Jyotish. Andrew Mason
troops
7.1 ASTRONOMICAL
The solar system’s giant contains about 2.5 times the mass of all the other planets combined. Imaged from Earth its oblate spheroid (slightly flattened orb) reveals a banded structure of vibrant interlaced clouds swirling speedily about its interior (Jupiter’s axial rotation being fastest of all planets – it performs a full rotation in less than 10 hours). Having an equatorial diameter of nearly 89,000 miles, Jupiter’s rotation period has been noted to vary at different latitudes, each of the three ‘rotational zones’ displaying slight variances in speed when completing each circumrotation.
Jupiter itself is thought to be composed largely of hydrogen and helium, enveloping a core of iron and metallic hydrogen. Amidst its turbulent weather system this planet’s infamous eye or ‘great red spot’ (21,000 by 9300 miles) rotates once every sixty days; this has remained unchanged for at least 300 years of observation. Jupiter emits an intense magnetic field stretching as far as Saturn’s orbit. This extraordinary emission is believed to be made possible by its rotating liquid metallic core, which acts like a gigantic dynamo.
If this magnetosphere were made visible to the naked eye, Jupiter would be surrounded by a discharge whose diameter would exceed the circumference of our Moon (relatively speaking). It has been speculated that Jupiter’s influence on our solar system acts as a protective figure, scooping up rogue comets and asteroids that stray toward the inner system and inhabitable worlds. Jupiter may literally have enacted its astrological portrait as ‘great benefic’, ensuring the survival of life on Earth, protecting us from catastrophic collisions, etc.
Viewed from Earth, Jupiter (during opposition) is almost as resplendent as Venus, making it perhaps one of the easiest planets to track across the skies. Holding a steadfast course through the heavens (Jupiter’s orbital plane is almost perpendicular to the ecliptic plane), its advance at a mean rate of one zodiacal sign every 361+/– days became a popular means by which to reckon time.3 Indeed, so reliable was this planet’s motion that Indian astrologers began favouring its sixty-year cycle, known as Saṃvatsara, as an adjunct to other calendrical systems.
At a mean distance of some 483,000,000 miles from solar centre, Jupiter experiences only one-thirtieth of the light and heat received on Earth. As well as shepherding a host of dependants (sixty-seven satellites at last count),4 Jupiter also boasts a lesser-known Jovian ring system (albeit extremely faint). In many ways Jupiter’s dependants (or ‘children’) are often likened to a miniature solar system, its nearer bodies passing regularly into the broad shadow of its parent, or caught transiting its sunlit side. Many of these transits cast a shadow across the face of the leviathan planet.
7.2 PRIMARY KĀRAKAS OF JUPITER
| Primary Kārakas |
| Teacher, guru, dharma, sattvic-natured, rituals, fame, mantra, Jyotish, astronomy, critical reflection, knowledge, knowledge of sacred texts, Rigveda, pilgrimages, benefic, sacred sites, alter stones, progeny, sons, the colour yellow, saffron, honey, golden hair, honey-coloured eyes, sesame oil, ghee, turmeric, sweet taste, elephants, horses, buffalo, clarity of mind, orators, judges, scholars, attorneys and intellectuals, fame, recognition, merit, investments, over-extending oneself financially, religious duties, devotion, respect, justice, wise elders, grandfather, elder brothers, ministers, advisors, affluence, legacies, treasures, misfortune, gold, tin, sulphur, Indrā (king of the gods), grand places, offerings to the gods, acts of piety, fire ceremonies, penance, clarity, abundance, refinement in old age, great proficiency, scriptures, holy works, near-death experiences, poems, yellow sapphire, yellow topaz, yellow quartz, banks, finance, safes, secure premises, polished woods, trees, the Nakshatras Punarvasu, Vishaka and Purvabhadra, Thursdays, long journeys, pilgrimages, residence in foreign lands, publishing, bookshops, spouse (for women), sense of justice, fair play, truthfulness, promotion, Brahmins, spiritual transformation, cows, wealth connected to elephants, precious stones, pre-winter (Hemant), holy water, palaces, throne rooms, churches, shrines, standing circles, archers, educational institutions, installations of idols, coconuts, decorations, candlelight, technical subjects, extravagance, over-eating, benedictions, broadminded, diplomacy, sympathetic, greed, lawsuits, politicians, political power, occult sciences, reading of scriptures |
| Physical and Medical Kārakas |
| Corpulence (large-bodied), broad-chested, fats, childhood development, digestive disorders, the liver, bile and gallbladder, arteries, gallstones, Kapha (phlegm), healing, hearing, loss of hearing, ears, earlobes, colds, asthma, diarrhoea, water retention, abscesses, carbuncles, lipoma, diabetes, pale complexion, weight gain in old age, tumours, vertigo |
NOTES
1.Brahmin = he who serves the gods.
2.Pancreatic functionality is considered a part of the body’s water metabolism system or channel known as Ambhuvaha Srota; this primarily connects the hard and soft palates in the mouth to the pancreas and bladder. These srotas are deranged by the intake of excessively sweet, oily, salty or dry food and liquids such as alcohol.
3.Brihaspatya Varsha became a popular method of time reckoning in Southern India around the 10th century ad and continues to this day. At present each Luni-solar year is also named after one of sixty corresponding Jovian years called Saṃvatsara.
4.The most famous of these include its four famed Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto.
Shukra (Venus): I pay respects to Shukra, born to Bhṛgu and Pulomā, preceptor of the Asuras and favoured by Indrā. Adorned with garlands of flowers, fragrant and pale as snow, he is the keeper of gemstones, bestower of comfort and pleasure.
8
SHUKRA (Venus)
Śrī Laṅkān Sanjeewani Yantra deemed effective for the propitiation of Venus, elevating one through eloquent speech, manners and refinement. This yantra appeases Lord Shukra bestowing wealth, fame and physical beauty. Sanjeewani Yantra makes one respected in the arts, adored by the opposite sex, brings material comforts and enjoyment from wine and fine foods.
The hair of Venus is black and curled; his complexion is brown and handsome. His limbs are symmetrical and very lovely, his eyes are soft and his disposition is amorous. His constitution is both phlegmatic and windy; his tendencies are toward Rajas (passion). He has amplitude of grace, ease, vigour and all kinds of excellence.
Jātaka Pārijāta by Vaidyanātha Dīkṣita
Shukra is the king’s second advisor. Brahmin by caste, he rides in a chariot of extreme elegance, adorned by multiple flags. Feminine in stature and complexion, his colour is variegated. His dosha is a mixture of Kapha and Vāta. The taste of Venus is sour and acidic; his element is water. Also learned in shāstra (Venus rules Yajurveda). Dressing in fine silks, he gains strength in signs ruled by water. The effects of Venus mature in the 25th year of life. Exalted in the sign Pisces (specifically 27°), he is likewise debilitated at the same degree in Virgo. Prospering in the 4th and 7th houses, he rules paksha (a fifteen-day period). His metal is tamra (copper), his guna is rajasic.
If well-positioned