In my search for lost virtues such as frugality, economy and thrift, I’ve also looked under a few couch cushions for “small.” In virtue form, this size-characteristic might be likened to modesty.

Small is disdained by American culture. Starbucks can’t even use the word but refers to small as “tall.” In fact, all Starbucks drink sizes imply large – tall, grande and venti.

America likes big.

The movie Supersize Me explored the bigness of fast food. CNN Money proclaims that houses are bigger than ever. While I don’t think there was a time Americans didn’t like big cars, this Bloomberg article says big cars are making a comeback. In Sex and the City, Carrie’s boyfriend was nicknamed “Mr. Big.”

In this Time article Sarah Z. Wexler, the author of Living Large: From SUVs to Double Ds is interviewed on why Americans like everything large. Her research leads her to believe our large country and the idea of manifest destiny created an expansive mindset. Our current “big” is to stake a claim in response to the lost ability to expand.

Pondering on what, if anything, Americans like in small size, I came upon only two items: people (i.e., children) and pets (i.e., puppies and kittens).

Really I thought of three. Espresso was on the list but I often see people order double and triple espressos at Starbucks. Rarely does one see the tiny little cup in which espresso is traditionally served. I cut it from the tiny tiny list.

Possibly if we give every family a kitten or puppy, we can prevent the creation of big objects that later become trash; American trash, according to Wexler, is already enough “to fill the largest landfill.”

Jupiter and Saturn Transits

In the chart of the United States, there is prominent energy from Jupiter, the planet of expansion. Sagittarius, a sign ruled by Jupiter, is rising and Jupiter is in Cancer near to the sun and nearer to Venus. That alone explains the desire for and enjoyment of the earth’s bounty. Cancer would relate to the food aspect as Cancer rules the stomach.

Jupiter and Sagittarius are not known for sensual self-control. The planet and sign are indulgent and fun. Who wants to go to a party where there is little food or drink? Jupiter is celebration, cornucopia and abundance. Remember that American Thanksgiving occurs in the sign of Sagittarius; we enjoy the company of family and a large meal (Jupiter in Cancer) and then the next day (or the same day now) we indulge in extreme shopping. The eating and shopping end as the sun enters the sign of Capricorn (ruled by Saturn).

Saturn is currently transiting Sagittarius but has gone backwards into Scorpio for a bit of time. When it goes forward again, it will be transiting the rising (1st house) of the US horoscope. Saturn on the ascendant will provide a contracting energy.

Jupiter is currently transiting fiery Leo but this summer will move into earthy Virgo in the US 9th house. Jupiter’s expansive energy will filter through the health, environment and work-oriented Virgo.

If small and modest is going to make an appearance, this is the time.

Complex Squares

If the US chart were the chart of a person, transiting Saturn in Sagittarius in the 1st and transiting Jupiter in Virgo in the 9th could represent a desire to change bad habits into good habits, a desire to lose weight, work more and walk the talk of your principles. Maybe you believe it’s bad to drink out of Styrofoam but you never really bothered to be diligent about this belief, never purchased a reusable drinking bottle. Saturn square Jupiter will have you thinking about your beliefs in relation to your habits.

In the US chart, this transiting Saturn and Jupiter will both square the US Uranus and Mars in Gemini, but not at the same time as Jupiter travels much faster. If Saturn and Jupiter are tightening the belt, Uranus and Mars are challenging that energy by presenting unexpected and unusual situations.

Back in September 2001, transiting Saturn was in Gemini and transiting Pluto in Sagittarius playing into these same energies but with much greater force and power. This time Pluto is out of the way in the 2nd house of money (evolving our financial structures) so Saturn is taking on Uranus and Mars alone. Saturn/Mars, Saturn/Pluto, or Mars/Pluto all can turn quite angry and violent with a primitive need for power and control of territory.

While these energies don’t necessarily lead to small and modest, they can definitely lead to a focus on the local aspects of existence (represented by Gemini) rather than the distant aspects (represented by Sagittarius). In other words, the traveler gets stuck at home and must deal with the noisy neighbors, the leaky faucet and torn roof.

Sagittarius roams far in search of new, different and sublime experiences. Saturn reins in that energy and forces Sagittarius to deal with the non-sublime here and now. If anything, Saturn in Sagittarius will contract the next two Thanksgiving shopping cycles as the shopping occurs with sun in Sagittarius.

The Sagittarian reaction to restraint is to run far and run fast. But there’s nowhere to run for the next two years.

The US has Uranus and Mars in Gemini and we love to debate our beliefs with the goal of changing the beliefs of others. Gemini may not want to convert beliefs, but the US moon in Aquarius does. Aquarius is a fixed sign with designs of the perfect universe. Transiting Saturn opposing Uranus/Mars will add to the existing outbursts we’re already seeing in the news.

Jupiter transiting Virgo will be making a stop at natal Neptune in Virgo next summer. This occurs while transiting Neptune is in Pisces. Transiting Neptune is in the 3rd house, which is ruled by Gemini. The 9th house is ruled by Sagittarius so we have another angle to this Sagittarius-Gemini energy pattern.

I suspect that work will take on a more spiritual aspect in the coming years. Jupiter in Virgo hasn’t yet begun but both Target and Walmart are offering up raises. There seems to be some desire to make peace with the workers who run your system.

Small and Modest

Transiting Saturn in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Virgo in the next couple years may help Americans learn the value of small, modest and reusing that baggie. Yet, I can’t imagine these short transits having a permanent effect. It may be a long while before you can truly buy a small drink at the theater.

I fear that it’s Pluto transiting Capricorn in the 2nd house of money/assets/values that will force Americans one day to think in smaller, more modest material terms. Pluto entered Capricorn in 2008 and will return to its natal position at 27 degrees of Capricorn in 2022.

Although Saturn lessons are difficult, I’d suggest heeding them rather than waiting for Pluto to come home.