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Planets

The planets are an integral part of astrology. according to astrology there are eleven planets, two of which (Vulcan and Apollo) are yet to be discovered. Besides these there is the sun and the moon which are also considered as planets (in true astrological terms they are luminaries). Each planet rules a particular sign, and has its own particular characteristics some of which become visible in the sign characteristics. The planets are usually considered as living entities to explain their characteristics. What it actually means is that persons having a particular planet strongly placed in their natal chart will show its characteristics. The position of planets in signs and houses at the time of birth determines the nature of the person.

We shall now concentrate on a single planet at a time.

Mars
Mars is the ruler of Aries. It is the planet of war. It is intelligent by nature but also headstrong and it signifies action. The placement of Mars in a horoscope indicates the type of drive present in the person. Mars in Aries indicates a very enthusiastic person with a very strong drive who does things on impulse without thinking much over it. However Mars in Taurus provides a quiet sort of determination to suceed and the person puts a lot of thought into his/her actions.

Venus
Venus is the ruler of Libra. It also is the temporary ruler of Taurus (until Apollo is discovered). It is a very feminine planet. It is quite manipulative. It has its own way not by force but sweet persuasion. The placement of Venus in the horoscope indicates the romantic nature of the person. It also gives an indication of the pleasantness of the person. Venus in a favourable sign such as Libra adds a certain sweetness to the nature. The person becomes very romatic. However, a placement in a sign like Capricorn indicates a more practical nature and less romanticism.

Mercury
Mercury rules the sign Gemini. It is also the ruler of Virgo (though temporary; only until Vulcan is discovered). It is a trickster and is a very slippery planet in nature. It has a vivid imagination and is very agile. Placement of Mercury in the horoscope indicates the likely occupation of the person as well as his communicative skills. It als gives some knowledge as to the working of the mind. Mercury in Gemini will give extremely good communication skills as well as a very vivid imagination. The mental processes are lightening fast and the occupation will tend to be in matters related to Gemini. Mercury in Taurus indicates a very methodical mind and slow mental processes.

Moon
The moon rules Cancer. It is a feminine planet. It is quite moody by nature and hence Cancerians have mood changes quite frequently as the lunar phases change. The moon is the second most important planet in the horoscope after the Sun. In fact Eastern (Indian) astrology considers it to be even more important than the Sun. It indicates the personality of a person in day to day life. Usually the influence of moon-sign is maximum at home. The placement of Moon also influences the emotional nature of the person.

Sun
The Sun rules Leo. Its a masculine planet; the most important according to western astrology. It rules the individuality and the sign in which it appears in the natal chart determines the core of the person. Usually the influence of sun-sign is maximum at the social level and among friends. The ideals of a person conform to his/her sunsign.

Pluto
It is the ruler of Scorpio. It is a very powerful planet and holds the secret of the forces of nature. It is capable of great good as well as great evil. It holds many mystic secrets within itself.

Jupiter
It is the ruler of Sagittarius. It is also sometimes called the planet of luck. It has an expansive nature and is also concerned with visionary abilities. A strong Jupiter indicates some luck in life.

Saturn
It is the ruler of Capricorn. It is also sometimes called the wise old man among the planets. Saturn has a lot of experience and wisdom which it passes to Capricorn which is why young Cappies are one of the most mature children of the zodiac. There is a lot of misunderstanding regarding Saturn as people think it brings hard luck. However I dont think that as true. Saturn does however expect hard work and those having a strong Saturn may have to do just that. But the rewards in the end are enormous, not to mention the knowledge and experience gained. Saturn stands for the old, tried and tested conventional ways.

Uranus
Uranus is the ruler of Aquarius. Just as Saturn stands for the tried and tested, Uranus stands for the unconventional and the erratic. It is an eccentric planet and is concerned with science. It brings in the unexpected in life along with visionary qualities.

Neptune
Neptune is the ruler of Pisces. It is a very mystic planet, the planet of dreams and imagination. Its a feminine planet and has some psychic abilities attached to it.

From the planets we now move on to the houses of the horoscope.

Next

Get to know the logic behind various sign characteristics.

Learn about the planets.

Get to know the houses in astrology.

Something about the aspects between planets

An introduction to the natal chart.