More to read: Planets Keywords

What do the planets mean in astrology?

In Western (or Tropical) Astrology, we consider the 11 celestial bodies found in the solar system to be planets – this includes the Moon, Pluto, and Chiron. This comes from ancient times: the ancient Greek astronomers, when observing the sky, realized that certain celestial objects did not remain fixed like others. They called these objects asteres planetai (wandering stars).

In astrology, the planets correspond to different aspects of the Self in the same way as the head, the torso, the hands, etc., correspond to different parts of the physical body. The way the planets are expressed depends on their sign. The area of life where they are activated depends on the astrological house where we find them.

The planets correspond to different aspects of the Self.

In the birth chart, we can see how the planets (or aspects of the Self) are related to each other. Some do it harmoniously while others may be in conflict. We see this through the aspects (or angles) that the planets form with each other.

More about this: The Planets as Doors to the Unconscious

SUN

SYMBOL

RULES LEO

REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT

The Sun in astrology is a powerful and multifaceted symbol that encompasses essential aspects of personality, vitality, and life purpose, offering guidance for personal growth and fulfillment.

These are some key aspects of the Sun:

1. Source of Life and Vitality: The Sun is the primary source of energy and vitality. Its position in the natal chart indicates where an individual’s life force comes from, how their essential energy is expressed, and how they are nourished internally.
2. Identity and Central Self: The Sun symbolizes the core of being, the authentic self. Its sign, house, and aspects describe the essence of personality, the sense of ‘self,’ and how that identity is expressed in the world.
3. Purpose and Direction: The Sun in astrology also represents life purpose and direction. The way the Sun manifests in the chart can give clues about a person’s life mission and how they can realize and shine on their path.
4. Creativity and Self-Expression: The Sun is associated with creativity and self-expression. The way a person expresses their creativity, finds joy, and personally realizes themselves, is influenced by the position of the Sun.
5. Consciousness and Self-Knowledge: The Sun symbolizes consciousness and the growth of self-knowledge. Through the solar journey, one seeks internal enlightenment, self-awareness, and the integration of the different parts of being.
6. Leadership and Personal Power: It also represents leadership and personal power. The way a person asserts themselves, makes decisions, and exercises their will, is influenced by the characteristics of their natal Sun.
7. Relationship with the Father Figure: In symbolic terms, the Sun can also represent the father figure or paternal authority. It can indicate the nature of the relationship with the father and how this influence has shaped the personality.
8. Development Throughout Life: The transit of the Sun through the houses and signs of the zodiac throughout a person’s life reflects different stages of growth, challenges, and opportunities for personal and spiritual development.
9. Relationship with Physical Health and Vitality: Astrologically, the Sun is also associated with physical vitality and overall health. Its strength or weakness in the natal chart can indicate aspects of health and physical energy.

MOON

SYMBOL

RULES CANCER

REPRESENTS EMOTIONAL LANGUAGE

The Moon in astrology is a symbol of emotional life, intuition, memory, and the needs for care and security. It offers a window into our inner world, revealing how we process our emotions and how they influence our perception of the world and our interactions with others.

These are some key aspects of the Moon:

1. Emotions and Internal Feelings: The Moon represents the emotional world and a person’s internal feelings. It shows how we process our emotions and our way of instinctively reacting to situations.
2. Emotional Needs and Security: It is closely linked to our basic emotional needs and to what makes us feel safe and cared for. Its position can indicate what we need to feel emotionally satisfied.
3. Unconscious and Memory: The Moon symbolizes the unconscious and memory, including childhood memories and ingrained emotional patterns. It can reveal a lot about our habits and automatic responses.
4. Relationship with the Maternal Figure: Astrologically, the Moon is also associated with the mother or maternal figure. It can indicate the nature of the relationship with the mother and how this influence has affected the emotional personality.
5. Home and Family: Represents home, roots, and family environment. The Moon in the natal chart can provide clues about a person’s experience in their home and family, and how this has influenced their adult life.
6. Intuition and Subconscious Perception: It is associated with intuition and subconscious perception. Its position can indicate how a person perceives the world on an intuitive level and how they process that information.
7. Care and Nourishment: The Moon in astrology is also related to care and nourishment, not only in terms of how we care for others, but also how we care for ourselves.
8. Emotional Cycles and Life Phases: The Moon, with its changing phases, symbolizes the emotional cycles and life phases of a person. Its transit through the houses and signs can reflect changes in emotional state and emotional needs.
9. Receptivity and Response to the Environment: The Moon represents receptivity and how we respond to our environment. This can include the way we interact with others and how environments affect us.
10. Creativity and Personal Expression: Although often seen as passive, the Moon also has a strong connection with creativity and personal expression, especially that which comes from deep emotions and inner experiences.

