Astrology is more than just the zodiac! Read on to learn more about the sun, moon, and planets and their role in astrology.
The Sun
The sun is the celestial body that promotes life, vitality, and masculine energy. Our sun sign represents our energy and how we self-identify, and gives us a clear picture of how we approach our day-to-day lives. The sun rules over Leo. Astrologers call the sun Leo’s ruling planet, but the sun is not really a planet, so I call it Leo’s celestial ruler.
The Moon
The moon is the celestial body that governs our emotions and our inner self. This placement tells us how we handle our own feelings and how we relate to the feelings of people around us. Our moon sign can explain why some of us are more reserved with our emotions and why some of us wear our hearts on our sleeves. It can also tell us how we deal with our hidden feelings and our emotional trauma. The moon rules over Cancer. That’s why we call Cancerians “moon children.”
Mercury
Mercury is named after the Roman god of messengers and travelers. And astrologers believe that the small planet governs communication, education, and travel. So it is only fitting that our Mercury sign represents how we communicate, and how we make decisions. Mercury is the ruling planet of the Gemini and Virgo.
Venus
Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and prosperity. And the planet Venus governs our romantic inclinations, our financial prowess, and our artistic tastes. Our Venus signs represent how we view and express love and how we express ourselves aesthetically. Venus is the ruling planet of Taurus and Libra.
Mars
Mars is the Roman god of war. The planet Mars governs our passion, our drive, and our aggression. Our Mars signs represent how we deal with conflict and how we express our sexuality. Mars is the ruling planet of Aries and the ancient ruler of Scorpio. Fun fact, the Greek counterpart of Mars is called Ares. So it’s perfect that Mars rules over the angry ram.
Jupiter
Jupiter is the king of the Roman gods. He is also the god of the sky and thunder. The planet Jupiter governs our fortune, our growth, and our spirituality. Our Jupiter signs represent our luck and religious or philosophical beliefs. Jupiter is the ruling planet of Sagittarius and the ancient ruler of Pisces.
Saturn
Saturn is the Roman god of wealth and agriculture. He is also the god of generation. The planet Saturn governs our responsibilities, and our life lessons. Our Saturn sign is kind of like a grandparent who doles out sagely advice. Saturn is the ruling planet of Capricorn and the ancient ruler of Aquarius.
Uranus
Uranus is the Greek primordial deity of the sky. The god may be primordial, but the planet rules over our innovation and rebellion. You could say that Uranus is the planet of evolution and revolution. Our Uranus sign governs our creativity and how we enact change. Uranus is the ruling planet of Aquarius.
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Neptune
Neptune is the Roman god of the sea and freshwater. Though he is not the god of dreams, the planet that is named for him rules over our dreams, intuition, and spirituality. Neptune also governs our delusions. Our Neptune signs indicate how we connect with our dreams, spirituality, and our innermost desires. Neptune is the ruling planet of Pisces.
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Pluto
Pluto is the Roman god of wealth, the dead, and the underworld. So in a way, it is quite appropriate that the planet that is named for him rules over our creativity and intensity. Our Pluto sign governs our transformative nature and reveals what we need to work towards in our life. Pluto is the ruling planet of Scorpio.
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