Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global

the esoteric. With great patience and understanding this god of wisdom
guards over the welfare of all beings. He is concerned with the harmony,
sustenance, growth and expression of the inherent potentials of every form
of creation.
Brihaspati is said to be born of the sage Angiras, and to be yellow in color.
He sits on a water-lily and has four arms. One arm holds a garland of
Rudraksha beads, another carries a begging bowl, the third holds a mace,
and the fourth bestows blessings. As the regent of the planet Jupiter, he rides
a chariot called Nitighosha drawn by eight pale horses. Yellow is a color of
intellect, auspicious for rituals and devotional activities. Red symbolizes
valor and courage, depending on its hue. Deep or blood red represents fight,
conflict and war, whereas crimson or rosy indicates affection, love and
union. Saffron suggests renunciation and saintliness. Jupiter's yellow
complexion suggests his connection with auspicious performances, rituals
and householders' worship. The impact of Jupiter-ian wisom does not lead to
renunciation and the path of withdrawal; it teaches the individual right
performance of duties, and involves him in actions to fulfill the will of
higher powers. The water Hly is a symbol of the same order. It represents
regeneration and unfoldment towards spirituality through beauty and
harmony.
Rudraksha means the eye of Shiva. It is the berry of a tree used for
medicinal and religious purposes. These berries are made into beads and
used for counting mantras. The sages put a garland of Rudraksha beads
around their necks to ward off unfavorable influences. Rudraksha has great
protective powers and saves the individual from any onslaught of dark
forces. Such a garland in the hand of Brishaspali indicates that his
consciousness steadfastedly united with the cosmic protective force represented
by Shiva. Under the benediction of Brihaspati, no adverse force can
harm an individual. That is also the reason why the Rig Veda invokes him as
"Lighting up the Flame, he shall conquer his enemies: strong shall he be who
offers prayer and brings gifts to him."
The begging bowl represents Jupiter as not accumulating material
possessions for himself. He is completely unified with the ascending
evolutionary force and has surrendered himself to the will of God. Such a
renunciation comes only when there is no sense of belonging, no anxiety
about the future. Jupiter is not concerned with riches but with equanimity of
mind, stability, coolness and balance. His every action demonstrates his
interest in the welfare of others. The bestowal of blessings indicates his great
concern for the welfare of humanity, for the progress and evolution of the
universe. In spite of such renunciation, Jupiter has a special status among the