MERCURY

SYMBOL

RULES GEMINI AND VIRGO

REPRESENTS THE MIND

Mercury in astrology symbolizes the way we think, communicate, and process information. Its position in the natal chart offers insights into our communication style, our learning and reasoning ability, and how we interact with the world around us.

These are some key aspects of Mercury:

• Communication and Expression: Mercury rules communication and the way we express our thoughts and ideas. Its position in the natal chart indicates how we communicate, both verbally and in writing, and our ability to transmit and receive information.
• Mental Processing and Thinking: It is associated with mental processes and the way we think. Mercury influences our logic, rationality, and reasoning skills, as well as our curiosity and openness to new ideas.
• Learning and Curiosity: Mercury governs learning, education, and curiosity. Its position can reveal how we learn best, what we are interested in learning, and how we approach education and knowledge acquisition.
• Mobility and Short Trips: In addition to communication, Mercury also rules short trips and daily mobility. This can include how we move in our immediate environment, as well as short and frequent trips.
• Connections and Social Networks: Mercury influences our social connections and our ability to interact and network with others. It can indicate the ease with which we form connections and manage our social networks.
• Analysis and Details: It governs analysis and attention to detail. Its position can show how we approach problem-solving and how we handle detailed information.
• Adaptability and Versatility: Mercury is known for its adaptability and versatility. Its influence can indicate a person’s ability to adapt to different situations and to change ideas or approaches as necessary.
• Commerce and Business: It is associated with commerce and business, especially those involving information exchange or negotiation.
• Youth and Play: It is often associated with youth, cunning, and play. Mercury can indicate a playful or ingenious approach to life.
• Technology and Media: In the modern world, Mercury is also related to technology, especially that used in communication and information processing.

VENUS

SYMBOL

RULES TAURUS AND LIBRA

REPRESENTS AFFECTIVE LANGUAGE

Venus in astrology symbolizes how we experience and express love and beauty, our values and preferences, and our capacity to enjoy life and relate to others. Its position in the natal chart offers a detailed view of our inclinations in these fundamental areas of life.

These are some key aspects of Venus:

1. Love and Relationships: Venus is primarily known for its influence on love and relationships. Its position in the natal chart can indicate how we experience and express love, as well as what we value in relationships.
2. Beauty and Aesthetics: It rules beauty, art, and aesthetics. Venus influences our aesthetic preferences, our appreciation for art, and our inclination towards artistic creativity.
3. Pleasure and Enjoyment: It is associated with pleasure, enjoyment, and indulgence. Its position can show how we seek comfort and pleasure, and what things bring us satisfaction.
4. Values and Finances: In addition to love, Venus also governs values and finances. It can indicate our attitude towards money, possessions, and what we consider valuable or important.
5. Harmony and Diplomacy: Venus promotes harmony, cooperation, and diplomacy. Its influence extends to how we handle conflict, seek peace, and collaborate with others.
6. Sociability and Attraction: It rules sociability and attraction. Venus influences our ability to attract and be attracted, as well as our way of interacting socially.
7. Comfort and Luxury: It is associated with comfort, luxury, and material life. Its position can reveal how and on what we like to spend money, as well as our need for physical comfort.
8. Taste and Preferences: Venus rules our personal tastes and preferences, extending to all aspects of life, from fashion and food to hobbies and interests.
9. Interpersonal Relationships: Its influence also extends to interpersonal relationships in general, including the way we cultivate and maintain friendships and social connections.
10. Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: Finally, Venus plays a role in self-esteem and self-worth. It can indicate how we value ourselves and how we seek recognition and appreciation from others.

MARS

SYMBOL

RULES ARIES AND SCORPIO

REPRESENTS IMPULSES

Mars in astrology represents how we direct our energy and passion, how we face conflicts and challenges, and how we express desires and aggressiveness. Its position in the natal chart offers a detailed view of our tendencies in these fundamental aspects of life.

