Mindful Heart Astrology ~ Jupiter: King of the Gods

King of the Gods

In Roman mythology Jupiter was considered King of the gods. The moniker, and the sheer size of this giant, compared to other planets in our solar system, suggests the magnitude of what is possible. Jupiter is often referred to as the greater benefic (Venus being the lesser), representing success, achievement, good luck, positive results and boundless benefits.

Jupiter is the ruler of Sagittarius and natural ruler of the 9^th House, so there are many commonalities that link the planet, sign and house. We associate adventure, a search for truth and meaning, philosophy, and personal and spiritual growth with all three, though Jupiter is a powerful fellow in his own right symbolizing the energy of expansion. Drawing reference to his obvious size, this planet is considered to expand one’s experiences and action in a big way. A visionary quality can often draw us towards goals that appear larger than life, infusing us with faith and enthusiasm for the outcome, as we continue to develop ourselves along our journey.

The Connector

We are not completely alone on these quests and many things factor in as we move forward, essentially connecting who we are with where we are going. Jupiter is how we reach out to connect with people, places and learning, putting us in touch with the world at large, rather than revealing much about our inner world in the way the personal planets do. Therefore, it is designated as one of two ‘social planets’ (Saturn is the other), representing the optimism and opportunity that provide inspiration and impetus for us to seek out our personal philosophy, or way of being.

An explorer and adventurer, Jupiter reflects a love of freedom and independence characterized by broader reach and purpose, influencing whichever areas of life he touches. The search for knowledge may be spiritual, philosophical, or even simple curiosity to learn what is over the next hill… with Jupiter it is about seeking insight, meaning and wisdom. Placement of this planet in a chart generally describes an area where we feel carefree, or a certain sense of indestructibility or protection. Here confidence reigns and things may seem easier than in other areas of life showing up as luck without any apparent effort, like things just seeming to fall into place, and perhaps an inherent faith that everything will eventually turn out well.

Too Much of a Good Thing

However, as with any planet or sign, there are always positive and negative forms of expression. With Jupiter the negatives can be most often associated with the old adage “too much of a good thing”, thus excessive growth (including weight gain), waste, risk, and indulgence can pose challenges, the nature of which depending on where he appears in the chart and which other planets he is in close aspect with. For example, Jupiter in the 2^nd House might show up as someone lucky with money or who is highly acquisitive, amassing a great deal of wealth or personal belongings. On the other hand, it could reflect an over-indulgence in sensory pleasures.

A placement in the 5^th House can indicate a very generous and fun-loving individual who enjoys many leisurely pursuits, such as the idea of someone who is all “fun and games”.  It could also suggest one who is most interested in having a good time, and an extreme risk taker, taking unnecessary chances with a sense of bravado that it will all work out in the end.

Where We Grow and Improve

The sign in which Jupiter resides suggests how we want to grow and improve our lives, where and how we take risk or enjoy adventure, and what and in whom we have faith or belief. In the sign of Gemini, one can be very expressive with lots of big ideas as knowledge and intellect will be viewed as avenues to growth and success, trusting that knowledge is wisdom.

The individual may also be very social and, in that context, is very warm and friendly, perhaps overly so. Jupiter in Aquarius suggests personal freedom is highly valued and the individual may express a unique perspective or skill, perhaps even be highly inventive or a humanitarian involved with big projects or causes. It is important to note however, since Jupiter is a social planet there is generally more emphasis placed on the house where he resides, rather than the sign, as one considers his relative influence in the chart.

Where is Your Jupiter?

Jupiterian energy is present in every chart and understanding how it manifests in our lives can help to maximize the benefits of this powerful benefic. I invite you to look at your own chart to see where Jupiter appears. What does the placement suggest about where and how you learn, grow and enhance your life? What does it reveal about your sense of adventure, where you might be overly optimistic, or perhaps over-indulge? Consider how these things have manifested in your life and what you might do differently to benefit even more from the opportunities Jupiter affords. Good luck!

Want to learn more about astrology and how to better understand yourself and your life?  Check out Jayne’s upcoming webinar!