According to Vedic scriptures and astrology, Jupiter (Brhaspati or Guru) is a celestial planet (Graha) that teaches us various life lessons and governs our education, wisdom, wealth, happiness and knowledge. It is considered to be a highly beneficial planet. If placed favorably in the natal chart of a person, Jupiter bestows the person with the best of everything. Its nature represents progress and expansion. The person influenced by Jupiter will be religious, successful and generous and generally will tend to have high morals. The persons with highly influential Jupiter will be in the professions of teachers and priests.
As it is the largest planet in the solar system, the Indian astrology considers Jupiter to be the Guru (vast and great) of all planets. Jupiter takes a year to complete its orbit path. It is the ruler of the zodiac signs Sagittarius (Dhanu) and Pisces (Meena). As per zodiac rules Jupiter is exalted in Cancer (Karka) and weakened in Capricorn (Makara). The malefic of Jupiter in a natal chart specifies exhaustion, stress, depression and pessimism. Its effect also results in jaundice and liver disorders. Its color is yellow.
The influence of Jupiter can be gauged by the fact that its impact can reduce the malefic effects of other planets to a satisfactory degree. He can stabilize the adverse effects of the malefic effects in a person’s horoscope. As per Vedic astrology, Jupiter placed in the 12th house gives the native Moksha after death. In the natal chart of a woman if Jupiter is the Karak or significator of her husband, then their matrimony would be blissful. If posited unfavorably, the husband would make the woman stubborn and rude thus resulting in a failed marriage.
Astrological Significance of Jupiter
Brhaspati in a higher sense is the divine grace which grants our needs. It instills in us religious values and the quality of beneficence. Unlike Mercury (Budha) which gives us intelligence, Jupiter blesses us with true knowledge and intellect.
Brhaspati is also known as Devaguru (the teacher of the gods) or Guru. It constitutes our religion, philosophy and knowledge, the balance of past Karmas and issues related to progeny. It governs knowledge and education. Astrologically it is the most favorable of all planets. Its friendly planets are Sun, Moon and Mars and the unfriendly planet is Mercury and the neutral planet is Saturn (Shani).
Those with an exalted Jupiter in their horoscope witness growth and development and with age their prosperity increases.
Appeasing the planet Guru eliminates sins. It cures the bodily ailments such as stomach disorders and diabetes (both associated with Jupiter). Its associated season is snow and element is ether. The lunar mansions ruled by Brhaspati are Punarvasu, Vishakha and Purva Bhadrapada.
The cosmic color related to Jupiter is blue. Its gemstone is Yellow Sapphire (Peela Pukhraj).
Lessons That Jupiter Teaches
Jupiter is the King of gods and the ruler of Sagittarius. He is the guru or the teacher and hence teaches us invaluable lessons of life. Astrologically Jupiter is the planet of wisdom and learning. Some of the attributes of Jupiter include, honor, morality, self-esteem, hope and law. Through knowledge it seeks to attain insight. It is related to optimism and it leads to mental and spiritual growth. It is the planet which represents broader purpose, reach and potential. One of the important lessons taught by Jupiter is that we can only grow by understanding and developing our wisdom and uniqueness. It helps us realize our self-worth. It creates competition and gives us lessons on the loss of self-worth so that we may eventually realize the value of wisdom and the importance of our uniqueness which we may not learn otherwise.