The Aesthete

Jumpin' Jupiter

With our largest planet in Gemini: expect enhanced communication and good fortune to follow

by Shelley L. Ackerman

Besides fame, wealth, and influence, what do J.K. Rowling, Oprah Winfrey, Charles Dickens, Barbra Streisand, Don Pardo, Mohammed Ali, Martha Stewart, Thomas Edison, Michael Moore, Kanye West, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Howard Stern, Stephen Sondheim, Matthew Weiner, and Clint Eastwood all have in common? Why it’s Jupiter in Gemini, of course!

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, takes about 12 years to complete a full cycle around the sun, while spending approximately one year in each sign of the zodiac. Astrologically, Jupiter is expansive, lucky, and described as “the greater benefic.” Astrologers everywhere welcome Jupiter with anticipation, as “he” tends to bring opportunity and guarantee at the very least a modicum of good fortune. When Jupiter transits our sun or moon sign close to our Venus, or conjoins our natal Jupiter, we can expect the best and often get a win somewhere. As a matter of fact, when Jupiter aligns with almost any planet, there’s usually some good news.

Wherever Jupiter is found in our chart (sign and house), we are naturally gifted, optimistic, upbeat, and have a lot of whatever that particular sign is about. In the sign of Gemini (as of June 11), it’s all about words, language, thought forms, media, motion, cars, short trips, commerce, gadgets, and connections to siblings, cousins, and neighbors. If nothing else, Jupiter in Gemini is glib, gabby, super handy, quick-thinking and the ultimate multi-tasker of the zodiac.

Negatively, Jupiter in Gemini can be the quintessential double-talker, mired in an endless ream of mindless chatter, trivialities, and superficialities. But if we look to the above roster of gifted individuals with this placement and their contributions to society, we can be inspired to put forth the best of what Jupiter in Gemini has to offer.
 In Gemini, Jupiter places emphasis on early education, books, mobile devices, hand-made items, the lungs, and all things having to do with the city and neighborhoods. Watch for an increased focus on city-related issues: budgets, cabs, cyclists, transportation, and municipal workers and services.

This week’s horoscope describes how each sign may expand and grow in the next twelve months. And since Father’s Day is on June 17th, we honor dad (or the male provider and go-to person in your life) with gift suggestions for every sign.



ARIES: The year ahead is all about an acceleration and increase in the language/communications department of your life. Your mind will be working over-time and although enjoyable, you’re advised to voluntarily pull in the reigns every now-and-then so that your brain can chill. The city and all that it has to offer will be that much more enticing and you may be compelled to check in on neighbors and siblings more often. You might have an indescribable urge to read while on the treadmill…. Just don’t read while biking the city streets!

GIFTS FOR YOUR AIRES DAD: Aries rules the head, so if papa is a hat person, get him one that fits for a change (Aries are often in such a hurry that they don’t bother with details!). If he’s in sync with his sun sign’s athletic trajectory, you’ll score with sports equipment, gym memberships, personal trainers, martial arts classes, or sports-centric getaways.

TAURUS: At last, the moment you’ve been waiting for is here! In fact, you can look forward to 12 months and 15 days of expansion in your 2nd house of possessions thanks to Jupiter. Multiple and ongoing opportunities for “more” — be it stuff, income, or tangible real estate — will be the theme from June 11th to June 25th. Your challenge is discrimination and to resist “eating with your eyes,” as a lot of things will look good to you. Balancing desire with necessity is key, though while you get a handle on it, you may need to get some extra storage space just to be safe. Partner(s) will be generous with you, but don’t take any of it for granted.

GIFTS FOR YOUR TAURUS DAD: Property (even a small parcel of land out in the middle of nowhere) is always a hit with bulls, as ownership and acquisition is what Taurus is all about. But you can’t go wrong with fine cuisine, gourmet gift baskets, and exquisite custom apparel. Taureans can’t get enough of the finer things.

