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ASTROLOGY AND THE PLANETS

Key Players in your Horoscope

The Sun
The sun rules your conscience day. It represents your true self, who you
strive to become and how you shine. The sun is the giver of life. Your sun
shows your identity, your pride and your self-confidence. Without the sun
we would live in the shadows of others, we would have no drive, no
direction and our lives would become repressed. As the sun breathes life
into all living things, we too are given life through the light of our sun. The
sun in your chart points to your life's purpose, its challenges that must be
overcome and the end to which you have been searching.
The sun is masculine energy and represents the father; in a woman's
horoscope the sun represents her partner and the kind of man she is
attracted to.
The Sun is Leo's natural ruler and both are associated with royalty, dignity
and authority. Strong solar types sometimes have boundless energy and
vitality and many of the positive characteristics of the Leo character, which
include courage and confidence, generousity, loyalty and good health.
The sun rules the heart, your vitality and the back, especially the spine.
The sun rules the right eye in a man and the left eye in a woman.
The sun has rulership over Leo, the sign that governs the 5th house in the
natural zodiac.

The Moon
The moon is the fastest moving celestial body, moving through the zodiac
every 28 days and spending approximately 2 1/2 days in each sign.

As the sun rules your conscience day, the moon rules your night. It rules
all that is hidden and shadowy within us. The moon represents our needs,
emotions (moods) and habits. People with a strong moon characteristics
often have planets in Cancer, show much sensitivity and are often
naturally inclined to nurture and protect those around them.
The moons energy governs our emotions and how we feel about things.
As the moon rules the tides, it is fitting that it rules all things that are fluid.
The moon represents the things we want, how we feel about those things
and in turn how they affect us emotionally. Whether our feelings are up or
down, the moon shows us how we affect others emotionally as well. Our
emotions set the tone for our daily lives and the moons influence tells us
how we are affected by our past memories and how we process those
memories.

The moon is a powerful symbol of feminine energy

and represents the woman in a man's horoscope, the type of woman he
would be attracted to and his partner. Universally it represents fertility,
motherhood, womanhood and babies. The moon is most comfortable in its
own sign of Cancer and the other water signs. The moons 28 day cycle
also coincides with the woman's menstrual cycle. Its waxing and waning
symbolizes conception, pregnancy, birth and corresponds to the growth
cycle of every living thing.

The moon rules the stomach and our gut reactions. It also rules the breast,
the left eye in a man and the right eye in a woman.
The Moon has rulership over Cancer, the sign that governs the
4th house in the natural zodiac.

Mercury
In Greek mythology, Mercury (Hermes) was the winged messenger of the
gods. Mercury symbolizes all things related to communication. Its rulership
is of the masculine sign of Gemini, the sign that governs the 3rd house in
the natural zodiac. Mercury also has rulership over the6th house sign of
Virgo, the feminine sign that rules the other functions of the mind that
analyzes, defines and discriminates.
As Mercury is symbolized by the planet of the mind it is also represents
the planet of youth. It is in our early childhood that we learn to speak and
to assimilate information, but as with a child its attention span is very short
therefore, it represents early education and not higher education. Mercury
governs everything we do to communicate with our voice or written
materials whether it is computers, telephone conversations, books and
media. Mercury's position in your chart shows how you think, reason and
express yourself. Mercury never stops collecting data for you and
transmits that data to your central nervous system by which your eyes,
hands and breathing collaborate. Mercury also rules language that is
concealed such as our ideas, private thoughts and opinions.
The Mercurial type may be dexterous, clever and quick witted. Those with
strong Mercury characteristics may be public speakers, writers or
researchers.
Mercury rules the hands and the quickness of the hands; therefore, a
strong Mercurial type may be a magician or even a thief!
Mercury rules all forms of transportation from taxicabs to bicycles.
Mercury rules the lungs, respiratory system, speech impediments and

other problems with the mouth and tough. It also rules the arms, hands,
shoulders, the nervous system and illnesses related to them.

