Jupiter Magick: Harnessing the Planet's Expansive Power in Witchcraft

Magickal Planets: Jupiter

Fifth in line from the Sun, the mighty Jupiter is by far the largest planet in our solar system. In fact, it is more than twice as massive as all the other planets combined. Aside from its size, Jupiter is also well known for its Great Red Spot, which is a giant storm bigger than Earth that has been raging for hundreds of years. The familiar stripes that can be seen in photos of the planet are actually cold, windy clouds of ammonia and water floating in an atmosphere of hydrogen and helium.

But despite its raging storms and inhospitable atmosphere, Jupiter is the most beloved of all the planets. During the dark ages, it was referred to as the Greater Benefic, which means that it grants greater blessings, most likely due to its enormity. Modern practitioners built upon these concepts and linked Jupiter with boundless good luck and prosperity. But Jupiter encompasses more than just good luck—its power expands all resources and blessings.

In Eastern traditions, this powerful planet is associated with the guru or spiritual teacher. Jupiter is thought of as our inner teacher and is called the light of a thousand suns. It illuminates and radiates spiritual light. Jupiter is potential energy in one giant ball of gas.

Scientifically a gas giant, Jupiter is a potential sun that has never ignited. But in many ways, it acts parallel to the Sun. There are sixteen moons in orbit around Jupiter. One moon, Ganymede, is the size of Mercury! It is able to hold on to all of its moons because its gravitational force is second only to the Sun. Because of this, many legends refer to Jupiter as the elder king giving way to the new solar king, the Sun.

It takes Jupiter only 12 Earth hours to make a full rotation. Because it is moving so quickly, Jupiter creates a lot of its own heat rather than receiving it from the Sun. The intensity of the heat causes the planet to bulge near the equator. And this bulge is directly linked to the idea that Jupiter causes energy expansion, both tangibly and in our consciousness.

Jupiter rules Sagittarius, the explorer, who is both very good at business and administration and desires freedom and exploration. On a higher plane, Sagittarius represents the spiritual explorer, one who desires to delve into thoughts, philosophies, and religion. They are able to take in so many different perspectives and experiences because Jupiter helps expand consciousness. In fact, the planet is the first of the spiritual planets in karmic astrology, embodying the power of the higher self.

Jupiter, the Great Benefic, is a source of purification, healing, benevolence, and spiritual elevation. And it is also considered the planet of wealth. It is the patron of all expansion, growth, and gain, be it economic, social, or knowledge.

Blue and purple are the colors associated with Jupiter. Purple relates to the power of spiritual light and sight. Often Anja, the third-eye chakra and the energetic center of the body, is linked to the color purple. Jupiter does not solely rule the third eye, as in medical astrology—it also rules the liver. The liver is one of the largest organs in the body, so it is fitting that the largest planet should rule over it.

Sky and storm gods rule over Jupiter, as Jupiter himself is the Roman god of thunder and lightning. The leader of the Olympians, Zeus, is also linked to the planet as his victory against the Titans ushered in a new age. But he was not the only god to usher in a new age. In Sumerian legends, Marduk led the fight against Tiamat, the dragon creature, to create the world and a new age. Wise and guiding gods are also connected to this mighty planet. In Egypt, Amun-Ra, the chief deity of the Empire, is the Jupiter archetype, along with Taranis, the Celtic god of thunder, and Dagda, the father king and druid. Dagda’s cauldron was ever abundant, and none left hungry, representing the power of Jupiter’s abundance and nurturance. In Norse mythology, Thor is the god most often associated with Jupiter. As the god of storm and lightning, he is intertwined with the magick that surrounds this magnificent planet. In fact, Thursday, the day of Jupiter, originates from this connection. Magick, done with the aid of Jupiter on a Thursday, is quite powerful!

Magick done when the Moon is in Sagittarius is a great way to harness the power of Jupiter, but did you know that each person actually has their own personal Jupiter period? This period starts 208 days after your birthday and lasts for 52 days. During this time, your own prosperity and spiritual energy are enhanced. It is the perfect time to focus on higher awareness, spiritual evolution, and psychic development. But it is also a great time to put your energy into more mundane workings such as business, administration, and education. When the energy of Jupiter is channeled properly, it can be used to enhance generosity, benevolence, and positive leadership.

The number four is associated with Jupiter. While it may seem that the numbers 2 and 4 are combined to make up the Jupiter glyph, in actuality, this symbol is really a crescent that is the symbol of the soul balanced on a cross of matter. It represents the delicate balance of the energy of the soul in the material world. But the crescent, or soul, is elevated just above the material world, which is why it is also shifted above the cross in the glyph. The glyph is also the alchemical symbol of tin, which is the metal of Jupiter. Tin, one of the seven metals of alchemy, is often referred to as the “breath of life” as it represents the idea that the whole is stronger than the sum of its parts.

Use Jupiter in your magickal working to generate wealth and abundance, grant wisdom, and provide protection. It is ideal for magnifying all good things and broadening your perspective on the world.

Day: Thursday
Number: 4
Colors: yellow, indigo, purple, and white
Metals: lead, tin
Stones: yellow sapphire, citrine, amethyst

Herb: Dandelion

Gods/Goddesses: sky and storm fathers, Jupiter, Zeus, Marduk, Amun-Ra, Taranis, Dagda, Thor
Tarot: High Priestess, the Teacher, Wheel of Fortune