GEMINI: It’s gonna be tough keeping you focused and grounded over the next 12 months, but the good news is, you’ll feel no pain whatsoever: Jupiter on your sun is the once-in-every-twelve-year blessing that we all wait for, and it’s your turn now! Expansion is yours on all levels (including your waistline) so keep a lid on the old appetite. But since Gemini is an air sign whose realm is the intellect, your greatest sense of satisfaction is via your mind. Keep active in that department and direct your curiosity into those pursuits that can truly enhance your life.

GIFTS FOR YOUR GEMINI DAD: Geminis and their gadgets and ephemera is a match made in heaven. The latest iPhone, iPad, or GPS device will always serve in a pinch. If you’ve got the money, a Tesla Roadster would knock his socks off; but if he’s a sports enthusiast and a collector, a gift certificate for autographed sports memorabilia will hit the spot (Geminis love a catalogue).

CANCER: Though you may not see it, you’ll surely feel it: Jupiter in Gemini adds multiple levels of protection from the other side, which will see you through many a tight spot in the year ahead. Your dream life is about to expand enormously as long-forgotten memories from the past may flood your waking state. These will come up for purposes of clarification and resolution, and that’s a very good thing. Above all else, your sense of well-being and of being provided for will grow. Don’t over-think or question it, simply accept.

GIFTS FOR YOUR CANCERIAN DAD: A generous gift certificate to Williams Sonoma or Fish and Eddy will make his day (those Cancerian men are such nurturers and cooks). Though we recommended this for Mom last month, a subscription to Ancestry.com or a visit to Ellis Island will ring his tribal ancestral chimes and then some. And if he’s expressive or could use some help putting pen to paper (who wouldn’t?), this blog (with good links and resources) is tailor-made for men in general, especially those who have served in the military.

LEO: Your circle of friends and sense of community is about to swell, so you better get your time organized as you'll have a fuller dance card. For the next year, riches come through the people in your life so a helpful motto might be: “Every contact is a contract.” As your appreciation for uniqueness and innovation grows, know that the types of people you encounter and take under your wing, may differ from those you've gravitated toward in the past, and as a result, you will evolve as well.

GIFTS FOR YOUR LEO DAD: Feed his glorious ego with a portrait from a respected artist he’d deign to sit for. Can’t afford it? No problem, take a photo of him and put it on a canvas for $50. If he’s a heady theatrical type or a Sondheim aficionado, Into the Woods is part of the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park Summer 2012 offering (July 23-Aug 25). Leos won’t stand in line, so consider becoming a supporter for reserved seats.

VIRGO: How’s a bout a year of mega career growth and expansion? It matters not what the stock market is doing or what the news says is wrong with the economy. When Jupiter lingers at the top of your chart for more than 12 months, the news has to be positive for you. The biggest challenge is dealing with, and balancing, the impulse to serve more than one professional master at a time. But you’re used to that challenge as career-wise there’s often double duty at play. Do not allow yourself to become overwhelmed and be sure to prioritize each day as if your life depended on it.

GIFTS FOR YOUR VIRGO DAD: Nothing rings a Virgo’s chimes more than the promise of better organization, and they often need help: He’d adore Neat Receipt with a few hours of help from you or someone he’s comfortable with (no one can deal easily with their own paper pile-up alone). Storage solutions from The Container Store would be thing of joy, as would vegan catering.

LIBRA: If you love travel, higher education, and/or have longed for a little more recognition, you’re going to be thrilled with what Jupiter has in store for you in the coming year. Among the benefits: your mind, philosophy of life and sense of what’s possible for you will blossom. And what held you back before will no longer have much power. Legal matters get an infusion of luck too. But above all else, if you have the urge to visit a spot you’ve never been to before, make it your business to get there. Something special awaits.


 GIFTS FOR YOUR LIBRA DAD: Librans cherish their libraries, so a book or gift certificate from Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or the ever-magnificent Rizzoli Book Store will enchant and delight as would a well-crafted library table for his days and nights of study. But in the final analysis, Libra men can be quite fashion-obsessed, so learn who his favorite designer is and see what they have to offer. A makeover would do wonders to mitigate Saturn’s relentless pressure for the past 30 months.

