Jupiter, Saturn, and the life of Jesus
The orbits and astrological symbolism of Jupiter and Saturn align with the life of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke.
Jupiter — Jesus at the temple
Jupiter’s orbit around the sun is 12 years. In astrology it represent growth, understanding and wisdom, among other things. In Luke chapter 2 we read:
Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom… After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers… And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (v. 41–42, 46–47, 52).
Saturn — Jesus begins His ministry
Saturn’s orbit around the sun is about 30 years (29.5). Astrologically it symbolizes concepts like maturity and authority.
In chapter 3 we learn that “Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry” (v. 23). And in chapter 4 we find out that the people “were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority” (v. 32).
Jesus is born, and when Jupiter had taken one leap around the Sun we find Him at the temple speaking with the teachers, amazing people with His understanding, growing toward His holy destiny. Then we hear nothing about Jesus until Saturn had gone around the Sun (known in astrology as “Saturn returns”). At this point Jesus is fully grown and mature, ready to exert His authority. He begins His ministry right on the heavenly schedule.
I am not suggesting that Jesus’ life was bound by the movement of Jupiter and Saturn. Quite the opposite. The orbits of Jupiter and Saturn are bound by the life of Jesus. They were created to foreshadow His life on earth, because “all things have been created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16b).
The astrological symbolism of Jupiter (growth and wisdom) and Saturn (maturity and authority) has been passed down and preserved through generations because they point to their rightful owner.
What about the other visible planets, Mercury, Mars and Venus? Or the post-Saturn planets like Uranus and Neptune? Those are the subjects of future posts.
The first century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus has an interesting take in Antiquities of the Jews — Book 1 regarding how the art of astrology first began:
Now this Seth [son of Adam and Eve], when he was brought up, and came to those years in which he could discern what was good, became a virtuous man: and as he was himself of an excellent character, so did he leave children behind him who imitated his virtues. All these proved to be of good dispositions… They also were the inventors of that peculiar sort of wisdom, which is concerned with the heavenly bodies, and their order (chapter 2, paragraph 3).
I believe many aspects of astrology have been corrupted, but it true essence has been providentially preserved: it’s about Jesus. In fact, the 12 signs of the zodiac foretell the story of the Bible from Abraham to the Last Days.
What is God’s story for your life? Find out at GospelAstrology.com