About Planets

This is the center of existence. In astrology it symbolizes everything we are trying to become, the center around which all our activity in life revolve. This Planet (also known as a luminary and a star) represents the self, one's personality and ego, the spirit and what it is that makes the individual unique. It rules the zodiacal sign Leo, a fire sign. Everything in the horoscope ultimately revolves around this singular body. It is the Sun which gives strength to the other Planets, which is why this Planet occupies a key role in Astrology. It is the symbol of strength, vigor, wisdom, dignity, ardor and generosity, and the ability for a person to function as a mature individual.

Since the Moon is closest to Earth it influences us more deeply than any other Planet. The effect is very personal, very intimate. Whereas the Sun gives us our spirit, it's the Moon which gives us our soul. The Moon is goddess-like in that it symbolizes mother and the relationship between woman and child. The moon (also known as a luminary) speaks to the women in one's life and their role as nurturer. This planet rules zodiacal sign Cancer one among the watery signs.

This Planet implores us to express ourselves clearly. Mercury represents your capacity to understand the desires of your own will and to translate those desires into action. In other words it is the planet of mind and the power of communication. Through mercury we develop an ability to think, write, speak and observe- to be aware of world around us. When Mercury goes retrograde (the appearance of traveling backward) our communications will be challenged. Mercury rules the zodiacal sign Gemini and Virgo.

It symbolizes the harmony and radiance of a rare and elusive quality, the beauty itself. Venus is all about pleasure, especially pleasure shared with someone else. This Planet concerns itself with love, romance and harmony in our emotional attachments, marriages, friendships and other unions (like business partnerships). Venus also deals with the pleasure we derive from our possessions. Luxuries (jewelry, paintings, expensive cars), a beautiful home and a sense of refinement all belong to Venus's interests. This Planet ruling the zodiacal signs Taurus and Libra appreciates the exquisite nature of things.

Mars is the action Planet of the Zodiac. Your Mars Sign defines what you desire and how you express that desire. This Planet commands you to stand up, be noticed and get things done etc. Ambition and competition are also within Mars's realm. Mars also rule the power and confident expression of the individual. Mars is the ruling planet of zodiacal signs Scorpio and Aries.

Jupiter influence thinking capacity of a person. In astrology it rules good luck and good cheer, health, wealth, optimism, happiness, success and joy. It is a symbol of opportunity and always opens way for new opportunities in life. Jupiter is the minimization of limitation and the emphasis on spirituality and potential. While our success, accomplishments and prosperity are all within Jupiter's realm, its negative influence can deteriorate into laziness and sloth. It rules the zodiacal signs Sagittarius and Pisces belonging to fire and watery elements respectively.

Saturn plays the role of a taskmaster in the Zodiac. Saturn commands us to get to work and to work hard. Saturn rules time, old age and sobriety. It can bring depression, gloom, jealousy and greed, or serious acceptance of responsibilities out of which success will develop. Learning life's lessons is key to this Planet, in keeping with its role as teacher. It rules the earth sign Capricorn and air sign Aquarius.

Uranus brings with it a new way of looking at things, and its approach is best met with an expanded consciousness. Uranus rules unexpected change, upheaval, revolution. It is the symbol of total independence and asserts the freedom of an individual from all restriction and restraint. It is a breakthrough planet and indicates talent, originality and genius in a horoscope. This planet rules Aquarius an air sign.

Neptune ruling the watery sign Pisces, awakens a sense of higher responsibility often causing guilt, worry, anxieties or delusions. In short, Neptune is creating an illusion -- of what is enchanting on the outside and captivating within. Sleep and dreams are also lorded over by this Planet.

This Planet influence transformation, regeneration and rebirth. This Planet is about all that is secret and undercover, that which is hidden from view. Pluto starts its influence with a minor event or insignificant incident that might even go unnoticed. Pluto rules the fire sign Aries and water sign Scorpio.