Double Star Chronicles: Historical Plagues and the Jupiter-Pluto Conjunction
The Astrotwins, Ophira and Tali, are twin sisters and well-known American astrologers who have collaborated with numerous celebrities, including Beyoncé, and have penned several bestselling astrology books. Their approach to fortune-telling mainly focuses on event guidance.
Is there a connection between the conjunction of Jupiter and Pluto and the outbreak of infectious diseases? History may hold the answers. Notably, major pandemics have often occurred during Jupiter-Pluto conjunctions. Jupiter symbolizes globalization, expansion, and wisdom, while Pluto embodies what lurks in the shadows.
On April 4, 2020, Jupiter and Pluto will align in Capricorn. In astrology, when two or more planets perfectly align (at 0°), it is termed a conjunction. The energies from these planets will produce varied outcomes based on the planets involved and their position.
Three Jupiter-Pluto Conjunctions in 2020
- April 4: 24° Capricorn
- June 30: 24° Capricorn
- November 12: 22° Capricorn
Throughout the year, Jupiter will remain close to Saturn, Pluto, and the South Node. On April 4, Jupiter and Pluto will have their first conjunction in Capricorn, a sign representing government, structure, and the economy. Earlier, the universe gave a preview with the Saturn and Pluto conjunction on January 12, 2020. Now, the main event is unfolding.
Jupiter-Pluto Conjunction & Myth: Heaven and Hell?
Jupiter embodies global connections and amplifies everything it touches. In Roman mythology, Jupiter (Zeus in Greek mythology) reigns as the king of the gods, controlling the skies and thunder.
Pluto (Hades in Greek mythology) commands the underworld. In astrology, Pluto represents concealed elements—such as viruses or governmental conspiracies. This vibrant symbol denotes a rebirth emerging from the shadows.
During a Jupiter-Pluto conjunction, the gates of heaven and hell might simultaneously open. Could it be that disease serves as a test for us caught between these realms? Presently, we are in a state of waiting—staying home, awaiting answers, testing kits, vaccine advancements, medical supplies, and more.
The Jupiter-Pluto conjunction takes place every 13 years, with the last one occurring in mid-December 2007. Although not every conjunction is fraught with challenges, traditionally, significant pandemic outbreaks have paralleled these alignments.
The good news? Infections might peak during their conjunctions and taper off as they move apart. Observing the surge in infection rates and the scarcity of medical supplies can be disheartening.
Historically, here's what transpired during Jupiter-Pluto conjunctions:
1918 H1N1 Influenza: Jupiter-Pluto in Cancer
From January to February 1918, Jupiter and Pluto traversed Cancer. The United States, a Cancer, faced an influenza pandemic that infected around 500 million people (about a quarter of the global population at that time) and caused approximately 50 million deaths. This 1918 pandemic marked H1N1's first wave, with another following in 2009. The first confirmed 2009 case arose in early January when Jupiter and Pluto were in Capricorn, though they did not precisely align.
1981 HIV: Jupiter-Pluto in Libra
In 1981, HIV emerged in the United States, inflicting widespread harm. During October and November, Jupiter and Pluto aligned in Libra, associated with relationships.
By December 2, 1994, shortly after another Jupiter-Pluto conjunction, the FDA approved the first oral mucosal HIV test, enabling blood sample-free testing. This conjunction occurred in Scorpio, which rules over sexual organs. By 1995, AIDS and its complications were the leading cause of death among adults aged 25 to 44.
1771 Plague in Russia: Jupiter-Pluto in Capricorn
Between 1770 and 1772, Russia witnessed a plague outbreak, the last significant Black Death event. It claimed between 50,000 to 100,000 lives in Moscow. In December 1770, Dr. Shafonsky, chief physician at Moscow General Hospital, reported a plague case, but public health officials, particularly a skeptical German doctor named Lind (who succumbed to the plague in June 1771), were dismissive.
The government's response was sluggish, delaying troop deployment for quarantine enforcement. By late February 1771, Jupiter and Pluto converged at 18° Capricorn. That month, Dr. Shafonsky's report was disregarded by Dr. Lind. However, by March, the epidemic began spreading rapidly (sound familiar?), prompting the Moscow government’s reluctant realization of the problem, though it was too late by then.
By September 1771, with Jupiter and Pluto aligned at 17° Capricorn, the epidemic peaked. Thousands of Moscow residents died daily, totaling 20,000 deaths, which led to a mass exodus. On September 15, 1771, riots broke out driven by the epidemic, with locals rebelling against the government, suspecting a conspiracy.
As COVID-19 proliferates in crowded urban areas, it's crucial to heed history's lessons. Today, we can disseminate information through social media and the internet, leveraging advanced technology for rapid mutual aid.
14th Century Black Death in Europe: Jupiter-Pluto in Aries
Between 1346 and 1353, Europe's Black Death claimed about 50 million lives (60% of the population). The plague initially spread among rats, and as their numbers dwindled, fleas turned to humans, transmitting the virus. The epidemic's zenith in 1347 coincided with a Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in Aries.
In 1346, Jupiter traveled between Aquarius and Pisces, a pattern set to recur in 2021. Aquarius pertains to large populations, while Pisces is linked to hospitals and diseases. The Black Death's rapid spread stemmed from a sluggish recognition and response. Today, we understand that prompt epidemic reaction fosters better containment.
