On Jupiter's Exaltation

Dignity schemes are interesting theoretical underpinnings of astrology, but richness can be found in the relationships between many signs and planets. Dignity need not limit us. So whether Jupiter is exalted in Leo or just has a special resonance, my aim is to explore that space. I love to question what we think we know and to dive deeply into the interplay between planet and sign and understand the fullness of that synergy or difficulty.

A thought on Jupiter during this Jupiter return. Might Jupiter be exalted in Leo? Although the traditional understanding of Jupiter's exaltation places it in Cancer, this is a nocturnal sign in which Jupiter has no triplicity. This would be the only exaltation that occurs in a sign without triplicity except for Mercury - who breaks all rules and is exalted in one of their own domiciles. Exaltations for diurnal planets are configured to their domiciles by trine, so Jupiter could easily exalt in fire.

So what about the qualities of the signs? It is often said that an exaltation holds a specific gift for the planet: e.g. Mars can direct its energy practically in Capricorn; Venus can experience beauty in even the imperfect in Pisces. What about Jupiter in Cancer? As a Moon in Cancer native, I appreciate Jupiter's beneficence in that sign. Cancer seeks to foster growth and values all that is life giving; it is comforting, and Jupiter is the antidote to poison, the easing of dis-ease, and the gifting to those in need. But the Moon's domicile is anathema to the malefics, so we can expect it to be a welcoming place to Jupiter. Does Jupiter have a special relationship to Cancer? An argument could be made, but I'm not sure it's more convincing than that of Jupiter's relationship with Leo.

So I turn to Leo - the other luminary's sign, and the one of Jupiter's sect. Leo is royalty and centrality and, in myth, Jupiter was the king of the gods. Astronomically, Jupiter is the largest planet, one of the brightest, and almost became our solar system's second sun. During the height of monarchies as a governing system, the ruler was often thought of as divine. The king (almost always male) could take several forms, including - among others - the son (Sun), the warrior (Mars), or the philosopher (Jupiter), though there is overlap. The Sun was king by birth right: just being who he was made him worthy. Mars was king through conquest, he fought and proved himself. Jupiter was king through wisdom and was revered for his insight and fairness.

So why would Jupiter not be given special place in the fire signs? Jupiter in Leo is the philosopher king who seeks to rule from higher principles. No warmonger or spoiled brat, Jupiter brings his high mindedness to the sign of Leo that assumes power as naturally as it breathes. The consistent fire of Leo provides Jupiter stability that can even out his more impulsive qualities, while he brings the best of his ideals to the realm of leadership. Are there traps here for Jupiter? Yes, of course. But that is true for every exaltation. But if we must be under the reign of a Leonine ruler, why not ask for the one that forefronts justice, wisdom, and a relationship with that which is larger than us? Why not have a visionary monarch who sees the future and wants to make it bright?

Dignity schemes are interesting theoretical underpinnings of astrology, but richness can be found in the relationships between many signs and planets. Dignity need not limit us. So whether Jupiter is exalted in Leo or just has a special resonance, my aim is to explore that space. I love to question what we think we know and to dive deeply into the interplay between planet and sign and understand the fullness of that synergy or difficulty. How is the sign fertile or hostile soil for the planet and what are the themes that arise upon their meeting?