These are some key aspects of Mars:

1. Action and Energy: Mars rules action, energy, and initiative. Its position in a natal chart indicates how and in what areas we tend to direct our energy and effort, and how we take initiative.
2. Desire and Passion: It is associated with desire and passion. Mars influences our passions and desires, as well as the way we pursue what we want.
3. Aggression and Conflict: Represents aggression and the ability to face conflicts. Its position can reveal how we handle confrontational situations and our tendency towards aggressiveness.
4. Courage and Bravery: Mars also symbolizes courage and bravery. It indicates the ability to face challenges and the willingness to take risks.
5. Competitiveness and Ambition: It is linked to competitiveness and ambition. It can show how and in what areas we are most competitive and what our level of ambition is.
6. Sexual Drive: In addition to general passion, Mars also rules sexual drive. Its position can indicate how we express our sexuality and our sexual energy.
7. Impulsivity and Patience: It governs impulsivity and patience (or the lack thereof). Mars can show our tendency to act impulsively and our ability to handle frustration.
8. Survival Instinct: It is associated with the survival instinct. Mars can indicate how we react in crisis situations or under pressure.
9. Physical Strength and Sport: It is also related to physical strength and sports activities. It can show our inclination towards physical exercise and activities that require energy and endurance.
10. Assertiveness and Self-Defense: Finally, Mars symbolizes assertiveness and the ability for self-defense. It indicates how we defend our interests and how we assert ourselves in front of others.

JUPITER

SYMBOL

RULES SAGITTARIUS AND PISCES

REPRESENTS EXPANSION

Jupiter in astrology symbolizes growth, expansion, fortune, and the pursuit of a higher meaning. Its position in the natal chart offers a view of the areas of life where we are likely to experience expansion and success, as well as our general attitude towards life and our inclination towards generosity and optimism.

These are some key aspects of Jupiter:

1. Expansion and Growth: Jupiter is the planet of expansion, both material and spiritual. Its position in a natal chart indicates areas of life where we are likely to experience growth and expansion.
2. Optimism and Hope: It is associated with optimism and hope. Jupiter influences our ability to see the positive side of situations and to maintain an optimistic attitude towards life.
3. Fortune and Luck: Known as the ‘Great Benefactor,’ Jupiter is often associated with fortune and luck. It can indicate areas of life where we are likely to be successful or where things tend to work in our favor.
4. Philosophy and Wisdom: It rules philosophy, ethics, and the pursuit of wisdom. Jupiter influences our inclination towards philosophical reflection and our desire to understand the world on a deeper level.
5. Travel and Exploration: It is linked to long-range travel and exploration, both physically and metaphorically. Its position can show an inclination towards adventure and the exploration of new ideas, cultures, and places.
6. Higher Education and Advanced Learning: Jupiter also rules higher education and advanced learning. It can indicate an inclination towards academic study or training in specialized areas.
7. Faith and Spirituality: It is associated with faith, religion, and spirituality. Its position can reveal how we approach these aspects of life and our tendency to seek a higher meaning.
8. Generosity and Abundance: Jupiter is known for its generosity and its ability to provide abundance. It can indicate a tendency towards generosity and sharing what we have with others.
9. Legality and Ethics: It governs law, ethics, and legal matters. Its position can show how we handle matters of legality and our inclination towards justice and morality.
10. Excess and Exaggeration: Although benevolent, Jupiter can also lead to excess. Its position can indicate areas where we tend to exaggerate or go to extremes.

SATURN

SYMBOL

RULES CAPRICORN AND AQUARIUS

REPRESENTS STRUCTURE

Saturn in astrology symbolizes the need for structure, discipline, and maturity. Its position in the natal chart offers a view of the areas where we will face challenges and restrictions, but also where we can achieve significant growth through hard work, patience, and overcoming obstacles. Saturn teaches us the importance of responsibility and perseverance in life.

