July's Jupiter Retrograde Is an Opportunity to Dream Even Bigger

After the doozy that was the most recent Mercury retrograde — and with Pluto, Saturn, and Neptune all currently retrograde — the last thing you probably want to hear is that another planet is embarking on its annual backspin. But Jupiter, the planet of luck and abundance, will be doing exactly that from July 28 to Nov. 23, 2022.

In astrology, Jupiter's known as the great benefic. Its purpose is to bring fortune, joy, knowledge, and wisdom but also serve as a magnifying glass that amplifies everything it comes in contact with. Think of Jupiter as the planetary equivalent of a buoyant emcee whose job it is to crank up the volume of whatever's happening in the sky. For example, when Jupiter connects with your Venus sign — which colours how you relate to others and express yourself creatively, as well as what you value — it could bring luck and energy to your relationships and finances.

And every year, for about four months, the solar system's largest planet appears to move backward through the sky. In 2022, Jupiter will kick off its retrograde in the cardinal fire sign Aries on Thursday, July 28, before moving backward into mutable water sign Pisces on Thursday, Oct. 27, and finally going direct on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Read on for the meaning of Jupiter retrograde as well as details on which signs will be most affected by the planet as it moves backward this year.

What Do Jupiter Retrogrades Mean in Astrology?

In order to understand what happens when Jupiter is retrograde, it can help to first wrap your head around how the planet functions when it's direct. Whether it's hitting a placement in your chart or another planet or luminary in the sky, Jupiter's job is to push for more, more, more of whatever it's connecting with. The planet of abundance oversees expansion in every sense — especially when it comes to cultivating knowledge and broadening your horizons.

Jupiter transits will push you beyond your boundaries (the same ones that Saturn often inspires you to set), encourageing you to have faith and go with your gut. It's basically the planet of YOLO, bolstering optimism and a desire to leap into the unknown for the sake of having an extraordinary experience and broadening your consciousness. The flipside of the great benefic is that it can sometimes encourage you to bite off more than you can chew. Just like any planet, Jupiter's effect when it's moving forward can be most felt in an external way.

When it's moving backward, it's less concerned with affecting the things happening in your world — your work responsibilities, your love life, your living situation — and more interested in inner work and self-reflection, especially that related to the house that it's moving through in your chart. Say it's currently in your fifth house of romance and self-expression (looking at you, Sagittarians and Scorpios!). While direct, Jupiter in your fifth house can set your dating and love life ablaze — think: more matches, hookups, flirty texts, fireworks. It can also make for more creative projects and spontaneous fun with friends. But while it's moving backward, Jupiter nudges you to see the big picture. For instance, you might find yourself realising that while you might be having a blast, it's still important to work toward what you ultimately want to achieve romantically and creatively.

Because Jupiter oversees knowledge and wisdom, the planet's retrogrades also spur a lot of philosophizing and questioning the rules associated with the area of life that it's magnifying. Let's say Jupiter is in your eighth house of joint resources. During that time, you could be questioning whether you and your partner should be saving up for a downpayment on a house — or maybe exploring different investments that speak even more to your shared values.

It bears noting that as with any astrological event, you may not feel this Jupiter retrograde as acutely as you might experience, say, a full moon or Mercury retrograde. That's because Jupiter's effects tend to build over the course of its long-term transits versus throwing you for a loop with any kind of dramatic, in-your-face series of events.

How the 2022 Jupiter Retrograde Will Affect the Zodiac Signs

When it comes to Jupiter's retrograde from July 28 to Nov. 23, people who have their sun or other astrological placements in the cardinal and mutable signs — that means everyone except Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius — will feel it more than others. Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) will likely feel it the most from July 28 to Oct. 27, while mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) could experience a shift from Oct. 27 to Nov. 23. Here's what you can expect.

Aries (March 21 to April 19)

Jupiter has been in your sign since May 10, cranking up your desire to hit personal goals and make your mark. But as it moves backward there from July 28 to Oct. 27, you'll have to take a step back yourself and think about whether you're on track. Are you truly putting all your energy toward projects and relationships that are the best fit?

Cancer (June 21 to July 22)

Jupiter's been in your tenth house of career since May 10, expanding opportunities to step into the spotlight and leadership positions. It's also possible it's been amplifying your appetite for recognition from higher-ups. As it moves backward from July 28 to Oct. 27, you can reassess your professional game plan and consider whether it's time to course correct.

Gemini (May 21 to June 20)

You've gotten a taste of Jupiter expanding your focus on friendship and long-term wishes as it has moved through your eleventh house of networking since May 10. But once Jupiter moves backward through your tenth house of career from Oct. 27 to Nov. 23, you could have deja-vu in your professional life. It's time to get clear on what you want to achieve and what you want to be recognised for — and exactly how you plan to make that happen.

Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)

Jupiter's trip through your seventh house of partnership has been magnifying all of your one-on-one relationships: romantic, platonic, and professional. Because your sign rules this house, you've probably been pretty blissed out with Jupiter there, and while it's retrograde from July 28 to Oct. 27, you get a chance to reassess how you're showing up for others — and how they're showing up for you. Remember: reciprocity is crucial.

Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)

Jupiter has been moving backward in your eighth house of intimacy since May 10, but from Oct. 27 to Nov. 23, it'll be moving backward in your seventh house of partnership, causing you to reflect on your one-on-one bonds. You could be learning the ropes of living with a partner for the first time or negotiating a business proposal with a colleague, but no matter what's happening on the surface, you'll do best if you take the time to check in with your intuition and make sure you're showing up as your most authentic self in these relationships. (Because otherwise, what's the point?)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)

Jupiter's been moving through your fifth house of self-expression and romance since May 10, but from Oct. 27 to Nov. 23, it'll be retrograde in your fourth house of home life. You could be questioning any recent real estate-related decisions or thinking about how past wishes related to family fit your current or future vision. This could be an especially fruitful moment for intensive therapy, meditation, or journaling to gain clarity on the path that will best bolster your sense of security.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)

Jupiter has been in your fourth house of home life since May 10, throwing a magnifying glass on your domestic and inner, emotional world. You've likely been focussed on boosting your sense of security, laying down roots, or possibly moving into a new — maybe even larger, brighter — space. But as the great benefic moves backward there from July 28 to Oct. 27, you'll be challenged to think about how your roots and past are shaping your present and future, for better or worse.

Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20)

Jupiter has been in your second house of income since May 10, bringing in more opportunities to boost your cash flow and laser-focusing your thoughts around how much you're valued and what you put value in. But from Oct. 27 to Nov. 23, the great benefic will be retrograde in your sign, and you could be reflecting on passion projects that were your focus earlier in the year. It's time to get serious about which long-term dreams deserve your energy — and how you can make them a reality.