Bethor

What this is

Bethor is the Olympic Spirit of Jupiter in the Arbatel, governor of the sphere next within Saturn's. Where Aratron contracts and limits, Bethor expands and lifts. The tradition names him the Bestower of Riches and Long Life, and he is the most openly generous of the seven, the spirit who raises people up and opens doors that were shut.

What it governs

He presides over Jupiter and over Thursday, and over the 42 provinces of heaven given to him. His rule covers dignities and high office, reconciliation between enemies, treasure gained honestly, the prolonging of life, and command over the aerial spirits of the upper air. He governs increase, favour, and the lawful authority that others gladly follow.

Its properties

His colour is royal blue, his metal tin, his stone the sapphire, and his number is 42 kings, six times the planetary seven, reckoned at 420 years. The Arbatel says he reconciles, raises to honours, brings riches, gives the spirits of the air as servants, and adds years to a life. The upright Jupiter-virtue is magnanimity, mercy, the wide hand that gives without keeping score; the shadow is excess and pride, the bloat of one who confuses largeness with greatness. He teaches that real authority is the kind people are glad to serve.

Where else it appears

Bethor is the Jupiter-note in Renaissance dress. The same note is the angel Sachiel of Thursday, the sephirah Chesed (Mercy) on the pillar of grace, Greek Zeus and Roman Jupiter the cloud-gatherer, Norse Thor whose day Thursday still carries, Hindu Brihaspati the guru of the gods. Tin, blue, the four of Chesed, the open generous hand: turn any of these and the same expansive mercy looks back.

Where you meet it on the Oracle

On The Day, Bethor is the tradition-face of Thursday, the day of Jupiter, beside the angel Sachiel, the eagle, Earl Grey tea, and the Jovian pentacles. When his is the face you meet, the day favours growth and reconciliation: ask for what you need, mend a quarrel, make the larger gesture. Read him as the green-light day, the day to be generous first and trust it returns.

Why it matters

Jupiter is the planet of the lawful good, the principle that the world is, on balance, set up to bless what blesses others. He matters because everyone needs a day on which the door opens, and he is that door's keeper. He asks you to be the kind of person increase can safely come to.

Correspondences

planet

Jupiter

element

Air, Fire

zodiac

Sagittarius, Pisces

number

42

sephirah

Chesed

day

Thursday

colour

Blue

metal

Tin

stone

Sapphire

tarot

Wheel of Fortune