How Astrology Can Help You Navigate and Overcome Bad Luck

Last year, my grandmother faced a serious illness. In her eighties, she underwent surgery and follow-up care. After completing treatment in Beijing, she returned to the south to recuperate. Now she’s remarkably strong—she has a great appetite, a clear mind, and moves with real agility. I can hardly keep up with her on our walks. It’s truly a blessing for her children and grandchildren.

From the perspective of astrology, everyone experiences a seventh Jupiter return between about 82 and 84, a cycle often associated with closure. The number seven carries deep philosophical meaning; many things seem to begin or end in sevens. Interestingly, our memory for numbers clusters around seven—the first two digits and the last two digits form a chunk, and beyond that the sequence gets fuzzy. For example, with pi, 3.1415926, recalling up to the seventh digit feels like a natural threshold.

Those who make it through their seventh Jupiter return will encounter subsequent planetary aspects such as squares, oppositions, and conjunctions. There’s an old saying that as people age, they should be mindful of 73 and 84, since many elders tend to “pass on” around those years. But if they get past these milestones, they may well carry on toward a hundred! I believe this wisdom aligns with both Bazi and astrology. For instance, between about 71 and 73, people meet their sixth Jupiter return along with Saturn transiting opposite natal Saturn.

This pattern is quite explainable. In astrological terms, each Jupiter return ushers in a surprising phase of transformation. Even if you’d rather stay put, the universe nudges you to be more active. How do you move? Through your work or your body. For older people, work may no longer be the driver, so movement comes through the body. Activity can help or harm, but for elders, physical movement essentially rekindles life force.

So, what should we do?

If the universe wants you to move, don’t be passive—take the initiative! Medical wisdom suggests that staying mentally engaged supports longevity. An elder who is alert, clear-headed, and mentally active has a strong desire to maintain their physical existence, which is a good thing. From a metaphysical standpoint, we should move around to shift our energy and environment. This doesn’t just mean a casual stroll after meals; it points to long-distance travel and changing locations. In this light, someone in their eighties who still sets out to travel aligns with the medical view as well, remaining clear-headed while seeking nature and beautiful experiences.

My grandmother is a Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, so Jupiter returns affect her more strongly than most zodiac signs (Jupiter’s aspects—conjunctions, squares, oppositions—are especially noticeable for Sagittarius and Pisces). She loves to travel and keeps up at least one or two long trips each year. From a fortune-shifting perspective, going abroad would be even better, but her long journeys from south to north still give her the chance to reset her energy by changing her latitude and longitude each year.

Changing latitude and longitude is a way to shift one’s fortune. By following the guidance of a fortune teller who selects auspicious dates, each of us can invite good luck during specific periods. Generally, there are two especially favorable times to travel.

The days around your birthday are excellent for going out.

 “Half birthday.” Your half birthday falls exactly six months after your actual birthday.

Of course, when we’re young, we often don’t have time for extended trips, but you can plan around your annual leave, and business travel can serve a similar purpose—so seize those opportunities.

There is an old Chinese saying, “30 years in the east, 30 years in the west,” and “at 30, one stands firm.” Coincidentally, each zodiac sign spans 30 degrees, and according to the one-degree-per-year theory, moving through a sign represents 30 years. Between about 27 and 31, everyone experiences Jupiter opposite Jupiter and their first Saturn return. Saturn is a strict teacher, reminding us of past difficulties and asking us to settle old accounts—this is a major reminder and turning point. In astrology, that opposition often marks a time when things come to fruition. As you continue on your path, there’s a second beginning, major transformations, and the results of the next 30 years. Thus, we often see people around 30 either thriving or struggling. This may explain the essence of “30 years in the east, 30 years in the west.”

At such a crucial time that shapes much of our lives, there are many ways to shift our fortunes. Among the simplest and most accessible are travel and relocation—essentially changing environments and routes. Some fortune tellers even suggest going abroad, immigrating, or returning to school, which I find very reasonable. It’s important to pause, make a plan, and answer Saturn’s call for “reflection.” Around this time, our dreams and reality begin to align; by 30, a person is generally more set, and the road ahead grows clearer. For example, I’ve learned from experience that I won’t be running for president or becoming a biologist; my path is likely confined to a certain realm.

I remain centered while the world and environment change. The theories of the Five Elements, Bazi, and others say something similar. Every two years, our surroundings shift to a different energetic quality, while our natal chart stays the same; what needs to change is our mindset and perspective. Using environmental changes helps us harmonize with the current energy field, much like changing latitude and longitude in astrology and balancing the Five Elements in Bazi. This is an important way to redirect one’s fortune.