Planets in astrology

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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 included the Sun and the Moon along with the five planets visible to the naked eye, excluding the earth. Astrologers retain this definition today. (see Definition of planet )

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 astronomers 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.

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.

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! 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.

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.

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 . 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'.

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.

18.02.2007. 12:07

This article hasn't been commented yet.