NAVAGRAHAS - BṛHASPATI

BṛHASPATI
Bṛhaspati also known as Brahmanaspati and Deva-guru (guru of the gods), is the name of a Vedic deity। He is considered the personification of piety and religion, and the chief 'offerer of prayers and sacrifices to the gods with whom he intercedes on behalf of humankind।

He is described of yellow or golden colour and holding the following divine attributes: a stick, a lotus and beads. He presides over 'Guru-var' or Thursday. In astronomy he is the regent of Jupiter and often identified with that planet.He attained his position as the preceptor of the Devas, by performing penances on the banks of Prabhas Tirtha. Lord Shiva granted him this position, as well as his position as one of the Navagrahas (Nine Planets).
In Jyotisha (Hindu astrology), Bṛhaspati is the name for the planet Jupiter, which is one of the Navagraha (the nine planets) . Bṛhaspati is considered to be the greatest benefic of any of the planets. Guru rules over the signs Dhanu (Sagittarius) and Meena (Pisces), he is exalted in Karka (Cancer) and in his fall in Makara (Capricorn). The Sun, Moon and Mars are considered friendly to Bṛhaspati, Mercury is hostile and Saturn is neutral.

Guru in Vedic astrology is considered to be of the element ether (space) or Akasha Tattva. This indicates vastness, growth and expansion in a person's horoscope and life. Bṛhaspati also represents the balance of past karma, religion, philosophy, knowledge and issues relating to offspring. He is concerned with education, teaching and the dispensation of knowledge. Humans with Jupiter dominating in their horoscope could grow fat as life progresses and their empire and prosperity increases; and diabetes is an ailment directly related to Jupiter. According to traditional Hindu astrology, worship or propitiation of Bṛhaspati or Guru (Jupiter) results in cure from ailments affecting the stomach and helps ward off sins.

Bṛhaspati is lord of three Nakshatras or lunar mansions: Punarvasu, Vishakha and Purva Bhadrapada। The following items are associated with Bṛhaspati: his color is yellow, metal is gold and gemstone is yellow topaz and yellow sapphire. The season associated with him is winter (snow), direction is north-east and element is ether or space.