Jupiter

Origin and etymology

The name Jupiter comes from the Latin Iuppiter, derived from Iovis Pater ("father Jove"), the king of the Roman gods, equivalent to Greek Zeus. He is the god of the sky, lightning, cosmic order and justice. His mythological greatness projects onto the planet: Jupiter is the "king planet", the largest, the most massive, the one that rules over the others.

In classical astrology, Jupiter was called "the great benefic" (in opposition to Saturn, "the great malefic"). It contributes wherever it touches: what Jupiter rules in your chart tends to expand, prosper, open up. It is the planet traditionally associated with luck, both small and great.

What Jupiter rules

Jupiter represents everything expansive: long journeys, higher studies, philosophy, religion, law, publishing, teaching, international commerce. It also rules optimism, faith, generosity, joviality. Where Jupiter is in your chart, you have natural good luck and a vocation for growth. If well aspected, its gifts flow; if in difficult aspect, it can fall into excess (overweight, overspending, exaggeration, dogmatism).

Jupiter takes approximately 12 years to traverse the zodiac — about a year in each sign. Every 12 years it returns to its natal position: that moment (the "Jupiter return") usually coincides with important vital expansions. Its transits over your natal chart are the most awaited by astrologers: when Jupiter crosses a planet or house, it usually brings opening.

Jupiter in your chart

Look at the sign and house of your natal Jupiter. Sign: how you express your expansion (Jupiter in Aries = expansion through initiative; Jupiter in Cancer = through care). House: in which area of life fortune assists you (Jupiter in House II = material abundance; in House IX = travel and studies; in House X = professional rise). Its transits open windows of opportunity every 12 years.