The ten planets that are commonly used when interpreting a horoscope are the SUN, MOON, MERCURY, VENUS, MARS, JUPITER, SATURN, URANUS, NEPTUNE and PLUTO and each one has a role to play in creating the type of person that you have chosen to be this time round.
There are other planetoids that are also quite influential in the horoscope, but it is the above planets that I am going to refer to in the reading. The qualities of these heavenly bodies are complex and varied but I have outlined below the main characteristics of them and the way that they are likely to manifest.
The Sun
This is the most important single factor in chart interpretation and is, of course, the centre of our solar system. It represents our sense of identity, ego, vitality and our will, the very ‘core’ of us. It is the sign of the zodiac in which the SUN was passing when we were born that is usually referred to as our ‘star sign’. It is also a significator of the image of the physical impression of our father, or the male that was in that role in our very early childhood years.
The Moon
Our feelings, emotions, moods, habits and natural responses are represented by the MOON and shows how we feel nurtured and how we nurture others. It also represents the image of the physical impression of our mother, or the woman that was undertaking that task for us in our very early childhood years.
Mercury
This is the planet that is associated with all forms of communication and the way that we think and apply logical reasoning. It also represents siblings, local travel and how we learn.
Venus
How we give and receive love is to do with VENUS in our horoscopes and also shows how we seek to make ourselves and others happy and how we co-operate. It is also a significator of the psychological image of our mother.
Mars
As we make our way in the world, we have to assert ourselves, and this is the planet that shows how we do this to obtain what it is that we want in life. It also indicates our ability to endure and fight, and how competitive we are when dealing with other people. Some of us acquire what we want through negotiation or even manipulation; others will simply roll up their sleeves and jump headlong into the fray.
Jupiter
The largest planet in the solar system, JUPITER tends to expand whatever it touches or is in contact with symbolically. It simply seems to make it bigger or perhaps ‘larger than life’. Of course, under the right circumstances, it is beneficial to get more of what we desire, but only if what we desire is good for us. Wisdom, religion and our belief system are also associated with this heavenly body.
Saturn
This is the planet that can show our levels of commitment and responsibility, as well as our views on fear. Duty and discipline are other words associated with SATURN that is also the representation of the psychological image of our father.
Uranus
Our urge to break free is shown by this planet that also enjoys a questionable reputation for being the ‘great awakener’. Unusual, unorthodox, unexpected and rebelliousness are also words connected with this body, as well as radical change.
Neptune
This is the planet that can bring changes but in a more subtle way. Escapism is also a word that comes to mind when NEPTUNE is under consideration, as well as imagination, creativity and fantasies. Wherever this planet lurks, deception and confusion are never far away, but it is also the planet that is associated with spirituality, compassion and healing.
Pluto
Here we have the planet that takes the longest time to circumvent the solar system and is well known for being associated with death - of people and situations. Transformation through gradual changes that eventually work out for our benefit are also represented by this planet, as well as obsession, secrecy and intensity.