Planets in astrology
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- See also: Naked eye planet
Planets in astrology have a different meaning to the modern astronomical understanding of what a planet is. Astrology utilises the ancient geocentric model of the universe in its calculations and thus employs the term in its original geocentric sense. Before the age of telescopes, the night sky was observed to consist of two very similar components: fixed stars, which remained motionless in relation to each other, and wandering stars, (in ancient Greek: asteres planetai) which appeared to shift their positions relative to the fixed stars over the course of the year. To the Greeks and the other earliest astronomers, this group comprised the five planets visible to the naked eye and excluded the earth. Although strictly the term "planet" applied only to those five objects, the term was latterly broadened, particualarly in the Middle Ages, to include the Sun and the Moon, making a total of seven planets. Astrologers retain this definition today.
To ancient astrologers the planets represented the will of the gods and their direct influence upon human affairs. To modern astrologers the planets represent basic drives or impulses in the human psyche. These drives express themselves a) with different qualities through the twelve signs of the zodiac, and b) in different spheres of life through the twelve houses. How the planets manifest themselves also depends on the aspects (or angles) that they form with each other in the sky as seen from the earth.
Modern astrologers differ on the source of the planets' power. Some hold that the planets exert their influence directly through gravitational or some other unknown power. Others hold that the planets have no direct influence in themselves, but are mirrors of basic organising principles in the universe. In other words, the basic patterns of the universe repeat themselves everywhere, and 'as above so below'. Therefore, strange as it may seem, the patterns that the planets make in the sky reflect the ebb and flow of basic human impulses. The planets are also associated, especially in the Chinese tradition, with the basic forces of nature.
Listed below are the specific meanings and domains associated with the astrological planets since ancient times, with the main focus on the Western astrological tradition [1].
The planets in Hindu astrology are known as the Navagraha or 'nine realms'. In Chinese astrology the planets are associated with the life forces of yin and yang and the five elements, which play an important role in the Chinese form of geomancy known as Feng Shui. The Hindu and Chinese astrological traditions are mentioned here, but are discussed in greater detail in their own articles.
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[edit] Planetary Symbolism
This table shows the planets of the solar system and the Greek and Roman deities associated with them. In most cases, the English name for planets derives from the name of a Roman god or goddess. Also of interest is the conflation of the Roman god with a similar Greek god. In some cases, it's the same deity with two different names.
| Planet | Roman deity | Greek deity | Meaning |
| Mercury | Mercury | ʽἙρμῆς (Hermes) | Messenger God |
| Venus | Venus | Ἀφροδίτη (Aphrodite) | Goddess of Love |
| Earth | Terra | Γαία (Gaia) | Goddess of the Earth |
| Mars | Mars | Ἀρης (Ares) | God of War |
| Jupiter | Jupiter | Ζεύς (Zeus) | Leader of the Gods |
| Saturn | Saturn | Κρόνος (Kronos) | God of Time |
| Uranus | Uranus | Ουρανός (Ouranos) | God of the Heavens |
| Neptune | Neptune | Ποσειδῶν (Poseidon) | God of the Sea |
| Pluto | Pluto | Ἅιδης (Hades) | God of the Underworld |
[edit] Classical Planets
The seven classical planets are those which can easily be seen with the naked eye and were thus known to ancient astrologers before the advent of the telescope. They are Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn (as mentioned previously, the sun and moon were considered by the ancients to be planets). Sometimes the sun and moon were referred to as "the lights" or the "luminaries". Uranus can also just be seen with the naked eye, though no ancient culture appears to have taken note of it. The astrological descriptions attached to the seven classical planets have been preserved since ancient times. Astrologers call the seven classical planets the seven 'personal' planets, because they are said to represent the basic human drives of every individual.
[edit] Sun
The Sun (
)is the planetary ruler of Leo (sidereal ruler of Gemini). In Roman mythology the sun was represented by Apollo, the god of light. The Sun is the star at the centre of our solar system, around which the Earth and other planets revolve, and which provides us with heat and light. The portion of the sky (or arc) that the sun travels in every year, rising and setting in a slightly different place each day, is therefore in reality a reflection of the Earth's own orbit around the Sun. This arc is larger the further north or south from the equator the latitude is, giving a more extreme difference in day and night and in the seasons during the year. The sun travels through the twelve signs of the zodiac on its annual journey, spending about a month in each. The Sun's position on a person's birthday therefore determines what is usually called his or her 'star' sign, although it is in fact more accurate to call it a person's Sun sign.
