Planets in Explained

The Planets Explained In-Depth

Sun | Moon | Mercury | Venus | Mars

Jupiter | Saturn | Uranus | Neptune| Pluto

THE INNER PLANETS

Sun

The Sun represents the innermost self. Even though most people know what their Sun sign is, the Sun sign represents traits that you have come to integrate or blend with those of the Moon by sign. The Moon is the past and so manifesting the Sun sign traits will move you forward. The Sun in the chart represents personal growth and so wherever the Sun is placed in the chart, is an area of life where the individual meets a major life challenge. When this area of life is successfully dealt with, the individual feels a sense of completeness or life satisfaction. Since the brightness of the Sun cannot be ignored, the area of life that it shines on will not be pushed under the rug, no matter how trying it may be. The Sun sign traits show you how to best deal with the challenges represented by it's house placement.
The Sun in the chart may also give us clues about issues that the father had to deal with. Often these issues and how he dealt with them had an influence on the individual.

The Sun also represents the will of the individual. Too often, because of societal pressures and the influence of the upbringing, an individual may lose touch with their own will. When this happens, the life path can become de-railed and the person may lack a strong sense of direction or life satisfaction. Children often come into the world with a strong sense of will and so the Sun also represents children. Getting back in touch with one's inner child and learning how to truly honor that small voice inside can bring profound changes into the life. The Sun may be described as the innermost flame that burns within each of us and can provide a kind of cosmic link to our true spiritual nature.

Moon

Never underestimate the power of a woman. The Moon is one of the most significant indicators of personality and emotional response that exists in the chart. The Moon represents the female energy that exists within each of us. Whereas the Sun is forward movement, the Moon can pull us backwards if it's influence is allowed to overwhelm the Sun. The Moon represents instinctive emotional responses that often seem beyond our ability to effectively control. In Hindu astrology, one is known by their Moon sign in the same way as western astrology focuses on the Sun sign. The Sun gives life to this planet through warmth. The Moon moves the tides of the ocean; quite an impressive feat. We have learned that the brain is strongly influenced by body chemistry. Psychoactive drugs used to help people control emotional responses stem from this fact. Even astrological skeptics are hard-pressed to negate the well-known influence of the full Moon. Those who work in hospitals and law enforcement report increased activity during a full Moon phase. When the emotional life is out of control, we can become less effective in other areas of life. The Moon transmits a powerful temptation to stay in her comfort zone.

The Moon also represents issues that the mother had. How she handled these issues has a strong influence on the individuals deepest emotion based responses. The Moon represents childhood experiences and the upbringing in general. While the father is usually the disciplinarian, the mother is the nurturer of the young. She satisfied our very first needs for food, warmth and safety. Thus, the Moon in the chart represents strong needs. If these needs are allowed to continuously hold center stage in our lives then we can become out of balance with the direction the Sun might be urging us toward. The best effect of the Moon is nurturing and sensitive. The worst effect can denote immaturity and a reluctance to leave the past behind.

The Moon also represents the masses of people. A crowd mentality is a force to be reckoned with because that instinctive urge to move with the flow of one's peer group significantly influence even those who under other circumstances might have taken a more logical, intellectual approach.
The Moon moves through the signs faster than any of other planets. This fact combined with it's shifting new to full phases, creates an energy that is fluctuating and often somewhat unstable.

Mercury

Mercury will always be found in either the same sign as the Sun or the one before or after it. Mercury is not really considered to be either masculine or feminine in nature. Instead, this planet has a somewhat neutral quality to it which simultaneously absorbs and bounces back the energies of the planets which are closest, as well as those that aspect it.

Mercury is the transmitter of the chart. Anything that must be moved from point A to point B relies on the energy of Mercury. It represents the mental sphere and therefore our mode of communication. What you say and how you say it can either make or break the outcome of a given situation. If this sounds extreme, then consider the powerful effect of the spoken word. The right words can educate, heal and uplift others. The wrong words can cause resentments that last a lifetime or wound beyond repair. Words can bring emotions to the fore in the "blink of an eye," which is also a good description of Mercury, as it's energy tends to be quick, fleeting and often fickle. As "messenger of the gods" Mercury can transmit musical inspiration as well as, ingenious creativity. Busy Mercury hardly ever takes a break. An overactive Mercury can stimulate stress through a tendency to worry incessantly. Hence, a Mercury that can be consciously controlled through meditation and other mind control techniques, may literally be able to change the individuals whole outlook and ability to function effectively. Visualization techniques have been scientifically shown to affect the body, from the relief of minor but chronic health problems, to the shrinking of cancerous rumors.

