In the heavenly domain of Vedic Astrology, Jupiter is called Guru or Brihaspati. The term Guru literally means one who “removes darkness”. The Sun is King, Mars is Soldier, and therefore Jupiter is a royal advisor, a priest, and a teacher.

Jupiter reflects the principles of enlargement, growth and grace.  Unlike the other planets, which may challenge us with their struggles or emotional ups and downs, Jupiter is the “Great Benefic” because its main purpose is to bless, guide and give us meaning in our lives.

Jupiter is the planet of “Akasha” or Ether, the subtlest of the five elements. This tells us that not only are the effects of Jupiter physical in nature, but they are also very spiritual and intellectual. Jupiter represents the part of you that wants the truth, that is always saying “why”, that looks for the bigger picture.

Without Jupiter’s influences, it would seem that we live in a world of random occurrences with no moral or philosophical structure to them. Jupiter also bestows upon us “luck” which often seems to be miraculous interventions, but from a Vedic standpoint, are really just the time of the benefits that have occurred to us as a result of our good actions (Punya).

Core Nature

As the largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter possesses the astrological characteristics of size, inclusion and generosity.

Jupiter is the representative planet of the “Sattva” Guna (“sattva” means quality of light, harmonious and good).  Its energy is outward-moving and inclusive in character.

Jupiter is the ruler of 2 zodiac signs: Sagittarius, which is the fiery archer portraying the quest for truth and adventure; and Pisces, which is the water sign representing spiritual liberation and compassion.

Jupiter is exalted in Cancer (the mother sign) because wisdom and knowledge are most effective when they are combined with nurturing and love for humanity. On the contrary, Jupiter is in its debilitation position in Capricorn, because the restrictions imposed by structures and limitations placed on material success often restrict Jupiter’s requirements for expansion and faith.

Jupiter’s Significations (Karakatwas)

Jupiter has a positive impact on practically every facet of human existence, including lots of money being on our person and peace within our being. 

Core Representation – Wisdom and Expansion

The major function of Jupiter in our lives is to denote within us a sense of Wisdom (Jnana). This type of wisdom cannot be found solely in books; it is the deep understanding of the best way to exist due to having led a good life.

Jupiter’s other representation of significance is Expansion, whereby Jupiter causes everything to be made larger in volume. Bank accounts are made larger, families are made larger, and our comprehension of spiritual matters becomes larger through Jupiter’s influence.

Jupiter is also the relative indication of where we will find our “luck” (Bhagya) within this life, i.e., those who will provide assistance that we do not earn, as well as how to achieve success without having to work for it.    

Physical Body – Fat & Digestion

On a physical basis, Jupiter is in control of the liver, which is the largest organ of the body and is absolutely necessary for detoxifying from bad substances. In addition, Jupiter influences the two large upper legs (thighs), the arterial system and the circulatory system.

Since Jupiter is also the planet of expansion, this further means that it governs the growth (increased volume) of the fat (adipose tissue) within the human body. A Jupiter that is not weak will provide a person with a solid body form as well as (at times) a “chubby” or jovial physical appearance; whereas, a weak Jupiter will cause a person to gain weight and/or develop diseases associated with diabetes or liver malfunction.     

Relationships – Teacher, Spouse & Offspring

In society, Jupiter relates to our teachers (gurus) and mentors. When reviewing a woman’s chart, Jupiter is the primary indicator that relates to the spouse, the reliability that comes from the guidance provided to her through this relationship.

Furthermore, Jupiter will also be associated with (Putrakaraka) children. The overall state of health, fortune and/or happiness that can come from children can be found in a chart based on Jupiter.

Occupations – Law, Finance & Spirituality

Due to the fact that Jupiter governs moral and ethical values (wisdom), this makes Jupiter related to all aspects of law, court systems, and teaching (educators).

Additionally, due to Jupiter’s spiritual appeal, it can also cover those who provide service in high finance (banking) or those who help manage wealth (financial advisors), as well as persons who work in any capacity (priest, minister, spiritual leader).

All occupations wherein there is the provision of “guidance” or “advice” contain an element of Jupiterian energy.

Mythical & Astronomical Context

Brihaspati’s myth demonstrates that he is the primary defender of righteousness (dharma) and also a counsellor to the gods.

The Story: Counsellor of The Devas

In the Puranas, Brihaspati is said to be the son of Sage Angirasa. He serves as the “Devaguru” (Teacher of the Gods) to the Devas (gods). His responsibility is to keep the gods walking in the path of Dharma and to protect them from the deceits of the Asuras (demon-like beings). He is regularly illustrated wearing golden robes, travelling in a chariot pulled by eight pale horses.

