Brilliant Jupiter
Jupiter is at his brilliant best in the night sky at the moment. He is shining the brightest of all the stars (at a magnitude of -2.9), rising in the East in the evening and culminating overhead at midnight. Jupiter is opposite the sun at the moment. This opposition happens regularly, almost every year, however it is more special in 2022 as Jupiter is as close to the Earth as it has been in 59 years! Being this close to the Earth means there is not only a little more brilliance to his sparkle, but it is the best time to look at this mighty planet through a telescope or with binoculars. This close approach has been a big topic, not only in space news, but also in the regular media. If you have a telescope or binoculars treat yourself and take advantage of this close approach to marvel at the magnificence of this planet. You will be able to locate Jupiter on the ecliptic in the constellation of Pisces-you cannot miss him in clear skies due to how brightly he is shining! Whenever Jupiter is visible in the night sky I am always out there with my telescope gazing at his magic. He is my favourite planet and it is always a joy to look through the telescope and see not only the detail of the atmospheric bands, but also the four Galilean moons, Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. These four moons, the largest of Jupiter’s moons, are clearly visible through a small telescope and it is fascinating to watch their positions and movement.
The ancient astrologers studied Jupiter. To the Greeks he was associated with the deity Zeus. Zeus- the supreme leader/God of the sky/ruler of the heavens. Zeus established order in the cosmos and the mythology is associated with wisdom and power. The common threads found between the ancient mythology and the physical characteristics of the planets that we understand today never cease to amaze me. Brian Cox, the esteemed astrophysicist, referred to Jupiter as “the Godfather” in his documentary series The Planets. In the Jupiter episode he said “understand it and you understand how the solar system came to be”. Jupiter, the Godfather, really influenced how our solar system was shaped and what it looks like today. Both in mythology and in nature Jupiter has a powerful presence. We have been able to discover so much about our solar system in modern times thanks to the incredible advancements in planetary science and it is fascinating to find similarities in the words and concepts of the ancients astrologers/astronomers.
In ancient astrology Jupiter is one of the benefic planets. The benefic planets are positive planets, they affirm and say “yes”. Jupiter signifies the good in life and was conceptualised in ancient times as being warm and moist, qualities which support growth and expansion. In astrology Jupiter is the archetype of the sage and signifies optimism, hope, faith, truth, freedom, abundance, depth of wisdom, relief from trouble and good times. Jupiter rules the zodiacal signs of Sagittarius and Pisces and the qualities of this planet are definitely seen in the nature of these two signs. Depending on the precise location of Jupiter in your unique natal chart, there will be a presence of these significations in specific areas of your life and these themes will be expressed in their own special way.
Jupiter’s nature of expansion and abundance in astrology is reflected in his actual physical size and presence. Jupiter is the largest of our planets, so massive in fact that 1,300 earths could fit inside this gas giant! Because of this massive size the gravitational pull this planet exerts is huge and is second only to the sun. In the earthly realm this expansive nature can also be felt in our lives. For example Jupiter can represent growth but also freedom. It can also signify aspirations, vitality, confidence and success amongst other things. For example, if Jupiter rules the place of career in your natal chart your life may be filled with fantastic job opportunities and growth within your profession.
October 2022 is a great time to gaze up at the sky at night and reflect upon this gas giant and the inherent wisdom found in the study of this planet.
To find out how Jupiter features in your life please email hello@emmalucy.com.au and book a natal chart consultation today.
Jupiter’s breathtaking surface of swirling gas clouds, storms and turbulence.