Astrologically the sun is usually thought to represent the conscious ego, the self, and the principles of creativity, spontaneity, health and vitality;the life force. The first-century poet Marcus Manilius in his epic, 8000-verse poem, Astronomica, described the Sun, or Sol, as benign and favorable. In medicine the sun is associated with the heart, circulatory system and the thymus. The sun is the ruler of the 5th house.
The Sun is associated with Sunday. Dante Alighieri associated the Sun with the liberal art of geometry.
In Chinese astrology, the Sun represents Yang, the active, assertive masculine life principle. In Indian astrology, the Sun is called Surya and represents the soul.
[edit] Moon
The Moon (
) is the ruling planet of Cancer (sidereal ruler of Taurus). In Roman mythology the Moon was represented by Diana, the hunter goddess. The Moon is the earth's companion satellite, though some astrologers believe that it approaches being a planet in its own right. The Moon is large enough for its gravity to affect the Earth, stabilising its orbit and producing the regular ebb and flow of the tides. The Moon is familiar to us for its different phases, waxing and waning in appearance in an unchanging cycle. The Moon orbits the earth in 28 days, spending a fleeting 2.33 days in each of the signs of the zodiac. Recently, more accurate measurements of the Lunar orbital period have revealed two different numbers, depending on viewpoint. The synodic (pronounced si-nod-ik) period is measured relative to the Sun and gives us a period of 29.5 days from new Moon to new Moon, the start of the Lunar month. When observed from the Earth and relative to a fixed point in space, the sidereal period is 27.3 days with minor variations. In order to give a figure in whole numbers for ease of astrological calculation the Lunar orbit can be aproximated to 27.75 days which then returns a period of 54 hours or 2.25 days for the Lunar transit of each sign.
Astrologically the moon is associated with a person's emotional make-up, unconscious habits, rhythms, memories and moods. It is also associated with the mother, maternal instincts or the urge to nurture, the home, and the past. The first-century poet Manilius, described the Moon or Luna, as melancholic. In medicine the moon is associated with the digestive system, stomach, breasts, the ovaries and menstruation, and the pancreas. The moon is the ruler of the 4th house
The Moon is associated with Monday. Dante Alighieri associated Luna with the liberal art of grammar.
In Chinese astrology, the Moon represents Yin, the passive, receptive feminine life principle. In Indian astrology, the Moon is called Soma and represents the mind.
[edit] Mercury
Mercury (
) is the ruling planet of Gemini and Virgo (sidereal ruler of Cancer and Aries). In Roman mythology Mercury was the messenger of the gods, noted for his speed and swiftness . Echoing this, the scorching, airless world Mercury circles the sun on the fastest orbit of any planet. Mercury takes only 88 days to orbit the sun, spending about 7.33 days in each sign of the zodiac.
Astrologically Mercury represents the principles of mentality, thinking patterns, rationality, transport, reasoning, and communication. The first-century poet Manilius described Mercury as an inconstant, vivacious, and curious planet. In medicine Mercury is associated with the nervous system, the brain, the respiratory system, the thyroid and the sense organs. Mercury is the ruler of the 3rd and 6th houses.
Mercury rules over Wednesday. Dante Alighieri associated Mercury with the liberal art of dialectic.
In Chinese astrology, Mercury is ruled by the element water which is diplomatic, kind and intuitive. In Indian astrology, Mercury is called Budha, a word related to Budhi ("intelligence") and represents communication.
[edit] Venus
Venus (
)is the ruling planet of Taurus and Libra (sidereal ruler of Leo and Pisces). In Roman mythology Venus , was the goddess of love and beauty, famous for the passions she could stir among the gods. In the same way, the calm, beautiful surface of white clouds that the planet Venus presents hides its hot, dense atmosphere and intense volcanic activity![2] Venus orbits the sun in 225 days, spending about 18.75 days in each sign of the zodiac.
