Jupiter (Guru (Brihaspati))

Jupiter in Vedic astrology

Jupiter is Guru in Sanskrit, and also Brihaspati, the teacher of the devas. In the navagraha court he is the minister and counsellor. Tradition calls him the great benefic: wherever he looks, by his 5th, 7th and 9th aspects, he is read as protecting and expanding the matters of that house.

What Jupiter signifies

Jupiter's karakatva covers wisdom, teachers, children, wealth, dharma and good counsel. He is read for faith, higher learning, law, philosophy and the inner sense of right and wrong. In a woman's chart classical texts also read him for the husband. His wealth is the kind earned rightly and shared well.

Dignity: where Jupiter is strong

Jupiter owns Sagittarius and Pisces, with his moolatrikona in Sagittarius. He is exalted in Cancer, classically deepest at 5 degrees, and debilitated in Capricorn. In Cancer his wisdom becomes nurturing and generous. In Capricorn, Saturn's practical sign, ideals meet hard reality, and the lesson is to keep faith while working patiently within the rules of the world.

Friends and enemies of Jupiter

In Parashara's natural friendships, Jupiter counts the Sun, Moon and Mars as friends, holds Saturn as neutral, and treats Mercury and Venus as enemies. Venus is the guru of the asuras, Jupiter the guru of the devas: two teachers with different views of what makes life good.

Nakshatras ruled by Jupiter

Jupiter rules Punarvasu, Vishakha and Purva Bhadrapada. Punarvasu is the return of light and hope, Vishakha the single-minded pursuit of a goal, and Purva Bhadrapada the fire of spiritual intensity. A person born with the Moon in one of these begins life in the Jupiter Mahadasha.

The Jupiter Mahadasha

The Jupiter Mahadasha lasts 16 years in the Vimshottari scheme; it follows Rahu and comes before Saturn. It tends to bring learning, teachers, marriage and children, faith and the growth of resources to the front. With a well-placed Jupiter it is traditionally a time of expansion, guidance and good judgement; under strain, over-confidence or excess may need watching, and humility keeps the period on track.

Jupiter in the twelve houses

Jupiter brings wisdom and growth to his house and blesses the houses he aspects.

• 1st house: his strongest house by direction; a wise, generous presence
• 2nd house: truthful speech and steady family resources
• 3rd house: thoughtful communication; growth through effort
• 4th house: a cultured home, education and inner peace
• 5th house: intelligence, devotion and joy in children
• 6th house: service, counsel and the patience to resolve disputes
• 7th house: a wise, principled partner
• 8th house: interest in hidden matters and spiritual research; longevity
• 9th house: dharma, teachers and higher learning
• 10th house: a respected career in teaching, law or advice
• 11th house: gains through good friends and elders
• 12th house: charity, spiritual practice and generosity abroad

Traditional remedies for Jupiter

Jupiter's day is Thursday, his colour yellow, his direction the North-East and his number 3. His deity is Brihaspati, and respect for teachers and elders is his first remedy. His mantra is Om Graam Greem Graum Sah Gurave Namah. Charity of turmeric, chana dal or yellow cloth on Thursday is the traditional offering, along with supporting education.

His gemstone is Yellow Sapphire, traditionally set in gold and worn on the index finger, with yellow topaz as a substitute. Consult an astrologer before wearing a gemstone, since strengthening Jupiter does not suit every chart; the mantra and charity suit everyone.