Jupiter (Guru or Brihaspati) is the teacher of the gods and the greatest natural benefic in Vedic astrology. Where Jupiter sits and looks, it protects and expands. Astrologers often say that a strong Jupiter can soften almost any difficulty in a chart.
What Jupiter signifies
- Wisdom and knowledge: learning, philosophy, scripture, ethics and good judgement.
- Teachers and guides: the guru, mentors, advisers.
- Children, and the blessings of family.
- Fortune and growth: wealth, expansion, opportunity, and faith that things will work out.
- Dharma: righteousness and religious life.
- The body: the liver, fat, and overall growth.
Its day is Thursday, its direction northeast, its colour yellow, its metal gold and its gem the yellow sapphire.
Where Jupiter is strong or weak
| Condition | Sign |
|---|---|
| Exalted | Cancer, deepest at 5° |
| Own signs | Sagittarius, Pisces |
| Debilitated | Capricorn, deepest at 5° |
Jupiter gains directional strength in the 1st house.
Jupiter's aspects
Every planet aspects the 7th house from itself; Jupiter also aspects the 5th and 9th. Whatever these three aspects touch, a house, a planet or the Moon, is protected and supported. A Jupiter aspect on the Lagna or Moon is one of the best features a chart can have.
A strong Jupiter
Optimism, generosity, respect from others, sound advice, success in teaching, law, finance or counselling, and support from mentors. It forms Gaja Kesari yoga with the Moon and Hamsa yoga (a Mahapurusha yoga) in its own or exaltation sign in a kendra.
A weak or afflicted Jupiter
Poor judgement, lack of guidance, over-optimism or over-expansion, and delays connected with children or teachers. Jupiter joined by Rahu is called Guru Chandala yoga in some traditions, said to challenge conventional wisdom.
Jupiter's transit and dasha
Jupiter's yearly transit is watched closely for opportunities. Its mahadasha lasts 16 years and is often a period of growth, learning and family expansion.
Simple remedies
- Respect teachers, elders and the learned; study something worthwhile.
- Thursday observances: Vishnu or Brihaspati worship and the Guru mantra.
- Donate yellow items (turmeric, chana dal, bananas) or support education.
- Yellow sapphire only on advice; see gemstones.
See your Jupiter in your free birth chart.