Jupiter: The Planet of Luck and Expansion

Jupiter is the largest of all planets and is named after the most important god in Roman mythology. It has an expansive, gaseous nature, and because of this nature, in astrology it is considered to be the planet that helps growth and expansion. Jupiter is considered the greater benefic in astrology ( Venus is the lesser benefic) which means it is thought to be the luckiest planet. Jupiter is said to rule the higher mind, as Mercury is said to rule the lower mind, therefore Jupiter is concerned with broader, deeper subjects than Mercury. In a natal chart, the sign and the house Jupiter is in will show in what areas of life you have the ability to grow and what areas of life you will be bestowed with a bit of luck and good fortune. It can also show how you connect with something larger than yourself. In Modern astrology Jupiter rules the zodiac sign Sagittarius which is very fitting since Sagittarius is concerned with finding the meaning of life, and exploring new horizons. In classic astrology however, Jupiter is ruled by Pisces, I personally agree with the modern rulerships though, and feel that Neptune is a more fitting ruler of Pisces. The symbol for Jupiter ( shown in the middle of the above image) shows the crescent of the soul rising above the cross of matter. This shows that Jupiter helps us reach above the mundane physical world, into the limitless, expansive world beyond.

Jupiter stays in each zodiac sign for a year, taking 12 years for it to complete an orbit through the ecliptic. Right now Jupiter is currently in the sign of Cancer which it entered on June 25th 2013 and will stay in until July 16th 2014. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer, which means that this is the best placement for Jupiter in be in, and it's already a lucky planet! During Jupiter's time in Cancer it is important to learn how to be compassionate, to have faith, and to trust that the universe will take care of you. This could be a very abundant time for some, trusting is the key to abundance with this placement though. During this time some people may feel a strong urge to connect with family, explore genealogy, change residences, buy a house or start a family due to the influence of Cancer. What area of life this energy of Jupiter in Cancer will play out in though, depends on your solar return chart for this current year.

I now want to talk about what Jupiter means in the various signs and houses in a natal chart. If you know where your Jupiter is in your chart then you can use this guide to help you figure out how Jupiter affects you and your life. If you don't know where your Jupiter is, it would be helpful to get your natal chart done.(Which I offer and would be very happy to do for you!)

Jupiter in the signs:

• Jupiter in Aries- Growth happens through new experiences and being independent. May have a tendency to be a bit impulsive. 
• Jupiter in Taurus- Usually has a fondness for the material plane and it's pleasures. Growth happens through being productive and reliable. Spiritual growth occurs through connection with nature and understanding the human condition. 
• Jupiter in Gemini- Growth through communication and self expression. Likes constantly learning, expanding one's knowledge and being a source of knowledge for others.
• Jupiter in Cancer- Growth through compassion and empathy. With this placement there is usually an underlying understanding of the connection everyone has and a knowledge of the abundance of the universe. Home and family are probably important. This can be an abundant placement.
• Jupiter in Leo- Growth through being appreciated and creativity. Can either be warm hearted or have a big ego. With close friends and family, may like to be a jokester or storyteller.
• Jupiter in Virgo- Growth through service and helping others. Usually there is a drive for perfection. Either has a hard time accepting spirituality or understands all the details that make up the unity of mankind/the universe.
• Jupiter in Libra- Growth through close relationships. Does well when supported by a partner. Usually justice and being fair minded are important. Appreciates art and beauty, could be artistic. 
• Jupiter in Scorpio- Growth through personal transformation. Usually attracts experiences to help growth. Sometimes this may be taken too far, and negative experiences could be attracted that do not help growth. Usually expands through experiencing deep sides of life such as; spirituality, the occult, science, deduction, sex, giving birth, or death.
• Jupiter in Sagittarius- Growth through aspiration and far reaching goals. Spiritual growth could be sought through religion or organized spiritual pursuits. Usually optimistic and broadminded.
• Jupiter in Capricorn- Growth through ambition and success. Being a leader could be important.
• Jupiter in Aquarius- Growth through humanitarian pursuits and connecting with groups. Usually trusts in unity of all things and one's beliefs may be unusual or unique.
• Jupiter in Pisces- Growth usually happens through pure spirituality, typically doesn't follow organized religions. There is an ability to transcend boundaries in any number of ways. Usually compassionate and sensitive to others.

Jupiter in the houses:

• Jupiter in 1st house- Typically optimistic and wanting to convince others to see things the way they do. Whatever sign Jupiter is in and the traits that go along with it, will be highlighted in the personality.
• Jupiter in 2nd house- This could be quite an abundant placement with a possible faith that the universe will provide. At least there could be luck with money.
• Jupiter in 3rd house- Constant learning and possible skill with communication. If applicable, siblings could help growth and be a blessing in life.
• Jupiter in 4th house- Usually a broad inner life. Home is of the utmost importance. Typically this placement indicates lucky home situation, if not now at least in the future.
• Jupiter in 5th house- Growth through creativity. Having or working with children could be a good thing and a source of growth. Sometimes with this placement there is a tendency to take risks. 
• Jupiter in 6th house- Growth through working and helping others. Work is usually important. Those with this placement must be careful not to give too much of themselves to their work or to their employers. This placement usually indicates technical expertise and an ability to fine tune one's craft. Since the 6th house has to do with health, with Jupiter in this placement make sure to take care of your liver and to not over or under indulge.
• Jupiter in 7th- Does well when supported by a partner. Growth happens through relationships. Those with this placement would do best with a partner who allows some freedom in a relationship.
• Jupiter in 8th- Growth through exploring deep and taboo areas of life such as; spirituality, the occult, science, deduction, sex, birth or death. If there are other factors, there could be luck with other people's money such as getting an inheritance.
• Jupiter in 9th- Growth through contemplating and exploring the meaning of this life. Needs far reaching aspirations. Travel is usually a good thing that supports growth.
• Jupiter in 10th- Growth through having a career. Career is usually important and may be lucky. 
• Jupiter in 11th- Growth through friends and connecting with groups. Also growth through improvements of society. Having dreams, wishes and aspirations are important.
• Jupiter in 12th- An innate knowing of creator/God. Usually has a big imagination and likes solitude. May feel like they give to much to others sometimes.