How do you basically apply yourself to learning situations? Look at your Mercury sign. What impression do other people pick up when you open your mouth. Take an honest look at Mercury by sign and house in the chart. Blend this with the sign on the third house, as well as any planets in the third house for a more complete picture of the thinking, talking, learning style.

Venus

Everyone has a special talent. The Venus placement can reveal which area of life this talent may manifest. You're probably good at these things. The particular approach to these things is revealed by the sign it's in. Most likely this is an area of life you also enjoy immensely.

Venus represents relationships and your particular style of relating to other people in general. These other people may be friends or significant others such as spouses. In a house, Venus may be saying that relationships play a role somehow. Here is where either beautiful conditions exist or perhaps you enjoy creating beautiful conditions. Venus' energy is pleasant, charming, harmonious, somewhat indulgent, sensual and affectionate.

Venus is a drawing in energy. It prefers to attract what it wants to itself instead of overtly going after it. Venus would rather sit back and let the good times roll in. 0ften, the individual seems somewhat lucky according to the house affairs where it is placed. However, here is also an area of life whereby if one takes things for granted, undesirable consequences may result. For example, Venus in the seventh house might bring pleasant partnerships, but, if the spouse or friends are neglected, then you may wish you had paid more attention before it became to late to salvage the relationship.
Venus also represents money, possessions and what you value highly. Often, it's sign placement shows one's attitude towards money; how you spend it, use it or feel about it. It makes sense then, that Venus' rulership of love and money are linked. Many people forego creating permanent ties through marriage until their financial house is in order. Certainly, an unstable financial picture can drive even
the most affectionate couples to each others throats, even though we'd rather believe that ideally, " love conquers all."

Mars

When you think of Mars, think action. Think, Charge of the Light Brigade!!
Mars is not known for stopping to think about it's doing. It just does it-head first and all. Mars in a chart indicates where rash behavior can cause accidents or conflicts with others. For instance in the third house, it may indicate an impatient driver. It doesn't predict an accident, but, it does say there may be a potential for a transportation related mishap.

The energy of Mars is usually quick and explosive, like a firecracker. It usually needs a fixed sign or an aspect from a planet in a fixed sign, for endurance. Aspects from Saturn or Pluto help, too. What it does have, is a talent for getting things going. Challenge is it's lifeblood. If life gets too easy and predictable, Mars can become quickly bored. Mars needs to express those great bursts of energy. Picture the intense but fairly short-lived energy output of an antelope being chased by a lion. This is survival of the fittest, where Mars' energy can come to the fore completely. Therefore, Mars represents that instinctive biological drive to survive in all of us. Since the survival of the entire species is paramount, Mars also represents sex. It's the desire to go find a mate. Unlike Venus who is content to wait until her "Romeo" knocks on the door, Mars will aggressively seek out the object of it's desire. For some this may be money, friends, a career goal, a good time, you name it. What Mars wants, Mars gets. It's not afraid to fight and compete for whatever it wants either.

The sign it's in reveals your how your energy level manifests. It also tells how you express anger. Do you blow up and forget it? Or, do you seethe and fume until you explode unexpectedly? Mars may also be revealing something important about how you see or feel about yourself.

THE OUTER PLANETS

Jupiter

When you are considering the effects of Jupiter, always think first of the word, E-x-p-a-n-s-i-o-n. Larger than life, big, generous, more is better and adventurous, to name just a few appropriate Jupiter keywords. Jupiter energy expands everything, but it doesn't necessarily care if there is anything of real solidity to back it up. The confidence that Jupiter brings, for example may be nothing more than an overly inflated opinion of one's self Jupiter is beliefs and belief systems of all kinds. Jupiter sincerely seeks the truth, but seeking is not quite the same as found. Therefore, Jupiter may too easily become moralistic, judgmental and holier-than-thou. When you are analyzing Jupiter by sign, in a house, or any planets it is aspecting, bear in mind that Jupiter will exaggerate the tendencies which already exist. The person may also exaggerate the importance of these things. A square to Jupiter doesn't necessarily block it's action. It may mean that the individual ends up creating problems for himself through exaggerated actions, which he in turn constantly strives to overcome. A trine means the same thing, except that often the individual is allowed to slide through with minimal to no consequences.