Venus
In Greek mythology Venus was Aphrodite the goddess of love and desire.
The word aphrodisiac, meaning that which induces desire, comes from the
word Aphrodite.
Venus is feminine energy and rules the world of love, pleasure and all
desires. Through Venus you experience joy, pleasure, lust and the nature
of your own sexuality. Whatever you desire, whether it is chocolate or
someone you find attractive, Venus will tell you how to get it. Strong
Venusian types are wonderful lovers, but also lovers of beauty, art, music
and food. Venus has rulership over the masculine natural 7th house sign
of Libra, the sign of partnership. Venus rules over engagements, pairing
and unions of all kinds and can also show the love of others outside of a
relationship, as in our family and friendships. Venus is the Universal
symbol for womankind and will show the type of woman a man is attracted
to in his chart. Venus rules all things related to beauty, from physical
attributes to make-up and adornments. In the personality, Venus indicates
a loving affectionate person that is usually sociable and peaceable. Venus
also rules sensuality and earthly pleasures which are seen through the
feminine sign of Taurus; the sign that represents our need for the desires
we want.
Venus rules the throat and kidneys, blood sugar and diabetes (Venus rules
sugar), as well as illness related to sexual activity.
Venus has rulership over Taurus, the sign that governs the 2nd house in
the natural zodiac and Libra, the sign governing the 7th house.

Mars
Mars is assertive and aggressive energy symbolized by the Greek god of
war Ares.

Mars is an action-oriented sign that's in charge of your defenses and

aggressions and causes you to fight back when you're under attack. Mars
energy is spontaneous and can make you brave and fearless. Its energy is
confrontational and rules strife, combat and weapons. Mars is masculine
energy that is quick, sharp, penetrating, piercing and its nature is to attack.
Mars rules sharp objects and those that work with them. Mars rules rage
and how we are angered. Mars speaks of anger and passion and
represents the color red that disguises itself in heat. Hot, spicy foods are
governed by Mars and anything sharp, prickly, or stinging are Mars ruled.
Mars has rulership over the 1st house of Aries in the natural zodiac.
Mars is ruler of the head, blood and muscles. Migraines, injuries to the
head, burns, inflammation, fevers and rashes are governed by Mars
intense energy.

Jupiter
In Greek Mythology Jupiter was Zeus. As the largest planet of our solar
system, Jupiter is the planet of expansion, abundance and growth. Jupiter
rules the grand scheme of things and is considered the larger than life
planet. Jupiter brings good things to the house it occupies in your
horoscope. Where your Jupiter is placed is where you will find the side of
you that is positive, generous and optimistic. Jupiter's placement in your
horoscope is where you are likely to experience excess; therefore, you
must be careful not to become lazy.
Jupiter is often described as the Benefactor planet. This planet rules
wealth, financial and material gain. Jupiter will provide you with faith,
wisdom, optimism and confidence in whatever area it is currently transiting

within your horoscope.

Jupiter's placement
in your birth chart is where you think big and bold. This planets also
governs loyalty and justice.
Jupiter has rulership over the sign Sagittarius, the sign that governs
the 9th house in the natural zodiac.
Jupiter rules the hips, pelvis, thighs and the sciatic nerve. It also governs
illness where too much of a good thing are contributing factors.
Jupiter stays in each sign approximately 12 months and takes 12 years to
complete its travels through the zodiac. During a Jupiter transit you can
expect luck and benefits in a different area (house) of your life every 12
months and that energy will repeat itself every 12 years.

Saturn
In Greek Mythology Saturn was Chronos, the god whose name means
time. Saturn is also known as the Old Man, The Finger of God and The
Father of the zodiac.
Saturn rules old age, maturity, time and its effects on our lives. Saturn has
long been viewed as evil; the planet that brings difficult limitations,
separations, responsibilities and even death. Modern astrology has
opened up a new window by which to view Saturn.
Saturn does set boundaries and limitations in your horoscope. Saturn in
your chart will show where you are most resistant to change, but also
where you are most disciplined. Saturn can be a great teacher as it is

through limitation and responsibility that we mature. Saturn is a crucial

planet in the over all development of mankind. Without Saturn there would
be no limitations or boundaries. Saturn denies us self-gratification and
forces us to wait. You should expect hard work and discipline to be a major
theme during your transiting Saturn period. Though often challenging, the
energy of Saturn will force you to grow up wherever it touches your chart
and those that play by the rules will find their Saturn period personally
rewarding once the intense energy has passed.
Saturn has rulership over the feminine sign of Capricorn; the 10th
house ruler in the natural zodiac and the ambitious and practical planet of
achievement. It signifies determination, hard work and the perseverance
we need to achieve our goals.
Saturn rules the bones, teeth and skin. Saturn stays in each sign
approximately 2 1/2 years and takes an average of 29 years to complete
the zodiac. Most of us will experience our first Saturn return (where Saturn
was at your time of birth) between the ages of 28-30 and have no more
than three Saturn transits in our lifetime. Wherever Saturn is currently
transiting in your chart, you should expect those themes to be repeated
every 29 years.

