Inside the brain, dopamine plays important roles in executive functions, motor control, motivation, arousal, reinforcement, and reward, as well as lower-level functions including lactation, sexual gratification, and nausea. The dopaminergic cell groups and pathways make up the dopamine system which is neuromodulatory.
In
particular, college undergraduates with two copies of the
less active COMT enzyme (Met/Met) demonstrated greater
exploration than those with either the Met/Val or Val/Val
polymorphisms (Frank et al, 2009). Moreover, greater
exploratory behavior has been correlated with correspondingly
greater activity in the rostral prefrontal cortex (PFC),
particularly when choice outcomes are uncertain and hence
there is information to be gained (Badre et al, 2012;
Cavanagh et al, 2012). Together these studies argue that
exploratory behaviors are likely to have a neurochemical
(dopaminergic) basis, and suggest that increasing dopamine
tone in PFC may increase exploratory behavior.
Jupiter is conjunct my ascendant and has rulership over 6 planets in my chart as well as my ascendant and part of fortune. "Happy" is not a word I would use to characterize myself. In fact, one of the first threads I created on this forum was entitled, "Why is Sagittarius associated with buoyancy and joviality" because I've never truly related to the merry making traits of Sagittarius and being an exemplar of the sign, it made me call into question the stereotype.
Maybe these planets and your ascendant are in Scorpio in the ancient fixed zodiac. Also, the 12th house supresses the planets there and the signs placed in it. Which are the planets in the 12th house?
I can't comment on this without seeing your chart. The sign and aspects and your age have a lot to do with your experiences of Jupiter.
The retrograde can work FOR an individual or against....depending upon many variables.
If you can post your chart, please do, if you are interested in more info.
LIN
First, let's get the facts straight. There is only one planet which rules happiness and that is Venus. It's a small planet, and as expected, it doesn't have the power to overrule heavier, more negative influences. Where Venus is positioned is the area in which you can expect happiness.....under the right circumstances.
Jupiter is the planet of enthusiasm, intensity of purpose, multiplying, "more of", expansion. It's Sagi's ruler and has the qualities of Sagi.
The sign in which the Sun is positioned and the house in which it resides, give a clue to one's purpose in this life. One can get happiness from fulfilling that role....or one can get satisfaction....or a sense of having done a good job at one's purpose. Doing this does not necessarily bring joy or happiness....but satisfaction with one's role in life can give one a serenity. Again, serenity is not necessarily happiness.
The house Jupiter occupies will show where there will be a lot of activity, especially if there are many aspects to it....or...during lengthy transits. If those transits are positive, there will be an increase in a feeling of positivity....and that can feel like happiness...and it can BE happiness. But when the transits are negative, the Jupiter position can bring an increase of despair and frustration.
So it's a good idea to know the definitions of what is being discussed.
And it's important to know EACH planet and it's dynamics before speculating and coming to conclusions.
LIN
According to some astrologers the house in which the natal Jupiter placed shows what makes us happy. Could you confirm that with your personal experience?
First, let's get the facts straight. There is only one planet which rules happiness and that is Venus........
So it's a good idea to know the definitions of what is being discussed.
And it's important to know EACH planet and it's dynamics before speculating and coming to conclusions.
LIN
First, let's get the facts straight. There is only one planet which rules happiness and that is Venus. It's a small planet, and as expected, it doesn't have the power to overrule heavier, more negative influences. Where Venus is positioned is the area in which you can expect happiness.....under the right circumstances.
Jupiter is the planet of enthusiasm, intensity of purpose, multiplying, "more of", expansion. It's Sagi's ruler and has the qualities of Sagi.
The sign in which the Sun is positioned and the house in which it resides, give a clue to one's purpose in this life. One can get happiness from fulfilling that role....or one can get satisfaction....or a sense of having done a good job at one's purpose. Doing this does not necessarily bring joy or happiness....but satisfaction with one's role in life can give one a serenity. Again, serenity is not necessarily happiness.
The house Jupiter occupies will show where there will be a lot of activity, especially if there are many aspects to it....or...during lengthy transits. If those transits are positive, there will be an increase in a feeling of positivity....and that can feel like happiness...and it can BE happiness. But when the transits are negative, the Jupiter position can bring an increase of despair and frustration.
So it's a good idea to know the definitions of what is being discussed.
And it's important to know EACH planet and it's dynamics before speculating and coming to conclusions.
LIN