Jupiter is the principle of expansion. In old time astrology, those born under the influence of Jupiter were considered to be blessed with good fortune. And, everything has its shadow, even the “Great Benefic.”
In Roman myth, Jupiter is the son of Saturn, a father so afraid that his power will be usurped by his children he swallows them whole. Jupiter – the youngest child - cuts open the stomach of Saturn and frees his siblings, thereby killing his father. Jupiter then ascends to the throne.
In Shamanic Egyptian Astrology, Jupiter is allied with Horus, son of Isis and Osiris. When Osiris is murdered by his brother Set, both make a claim to the throne. Horus and Set go to war for the crown, a battle that rages for centuries. In his myth, Horus is exuberant and brash, yet in the end he wins the war, as inevitably youth will replace the old in all things.
Held in the symbolism of Jupiter is the enthusiasm of youth and also the potential for a wisdom earned the hard way. Jupiter’s expansion can sometimes be blind to limits and thereby bleed into excess. When there is a predilection toward too much - food, drink, or other behaviors - Jupiter is prominent. By transit, aspects with Jupiter intensify whatever themes are present.
In late August and September, Jupiter came within 8 degrees of a conjunction to shattering Uranus. The current station of Jupiter marks the beginning of the true conjunction of these two big-energy planets, exact in April 2024. While the exact conjunction will be brief, it will be in Taurus and we can therefore expect an array of Earth matters to be activated, ranging from earthquakes and explosions, to resource breakdowns and tumult in financial markets.
Enthusiasm is good. Enthusiasm informed by wisdom is even better.
Jupiter turns direct on December 30, 2023.
December 29, 2023, by Ruby Falconer. Available for chart readings.
