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