Astrologically Venus is associated with the principles of harmony, beauty, balance, and the urge to unite. It governs romantic relations, marriage and business partnerships. The first-century poet Marcus Manilius,described Venus as generous and fecund, and the lesser benefic. In medicine Venus is associated with the lumbar region, the veins, parathyroids, throat and kidneys. Venus is the ruler of the 2nd and 7th houses
Venus is the planet of Friday. Dante Alighieri associated Venus with the liberal art of rhetoric.
In Chinese astrology, Venus is associated with the element metal (or gold), which is unyielding, strong and persistent. In Indian astrology, Venus is known as Shukra and represents wealth, pleasure and reproduction.
[edit] Mars
Mars (
) is the ruling planet of Aries and, for many astrologers, Scorpio (sidereal ruler of Aquarius and Virgo). Mars was the Roman god of war and bloodshed, whose symbol was a sword. The soils of the planet Mars are rich in iron, which has literally rusted to give Mars its famous blood red colour[3]. Mars orbits the sun in 687 days, spending about 57.25 days in each sign of the zodiac.
Astrologically Mars is associated with confidence, aggression, energy, ambition, and impulsiveness. The first-century poet Manilius, described the planet Mars as ardent, and as considered the lesser malefic. In medicine Mars presides over the genitals , the muscular system, the gonads and adrenal glands. Mars is the ruler of the 1st and 8th houses
Before the discovery of Pluto, it was universally considered the ruler of Scorpio. Most modern astrologers consider Pluto the ruler of Scorpio, but many regard Mars as a co-ruler, while all traditional astrologers still regard Mars as the only ruler of Scorpio.
Mars is associated with Tuesday. Dante Alighieri associated Mars with the liberal art of arithmetic.
In Chinese astrology, Mars is ruled by the element fire, which is passionate, energetic and adventurous. In Indian astrology, Mars is called Mangala and represents energy, confidence and ego.
[edit] Jupiter
Jupiter (
) is the ruling planet of Sagittarius, and, for many astrologers, also the ruler of Pisces (sidereal ruler of Capricorn and Libra). In Roman mythology Jupiter was the ruler of the gods, and their guardian and protector, and his symbol was the thunderbolt. In the same way, the planet Jupiter is the king of the other planets, a giant in size with spectacular, brightly coloured clouds and intense storms. Astronomers believe that it plays an important protecting role in using its massive gravity to capture or expel from the solar system many comets and asteroids that would otherwise threaten Earth and the inner planets [4]. Jupiter takes 11.9 years to orbit the sun, spending almost an earth year (361 days) in each sign of the zodiac.
Astrologically Jupiter is associated with the principles of growth, expansion, religion, higher education, prosperity and protecting roles, and also with merrymaking or 'joviality'. The first-century poet Manilius, described Jupiter as temperate and benign,and the greater benefic. In medicine Jupiter is associated with the liver, pituitary gland and the disposition of fats. Jupiter is the ruler of the 9th and 12th houses.
Jupiter is associated with Thursday. Dante Alighieri associated Jupiter with the liberal art of geometry.
In Chinese astrology, Jupiter is ruled by the element wood , which is warm, generous and co-operative. In Indian astrology, Jupiter is known as Guru or Brihaspati and is known as the 'great teacher'.
[edit] Saturn
Saturn (
) is the ruling planet of Capricorn and, traditionally, Aquarius (sidereal ruler of Scorpio and Sagittarius). In Roman mythology Saturn was the god of agriculture, founder of civilisation and of social order and conformity. The famous rings of the planet Saturn that enclose and surround it, reflect this principle of man's limitations. Saturn takes 29.5 years to orbit the sun, spending about 2.46 years in each sign of the zodiac.
Astrologically Saturn is associated with the principles of limitation, restrictions, boundaries, reality, crystallizing and structures. It concerns a person's sense of duty and responsibility. Saturn is also considered to represent the part of a person concerned with long-term planning. The Return of Saturn (Saturn return) is said to mark significant events in each person's life. According to the first-century poet Manilius, Saturn is sad, morose, and cold and is the greater malefic. In medicine Saturn presides over the skeletal system, skin, teeth, gall bladder spleen and vagus nerve.