Now, what about luck? Over and over, you will see the word "lucky" assigned to Jupiter. It's true. Often, Jupiter does bring a kind of "guardian angel" effect to whatever it touches. Here is where the universe is encouraging you to indulge yourself. Learn and experience everything you can about these things. Understand though, that if you really get carried away, there is no guarantee that you'll walk away unscathed. However, reaping the consequences of irresponsible behavior is often the best teacher there is. The Jupiter correspondence to gurus, preachers and professors also means that you may have some of your own Jupiter wisdom to share with others someday.

Saturn

After the Jupiter ride, we're all in the mood for something a little more cautious. A little more level-headed. Right? Make way for Saturn. This is the planet which represents discipline and restriction. In other words, everything Jupiter isn't.

Saturn doesn't fool around with big talk and castles in the air. Saturn's energy brings the focus and endurance necessary to turn ideas into reality. Whereas Jupiter may be visualized as a large balloon, Saturn is more like a rock; solid to the core. Saturn is cautious and patient. Saturn demands a kind of perfection, because it knows that impulsive actions lead to mistakes that are more costly in the long run. Saturn is not patient with waste and inefficiency either. Saturn can be a real taskmaster. Not unlike the strict, demanding teacher who may not engender affection from his students, but instead chooses to mold the concert pianist, the world-renowned artist and the ballet soloist. Saturn is all about lessons, trials and tests. Saturn can make you feel very inadequate while you're learning those lessons, too. Don't give up. Saturn's reward comes with time and dedication. It will not hand you a phoney diploma. You must earn the real thing. This is why no matter how inadequate you may feel about the department of life that Saturn influences, you will eventually end up with a kind of solid confidence and the kind of wisdom that no one can take from you. You've graduated from The School of Hard Knocks. You've learned something about overcoming obstacles and you've done some serious re-evaluation of an area of life that you came in feeling afraid of. This is why Saturn refers to maturity, time and old age. Saturn is about accomplishment; it couldn't care less about whether you're having a good time or not while you're getting there. Saturn also represents serious feelings of responsibility and a strong sense of duty. For those who may ascribe to the karma philosophy, it's believed that the area of life which Saturn points to is an area of life that you mis-used in a past life. Now you've come to clean up your act and somewhere deep inside you know it.

Uranus

And just when you think you've been there, done that; enter.... Uranus. This is the planet of speed, rebellion, being different and anything unusual. The role of Uranus is to question authority and topple outworn traditions. It's function is progressive and often manifests as flashes of sudden insight. Feeling bored? Uranus will gladly upset your apple cart for you. Feeling stuck? Uranus offers breakthroughs and ingenious new ideas. Uranus will shock you, rock you and take you on the ride of your life. You may scream in terror or bizarre delight, but, Uranus keeps on moving. You're sitting on the passenger's side and Uranus will not let you forget it.

Uranus is about freedom, independence and self-sufficiency. It doesn't like to function under someone else's rules and regulations. Especially, rules and regulations that stand in the way of progress. Uranus stands for the will of others. This may seem like a contradiction, but, I'll explain. Uranus knows that massive change comes about with the agreement of the group. Within that group, Uranus wants to maintain a certain level of autonomy. Therefore, Uranus represents a somewhat detached approach, while ever moving towards a kind of unity of mankind. An example of this seeming paradox might be found in the actions of the revolutionary individual who bands together with those of like mind in order to overthrow an outworn government that no longer serves it's people's best interest. He needs the strength in numbers to support the goal at hand. After having accomplished the overthrow, he sets himself up as dictator. A part of and yet, apart from the group.

Uranus also represents sudden and abrupt events. Those events that seem to come out of nowhere and catch you totally unprepared. You can't run because you don't have time to! Often, strange and bizarre circumstances surround the events and no matter how seemingly senseless, there is little you can do to alter the situation. The "rude awakenings" Uranus invokes are intended to pick you up and move you along so that something called growth and evolvement take place. Looking back objectively at Uranus type events, we often become aware that those forces which were beyond our control, moved us into a place or circumstance that opened up beneficial opportunities or stimulated insights which we might never have experienced otherwise.

