This is the second post in series on the planets. We’ll discuss one planet at time in Chaldean order (speed of motion). The last post discussed Saturn, now we move to Jupiter. My goal with this series is to highlight the ways modern understanding of the planets is distorted from their traditional significance. These misrepresentations reveal much about western culture and society, and warrant reconsideration.
Most people hear Jupiter and just think “luck.” Modern astrology associates Jupiter with “growth”, “expansion” and “luck” that comes without much effort. And because prediction in modern astrology nearly exclusively relies on transits, people get excited about a Jupiter transit and then feel let down when nothing happens. For the record, Jupiter does signify abundance; it is the Greater Benefic after all. It can bring positive things into our lives. But there are two things to be aware of: (1) Medieval astrologers strongly opposed excess. Abundance is liberatory and a good thing. But extremes in anything, like wealth, is harmful to society. With benefics, the key is moderation. Wealth gained at the expense of others, wealth used to keep others down, is harmful to society; (2) Benefics are moralistic forces. You must cultivate Jupiterian energy in your life to experience the growth you want from it. In his defense of astrology, Abu Ma’shar discusses how astrology as an early warning system is helpful in pursuing what you want. If you want something positive, you must be in position to receive it. They say success is when preparation meets opportunity. Medieval astrologers would agree. To this end, you must cultivate Jupiter to receive its benefits, meaning you must embody the qualities of Jupiter.
Jupiter is the planet of justice, truth, sincerity, success, abundance, prosperity, fidelity, trustworthiness, being of good character, joy, laughter, and that which is beneficial to society. Jupiter removes restrictions from our lives, allowing us to live more authentically. But Jupiter demands that we live a life of truth, kindness, generosity and justice. Arrogance, pretense, greed and ignorance are contrary to the Greater Benefic. We should absolutely strive to live our best lives. But not by arrogance, pretense, or at the expense of others.
Awareness of the dangers of excess runs contrary to American capitalistic culture. We live in a time of extreme wealth and extreme poverty. No matter how wealthy people like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos get, they keep reaching for more. That is Saturnian wealth, not Jupiterian. Jupiterian wealth is contentment and comfort knowing that your basic needs are taken care of: you have a roof over your head, food to eat, clothing on your back and medicine if you need it, so that you can lean into the people and activities that give your life meaning. As an example, during my last Jupiter-ruled year, I gave birth to my son. My husband and I were fortunate to have support from both sets of new grandparents, who made sure we had plenty of food, and new aunts who enjoyed stepping in to give us a break when we needed it. During a time that is often very disruptive and full of high emotion, I felt a sense of security and peace as I navigated new motherhood.
Another way Jupiter is commonly misunderstood is in romance. Jupiter is a key planet in timing love relationships or marriage, and in relationship compatibility in synastry. Modern astrology says Mars is the planet of desire, but traditional astrologers associated desire with Jupiter, as well as marriage, since it is an oath/promise. Jupiter and Venus are the planets of sex, desire and romance. Jupiterian love is about what we bring to another person, whether it be romantic partner(s), our children, parents, friends. Jupiter is how we care for them, our devotion to another human being. Jupiter is about looking out for others, just as we look after ourselves.
Jupiter is about temperance and moderation. It has a hot and wet temperament, but moderately so, so that life and growth can happen. By contrast, Saturn brings excess and extremes. Jupiterian abundance is knowing you have what you need and being content with it. The constant grabbing for more when you already have more than enough—is Saturnian. To cultivate Jupiter is to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings in life—even if things are imperfect. This is not to be confused with toxic positivity. Make no mistake we are living in challenging times on all levels—economically, socially, politically. But Jupiter calls on us not to lose our humanity, even when times are tough. The karmic quality modernly assigned to Saturn, belongs to Jupiter to pre-modern astrologers. Jupiter charges us to embody that which we want: if we desire generosity, kindness, forgiveness, grace, love or assistance, we must give those things to others. We cannot ask for something we are not prepared to give.
Just as Jupiter is our relationship with the collective, it is also our relationship with time. Together, Jupiter and Saturn are the Markers of Time. These two planets meet every 20 years, and their conjunctions signal the rise and fall of new empires, societies and civilizations. With new civilizations comes new ways of looking at the world, new ways of ordering our lives. After decades of forward movement, it feels like we’re moving backwards. Rights and liberties taken away; extreme disparities become normalized; progress derailed. We tend to look at the past as antiquated and indeed significant parts of it are. But sometimes true growth requires looking at the past with new eyes, and willingness to learn. For growth isn’t just accumulation of things but also of wisdom.
As we move through life, what is our relationship to time? To wisdom? Do we appreciate our blessings? Are we kind to others as we would have others be kind to us? Those are the questions Jupiter asks us. To feel Jupiter’s expansive power, we must lean into collective power, not just personal power.
In our next post we deal with the malignancy of Mars…
