Zeus and his brothers drew lots for their share of
the universe. Zeus, Lord of the Sky, became chief
of the Gods. His power was greater than all the
others combined. He was righteous and demand-
ed right action from men, not sacrifices. Jupiter
is associated with the idea of justice. His low side
made him out of control with his anger and his
incalculable use of lightning bolts. He was never
a faithful husband. He often acted like a storm
cloud, building things up to turbulence. His high
side can make things glorious. He gives hope and
honors and bestows great gifts. Zeus was known
for his great highs and lows.
In Mesopotamian astrology, Jupiter was
linked to Marduk, ruler of the gods. Marduk was
associated with wisdom, justice, water, and vege-
tation. Jupiter, known as the Greater Benefic, is
the planet of hope, possibilities, expansion, and
plenty. It is the most diurnal planet, next to the
Sun. Jupiter has beneficial qualities in a noctur-
nal chart, as well. Jupiter rules the fire triplicity
at night. It rules the masculine fire sign, Sagittar-
ius. It is adventurous and robust in a diurnal
chart. Jupiter is also the traditional ruler of the
feminine water sign, Pisces. It is exalted in Can-
cer. Jupiter’s affinity with water signs makes it
more compassionate and generous. In a noctur-
nal chart, Jupiter is more subdued and moderate.
Jupiter is in its fall in Capricorn and its detri-
ment in Virgo, both earth signs. This shows how
unhappy Jupiter is when forced to conform and fit into rigid forms.
Jupiter is a social planet. Its influence is open, expansive, and temperate.
When in sect, it confirms and radifies what the Sun selects. When contrary to sect, it
creates obstacles to stabilization because too much is included. In the hellenistic sys-
tem, the star Jupiter is assigned the special essence of reputation and crowns of office
and expectations.
When Jupiter is dignified its influence is magnanimous, mild tempered, just,
wise, and religious. When not dignified its influence can be scattered, over done, shal-
low, indifferent, and easily led astray. Its real character is good-natured, freedom lov-
ing, confident, and conscious of right and wrong, wanting to do what is best. Its opti-
mistic outlook often brings good fortune and opportunity. There is ease to life that
allows for luck and happiness.
Jupiter is traditionally associated with begetting children, desire, knowledge,
friendships with great men, abundance, great gifts, freedom, trust, possessions, justice,
reputation, preferments of priests, government, inheritances, benefaction, confirma-Jupiter
[374] THEASTROLOGYBOOK
An engraving from the seventeenth century of Jupiter
with his thunderbolt and eagle. Reproduced by
permission of Fortean Picture Library.