moves, new relationships, or even expanding your family.
But no matter where you are in your Jupiter cycle, Jupiter in Taurus is guaranteed to offer a powerful shift in perspective. Enjoy it!
More Astrology News and Guides
- Behold Your Summer Horoscope
- Jupiter in Astrology Can Bring You Some Serious Luck
- Rising Sign: What Is It, and What Does It Mean?
