Jupiter is the largest of all the true planets. Its mass is greater than all the rest of the planets combined. Some astronomers even consider it to be a failed star. Astrologically, Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth and optimism. Known as The Greater Benefic, it symbolizes good luck and fortune. In the ancient Indian language Sanskrit Jupiter is called "guru" or teacher. This fits its association with the higher mind, philosophy, truth and religion. Perhaps Jupiter's good fortune derives from the capacity to give us a larger view in which to see the world.

Jupiter rules Sagittarius, a mutable fire sign associated with travel, adventure, philosophy and religion that makes this is a time to expand horizons, both mentally and physically. An optimistic and outgoing nature are gifts of this combination, one that's often expressed through humor.

Leave the safety of familiar places and ideas to explore unfamiliar territory where vision grows and hopes rise. We're in a period of risk-taking, when Jupiter's rewards come to those willing to cast aside the comforts of home to see the world through wider eyes. Dreams, schemes and big plans for the future can grow easily now, although it is, of course, possible to aim so high that your goals are out of reach. But for Jupiter in Sagittarius the journey is more important than getting to the end of the road. It's the experience that teaches us, rather than the final result that matters most.

Generosity is a gift of Jupiter in Sagittarius, but even this enriching union has its dark side. The need of both the planet and the sign to be right can sometimes lead to prejudice and judgment. The search for truth allows some believers to feel that only their religion or politics is valid while all the rest are wrong. Self-righteous attitudes can destroy dialogue and make compromise difficult. Reality is made of many shades and colors, and painting with too broad a brush and overlooking nuance is a possible pitfall now.

Jupiter in Sagittarius works best when its enthusiasm is tempered with compassion. Absolutist ideas may fire the mind with enthusiasm, but can be insensitive to those who don't share the same viewpoint. True generosity leaves room for doubt and the possibility that no one has a monopoly on truth.

Copernicus, John Calvin, Queen Elizabeth I, William Blake, Hans Christian Andersen, Joseph Smith, Vincent Van Gogh, William Butler Yeats, Jim Thorpe, Marc Edmund Jones, Ayatollah Khomeini, Margaret Mitchell, Jackson Pollock, Truman Capote, Woody Allen, Yves Saint Laurent, Abbie Hoffman, Billy Crystal, Al Gore, Stevie Nicks, Cat Stevens, Prince Charles, Michael Stipe, Sean Penn, Tupac Shakur and Lance Armstrong are among those born with Jupiter in Sagittarius.