So near and yet so far.
Yesterday morning just before sunrise, the reddish planet Mars passed bright planet Jupiter. The distance between the two planets was less than the width of a Full Moon and was visible without a telescope as this iPhoto will attempt to prove. (Find a magnifying glass.)
My iPhone camera of course could not capture this conjunction, but my Sky Guide iPhone app could and enabled me to take this photograph:
Yes, Mars and Jupiter look so close in this photo, but in fact they are 350 million miles apart. If those miles were pennies, they would total $3.5 million. (I would only need $3 million to give myself a continual income until I died, assuming I saved and invested wisely, but I digress.)
Rare phenomenon such as conjunctions of planets typically have important astrological and Zodiac meanings. According to People magazine (yes, I subscribe to People to balance my uppity subscriptions to the New Yorker, the Atlantic and the Paris Review), the conjunction of Mars and Jupiter will unleash “a surge of motivation to pursue new ideas and engage in thought-provoking conversations” — thus, this post — further, it “marks a period of enthusiasm and intellectual exploration.”
But what does this conjunction specifically mean for a GEMINI like me? According to People, it’s my time to shine. What’s more:
The dynamic synergy of Mars and Jupiter in your sign electrifies everything from your personal drive to your intellectual expression. Embrace your role as the life of the party and don’t be afraid to take center stage — just try not to trip over your own enthusiasm! It’s an excellent time for personal growth and self-improvement, so set new goals and assert yourself with confidence and clarity.”
“The life of the party!” “Take center stage!” “Set new goals!” “Assert yourself with confidence and clarity!” I was so inspired that I began to make electrifying changes, beginning with my outdoor beach attire. That’s me on the left in 1982; and me on the right just yesterday!
Look out Milky Way! Here I come!
The conjunction of Mars and Jupiter will not happen again until 2033. I am certain that my outdoor beach attire will still be happening. The ruffle is clearly making an enduring fashion statement.
in more serious news, my blog platform has been intermittently offline throughout the early morning hours. I’ve been dealing with irritating technical glitches with this platform for a while, but not the site being consistently offline. Thank you for the patience I do not have for this kind of crap.
HEY KIDS! The conjunction is still visible to the naked eye this morning. I could clearly see it without using my Sky Guide app. Using the app, however, I was able to take another photo, but have no idea how to post the link to the photo via this platform.
If you are interested in how the conjunction of Mars and Jupiter impacts you specifically, here’s the link to the People magazine article mentioned in this post. Simply scroll to your Zodiac sign:
https://people.com/mars-jupiter-conjunction-in-gemini-2024-zodiac-everything-to-know-8692875
Thanks for the extra help. I got all the pictures and your stunning current fashion picture. I do not think I can keep up. I am so glad you saw Mars and Jupiter crossing. You were correct about needing a magnifying glass. Maybe Mars and Jupiter can help me as I age. “Life of the Party” takes more energy than I have. You go girl.
Charlotte—so sorry about the chronic tech issues. I am heartened, however, that you so appreciated the new energy I am investing in my wardrobe.
And I couldn’t be the life of the party without beloveds like you!💥🍾🤡😍
Thanks for the People magazine link. The convergence came just in time. It says that I am in full on work mode, which is spot on, as we are packing up, cleaning and leaving the lake house today to head further north to a rental house and my niece’s wedding.
I have been so disconnected from the news, astrological and otherwise (a true vacation!) that I wouldn’t have known about this phenomenon if you hadn’t told me. Thanks for keeping me informed and for continuing to be the life of the party!
Clean up and then party on, Beth!
It is 9:45 EST and I am deeply embarrassed to discover that this post was sent out early this morning with the title, “When Venus and Jupiter Meet.” The planets are correct in the text, but the URL that went out in the wee hours still says, “Venus” and not “Mars.” Guess I was over-enthusiastic!
Look out National Geographic will be calling soon.
Thank you for the beach attire!
Be well
How delighted I am to read your comment, Mary. You are always so affirming of me and my quirky interests. Thank you!
Afraid I’m not much into astrology, but did appreciate your pictures of Jupiter and Mars out there in the vastness of the cosmos! And, as always, love your optimism…and your wonderful sense of humor!
Thank you, dear Carol!❤️🙏