Neptune

Neptune's function is to dissolve the hard and fast boundaries that separate us from what is commonly referred to as the "real" world. We associate Neptune with things such as imagination, creativity, and even ultimate enlightenment. The word "spiritual" describes those planes of existence whereby we may receive inspiration, spiritual guidance and other paranormal experiences. In order to tune into these planes, a breaking down of the walls that divide them from us, must occur. It is in this state of "no boundaries" that we can begin to tune into the higher vibrations of the planet Neptune. However, let us not forget that within these other planes, we can meet a motley crew of beings, ranging from lower astral type entities to angelic guides. Most psychics who see visions and hear spirit voices are tuning into the vibration of some of these beings. On the other hand, consider the insane actions of the madman who was only following the orders of the "voices" in his head. You're getting the picture now-right?

Neptune's higher potential brings healing in the form of forgiveness and altruistic service to our fellow human beings. Neptune wants to absorb the woes of the world and often, these Neptune types fall into the martyr category. Without drawing some boundaries, those acts which stem originally from a self-sacrificing, compassionate nature, can end up making one feel like a victim instead, due to underlying feelings of guilt and unworthiness. This is why Neptune is complemented by the boundary drawing function of Virgo; the sign opposite Pisces.

Because the nature of Neptune is associated with that which we often do not see clearly, it also represents those things which may deceive us. This deception may be self imposed, as in not wanting to face unpleasant realities, or it may manifest simply as us being deceived by others. That which we do not want to face about ourselves is sometimes reflected back to us through the actions of others.

Addictive behaviors and drugs are under the influence of Neptune. Substances or habits which allow people to escape reality and withdraw for a time into a so-called more ideal existence are all a part of the illusion created by Neptune's foggy effect.

Another of Neptune's properties is fantasy. The creating of illusion and fantasy allows one to become whatever it is one may desire at the moment. Actors often have a strong Neptune or Pisces energy in their charts. Musicians, composers, movie producers, artists, singers, and "glamour queens" (including those that live next door), all fall under the auspices of the Neptune inspired fantasy.

Pluto

Astrologers are still observing the effects of Pluto. In doesn't have the long history that some of the other planets have, being the last planet to be officially discovered to date.

However, it does seem to relate strongly to complete breakdowns, followed by regeneration. Where Neptune breaks down barriers on a more mental plane, Pluto seems to create chaos and destruction
more on the physical plane, though neither of these statements are meant to taken as absolutes. Pluto represents extremes. It has an all or nothing quality to it. Rags to riches, might describe a Pluto effect. Do or die! We'd all like a friend like Pluto who will fight on our side until the bitter end, wouldn't we? And yet, if Pluto is our enemy, well, it can be our worst nightmares come to visit.

Pluto also gives the desire to control completely. It will use all manner of manipulation and subversive techniques to achieve it's aims. Pluto often works undercover. We have all heard the saying, "All is fair in love and war. That really captures the Pluto essence very effectively. It can function with very little conscience, where it's goals are concerned and giving up or giving in, is not a consideration for Pluto.

Now, the higher manifestation of Pluto represents healing. Pluto is capable of bringing that which is hidden into the light to be purified and released. This why Pluto is associated with psychological probing, detectives and surgery. However, we are reminded that the shadows grow more visible as the Sun rises, and so it is with the purification that Pluto brings. When you hear someone say, "It was Hell, but I made it," we're getting into the Pluto effect. At any rate, whatever Pluto is influencing will transform completely. This can be a person's thinking, money, belief system, lifestyle or anything else. Whether or not this is completely accomplished in one lifetime necessarily, is a matter up for debate. Pluto may be capable of the most horrendous destruction, but, regeneration always follows. This death/rebirth principle may be found in nature, when lightening starts a forest fire. The destruction appears complete for a while, but, eventually new life begins to form miraculously among the devastation. This new life feeds off the nutrients found in the soil now enriched by the ashes and debris left by the fire and the forest is rejuvenated once again, forever transformed by Pluto's purging and rebirth effect.