The Planets
How well do you know the solar system?
Click on each celestial body to read about the astrological symbolism SUN | MOON | MERCURY | VENUS | CHIRON | MARS | SATURN | JUPITER | URANUS | NEPTUNE | PLUTO 
 Pluto
In mythology Pluto was the God of the underworld and lord of the dead. In
Disney cartoons, Pluto was the good hearted, goofy dog who was Mickey's friend.
In chemistry, Plutonium (PU, discovered in 1941) is a substance that mostly
transforms into another substance over time. The symbol for Pluto is derived
from the person who discovered this ice ball in space, Percival Lowell, who
first brought it to worldwide attention in 1933 as the era of the Second World
War and mass genocide approached. There is a second symbol used on occasion
representing the spiritual side of Pluto. Astronomically, Pluto is the planet
furthest from the Sun in our solar system. It is icy, cold, and small in
comparison with our other planets, and scientists now argue is not really a
planet.
Its orbit is somewhat erratic compared to the other members of our solar
system, and it seems to be pulled out of a standard orbit by some unknown
force. At times (1979-1999) it is within the boundaries of Neptune's orbit.
Current astrological thought holds that Pluto rules the sign Scorpio.
In a personal chart Pluto would be related to the ability to manipulate,
research and experience major transformations. Pluto is associated with endings
and beginnings, turmoil and power struggles. In the world Pluto is associated
with big business, advertising and finance.
Look in your chart and the astrological house where you find Pluto is where you
most likely experience periodic upheavals and new starts, and the area of life
most likely subject to deep self-analysis. The house with Scorpio on its cusp
is subject to the aspects and transits to Pluto.
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 Neptune
Neptune is known as God of the sea in mythology. Every 248 years
Pluto crosses inside the orbit of Neptune, and during that 20-year period
Neptune holds the place of the furthest planet from earth in our solar system.
Neptune was discovered by predictions of scientists who noticed that
Uranus had an eccentric path that appeared to be caused by the pull of gravity
of another large body. Neptune was first actually seen with a telescope and
declared a
planet on September 23, 1846. The discovery of kerosene in the mid 1840's by
geologist Abraham Gesner led to the use of oil and coal on a broad scale, which
eventually revolutionized human life. Neptune rules oil and other mined
products.
Neptune in a personal chart relates to the ability to sympathize and use
imagination. It has some association with matters of intuition and group
consciousness. Neptune in the world seems to be most closely associated with
drugs, prisons, hospitals, and music. It is said to rule anything that has the
ability to "escape."
In your own chart, the placement of Neptune will give you clues as to what area
of your life is subject to imagination and where you may experience delusions.
The house that has the sign Pisces on its cusp will be closely related by the
Neptunian rulership.
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 Uranus
The pronunciation of this planet is the subject of many a crude joke. In
mythology Uranus was both son and husband to Gaea, the earth, and with her
fathered the race of powerful mythological beings called the Titans. Because
Uranus feared his children he imprisoned them deep within the earth mother.
Gaea vowed revenge and sent her youngest son Cronos to attack Uranus, who was
wounded in the struggle. Uranus was unable to father any more children due to
his injury and was thereafter separated from Gaea.
Uranus was discovered March 13,1781 by William Herschel and thus comes the
second
name, Herschel, by which this unusual planet is also currently known. Until
1850 this planet was generally referred to as the "Georgian planet" in honor of
Herschel's patron, King George III. (This, of course, did not go over well with
American astronomers.) The planet was
discovered as major revolutions shook Europe; America became independent, the
French stormed the proverbial Bastille and the Industrial revolution began.
In a personal chart Uranus would be related to the tendencies towards
objectivity, eccentricity, brilliance or disruptiveness. Uranus is associated
with sudden changes, independence, rebellion against authority and science. In
the world, Uranus is associated with humanitarianism, brotherhood,
technological improvements, and broadcasting. Uranian things are very old or
very new, unique, unpredictable, and unusual.
Look in your chart. The house that holds Uranus is likely the area of life
where you are most objective or most unconventional, or where you require the
most independence. Current astrological thought considers Uranus the ruler of
Aquarius. Matters of the house that has Aquarius on the cusp will be drawn into
the picture.
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 Chiron
Chiron is an asteroid located between Uranus and Saturn that was discovered in
the 1970's. In some ways it seems
to be a link between the principles of both planets. Astrologers are still
studying the value of this body in the personal chart, but some commonly used
associations are alternative healing and things that involve
“hands.” Wherever you find Chiron in a personal chart you may find a
need to heal or to pray. The Magi Society has research that suggests that
Chiron links between two charts, especially in matters of love and relationship, are particularly important.
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 Saturn
In Roman mythology, Saturn was the god of agriculture. The associated Greek
god, Cronus, was the son of Uranus and Gaia and the father of Zeus (Jupiter).
Saturn is the root of the English word "Saturday".
Keywords for Saturn in a chart are lack, poverty, experience, and necessity.
Tact and diplomacy are often a necessity to get through life unscathed and this
is a positive side of this planet, which is considered a Malefic. Saturn is
known as the great Teacher and areas with Saturn emphasis will often bring
tests.
In the personal chart the location of Saturn points to areas where you must be
organized and prudent and where patience is helpful. This may be an area of
ambition.
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 Jupiter
Jupiter (Greek Zeus) was the King of the Gods, ruler of Olympus and the patron
of the Roman state. Zeus was the son of Cronus (Saturn).
Jupiter is considered the Great Benefic and as such is expected to bring help
and guidance when prominent in the chart. Overuse or abuse of the expectation
of good luck and divine guidance can create the religious zealot or the
gambler. Jupiter has much to do with the opinions of those in the community,
whether that community is merely the immediate family, the hometown, or the
world. The area where Jupiter is found in the personal chart is the area where
good luck, faith in the divine, generosity, and guidance can be found.
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 Earth
Of course everything we view in the solar system is from our place on Earth.
From the larger perspective the Earth and Moon are one body in space. If we
looked outwards from the Sun (the heliocentric chart) we would see that there
are other moons traveling around other planets. The symbol for Earth will only
be seen in Heliocentric charts. Most astrologers use Geocentric charts (earth
centered).
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 Mars
Mars is the planet of energy, strife, leadership, struggle, aggression, warmth,
and work. All of these keywords can help you piece together the puzzle that is
your chart. Where you find Mars is where you are willing and able to take
initiative, where you are able to assert yourself, and where you may on
occasion find trouble.
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 Venus
Venus was in mythology the divine goddess of love and beauty. In astrology,
Venus is the planet of values and ready money. It is the planet associated with
the principle of attraction. Sociability and congeniality both fall under the
Venusian association. The position of Venus in the personal chart will give
information as to the ability of the person to maintain cheerful and harmonious
relationships with others and the ability to attract ready pocket money.
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 Mercury
In mythos this was the Messenger of the Gods. The messenger planet is
associated with all things of intellect and
communication whether singing, dancing, or speaking. The area of a chart where
Mercury resides is the area an individual is likely to give much thought and
attention to detail.
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 Moon
The Moon is not a planet but has much influence over earthly existence. The
Moon has to do with daily routines and the ability to absorb information. The
Moon in a personal chart gives clues as to the moods and emotions of an
individual, as well as how easily the person learns. In general, the Moon rules
motherhood, women, and the public as well as all things of a fleeting and
intuitive nature.
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 Sun
The Sun is the center of our particular universe and in astrology is associated
with the
overall happiness, health, and joy of an individual. The house where the Sun
was positioned at birth gives information about what is considered most
important in the life. In general, the Sun represents what (or who) is in
authority, the creative principle as in fatherhood, and children.
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