Jupiter Square Saturn
In Astrology, the relationship between planets called a "square" is one of the most challenging relationships there is. The feeling of a square is like being stuck between a rock and a hard place without any easy way of getting out from the squeeze.
Squares, however, are also where there is the most possibility for growth and confidence -- if you can figure out what needs to be done in order to get out from between those two forces, you can basically do anything!
With Jupiter and Saturn continuing to be in this formation for the next two weeks, the question becomes: how can we work with expansion and contraction simultaneously, and what does that mean in terms of manifestation?
In the simplest terms, this relationship between planets not only asks us to work as hard as possible to achieve our goals even when we don’t see results, or when the prospect of a result is thwarted, it also asks us be mature enough to remember that setbacks — or “failures” — are very much a part of the story of success.
Abraham Lincoln had multiple businesses fail and even suffered a nervous breakdown before becoming one of the most important presidents in American history.
Michael Jordan famously said, “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Louisa May Alcott faced rejection after rejection for her writing, and she was forced to work as a servant to make ends meet until her letters home during the Civil War began to garner her attention.
There is story after story like this, and I’m sure we’ve heard many of them time and time again, but since ours is a culture that is obsessed with what we’re able to produce rather than the effort required to produce it, I think they bear repeating.
How would we build strength of character without these types of setbacks? How would we know our own fortitude, and the beauty of being witness to our own capacity if there were never obstacles we needed to overcome? And, perhaps most importantly, how would we understand and develop empathy for the hardships of others if we have not faced our own?
Can you see what you’ve called “failures” or “setbacks” as a step on the path of ascension? Can you marvel at the expansiveness of your own desire to go after what you want even if it is not the easiest path?
What an incredible being you are to take a chance on a goal worth working for! What an inspiration you are to continue the effort even after a fall.
