Sun-Jupiter Conjunction in Virgo: Unleash Your Inner Owl

Owls have lately become a popular motif in clothing, jewelry, and knickknacks, but what is its astrological significance? I believe that this night bird is a compelling blend of Virgo and Scorpio, and as we approach the Sun-Jupiter conjunction (exact Wednesday, 8/26 at 6:02 p.m. EDT), this is a perfect time for you to unleash your inner owl by understanding and admiring its complex nature.

The Virgo side of the owl is associated with its quest for knowledge and its razor-sharp focus. This is the Wise Old Owl that loves books. Its questioning nature always looks for answers. It can see the finest of details that comprise a whole. Its downfall can be an inability to see the forest for the trees.

The Scorpio side of the owl is associated with its being a bird of prey that strikes at night. This is the Perceptive Owl that intimidates others with its unblinking stare. No matter how inwardly turbulent its emotions, the owl projects an aura of calm and control. It can perch perfectly poised atop a tree for hours before suddenly swooping down in the darkness and closing in on its prey. You can run, but you just can't hide from the owl.

Jupiter is said to be in the sign of its fall in Virgo, because the perfectionism and downright persnickety nature of Virgo can and does clash with the sweeping visions and unchecked optimism of Jupiter (which rules the sign of Sagittarius). Jupiter is shorthand for expansion and excess; it gambles in all areas of life due to its inherent faith and optimism, while Virgo is highly pragmatic, dots every "i" and crosses every "t," and its true church is work (especially if it is service oriented or not at all glamorous). Jupiter will happily breakfast on bacon and eggs with a side of buttered toast; Virgo would rather starve than eat all those nitrates, nitrites, fat, and cholesterol. (Please note that I am not claiming that all Virgos are health nuts; I myself have Venus in Virgo and Virgo Rising with Pluto conjunct the Ascendant, and I adore bacon and eggs, bread and butter. I am talking about the "pure" manifestation of a particular sign and planet.)

I believe that so-called debilitated planetary placements can lead to far more personal growth than so-called exalted placements. As the Sun illuminates the Jupiter placement that we all will be experiencing until September 9, 2016, it might help to envision yourself as an owl of true justice and knowledge. Make it your mission to give a hoot and fight the downside of Jupiter of Virgo, which consists of legions of hypocritical, hypercritical moralists.