Exploring Jupiter: Astrological Key to Progress, Prosperity & Potential

one part of the book explores jupiter (and both jupiter ruled signs in the mental cross, namely pisces and sagittarius), their similarities and differences. it explores jupiterian personality into great detail and gives both very broad and detailed view of jupiter, includes many quotes from other authors, some of which are completely unavailable elsewhere (mainly out of print). second part is more of a cookbook, as it explores meaning of jupiter in signs and houses and various aspects. i have to admit having read the cookbook part for my dear ones, not thru and thru, and i found it insightful and useful, albeit slightly unexpected. 4 stars for style of writing, which is unfocussed, slightly scattered and sometimes repetitive. i am a foreigner and it was pretty difficult to concentrate on this one..

In the prologue the author writes that he began writing this book, inspired by Pluto entering Sagittarius and expecting the increase in Sagittarius and its ruler, Jupiterfs influence. Though Jupiter has been regarded as the best of fortune planet, it is the most neglected planet in astrology. The author attempts to provide us with the whole picture of Jupiter in this book, explaining the key concepts and interpretive guidelines in the first part of the book, and then more detailed cookbook in the latter parts. What is the most interesting to me is that his comparison of Jupiter to Mercury, and also that of Sagittarius and the other three Mutable signs. As he mentions, all the Mutable signs are related to "learning." Gemini and Virgo are ruled by Mercury, while Sagittarius and Pisces are (traditionally) ruled by Jupiter. So his way of comparing Jupiter to Mercury is actually very indicative to me. The author quotes from Charles Carter and writes that "Jupiter is a constructive and progressive Mercury. The latter is concerned with things as they are; it examines, it does not speculate or plan ahead. Jupiter seems to be the type of the explorer and experimenter, always ready to sweep its gaze towards wider horizons whether mental or physical." In another part, he also quotes that "the vision of Gemini is normal, that of Virgo microscopic; but Jupiter is telescopic, scanning distant horizons. Mercury studies local maps; he is usually an authority on tubes and bus routes. But Jupiter asks for atlases and maps of continents." Though modern Western educational system is dominated by Mercurian, the author insists on the importance of Jupiterfs envisioning, planning, improving, taking risks based on faith throughout the book. In the human relationship, the author writes that those around Jupiterians may feel injured because of their insensitivity. In other words, the Jupiterian's sins come more often from omission than commission. Jupiterians do not intend to neglect others and their feelings. But they have begun to "above it all," and the results in an impersonal insensitivity to human feelings.

This book is the very essence of Jupiter. From its apt title, to its generous use of many famous chart examples, to Arroyo's trademark insight and wisdom on every page, "Exploring Jupiter" is positively a winner! The presentation of the astrology is clear, practical and intelligent, making it a must for both newer students and more experienced practising astrologers. While outlining a framework for understanding Jupiter in chapter one, the author comments: "...I cannot help but feel that Jupiter's bigness and broad vision is inextricably linked to the perennial human search for a larger truth and for an experience of oneness with the universe". The range of natal charts throughout the book reflects this, each one accompanied by a brief biographical account and astrological notes. Albert Einstein, Woody Allen, Eleanor Roosevelt, Michael Jordan, Robert Redford, William Blake are just a few of the wide range of Jupiterian characters covered. Unlike the majority of modern astrologers, Arroyo refers to Jupiter's ancient rulership of Pisces as being significant, and the book is written with this in mind. Otherwise much of the book is built on the usual "cookbook" approach: Jupiter through the signs, Jupiter through the houses (arranged by element), Jupiter aspects in the birth chart and so on. As always with Stephen Arroyo, it is the clarity and profound depth of these guidelines for interpretation that is so striking. The chapter on transits involving Jupiter is particularly good, building on ideas he has expressed in earlier writings.

I generally don't find books about individual planets all that interesting--but Stephen Arroyo has done it right. He makes a powerful case for the importance of a planet that is often overlooked or treated blandly in chart interpretation--largely arguing from the charts of well-known people, in a series of perceptive readings that are themselves a great introduction to and argument for the art of astrology.(Credit should be given to editor Barbara McEnerney, who contributed several of the chart readings--she and Arroyo should consider collaborating on a book of famous charts.) The book includes full descriptions of how Jupiter can be interpreted by sign, house, aspect and transit. One big plus is that Arroyo quotes what other astrologers had to say about these factors--showing both common understandings and disagreements. There's also an insightful discussion of what Jupiter means in general, looking at the planet in conjunction with Sagittarius (and also Pisces) and in contrast with Saturn.Even if you don't have a particular interest in Jupiter, you'll enjoy this book if you like great astrological writing.