Before the discovery of Uranus, Saturn was universally regarded as the ruling planet of Aquarius; however, many astrologers still use Saturn as the planetary ruler of both Capricorn and Aquarius, accordingly the ruler of the 10th and 11th houses.
Saturn is associated with Saturday, which was named after the deity Saturn. Dante Alighieri associated Saturn with the liberal art of astronomia (astrology and astronomy).
In Chinese astrology, Saturn is ruled by the element earth, which is patient, hard-working and reliable. In Indian astrology, Saturn is called Shani or "Sani", and represents career and longevity. It is also the bringer of bad luck and hardship.
[edit] Planetary Traditions Compared
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The three astrological traditions share a large amount of common ground in their conceptions of the planets. Despite differences in tone and emphasis, the Western and Indian traditions are essentially similar. This reflects the fact that despite centuries of separate development, they share a common ancient origin. What is more interesting is that despite surface differences, the Chinese conception of the planets also has a common core with the other traditions. It is easy to see this with the Fire-Mars, Earth-Saturn and Wood-Jupiter combinations, which have a clear correlation to their Western and Indian counterparts. Also, despite the (to Western eyes) alien linkage of Mercury with water, this combination too has much in common with Western and Indian ideas. Once the mistake of reading Western notions into the Chinese element of water is abandoned, it can be seen that the qualities associated with the Water-Mercury combination contains much that is thought to be 'Mercurial' in Western thought. The only element where there is a fundamental difference is the Metal-Venus combination, where Western notions of love and romance are entirely absent. The Chinese element of metal indicates a person who is unyielding and forceful, set in their ways and reserved. Yet such a person is also sophisticated and enjoys the good things in life. This Chinese notion of Venus contains much that is similar to the traits of the fixed-earth sign of Taurus, which is ruled by Venus in Western astrology. This suggests that the common ground may be greater than appears at first sight, and that some of the differences derive from an undue Western identification of Venus with Libra (the other sign it rules), and its more romantic connotations.
[edit] Modern planets
Since the invention of the telescope, Western astrology has incorporated Uranus, Neptune and Pluto into its methodology. Indian and Chinese astrologies have tended to retain the ancient seven-planet system. Meanings have had to be assigned to them by modern astrologers, usually according to the major events which occurred in the world at the time of their discovery. As these astrologers are usually western, the social and historical events they describe have an inevitable western emphasis. Astrologers consider the 'extra-saturnian' planets to be 'impersonal' planets, meaning their effects are felt more generally across society. Their effects in individuals depend upon how strongly they feature in that individual's birth-chart.
[edit] Uranus
For some modern Western astrologers, the planet Uranus (
) is the ruling planet of Aquarius. In Greek mythology Uranus was the personification of the heavens and the night sky. The planet Uranus is very unusual among the planets in that it rotates on its side, so that it presents each of its poles to the sun in turn during its orbit, so that one hemisphere is bathed in light, while the other lies in total darkness. Its mysterious blue, green clouds are so dense that they have revealed nothing to modern astronomers [5]. These strange traits reflect its astrological significance as the breaker of convention. Uranus takes 84 years to orbit the sun, spending about 7 years in each sign of the zodiac. Uranus was discovered only in 1781 by Sir William Herschel.
Astrologically modern interpretations associate Uranus with the principles of genius, new and unconventional ideas, discoveries, electricity, inventions, and the beginnings of the industrial revolution. It was also associated with the principles of the Enlightenment and radical politics, among other things. Around the period of discovery in 1781, the idea of democracy and the human rights was prevalent, with the breakaway of the American colonies from England and a few years later in 1789, the French revolution. In art and literature, the discovery of Uranus coincided with the Romantic movement, which emphasised individuality and freedom of expression. In medicine Uranus is believed to be particularly associated the the sympathetic nervous system, mental disorders, breakdowns and hysteria, spasms and cramps. Uranus is considered by modern astrologers to be co-ruler of the 11th house with Saturn.
[edit] Neptune
For some astrologers, Neptune (
) is the ruling planet of Pisces. In Roman mythology Neptune was the god of the sea, and the deep, ocean blue colour of the planet Neptune reflects this. Neptune takes 165 years to orbit the sun, spending approximately 14 years (13.75) in each sign of the zodiac. Neptune was discovered in 1846.