430-427 BC: Pluto in Capricorn
A plague in ancient Athens resulted in 75,000 to 100,000 casualties, originating from a port with symptoms resembling typhus or typhoid fever. It spanned five years, causing widespread distress and rioting that led to coercive government measures, culminating in Athens’ democratic collapse. Although there was no Jupiter-Pluto conjunction during Athens' plague, Pluto traversed late Capricorn and early Aquarius, a pattern resembling that of the 2020s.
In astrology, Pluto returns to the same sign every 247 years. The last time Pluto inhabited Capricorn was during the U.S. founding; now, from 2008 to 2024, Pluto’s return to Capricorn is driving significant political and economic alterations.
On July 4, 1776, the U.S. declared independence with Pluto at 27° Capricorn. On February 24, 2020, the stock market crashed as the U.S. government acknowledged COVID-19's contagiousness, with Saturn at 27° Capricorn aligning with Pluto in the U.S. natal chart. Saturn and Pluto's combined energies stirred a dormant volcano, turning fears into tangible realities.
What Will the Jupiter-Pluto Conjunction of the 2020s Look Like
On April 4, the first conjunction of Jupiter and Pluto may lead to two possibilities:
Scenario One: Jupiter represents expansion and dissemination, while Pluto reveals hidden entities, like viruses, and governs death. During this time, areas currently stable could experience a sudden increase in cases.
Scenario Two: The optimistic Jupiter uncovers hidden matters, bringing hope. We might hear promising developments, like vaccine progress, support for healthcare workers, or the reopening of small businesses (with Jupiter symbolizing entrepreneurship). However, we must be cautious of overconfidence, a pitfall of Jupiter.
On June 30, during the second conjunction, both Jupiter and Pluto will be in retrograde. With inner planets (e.g., Mercury, Venus, and Mars) in retrograde, confusion typically arises. However, retrograde motion in slower outer planets can be a reprieve, allowing us to escape the overwhelming grip of Jupiter's expansion and Pluto's gloom.
Late June will also bring positive changes. On June 25, social-oriented Venus will conclude its six-week retrograde in Gemini. Gemini, associated with relationships, governed the lungs and hands—both connected to COVID-19. When Venus entered retrograde on May 14, friends and partners felt the pressure to remain at home.
On July 1, Saturn, which represents boundaries, will depart from Aquarius and won't return until December 2020. As this sense of restriction lifts, we may "breathe freely" again. Research indicates some flu viruses diminish in warmer months.
Aquarius is linked to teamwork, friendship, and social activities, while Saturn represents social distancing. While Saturn is absent, we might resume social interactions but should remain vigilant, as Saturn will return to Aquarius on December 17, 2020, remaining until March 2023.
The last Jupiter-Pluto conjunction of 2020 is set for November 12. By then, both planets will be advancing. Due to fiery Mars’ extended stay in Aries from June 27, 2020, to January 6, 2021 (with retrograde from September 10 to November 13), resistance to maintaining distance may arise. Worse yet, Aries, being a self-focused sign, might reveal humanity's darker sides. Resource scarcity could lead to self-centered behavior, and gun sales might surge in the year's latter half.
November 12 coincides with a week after the U.S. elections, during which we anticipate peak public frustration. Regardless of the victor, dissent is inevitable. As in 1717, mismanaging the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction might result in unrest. We hope leaders worldwide will address this crisis effectively, averting worst-case scenarios. Learning from history can guide us to prevent internal conflict and destruction. (Nonetheless, preparing for the worst remains vital.)
Is There Hope Under the Jupiter-Pluto Conjunction? (Yes, There Is!)
Wondering when it will end...
The world faces tough times both in public health and economically, yet inciting panic isn't our goal. Fortunately, science and technology have considerably advanced. As this article is written, the FDA has authorized Abbott to manufacture at-home testing kits, with production kicking off under the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction on April 4, anticipated to yield 50,000 kits per week. Johnson & Johnson is also developing a vaccine, with clinical trials set to begin in September.
From March 21 to July 1, Saturn will journey through Aquarius, representing the public, fostering organized and systematic cooperation. Transforming convention centers and sports arenas into makeshift hospitals exemplifies this effort. Saturn implies authority and government, and we've observed increased governmental intervention. Recently, Trump invoked the Defense Production Act, directing automaker General Motors to produce ventilators. Globally, numerous governments have urged residents to stay home, and military medical personnel have joined the pandemic fight's front lines.
On December 19, 2020, Jupiter will move from Capricorn to the innovative sign of Aquarius, heralding 2021 as a new era of global innovation. On December 21, Jupiter and Saturn will meet in Aquarius, marking a major conjunction occurring every 20 years, ushering in significant developments. Saturn will temper Jupiter's enthusiasm, reminding us that progress requires slow, steady steps.
What Will December Bring?
The last Jupiter-Saturn conjunction was on May 31, 2000, when they met in Taurus (the economy), coinciding with the internet bubble burst and ensuing recession, extending into 2001. That same year, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates multiple times to protect the economy from the tech stock bubble's impact.
We need to glean insights from this conjunction about balancing excess and growth. The Jupiter-Saturn shift from material-focused earth signs to the people-centric air signs urges us to apply past lessons (Saturn) to future endeavors (Aquarius), aiding recovery from 2020's challenges.
During several major pandemics, Jupiter and Pluto have aligned in influential signs, offering insights into response strategies and planning.
The Jupiter-Pluto conjunction can also catalyze innovation and wisdom. Pluto governs our resources, and with Jupiter's energetic support, we will become more community-oriented. By uniting our strengths and intelligence, we can face challenges together.