SCORPIO: Your favorite spot of all is about to get even more favorite as Jupiter enters your 8th house of sex, secrets, and other people’s money. The year ahead is one in which you can do yourself a lot of good financially and in terms of getting the help and support you need for just about anything you’d like to manifest. The key is to not fritter way this fabulous gift with erotic indulgences and foolish investments of time and energy. Think in terms of building something substantial, especially once October comes around and Saturn enters Scorpio. Your mantra for the year? “Divine Reciprocity”.

GIFTS FOR YOUR SCORPIO DAD: Scorpios love close shaves (literally and figuratively), so if he can stand being touched and/or doted on, an afternoon at The Art of Shaving could be a cool, as would tickets to ABT’s Firebird offering at The Met. After all, any self-respecting Scorpio would groove on the plight of two noble lovers who overcome an evil sorcerer.

SAGITTARIUS: Your ruling planet Jupiter will spend the next 12 months in your house of partnership. Being alone is not where it’s at for you as your social life will get bigger and better with each passing day. If you’ve been flying solo, your status could change. If you’re already in a committed relationship, he/she will bring that much more to the table as more opportunity comes into their life. And if you’ve needed help in getting a project off the ground, this is the year for aligning with those individuals who will work with you to make it all happen.

GIFTS FOR YOUR SAGITTARIUS DAD: Honor his pursuit of the wild blue yonder with a scenic adventure flight and lesson from Long Island Flying. If he's got a broad sense of humor, consider this gag gift: A made-to-order designer soap box for those legendary pontifications. If you could swing it, he'd love to be at the 2012 political convention of his party. And if all else fails? Add sky miles to one of his frequent flyer programs.

CAPRICORN: Jupiter’s gifts will manifest in your 6th house of health, routine, and co-workers. Unless you go into an unnatural hermit mode, the next 12 months you can expect to enjoy daily contact with those who inspire and inform you. People in your employ will be a blessing so if you’ve delayed getting the help or support team you’ve needed (and wanted), wait no more. There’s no extra points for delaying that which needs tending to now.

GIFT FOR YOUR CAPRICORN DAD: Being the “austerity” freak that he is, whatever you get your Capricorn father, it better be useful and obtained at a good price (they check tags and receipts so destroy all evidence). Classic is always best for Capricorns, be it a watch, a clock (they’re all obsessed with time), or a robe. They wear things until they rot, so pick an item of clothing that needs replacing and go for it. And no matter how he protests, a session with a home organizer would be a God-send.

AQUARIUS: Let the games begin, literally. Your love of freedom will not only be fed to the hilt, but could easily be trumped by your renewed sense of joy as you shed inhibitions and reconnect with all things romantic. No matter what stage of life you happen to be at, Jupiter will remind you of what it's like to be a child with most of your day filled with playful exploration. even tht most serious-minded will feel the buzz and could, with a little encouragement, align with creative possiblities and work them. And did I mention romance? Oh yes, love is just around the corner, every corner!

GIFT FOR YOUR AQUARIAN DAD: Although he typically needs his space and may seem to be off in another world at times, your papa is posed for a year of fun and that much more open to diversions and entertainment. A weekend get-a-way in Las Vegas, tickets to Roger Waters' The Wall at Yankee Stadium, or the latest and greatest from The Apple Store on 5th Avenue will hit the spot.

PISCES: Family and home are about to be graced by Jupiter’s bounty, so for the next 12 months, enjoy getting your home just the way you’d like it and expand it (and all real estate interests) to capacity. Gemini often can mean two places to live and since the sign is about motion, an RV, mobile home, or Winnebago is not out of the question. Jupiter in Gemini also speaks of communication and along those lines upgrading related items in your home- be it phone lines, speakers, wi-fi, and devices having to do with security all should be looked into. Most of all, you will feel the bounce that accompanies a sense of being provided for from the ground up. Not bad at all.

GIFTS FOR YOUR PISCES DAD: If he's more of the soulful dreamer type with a flare for photography (as Psceans tend to have), a digital underwater camera would be ideal, as would anything nautical, but it clothing, fishing gear, a fishing trip, or an excursion to a secluded beachfront weekend retreat.