Astrologically modern Western astrologers associate the planet Neptune with illusion, deception, religions, spirituality, the mass media, music, drugs, extreme sensitivity, psychic phenomena and altered mental states. Its appearance coincided with the discovery of anesthetics and hypnotism . In political terms Neptune was linked to the rise of nationalist movements throughout Europe in countries like Germany, Italy, Hungary, Ireland and Serbia, seeking independence for their nations inspired by an idealised past of legend. It was also linked to the rise of socialism and the beginnings of the welfare state. Neptune also coincided with the utopian ideals of Communism, when Marx and Engels first published 'The Communist Manifesto' in 1848. In art, the impressionist movement began a trend away from literal representation, to one based on the subtle, changing moods of light and colour. In medicine Neptune seems particularly associated with the thalamus, the spinal canal, and severe or mysterious illnesses and neuroses. Neptune is considered by modern astrologers to be co-ruler of the 12th house with Jupiter.
Prior to the discovery of Neptune, Jupiter was considered the ruler of Pisces, and some modern astrologers consider Jupiter a co-ruler of Pisces. Some astrologers do not believe that Neptune rules any particular sign, even though they may use the planet in interpretation.
[edit] Pluto
To some modern Western astrologers, Pluto (
) is the ruling planet of Scorpio. In Roman mythology Pluto was the god of the underworld and of wealth. Pluto and its moon Charon form a unique pairing in the solar system because Charon is so massive relative to Pluto. This means that they revolve in a 'dumbbell' formation around a common point in space lying between them, permanently locked in a 'power struggle' for dominance [6]. This is symbolic of the role Pluto has come to represent astrologically. Pluto takes 248 years to orbit the sun, spending on average approximately 21 years (20.6) in each sign of the zodiac. However, Pluto's orbit is so eccentric that this can vary dramatically, from 25 years in Cancer (1913 - 1938) to a mere 12 years in Scorpio (1983 - 1995), when its orbit was actually closer to the sun than Neptune's. In 2006 Pluto was reclassified by astronomers as a " dwarf planet " and therefore is no longer considered a planet in astronomy.
Astrologically Pluto is called "the great renewer", and is considered to represent the part of a person that destroys in order to renew. A commonly used keyword for Pluto is "transformation". Many more traditional astrologers do not use Pluto as a ruling planet, but do use the planet for interpretation and predictive work, obliquely making reference to projections of influences from higher to lower dimensional spaces.
Pluto is also associated with extreme power and corruption; the discovery of Pluto in 1930 coincided with the rise of fascism and Stalinism in Europe, leading to the Second World War. It also coincided with the Great Depression and the major proliferation of organized crime in the United States. Its entry into Cancer in 1913, the sign in which it was later discovered, coincided with the First World War. It is also associated with nuclear armament, which had its genesis in the research of the 1930's and 40's. Later on, it gave rise to the polarised nuclear stand off of the Cold War, with the mass consumer societies of the United States and other democracies facing the totalitarian state socialism of the USSR. The discovery of Pluto also occurred just after the birth of modern psycho-analysis, when Freud and Jung began to explore the depths of the unconscious. In art, movements like Cubism and Surrealism began to deconstruct the 'normal' view of the world and reassemble it in new and sometimes disturbing ways. In medicine Pluto seems to be associated with regenerative forces in the body involving cell formation and the reproductive system. Pluto is considered by modern astrologers to be co-ruler of the 8th house with Mars.
[edit] Other Solar System Bodies
Some asteroids can be seen with the naked eye, such as Ceres (
), Pallas (
) and Vesta (
), but were not recognized as planetary, and perhaps not even noticed, until the early 1800s. In the early 1800s, 4 asteroids were scientifically recognized as planets, Ceres, Pallas, Juno (
) and Vesta. They qualify as minor planets by some definitions. Although asteroids have been known to both astronomers and astrologers for more than 200 years, they are often ignored by astrologers. The tradition of some astrologers casting minor planets originates with these four asteroids.
Since 1918, and respected astrologer Sepharial's supposed confirmation of Earth's "Dark Moon" Lilith, some astrologers have been using it in their charts.