These are some key aspects of Saturn:

1. Discipline and Responsibility: Saturn is known as the planet of discipline and responsibility. Its position in a natal chart indicates areas where we need to develop self-discipline, responsibility, and maturity.
2. Structure and Order: It is associated with structure, order, and organization. Saturn influences our ability to create and maintain structures in our lives, whether personal, professional, or social.
3. Challenges and Lessons: Saturn often brings challenges and obstacles, which are seen as important lessons for our personal and spiritual growth. It indicates areas of life where we will face tests and how these tests can strengthen us.
4. Time and Patience: It governs time and patience. Its position can show our relationship with time, our patience, and our ability to work towards our goals over the long term.
5. Limitations and Restrictions: It is linked to limitations and restrictions. It can indicate areas where we feel limitations or where we need to establish healthy boundaries.
6. Hard Work and Ambition: Saturn also rules hard work and ambition. It can show our work ethic and our attitude towards achieving long-term goals.
7. Realism and Pragmatism: It is associated with realism and pragmatism. Its position can reveal our ability to be realistic and practical in our approach to life.
8. Authority and Power: It governs authority and power figures, including our relationship with them, whether by challenging them or assuming authority roles ourselves.
9. Traditions and Social Structures: Saturn relates to traditions, social norms, and established structures. It can indicate our relationship with traditions and social structures and our ability to operate within them.
10. Karma and Destiny: Often associated with karma and destiny, Saturn can represent our karmic debts and the lessons we need to learn in this life.

URANUS

SYMBOL

RULES AQUARIUS

REPRESENTS INNOVATION

Uranus in astrology symbolizes the drive towards freedom, originality, and change. Its position in the natal chart offers a view of how and in which areas of life we are most likely to experience sudden changes, seek innovation, and express our individuality in a unique way. Uranus challenges the established order, fostering growth through transformation and renewal.

These are some key aspects of Uranus:

1. Innovation and Originality: Uranus is the planet of innovation and originality. Its position in a natal chart can indicate a drive towards unique ideas and an unconventional approach in various areas of life.
2. Change and Revolution: It is associated with sudden and revolutionary changes. Uranus influences our ability to adapt to unexpected changes and our tendency to seek or provoke significant changes.
3. Freedom and Independence: Uranus symbolizes freedom and independence. Its position can reveal a strong need for personal freedom, a rebellious attitude, and a desire to break away from restrictions and limitations.
4. Technology and Scientific Advances: It governs technology, scientific advances, and everything futuristic. Its position can indicate an interest in these areas or an ability to utilize advanced technologies.
5. Rebellion and Anti-conformism: It is linked to rebellion and anti-conformism. It can show a tendency to challenge the status quo and resist following established norms.
6. Intuition and Sudden Perceptions: Uranus is also related to intuition and sudden perceptions, often referred to as ‘illuminations’ or ‘epiphanies.’ Its position can indicate an ability to receive sudden and revealing insights.
7. Humanitarianism and Collectivity: It governs humanitarianism and collective ideals. Uranus can show a focus on collective well-being and an interest in social or humanitarian causes.
8. Individuality and Unique Self-Expression: It is associated with individuality and a unique form of self-expression. Its position can reveal a strong desire to express oneself authentically and uniquely.
9. Breakups and Abrupt Changes: Uranus can bring breakups and abrupt changes in life. Its influence often manifests in unexpected events that significantly alter the course of our life.
10. Connection with the Collective Unconscious: It is often associated with a connection to the collective unconscious and the thought currents that define an era.”

NEPTUNE

SYMBOL

RULES PISCES

REPRESENTS INTEGRATION

Neptune in astrology symbolizes the realm of the intangible and the spiritual. Its position in the natal chart offers a view of how we experience spirituality, imagination, and empathy, as well as our tendencies towards illusion, confusion, and detachment from the material. Neptune invites us to explore the worlds of dreams, inspiration, and the transcendental.

These are some key aspects of Neptune:

1. Spirituality and Inspiration: Neptune is known for its influence on spirituality, inspiration, and connection with the divine. Its position in a natal chart can indicate how a person experiences and connects with the spiritual.
2. Imagination and Creativity: It is associated with imagination, creativity, and art, especially forms that transcend the everyday or the realistic. Neptune influences our ability to dream and create.
3. Illusion and Deception: Neptune also rules illusion and deception. It can indicate areas where we are susceptible to self-deception or being deceived, as well as a tendency to idealize or distort reality.
4. Empathy and Compassion: It is linked with empathy and compassion. Its position can show a deep sensitivity towards others and an ability to empathize with the experiences of other people.
5. Intuition and Extrasensory Perceptions: It governs intuition and extrasensory perceptions. Neptune can indicate strong intuition or psychic abilities, as well as a connection with the unconscious.
6. Confusion and Disorientation: It can bring confusion, lack of clarity, and disorientation. Its influence often manifests in periods of uncertainty or disillusionment.
7. Sacrifice and Redemption: Neptune is associated with sacrifice and redemption. It can indicate areas of life where we experience sacrifice or where we seek redemption.
8. Detachment from the Material: This planet encourages a detachment from the material and an orientation towards the transcendental or the non-material.
9. Mysticism and Occultism: It is related to mysticism, occultism, and the mysterious. Neptune can reveal an attraction to these areas.
10. Escapism and Addictions: Finally, Neptune can also represent escapist tendencies or addictions, as a means to evade reality.