One story about him is that he had a disagreement with Venus (Shukracharya), the teacher of the demons. Venus, the teacher of the demons, would teach how to attain what we desire in the material world, whereas Brihaspati would show how to desire what is true in your soul. This constant interplay between desire for material objects and the pursuit of spiritual wisdom is always a part of the Vedic philosophy.

Vimshottari Dasha: Sixteen Years of Success

In the Vimshottari Dasha system, Jupiter’s Mahadasha lasts 16 years. The Jupiter Mahadasha is typically looked at as being one of the most productive and prosperous times in a person’s life. During the 16 years of the Jupiter Mahadasha, a person can expect to rise in social standing, experience an increase in their money, and develop a great interest in either religious, spiritual, or philosophical aspects of their life. At this time in a person’s life, the hard work put in the previous years usually comes to fruition.

Jupiter’s Relationships with Other Planets

Jupiter is a joyful planet that has a greater emotional and moral authority than the rest of the planets.

Friends: Sun, Moon, and Mars. Jupiter provides understanding to lead the Sun, guidance for the Moon’s emotions, and direction for Mars’ actions.

Enemies: Mercury and Venus. Jupiter looks upon Mercury’s intellect as “trivial” or only focused on business. Jupiter perceives Venus’ interest in pleasure to distract him from the truth, thus making them adversaries of Jupiter.

Neutral: Saturn. Saturn and Jupiter relate as a teacher and a strict principal of a school. Saturn provides Jupiter with control; however, their relationship is one of distance in the field of the same school.

Behavioural Analysis

The placement of Jupiter has an effect on your perspective of life: abundance versus scarcity. Or simply put: abundance vs lack.

Dignified Jupiter (visionary)

Someone with strong Jupiter (specifically in the signs of Sagittarius, Pisces or Cancer) has what is called ‘expansive vision’. Such individuals are naturally optimistic and possess firm beliefs that things will work out in the end. They have an expanding vision of life and, as a result, are naturally generous (helping others without expecting anything in return). A strong Jupiter person can provide comfort to others simply by being present and has been known to be a catalyst for change in their communities. Their integrity and wisdom have earned them the respect of others in society.

Afflicted Jupiter (Over Extender)

Whereas a strong Jupiter can provide the individual with the ability to believe, such as being afflicted in Capricorn or having its energies afflicted by Rahu, it can corrupt our ability to believe. This can result in excessive optimism or ‘blind faith’, leading to poor decisions around their finances. They may have a tendency to become overly judgmental or self-righteous and become entrenched in traditional values to the point of being dogmatic.

In their physical being, they may disallow themselves from exercise because they become lethargic and/or develop health problems related to excess, such as high cholesterol or obesity. They probably experienced guidance from their elders or had difficulties in their children’s lives due to an afflicted Jupiter.

Remedies & Rituals

If your energy from Jupiter seems to be blocked or overly heavy, Vedic Astrology provides several methods through which you can bring back into your life the light of the Guru.

Gemstone: Jupiter’s main gemstone is known as Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj). When set in gold, it should be worn on the finger of your right hand (that is, if you are right-handed). It is said to promote wisdom, wealth and help with liver health.

Mantra: Jupiter’s vibration is one of large and peaceful sounds (vibration).

Seed Mantra: “Om Gram Greem Groum Sah Gurave Namah”

Guru Gayatri Mantra: “Om Vrishabadhwajaya Vidmahe, Uni Hastaya Dheemahi, Tanno Guru Prachodayat”

The Day of the Week: The day associated with Jupiter is a Thursday. A lot of people will either fast all day on Thursdays, or visit a place of worship to their Spiritual Teacher to give blessings to the energy of the Guru.

Donation (Daana): To strengthen an underdeveloped Jupiter, you can donate yellow coloured items, such as Chana Dal (Yellow Lentils), Haldi (Turmeric), Saffron, Gold or any flowers that are yellow on Thursdays. You can also donate books to students, which will greatly help with strengthening your Jupiter.

Lifestyle Change: The best way to take care of Jupiter is to show respect to your Teachers and Elders. Doing this, along with taking on a mentor and living a life based on a moral code (Dharma), will naturally help balance Jupiter. Following a “Sattvic” diet (fresh, vegetarian food) and cutting back on the quantity of sugar you consume will help protect your liver and physically align you with Jupiter. The most powerful psychological remedy for Jupiter is to be grateful for what you have (creating an “Abundance Mindset”).

Through the understanding of Jupiter, we learn that wealth is not just about monetary wealth, but about the wealth of your character and the wealth of your wisdom. Jupiter teaches us that the universe is an abundant place and that no matter who we are, we all have enough room to grow.