Since the 1970's, and the discovery of Chiron (
), some astrologers have been casting the new "planet", although astronomers consider it a comet.
In the 21st century several new planet-sized bodies, including Sedna, Quaoar, and Eris, have been discovered but not yet incorporated into mainstream astrological predictions, although some more avant-garde groups attempt to incorporate them see Karmastrology.com.
Comets and Novae have been observed and discussed for several thousand years. Comets in particular were portents of great interest to ancient people and given various astrological interpretations. Comets are not planets but they are planetary bodies. Both phenomena are rarely visible to the naked-eye, and are ignored by most modern astrologers.
[edit] Ruling planets of the astrological signs and houses
In Western astrology, the symbolism associated with the planets also relates to the zodiac signs and houses of the horoscope in their various rulerships. For instance, the description of Mars is masculine, impulsive, and active. Aries is ruled by Mars and has a similar description, representing an active, masculine archetype. Similarly, the first house is also ruled by Mars and deals with a person's physical health and strength, and the manner in which they project themselves.
| Sign | House | Ruling planet (ancient) |
Ruling planet (modern) |
Ruling Planet (current sidereal) |
Affinity/Other possible modern ruler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aries | 1st House | Mars | Mercury | ||
| Taurus | 2nd House | Venus | Moon | Juno | |
| Gemini | 3rd House | Mercury | Sun | ||
| Cancer | 4th House | Moon | Mercury | Ceres | |
| Leo | 5th House | Sun | Venus | ||
| Virgo | 6th House | Mercury | Mars | Vesta | |
| Libra | 7th House | Venus | Jupiter | ||
| Scorpio | 8th House | Mars | Pluto | Saturn | |
| Sagittarius | 9th House | Jupiter | Saturn | ||
| Capricorn | 10th House | Saturn | Jupiter | ||
| Aquarius | 11th House | Saturn | Uranus | Mars | |
| Pisces | 12th House | Jupiter | Neptune | Venus | |
[edit] References
- ^ Jeff Mayo, "Teach Yourself Astrology" Hodder and Stoughton, London, 1964; Sasha Fenton "Understanding Astrology" The Aquarian Press(Harper Collins), London, 1991; Derek and Julia Parker, "The New Compleat Astrologer" Crescent Books, New York, 1971; Maritha Pottinger "Astro Essentials, ACS Publications, San Diego, 1991
- ^ Nigel Henbest, "The Planets" Penguin Books,London, 1992 (the planets in astronomy)
- ^ Henbest, ibid
- ^ Henbest, ibid,
- ^ Henbest, ibid
- ^ Henbest, ibid
[edit] See also
- Astrological symbols
- Astronomical symbols
- Astrology and astronomy
- Astrology and alchemy
- Western astrology
- Horoscope
- Indian astrology
- Chinese astrology
- History of astrology
- History of astronomy
- Classical planets
- Asteroids in astrology
[edit] External links
- Explanation of Sidereal Rulerships
- Times of India: New planets won't affect Vedic astrology (Anubha Sawhney) 18 Aug, 2006 0213hrs IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK
- Houston Chronicle: Redefining the stars, one planet at a time (JEANNIE KEVER) Aug. 17, 2006, 11:36AM
- Hartford Courant: Where's Your Sign? (WILLIAM WEIR) August 17, 2006
- SpaceDaily: Astrologers Unfazed By New Planet Plans (Frederique Pris) Aug 19, 2006
- National Ledger: Pluto Dissed: What Now for Astrologers? (Lynn Hayes) Aug 25, 2006
- ABC News: Mixed reaction to Pluto's demotion (Reuters) Friday, August 25, 2006. 8:53am (AEST)
- InterFax: For Buddhists Pluto has never been a planet (Sanjey-Lama) 25 August 2006, 13:29
- Seattle Times: Boot Pluto? Astrology's dismay off the charts (Jane Spencer) The Wall Street Journal Saturday, August 26, 2006
- International Herald Tribune: Pluto remains a planet for Myanmar's leading astrologers (Associated Press) September 4, 2006
- Planet Waves: What is a Planet?
- Planet Waves: The Continuing Discovery of Pluto
- The 9 Planets positioned within the 12 signs of the Zodiac.
