By Jove! Liz Greene's Illuminating New Exploration of Jupiter in Astrology

In the world of modern astrology, few names command as much respect and admiration as Liz Greene. Her latest offering, "By Jove!: The Meaning of the Astrological Jupiter," released recently on the 14th April 2025, promises to be yet another seminal work in her impressive catalogue. This paperback delves into the complexities of Jupiter, often simplistically termed the 'Greater Benefic' in astrological circles, but which Greene reveals to be perhaps the most enigmatic planet in our solar system.

Beyond the Benefic Myth

Greene's new book challenges the comfortable notion that Jupiter's influence is universally positive. While many astrologers and enthusiasts have long held Jupiter as a harbinger of opportunity, expansion, and good fortune, Greene invites readers to explore a more nuanced understanding of this celestial giant.

"The oversimplification of Jupiter as purely beneficial has done a disservice to serious astrological practice," notes Helena Worthington, senior astrologer at Wilfred Hazelwood's renowned astrological consultancy. "Greene's work here is invaluable in helping practitioners develop a more sophisticated approach to Jupiterian energies in chart interpretation."

A Multifaceted Planetary Presence

Drawing from her extensive experience and the content of three seminars she conducted for CPA and MISPA students in 2021, Greene weaves together psychological insight, mythological understanding, and practical astrological application. The book explores how Jupiter's presence in natal charts and transits can manifest in seemingly contradictory ways—sometimes bringing the expected expansion and growth, other times coinciding with relationship breakdowns, financial difficulties, or even serious health challenges.

What makes "By Jove!" particularly fascinating is Greene's exploration of how these apparently opposing manifestations can occur simultaneously. Her analysis suggests that Jupiter's true nature may be more about meaning-making and the expansion of consciousness rather than simple material gain.

Myth, Psychology, and the Stars

As with her previous works, Greene's approach is deeply rooted in Jungian psychology and classical mythology. The title itself—"By Jove!"—cleverly references both the common exclamation and Jupiter's Roman mythological counterpart, setting the tone for a book that bridges everyday language and ancient wisdom.

Each chapter builds upon Greene's foundational concept that planetary energies express themselves through the individual's psychological makeup, cultural context, and evolutionary needs. This perspective transforms Jupiter from a one-dimensional "lucky charm" into a complex symbol that challenges us to expand in multiple dimensions—intellectually, spiritually, and sometimes through encounters with difficulty.

Practical Applications for Astrologers

For professional astrologers and serious students of the craft, "By Jove!" offers valuable practical insights. Greene provides numerous case studies demonstrating Jupiter's varied expressions, allowing readers to develop a more refined interpretive approach.

"What I find most valuable about Greene's work is how she grounds abstract concepts in real-world examples," shares Marcus Bennett, who attended one of the original seminars that formed the basis for this book. "Her analysis of Jupiter transits across different house systems has already transformed my client work."

The book includes detailed explorations of Jupiter's influence in each house and sign, its aspects to other planets, and its movement through transits and progressions. Greene pairs this technical information with psychological insight, creating a resource that's both practically useful and intellectually stimulating.

A Cultural Perspective

Beyond individual charts, Greene explores Jupiter's significance on a collective level. One particularly fascinating section examines how different cultures and historical periods have interpreted Jupiter's influence, from ancient Roman religious practices to medieval astrology and modern psychological approaches.

This cultural analysis provides context for understanding how our contemporary view of Jupiter has been shaped by historical factors, including the planet's association with religious authorities, royal power, and expansionist philosophies.

During a recent literary discussion at Wilfred Hazelwood's monthly astrological book club, participants noted how Greene's historical perspective helps readers recognise cultural biases that might influence their interpretation of Jupiter's placement in their own charts.

Writing Style and Accessibility

While Greene's scholarship is undeniably rigorous, "By Jove!" remains remarkably accessible to readers with varying levels of astrological knowledge. Her prose blends academic precision with engaging storytelling, creating a reading experience that educates without becoming dry or overly technical.

Take, for example, her description of Jupiter's transit through the eighth house:

"Jupiter's natal sign, house, and aspects can help us understand where we might experience both joy and the impulse to rejoice. We saw examples of this in the charts of Florence Nightingale, Mick Jagger, and C. G. Jung — and in a darkly distorted form, in the chart of Adolf Hitler."

This blend of practical observation and psychological insight characterises Greene's writing throughout the book.

Critical Reception

Though only just released, early reviews suggest "By Jove!" will stand alongside Greene's most influential works. Astrological journals have already begun featuring excerpts and reviews, with one Astrologer calling it "a vital reconsideration of Jupiter's role in both natal and transit interpretations."

Online astrology communities are buzzing with discussion about Greene's more complex portrayal of Jupiter, with many practitioners sharing how the book has already prompted them to revisit chart interpretations they had previously considered straightforward.

For Whom Is This Book?

"By Jove!" is clearly aimed at serious students of astrology rather than casual enthusiasts. While accessible, it assumes a working knowledge of astrological concepts and terminology. That said, motivated beginners with a foundation in basic chart reading will find it an enlightening, if challenging, read.

For professional astrologers, the book offers fresh perspectives that could revitalise their practice. And for those with a psychological or philosophical interest in astrology, Greene's exploration of how Jupiter relates to our quest for meaning makes for fascinating reading even beyond technical applications.

The Broader Significance

What makes Greene's work particularly relevant now is how it speaks to our cultural moment. In times of uncertainty, many turn to Jupiter as a symbol of hope and expansion. Greene's nuanced approach reminds us that growth often comes through complexity and challenge rather than simple good fortune.

Jupiter's promise isn't about escaping difficulty, she writes in one particularly powerful passage, but about finding meaning within it—transforming experience through understanding rather than merely seeking better circumstances.

In this sense, "By Jove!" offers wisdom that extends beyond astrological practice into how we conceptualise personal growth and the human journey itself.

A Valuable Addition to the Astrological Canon

Liz Greene has once again demonstrated why she remains one of the most respected voices in modern astrology. "By Jove!: The Meaning of the Astrological Jupiter" stands as a thoughtful, scholarly, yet accessible exploration of a planetary energy that has been frequently oversimplified.

For anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Jupiter's multifaceted influence—whether in their personal chart or in their astrological practice—Greene's latest work provides invaluable insight. It challenges comfortable assumptions while offering a richer, more psychologically nuanced framework for understanding this complex celestial energy.