Planetary Play
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What roles do the planets play in your chart?
Learn the function of the two luminaries, as well as the five visible planets and three outer planets.
The sun and the moon are the two luminaries. Traditional astrology assigns the sun as luminary
of more significance if born during the day, and the moon as the more significant if born at night.
The term sect light is another way of making that distinction.
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In modern astrology the outer planets are usually defined as any planets beyond Saturn
in the solarsystem. Because of their slow moving nature they represent both a generation
signature as well as a personal one based on the house placement in a natal chart.
Hover to reveal meaning of planet
THE LUMINARIES
The moon nurtures, fertilizes, flows, waxes, wanes, protects, intuits, reflects, illuminates, fluxes, nourishes, receives. In Hellenistic Astrology the moon represents the body, the mother/female figures, and goddesses/female nobility. In the planetary joy scheme, the moon finds its joy in the third house of siblings, communication and local community (traditionally related to divine rituals).
The Sun brightens, creates, expresses, awakens consciousness, perceives, illuminates, projects, warms, enlivens, vitalizes, gives life. In Hellenistic Astrology the sun represents the mind, the father/paternal figures, and nobility. In the planetary joy scheme, the Sun finds its joy in the ninth house of long-distance travel, divination, and religion.
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THE FIVE VISIBLE PLANETS
MERCURY
Mercury communicates, thinks, analyzes, researches, debates, calculates, records, writes, speaks, and discovers. In Hellenistic Astrology Mercury is representative of mathematicians, scribes, messengers, court jesters, and consultants. In the planetary joy scheme, Mercury finds its joy in the first house which is associated with the self.
VENUS
Venus connects, beautifies, derives pleasure, values, balances, relates, harmonizes, unites, justifies, litigates, luxuriates, artistically influences. In Hellenistic Astrology it represents artists, poets, musicians, seamsters, embroiderers, and all things associated with luxury and topics of marriage. In the planetary joy scheme, Venus finds its joy in the fifth house which is associated with children.
MARS
Mars forces, emboldens, fuels, combats, desires, conquers, severs or cuts, inflames, engages, confronts, drives, provokes. In Hellenistic Astrology Mars represents generals, warriors, athletes, and those engaged in martial or militaristic activities.In the planetary joy scheme, Mars finds its joy in the sixth house which is associated with the workforce, health, and small animals..
JUPITER
Jupiter expands, philosophizes, gifts, amplifies, enhances, improves, heals/protects, teaches, solves, grows, eases, seeks, travels. In Hellenistic Astrology Jupiter is representative of priests, holy figures, oracles, philosophers, and those from abroad. In the planetary joy scheme Jupiter finds its joy in the eleventh house of friends & allies.
SATURN
Saturn commits, contains, constricts, rejects, governs, delays (especially gratification), slows, regulates, constructs, preserves, prolongs.In Hellenistic Astrology Saturn is representative of authority figures, elders, and laborers. In the planetary joy scheme, Saturn finds its joy in the twelfth house of seclusion and confinement.
THE OUTER PLANETS
URANUS
Uranus disrupts, liberates,
quickens, radicalizes, revolutionizes,
innovates, reinvents, destabilizes
NEPTUNE
Neptune mystifies, distorts, blurs,
dreams, inspires, fantasizes, loves/cares unconditionally, deludes, spiritualizes
PLUTO
Pluto deepens, hides, magnifies, intensifies, empowers, transforms, rebirths, desires, darkens, renews, evolves, controls