PLUTO

SYMBOL

RULES SCORPIO

REPRESENTS TRANSFORMATION

Pluto in astrology represents deep transformation, processes of death and rebirth, and the management of power and control. Its position in the natal chart offers a view of the areas of life where we experience these intense processes, often through crises or profound revelations, leading us to deep personal regeneration and evolution.

These are some key aspects of Pluto:

1. Transformation and Rebirth: Pluto is known for its influence on deep processes of transformation and rebirth. Its position in a natal chart indicates areas where we will experience profound and often radical changes.
2. Power and Control: It is associated with power, control, and domination. Pluto can indicate how we handle power and control, both on a personal level and in relation to others.
3. Death and Renewal: It governs themes related to death and the end of cycles, but also with renewal and the beginning of new cycles. Its position can show areas where we face significant endings and beginnings.
4. Subconscious and Deep Psychology: It is linked to the subconscious and deep psychology. Pluto can reveal hidden aspects of our psyche and deep internal processes.
5. Crisis and Overcoming: It can bring intense crises and challenges that are catalysts for personal growth and transformation. Its influence often manifests in experiences that force us to evolve and strengthen.
6. Taboos and Secrets: It is related to taboos, secrets, and everything that is hidden or repressed. Pluto can indicate areas of life where we face these themes or where hidden truths are revealed.
7. Regeneration and Healing: Although Pluto can be disruptive, it is also the planet of regeneration and deep-level healing. Its position can show how and where we can experience profound healing and regeneration.
8. Emotional Intensity: Pluto is associated with emotional intensity. Its influence can intensify emotions and experiences, leading to greater depth and authenticity in emotional expression.
9. Research and Discovery: It is linked to research and discovery, especially in areas that require deep and detailed exploration.
10. Renewal and Purification: Finally, Pluto symbolizes processes of renewal and purification, where the old and obsolete is eliminated to make way for the new.

CHIRON

Chiron represents where we feel shame, guilt, and fear. A very deep wound within our sense of Self.

Chiron in astrology symbolizes our deepest wounds and our capacity to heal and learn from them. Its position in the natal chart offers a view of the areas where we face pain and vulnerability, but also where we have great potential for healing, wisdom, and compassion, both for ourselves and for others.

These are some key aspects of Chiron:

1. Wounds and Vulnerabilities: Chiron symbolizes the emotional, physical, or spiritual wounds we carry, often from childhood or as a result of traumatic experiences. Its position in the natal chart indicates areas where we feel vulnerable or wounded.
2. Healing and Personal Growth: Although Chiron points to our wounds, it also shows our potential for healing. It indicates how we can heal our own wounds and, in the process, help others do the same.
3. Inner Teacher and Wisdom: It is associated with the wisdom and learning that arise from confronting and working with our wounds. Chiron can reveal our ‘inner teacher’ and the wisdom we gain through our difficult experiences.
4. Emotional and Spiritual Alchemy: Chiron facilitates the transformation of our painful experiences into understanding, compassion, and wisdom, a process often described as emotional and spiritual alchemy.
5. Empathy and Compassion: Due to our own wounds, Chiron can increase our empathy and compassion for others, especially those who are suffering or in pain.
6. Healers and Therapists: Often, people with a prominent Chiron in their natal chart are drawn to helping or healing roles, such as therapists, counselors, doctors, or health workers.
7. Search for Solutions and Cures: Chiron urges us to seek solutions and cures, not just for our own wounds but also to help others.
8. Integration of the Physical and Spiritual: It represents the union of the physical and spiritual, showing how our physical and material experiences can lead to spiritual and emotional growth.
9. Resilience and Strength: Through confronting our wounds, Chiron teaches us resilience and strength, showing us that our most painful experiences can be our greatest sources of strength and wisdom.
10. Karmic and Transgenerational Wounds: It can also represent karmic or transgenerational wounds, showing patterns or traumas that may have been passed through generations.