Irreligious influences

The divine planet Jupiter has in 2009 been transiting its sign of debilitation, Capricorn (in the sidereal zodiac). During this time, it is perhaps not surprising to find that the cultural spotlight has been prominently placed on things that are generally not considered divine, rather the opposite, or irreligious things. Irreligion is defined as an absence of religion, indifference to religion, and/or hostility to religion. [1] Of course, in the Kailyuga (iron) age, the tendency is for pervaisive materialism. However, even within this materialistic age, the religious tendency would be affected by the transit of Jupiter.

Dark films
One expression of our collective sense are things that are celebrated by our culture. On August 27, 2009 Lars von Trier's film "Antrichrist" was nominated for the prestigious Nordic Council Film Prize 2009. The film was awarded this price on October 21, 2009. [2] The film is so horrific that film goers have gotten physically ill during viewing. More importantly, the film explores the human psyche to find only horror, mystery and violence. [3] The movie, which extols a hellish view of nature, also received prominent notice at the Cannes film festival during the Spring and has been wildly popular at Danish cinemas this year.

Another expression of Nordic culture in the year 2009 has been the even greater popularity of the movie "Men Who Hate Women," based on a family story emphasising lust and meanness. The movie includes a 10 minute long rape scene, which most viewers find horrific or disturbing. In this article, we explore a little more closely what the stars suggest about such things.

Jupiter
In SA vedic astrology, Jupiter is considered the "preceptor of the gods." Jupiter is the "general significator for fortune, justice, charity, creative intelligence, easy gains, kindness, knowledge, happiness, wisdom, morality, virtue, dharma, spiritual education, spiritual life, good behavior, expansion, compassion, optimism, sincerity, honesty, common sense, divine grace and, in fact, all good things in life." [5]

When Jupiter is strong in the nativity, it signifies amongst other things priests and astrologers. It rules also "the propaganda of spirituality. When it is strong, it gives growth, expansion and a humanitarian and spiritual outlook, and denotes wisdom, optimism, faith, geniality, generosity, joviality, humor, idealism and good powers of judgment. It bestows intelligence and knowledge of scriptures in its main and sub-periods."

Jupiter weak in transit
When Jupiter is weak, however, it denotes "overconfidence, overindulgence, extravagance, immorality, greed, materialistic attitude (wanting the best of everything)." Jupiter has been weak in transit during 2009, while it has been in the sign of Capricorn. Capricorn is an earthy sign ruled by Saturn, associated with practical realization. Capricorn is a moveable, negative, tamasic, vata, female, semi-fruitful, first half quadruped and second half footless sign and signifies tact, cheating, lethargy and melancholic nature.

Rahu also in Capricorn
During 2009, Jupiter has been accompanied by the materialistic planet Rahu in this sign. Along with the 8th and 12th lords, Rahu rules lust and abuses. Transit Rahu exits Capricorn and enters the sign Sagittarius on November 3, 2009. In Sagittarius, Rahu will be dependent on the strength of Jupiter in transit. Jupiter will remain weak in transit for the remainder of 2009. However, on December 20, 2009 Jupiter will enter the sign of Aquarius. After emerging from infancy (the first 5 degrees of the sign), it will become strong in transit in this sign and its indications should then do a lot better. However, during the transit of Aquarius, which is the moolatrikona sign ruled by Saturn, Jupiter's strength in transit will depend on the strength of Saturn in transit. Until 2012, Saturn is transiting the sign of Virgo, the moolatrikona sign ruled by Mercury. In turn the strength of Saturn in transit will be dependent on the variable strength of Mercury in transit.

Looking forward
After Jupiter and Rahu have both entered other signs, there should be some change in our collective sense of the divine. In the first half of 2010, while Jupiter is transiting Aquarius, there should be a turn towards more humanism and efforts to help ordinary people. With Ketu entering the sign Gemini in early November, greater interest could also develop in the ancient spiritual practices associated with ascetism. When Jupiter enters its own (albeit non-moolatrikona) sign of Pisces in the second half of 2010, the divine sense could be more associated with the surrender of attachments in order to be engulfed by the divine. In any event, we could expect that the low point of Jupiters indications is this year. That said, with Rahu in Sagittarius for most of 2010, some materialistic influences could be expected to continue with regard to Jupiters indications also that year.

References
[1] Irreligion - definition
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irreligion
[2] Nordic Council Film Prize 2009
http://www.nordiskfilmogtvfond.com/feature_home.php?sid=66&ptid=25
[3] Antichrist (film)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antichrist_(film)
[4] Men Who Hate Women (film)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men_Who_Hate_Women
[5] Learn astrology
http://www.jyotishremedies121.com/learn_astrology.asp