Astrology Planets & their Meanings: The In-depth Cheat Sheet
The planets in astrology hold a lot of meaning. Each one has its own unique characteristics and symbolism. By understanding the meanings of each planet in our solar system, you can gain a deeper insight into your own personality and the way you interact with the world around you.
At Your Astrology Reading, we’re diving deep into the modern planets to help you understand their astrological meanings. Here’s a comprehensive cheat sheet of each planet and what they symbolize:
What does astrology have to do with the stars?
Astrology is the study of how planetary movements affect our lives. The inner planets and outer planets are said to influence our personalities, emotions, and even our destiny. By understanding the astrological meanings of all the planets, we can gain a deeper insight into ourselves, our zodiac signs and the world around us.
What do each of the planets symbolize?
While astrology is a vast, complex, and highly specialized study, its basic principles are straightforward: A birth chart is a snapshot of the sky when you were born. As you entered the world, it reveals the precise position of each of the planets and which constellation each belonged to. The classical planets are all in the same constellation in some birth charts; in others, they are scattered across the sky. Because each planet performs its own celestial function, it is important to know how far apart they are. Now let’s look at each significant entity in the sky.
Let’s start with the Sun
Time to Transit Between Signs: 1 Month
Rules: Leo
Keywords: Ego, Basic Personality, Consciousness, Vitality, Stamina
The Sun plays a big role in our natal chart. People who are able to identify with their sun symbol have a sense of harmony and happiness. Learning about your sun sign is a long process.Â
In contrast to other planetary bodies (like the moon, which represents feelings and emotions), the sun signifies the core of your personality. In other words, the sun symbol in astrology is how you can explain your thinking. It’s like the moon, which makes your dreams, hopes, and feelings come true. Aligning with your sun sign is aligning with your best self. This is who you are.
Leo’s planetary ruler is the sun. The sun represents the foundation of our identity in astrology. So the people ruled by this planet put a lot of emphasis on their self-image. We get a sense of purpose from the sun symbol. It encourages us to do our best work and makes us feel proud of what we do. Those under its influence have a lot of intensity, passion, and drive. Worst case, those ruled by this sign can be arrogant and cocky.
The Moon
Time to Transit Between Signs: 2.5 Days
Rules: Cancer
Keywords: Feelings, Emotions, Instincts, Moods, Home, Mother
The moon represents a very important part of our astrological makeup because it represents our emotions and feelings. It also relates to our mothers and the home. So when the moon is in a good position, we feel emotionally stable and at home. When it’s in a bad position, we can feel moody and out of sorts.
Cancer is the zodiac sign ruled by the moon sign. As such, people who identify with this sign tend to be very in touch with their emotions. They’re also incredibly nurturing and protective of those they love. However, again, they can also be quite moody and crabby.
Mercury
Time to Transit Between Signs: 3-4 Weeks
Rules: Gemini & Virgo
Keywords: Communication, Intelligence, Thoughts, Perception
Mercury is the planet of communication and intelligence. It helps us process information and communicate our thoughts clearly. Mercury is also associated with perception. So when it’s in a good position, we’re able to see things clearly and make sound decisions. When it’s in a bad position, however, we can be confused and make poor choices.
Gemini is the zodiac sign ruled by mercury. As such, people who identify with this sign tend to be very intelligent and quick-witted. They’re also great communicators. However, they can also be quite fickle and indecisive. Virgo is the other sign ruled by mercury. People who identify with this sign tend to be very detail-oriented and analytical. They’re also great at problem-solving. However, they can also be quite critical and perfectionistic.
Venus
Time to Transit Between Signs: 4-5 Weeks
Rules: Taurus & Libra
Keywords: Love, Beauty, Values, Relationships
Venus rules love and beauty. It helps us see the beauty in others and ourselves. Venus is also associated with values and relationships. So when it’s in a good position, we’re able to attract what we desire and build lasting relationships. When it’s in a bad position, however, we can be fickle and superficial.
Taurus is the sign ruled by Venus. As such, people who identify with this sign tend to be very sensual and materialistic. They enjoy the finer things in life and are attracted to luxury. However, they can also be quite stubborn and inflexible. Libra is the other sign ruled by the Venus sign. People who identify with this sign tend to be very social and charming. They’re also great at compromise and relationships. However, they can also be quite indecisive and superficial.
