In astrology, planets represent different parts of ourselves. Where they are found in our chart and under what conditions shape how we express and experience that piece of our psyche. These heavenly bodies are what drive the system of astrology.
Unlock the mysteries of the planets in astrology and learn how they can reveal the secrets of your soul.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Each planet represents a part of your psyche or soul.
- The Sun and Moon are foundational planets for your personality.
- The position of each planet can show you how you may experience that part of yourself.
What do planets represent in astrology?
In astrology, each planet represents a unique energy or archetype that influences our lives and personalities.
Each symbolizes a specific part of our psyche or parts of our mind or soul that affect how we think, feel, and act.
Find out below what each planet rules in your life!
The Sun
This planet is the “big boss” in your natal chart and it represents the core of who you are.
Your Sun shows you what “lights your fire” inside and what types of behaviors and environments make you feel fulfilled.
The Sun is one of the “Big 3” placements, along with your Moon and Ascendant, and it helps to lay the foundation for your overall personality.
| The Sun | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Individuality, vitality, ego, and creativity |
| Symbol | ☉ |
| Strengths | Confidence, self-expression, leadership |
| Archetype | The Father, masculine Energy |
| Shadow | Ego, selfishness, arrogance |
| Sign it rules | Leo |
| House it rules | Fifth House |
| Orbit | Approximately 365.25 days |
The Moon
Your Moon is your emotional center. It influences how you react, process your feelings, and also symbolizes your unconscious mind.
It shows you what you may need in order to be happy and at peace.
As one of your “Big 3” placements, along with your Sun and Ascendant, your Moon helps to set up the main structure on which the rest of you is built.
| The Moon | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Emotions, instincts, and connection to the past |
| Symbol | ☽ |
| Strengths | Intuition, nurturing, creativity |
| Archetype | The Mother, Feminine Energy |
| Shadow | Moodiness, irrationality, over-sensitivity |
| Sign it rules | Cancer |
| House it rules | Fourth House |
| Orbit | Approximately 27.32 days |
Mercury
Mercury shows you how you communicate and learn, and what kind of mental activities stimulate your mind.
It reveals what makes you tick intellectually and helps you understand what types of environments and situations are most conducive to your learning and thinking style.
| Mercury | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Communication, intelligence, learning |
| Symbol | ☿ |
| Strengths | Curiosity, adaptability, analytical thinking |
| Archetype | The Messenger, The Communicator |
| Shadow | Overthinking, nervousness, superficiality |
| Sign it rules | Gemini and Virgo |
| House it rules | Third and Sixth House |
| Orbit | Approximately 88 days |
Venus
Venus represents what you love and value in life, and what kind of relationships and experiences bring you joy and contentment.
This planet of love points to what fills your heart and how you can create a more harmonious and enjoyable life.
| Venus | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Love, beauty, pleasure |
| Symbol | ♀ |
| Strengths | Harmony, diplomacy, artistic talents |
| Archetype | The Lover, The Artist |
| Shadow | Indulgence, vanity, superficiality |
| Signs it rules | Taurus and Libra |
| Houses it rules | Second and Seventh House |
| Orbit | Approximately 225 days |
Mars
Mars symbolizes how you take action to assert yourself in the world and secure the things you want or need.
This is the planet of bravery and shows you in what areas of your life you may have a deep well of courage and grit.
| Mars | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Energy, passion, action |
| Symbol | ♂ |
| Strengths | Courage, drive, assertiveness |
| Archetype | The Warrior, The Pioneer |
| Shadow | Aggression, impulsiveness, selfishness |
| Signs it rules | Aries and Scorpio |
| Houses it rules | First and Eighth House |
| Orbit | Approximately 687 days |
Jupiter
Jupiter is the planet in astrology that represents expansion, growth, and exploration and is linked to abundance, generosity, and success.
This is the part of you that encourages leaps of faith and pursuing your dreams. Think of Jupiter as your cosmic mentor, guiding you to new experiences and helping you see the bigger picture.
| Jupiter | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Expansion, growth, exploration |
| Symbol | ♃ |
| Strengths | Optimism, faith, generosity |
| Archetype | The Guru, The Philosopher |
| Shadow | Overconfidence, excess, extravagance |
| Signs it rules | Sagittarius and Pisces |
| Houses it rules | Ninth and Twelfth House |
| Orbit | Approximately 12 years |
Saturn
Saturn is your discipline, responsibility, and structure and is tied to hard work, perseverance, and determination.
Saturn’s energy is linked to the concept of limitations, boundaries, and rules, and it can reveal the areas in your life where you need to develop greater self-discipline and maturity.
| Saturn | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Discipline, responsibility, structure |
| Symbol | ♄ |
| Strengths | Perseverance, hard work, determination |
| Archetype | The Teacher, The Judge |
| Shadow | Pessimism, fear, rigidity |
| Signs it rules | Capricorn and Aquarius |
| Houses it rules | Tenth and Eleventh House |
| Orbit | Approximately 29.5 years |
Uranus
Uranus is all about breaking free from old patterns and exploring new ideas and perspectives.
It drives your innovation and rebellion, and this planet can inspire you to be unconventional. Uranus is your cosmic disruptor, urging you to shake up the status quo and embrace your unique identity and ideals.
| Uranus | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Innovation, change, rebellion |
| Symbol | ♅ |
| Strengths | Originality, idealism, analytical thinking |
| Archetype | The Rebel, The Innovator |
| Shadow | Impatience, unpredictability, rebellion |
| Sign it rules | Aquarius |
| House it rules | Eleventh House |
| Orbit | Approximately 84 years |
Neptune
Neptune embodies intuition, sensitivity, and compassion, inspiring you to delve into your subconscious mind and connect with a higher power.
It can serve as a catalyst for creativity, instill a sense of connectedness and transcendence, and, like a spiritual guide, lead you on a path of self-discovery and awakening.
| Neptune | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Spirituality, dreams, imagination |
| Symbol | ♆ |
| Strengths | Intuition, sensitivity, compassion |
| Archetype | The Mystic, The Dreamer |
| Shadow | Delusion, escapism, addiction |
| Sign it rules | Pisces |
| House it rules | Twelfth House |
| Orbit | Approximately 165 years |
Pluto
In astrology, Pluto ushers in transformation, power, and regeneration.
It’s associated with the darkest and deepest aspects of your psyche and the process of letting go of what no longer serves you. Pluto can bring intense challenges and changes in your life, but ultimately it helps you grow and evolve.
| Pluto | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Transformation, power, regeneration |
| Symbol | ♇ |
| Strengths | Persistence, depth, self-awareness |
| Archetype | The Transformer, The Phoenix |
| Shadow | Obsession, control, manipulation |
| Sign it rules | Scorpio |
| House it rules | Eighth House |
| Orbit length | Approximately 248 years |
