Moving on from the basics of the basics, I will begin to talk about the planets in astrology and their meanings (for convenience, astrologers call the sun and moon planets). Before I begin I would like to include this quote from an article I recently read that perfectly explains what I will be talking about.

“Astrology is about observing the planets. This is not to say that the planets (or the signs) cause anything to happen. What we observe is synchrony – that things are taking place in sync. One movement is flowing throughout our space, heavens, and Earth. Instead of causing, the planets indicate things, describing what is already taking place. But for the sake of convenience, astrologers use phrases like, “your Venus makes you like this,” or “his Mars made him act like that.” Please note that this is only for convenience in communicating. Astrologers know that the planets don’t force us to do anything, any more than your 5:00 pm clock forces you to stop working. But you do stop working when the clock strikes 5:00pm, don’t you? And so you pay careful attention to that clock, because that clock will show you when it’s time to go home from work. But the clock never forced you to leave work, neither did it ever seal your fate. In the end, you decide when to leave work. That is the beauty of synchronicity.”

Let’s get right into it.

The Sun: “Planet of self”, represents your ego, inner you, your essence & the unchanging part of you.  The Sun represents your will, and the sign your sun is in determines how you express your will. People tend to base their thoughts on astrology around their sun sign, an although it is the most important planet in astrology, it is only the beginning of your whole chart.

The Moon: “Planet of emotions”, represents the personal self, feelings, and the unconscious, reflection of the true self. The ability to relate to others…the feminine and nurturing part of oneself.

Mercury: “Planet of communication”, represents the mind and intellect, and is associated with all forms of communication. The in-flow and out-flow of intelligence and communication. The position of it indicates how your mental function will be expressed.

Venus: “Planet of love & money”, Associated with aesthetics, beauty, refinement, and romance. The position of it indicates the area in which the give and take of love/affection.

Mars: “Planet of passion”, planet of outward activity and animal passion such as aggression and anger. Masculine. Its position indicates how your personality will assert itself and what modes of activity will stimulate your physical energies.

Jupiter: “Planet of luck”, planet of faith, positivism, hope, and morality. Represents the principle of expansion and the aspirations of the higher self.

Saturn: “Planet of karma”, planet of limitation and restriction. Can include themes of responsibility such as self-discipline, punctuality , and the conservation of material resources.

Uranus: “Planet of rebellion”, known as the planet of freedom and revolutionary vision, the urge for change, and originality (rules Aquarius). Defying tradition and embracing change.

Neptune: “Planet of illusion”, associated with universal love, is said to be the higher octave of Venus, which rules individual love. Represents the universal ocean of oneness with all beings. Highly compassionate and idealistic.

Pluto: “Planet of power”, although Pluto has been considered a “dwarf planet”, that doesn’t make it any less important in astrology. Associated with renewal and rebirth, represents endings and new beginnings, as well as spiritual growth and rebirth.