Mars
Time to Transit Between Signs: 6-7 Weeks
Rules: Aries
Keywords: Action, Energy, Aggression, Desire
Mars is the planet of action and energy. It helps us take initiative and be assertive. Mars is also associated with aggression and desire. So when it’s in a good position, we’re able to go after what we want with gusto. When it’s in a bad position, however, we can be impulsive and destructive.
Aries is the sign ruled by Mars. As such, people who identify with this sign tend to be very competitive and headstrong. They’re also quick-tempered and impulsive. However, they can also be quite brave and determined.
Jupiter
Time to Transit Between Signs: 1 Year
Rules: Sagittarius
Keywords: Expansion, Luck, Optimism, Faith
Jupiter is the planet of expansion and luck. It helps us see the glass half full and have faith in the future, which is why it’s closely associated with optimism. So when it’s in a good position, we’re able to attract abundance and good fortune because we have the hope and motivation to keep going. When it’s in a bad position, however, we can be excessive and greedy, blinded by materialism.
Sagittarius is the sign ruled by planet Jupiter. As such, people who identify with this sign tend to be very optimistic and adventurous. They’re also great at manifesting their desires. However, they can also be quite reckless and irresponsible.
Saturn
Time to Transit Between Signs: 2-3 Years
Rules: Capricorn & Aquarius
Keywords: Responsibility, Structure, Limitations, Fear
Saturn is the planet of responsibility and structure. It helps us create boundaries and follow through on our commitments. Saturn is also associated with limitations and fear. So when it’s in a good position, we’re able to create healthy habits and stick to them because we have the discipline to see things through. When it’s in a bad position, however, we can be restrictive and fearful, leading to a feeling of being trapped.
Capricorn is the sign ruled by Saturn. As such, people who identify with this sign tend to be very disciplined and hardworking. They’re also great at setting goals and achieving them. However, they can also be quite cold and calculating. Aquarius is the other sign ruled by Saturn. People who identify with this sign tend to be very independent and progressive. They’re also great at thinking outside the box and coming up with innovative solutions. However, they can also be quite detached and unemotional.
Uranus
Time to Transit Between Signs: 7 Years
Rules: Aquarius
Keywords: Change, Freedom, Unpredictability, Rebellion
Uranus is the planet of change and freedom. It helps us break free from the status quo and be our authentic selves. Uranus is also associated with unpredictability and rebellion. So when it’s in a good position, we’re able to make positive changes in our lives that lead to growth and transformation. When it’s in a bad position, however, we can be scattered and erratic, making it difficult to stick to anything for long.
Aquarius is the zodiac sign ruled by Uranus. As such, people who identify with this sign tend to be very independent and progressive than other outer planets. They’re also great at thinking outside the box and coming up with innovative solutions. However, they can also be quite detached and unemotional.
Neptune
Time to Transit Between Signs: 14 Years
Rules: Pisces
Keywords: Illusion, Fantasy, Art, Compassion
Neptune is the planet of illusion and fantasy. It helps us see beyond the physical world and tap into our imagination. Neptune is also associated with art and compassion. So when it’s in a good position, we’re able to be highly creative and empathetic. When it’s in a bad position, however, we can be delusional and escapist, lost in our own fantasy world.
Pisces is the sign ruled by planet Neptune. As such, people who identify with this sign tend to be very compassionate and sensitive. They’re also great at connecting with others on a deep level. However, they can also be quite dreamy and unrealistic.
Pluto
Time to Transit Between Signs: 20 Years
Rules: Scorpio
Keywords: Power, Transformation, Death, Rebirth
Pluto is the planet of power and transformation. It helps us let go of what’s no longer serving us and make way for new beginnings. Pluto is also associated with death and rebirth. So when it’s in a good position, we’re able to make significant changes in our lives that lead to growth and evolution. When it’s in a bad position, however, we can be obsessive and destructive, clinging to what’s familiar even if it’s no longer healthy for us.
Scorpio’s ruling planet is Pluto. As such, people who identify with this sign tend to be very intense and passionate. They’re also great at getting to the bottom of things and uncovering the truth. However, they can also be quite jealous and possessive.
Parting words
As you can see, the astrology planet meaning of each planet has different keywords associated with it. These keywords give us a general idea of what that planet represents. However, keep in mind that astrology is complex and there are many factors that need to be considered when interpreting a birth chart.
Read next: Astrology Elements And Their Meanings Â