Uranus
Uranus was discovered in 1781. Before the discovery of Uranus, Saturn
ruled both Capricorn and Aquarius. Traditional Astrologers do not use the
newly discovered planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) as they are only
seen in the sky by modern methods and not by the eye, although Uranus
can be seen with keen eyesight on a clear night if you know where to look.
Modern Astrologers utilize these planets, as there is overwhelming
evidence of their significance in the horoscope.
Uranus is known as the rebel of the zodiac. Whereas Saturn plays by the
rules, Uranus says rules are made to be broken regardless of the
consequences. Uranus is the planet of independence and personal
freedom. Uranus can show you where you dare to be different by its
placement in your horoscope. Uranus is the planet of surprise, ruling all

things unexpected. Uranus in your chart will show you where you are
determined to have freedom of expression. Where Uranus transits an area
(house) of your horoscope, is where you will surprise even yourself at the
things you will do. Strong Uranus types have been called the wild cards of
the Zodiac, different, eccentric, unconventional, brilliant and even
unstable. As with all of the planets, the affects of Uranus and how its
energy is manifested depends on the planetary aspects and the horoscope
as a whole.
Uranus rules earthquakes and other natural disasters. Originality,
inventions, cutting edge technology, future events, revolutions, science
and electricity are all governed by the planet Uranus.
Uranus has rulership over Aquarius and 11th house in the natural
horoscope.
Uranus rules the circulatory and involuntary nervous system.
Uranus spends an average of 7 years in each sign and takes
approximately 84 years to complete the zodiac. Once you have had
Uranus in an area of your chart, it is not likely to transit that area again in
your lifetime.

Neptune
Neptune was discovered in 1846 and is another slow orbiting planet. Due
to the nature of the slower orbiting planets, they influence entire
generations.
In Greek Mythology Neptune was Poseidon, God of the Sea. Neptune
rules all things related to the ocean such as boats, fishing and marine life.
It rules mist (of water) and things that are hidden. The next time you are
daydreaming, think of Neptune. Neptune represents the side of you that
delights in illusion. As the modern ruler of the feminine sign of Pisces, the
sign that governs the 12th house, Neptune has a spiritual side. Spiritually
and what we believe in is often hidden and yet we have faith in that which
we cannot see. Neptune can offer us inspiration and the ability to see

beyond our own eyes. Neptune can cause confusion as often we do not
see the complete picture, as is the case when we wear "rose colored
glasses". Neptune in your chart is also where you will find an amazing
sense of compassion for the less fortunate.
Neptune governs dreams, trances, hypnosis, drugs, alcohol, illusion and
escapism. There are two sides to Neptune, illusion and disillusion; life is
either full of meaning or it's pointless and it is Neptune that wears that
mask.
Neptune spends approximately 14 years in each sign and takes 165 years
to complete the zodiac.

Pluto
Pluto was discovered in 1930 and another of the modern planets.
Traditionally, Mars ruled the sign of Scorpio, but since its discovery Pluto
has been given dominion over Scorpio.
In Greek Mythology, Pluto was Hades the God of the underworld.

Pluto is the planet of rebirth, regeneration and

transformation. Think of the symbolic Phoenix rising up from the fiery
ashes reborn. Pluto rules obstruction, decay, death and rebirth. Pluto's
place in your birth chart is where you may find a constant state of turmoil
and continual change and is where you realize that life goes on no matter
what you must endure. Whatever area (house) in your chart that Pluto
transits will be completely transformed. The transformation may be
tremendously difficult, but the results will prove worthwhile. Pluto knows

how to push our buttons, to transcend that which we know while

destroying that which is not necessary in order for us to be transformed.
Pluto can be another powerful teacher and may strip us bare to the bones
in order to become powerful achievers and the transformation may be a
long and painful process.
Pluto has rulership over Scorpio the 8th house in the natural horoscope.
Pluto governs all forms of destruction and recuperation, which include
medicine and healing. Pluto rules the reproductive organs, as this is where
the process of life begins. Pluto also rules puberty and sexual maturity.
Pluto stays in each sign between 12 and 31 years, taking 248 years to
complete the zodiac. No one can deny the intensity and power of Pluto's
energy.