When we say "planets" in astrology, we often actually mean not ONLY planets, but several celestial bodies in our Solar System. The Sun and the Moon represent two lights in everyone`s birth chart, with a greater influence than any planet on any of us, and they are not planets at all, but a star and Earth`s satellite.
The position of each celestial body in a horoscope is an actual projection of its current position in space with respect to the ecliptic. In addition to the Sun, the Moon and all the other bodies of the Solar System, we often use the Lunar Nodes in our interpretations, as strong signifiers of karmic events and the evolution of one`s Soul. Knots are not material. They are defined as points in the trajectories of the Moon (Lunar Nodes) and of the planets (Planetary Nodes) where they intersect the ecliptic.
When a star is in Domicile or Exaltation it is able to express its energies to the maximum, while Exile and the Fall are conditions of less vigor on the planet.
SUN
Domicile : Leo Exile: Aquarius Exaltation: Aries Fall: Libra
MOON
Domicile: Cancer Exile: Capricorn Exaltation: Pisces Fall: Virgo
MERCURY
Domicile: daytime Gemini; nocturnal Virgo Exaltation: Scorpio
Exile: diurnal Sagittarius; nocturnal Pisces Fall: Taurus
VENUS
Domicile: Libra daytime; nocturnal Taurus Exaltation: Cancer
Exile: diurnal Aries; nocturnal Scorpio Fall: Capricorn
MARS
Domicile: diurnal Aries; nocturnal Scorpio Exaltation: Capricorn
Exile: diurnal Libra; nocturnal Taurus Fall: Cancer
GIOVE
Domicile: Sagittarius diurnal; nocturnal Pisces Exaltation: Taurus
Exile: daytime Gemini; nocturnal Virgo Fall: Scorpio
SATURN
Domicile: daytime Capricorn; nocturnal Aquarius Exaltation: Libra
Exile: diurnal Cancer; nocturnal Leo Fall: Aries
URANUS
Domicile: daytime Aquarius; nocturnal Capricorn Exaltation: Virgo
Exile: Leo diurnal; Nocturnal Cancer Fall: Pisces
NEPTUNE
Domicile: daytime Pisces; nocturnal Sagittarius Exaltation: Aquarius
Exile: diurnal Virgo; nocturnal Gemini Fall: Leo
PLUTO
Domicile: diurnal Scorpio; nocturnal Aries Exaltation: Gemini
Exile: diurnal Taurus; nocturnal Libra Fall: Sagittarius
Each planet rules a sign or two in the zodiac circle and all planets are best described as focused energies of the ruling signs. We will see them as individuals further colored by the signs in which they are placed, and their dignities will speak of their ability to take root in a certain position and give the best of themselves to enrich our lives.
In ancient times, humanity looked up to the stars and noticed that there were patterns that repeated themselves. They studied them and realized that certain movements of the planets created effects on Earth. Yet they also realized that these different planets and luminaries also were connected to aspects of one`s personality. The best part about turning astrology into the art form that it is now is that we recognize that the planets are certainly predictive — explaining who someone is and people`s astrological compatibility — but also are a guide to how life will proceed at any given time. In a sense, the planets and luminaries are characters in the theater of our lives, and the zodiac signs they dance within are like costumes and props. The houses they reside in are like the acts, scenes and stage upon which they can be seen. Ultimately, we reference the planets as symbols to better understand our lives.
When we use astrology, we are looking at the movements of the planets and using those celestial movements to understand the greater movements of the universe. If we had to put it more poetically, reading astrology is about reading the larger story behind the events in our universe. While each of us individually may just represent one cog in the greater whole, astrology gives us information about how that cog fits. It tells us about our own individual place in the greater narrative of the universal story.
Without further ado, let`s briefly go through the meaning of the planets in astrological terms. For each planet, you can also get more detail about them by clicking on the links within, or get the whole list of them (as well as other astrology goodies) on our astrology page.
Sun Planet Meaning in Astrology
The sun in astrology symbolizes the basic personality and the self. The sun sign of gives us the basic understanding of how a person makes their choices, why they do what they do.
Moon Planet Meaning in Astrology
The moon represents the general depiction of ones feelings, what their instincts drive them to, and what moods are most common.
Mercury Planet Meaning in Astrology
The planet mercury symbolizes reason - and therefore also shows us how a person communicates, and the general structure of their thoughts and how they learn and absorb information.
Venus Planet Meaning in Astrology
The planet venus symbolizes our concepts of beauty, pleasure, and sociability. Someone`s venus sign shows us how what it is they find pleasurable and beautiful, and what they are attracted to, as well as their style of love.
Mars represents the part of us that is still animalistic - our aggression, our sense of competition, and drive. Mars tells us how a person is driven to take action, and what makes them passionate.
Jupiter Planet Meaning in Astrology
The planet Jupiter represents our sense of optimism, of hope and growth. It shows us how a person finds happiness and purpose, as well as where in life they might be most lucky.
Saturn Planet Meaning in Astrology
Saturn is the planet of restriction - of reality - where we begin to see our limitations. This planet tells us about a person`s obstacles, but also where and how they can be disciplined, and where their greater responsibilities lie.
Uranus Planet Meaning in Astrology
Uranus is the planet of sudden inspiration and change, of eccentricity and openness. In one`s natal chart, Uranus shows us where in life they may experience these kinds of sudden changes.
Neptune Planet Meaning in Astrology
The planet Neptune represents the more mystical side of our nature - our dreams, our intuition and imagination. This planet will show us a person`s dreams as well as their delusions - and where they are most creative.
Pluto Planet Meaning in Astrology
The planet pluto symbolizes power and transcendence. It shows us how a person deals with power, as well as our ability to deal with rebirth - and the concept of death and rebirth.
1. Symbology of the Planets in astrology