Astrology Basics: The Planets

Astrology Basics: The Planets

Planets

There are many planets used in astrology. Each astrologer may choose to use all or only some of the planets in their work.

 

The Seven Visible Planets

The seven visible planets are those that can be seen with a naked eye. They are the Sun, The Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. They are known as the traditional or Hellenistic planets.

 

The Outer Planets

The three outer planets are Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. They are the modern planets.

 

Read more >>> Astrology ABCs

 


The Meaning of the Planets

The Sun

The Sun is your identity, your heart and your character. It shows where you are honest and true to yourself. It is where you can shine in life. It represents your father.

Read more >>> the Sun

 

The Moon

The Moon shows your feelings, reactions, gut instincts and your behavior. It rules food, how you care and who you nurture. It represents your mother, mother figures and caregivers.

Read more >>> the Moon.

 

Mercury

Mercury shows your thinking, talking and communication style. It has to do with all buying and selling. It represents your schoolteacher and neighborhood people.

Read more >>> Mercury.

 

Venus

Venus shows beauty, art, style, love and money. It has to do with your values and what you invest in both things like jewelry and people. It represents young women and sisters.

Read more >>> Venus.

 

Mars

Mars is about sex, energy, drive, challenges and where you compete in life. It shows when you will get off the couch and do something. It represents young men and brothers.

Read more >>> Mars.

 

Jupiter

Jupiter is about growth, expansion, reaching and even overdoing things. It shows your vision and potential. It represents uncles, teachers and preachers.

Read more >>> Jupiter.

 

Saturn

Saturn is the planet of achievement, honors, control, limitations and fears. It represents your father, older men and authority figures.

Read more >>> Saturn.

 

Uranus

Uranus is the planet for the future it rules trends, technology, computers and the space age. It represents adolescents, immigrants, those on the fringes of society and rebels.

Read more >>> Uranus.

 

Neptune

Neptune is the planet of illusion, intuition, mysticism, art, magic and the unknown. It represents the psychic, the invisible, the underdog and the homeless.

Read more >>> Neptune.

 

Pluto

Pluto is the planet of power, influence and sex. It represents people who have power over you through your use of their resources or those whom you have the drop on. It represents the loan shark, surgeon, psychiatrist, undertaker, criminal and therapist.

Read more >>> Pluto.

 

Chiron

Chiron is the planet of wounds and healing. It suggests where you are weak and wanting. It represents people who help you like nurses, teachers, gurus and charity workers.

Read more >>> Chiron.

 

Eris

Eris is the planet of the female warrior. It represents the fight instinct in women. It suggests those who will fight for you simply because they are on your team, group or crew. It represents sisters-in-arms.

Read more >>> Eris.

 


Astrology Basics for Beginner’s

This is part of the special Starzology Astrology Basics series for you all. Many of you ask where to start and here are the planet’s meanings.

You can check out the rest of the series:

 

Why Transits are Different for Everyone

Why Transits are Different for Everyone

Transits Are Different for Everyone

Forecasting with Transits

Forecasting interpretations can get complex. Reading transits can quickly become confusing and it may seem like they’re out of focus.

You may start following Jupiter as it transits through your chart and Jupiter will offer growth opportunities as it passes by.

But what happens when it makes an aspect with another planet?

If Jupiter is square Saturn does it play out the same way for us all?

We all have our own charts and this is what makes the difference.

 

Example Transit

Take Jupiter square Saturn. These two planets bring the concepts of expansion and contraction together.

Whether you will experience expansion or contraction in your life depends on your chart. It matters whether Jupiter or Saturn is stronger in you natal chart.

Is either of them your chart ruler or do you have Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius or Pisces as your rising sign?

If one planet in a aspect rules your chart their trantits be stronger for you in general and will express themselves in your life in a clear way.

Cycles appear at all times. When you are on an up swing with one planet you may be on a down cycle with another.

The ability to see the difference between a transit from one planet which may or may not be overshadowed by another is the skill of reading transits.

Jupiter square Saturn is different for everyone. Don’t make the mistake of thinking one size fits all but understand what each planet’s energies are about.

Read each transit by itself and follow along with the cycle so you will have a better understanding of how to forecast.

 

Measuring Planetary Strength

Apart from the actual aspect involved to understand the strength of the two planets in a combination is the first step.

As the slower moving planets form and release aspects with each other it is good to know which one of the pair is a more important planet for you.

 

Pluto is important for you if:

  • You have Scorpio rising
  • The Sun is in Scorpio
  • More than three planets are in Scorpio
  • Pluto in the first or eighth house
  • Pluto is your final dispositor

Neptune is important for you if:

  • You have Pisces rising,
  • Neptune in the first or twelfth house
  • The Sun is in Pisces
  • More than three planets are in Pisces
  • Neptune is your final dispositor

Uranus is important for you if:

  • You have Aquarius rising
  • Uranus in the first or eleventh house
  • The Sun is in Aquarius
  • You have more than three planets in Aquarius
  • Uranus is your final dispositor

Saturn is an important planet for you if.

  • You have a Capricorn or Aquarius ascendant
  • The Sun is in Capricorn or Aquarius
  • You have three or more planets in Capricorn or Aquarius
  • Saturn is your final dispositor
  • Saturn is in your first, tenth or eleventh house.

Jupiter is an important planet for you if:

  • You have Sagittarius or Pisces rising
  • Your Sun is in Sagittarius or Pisces
  • You have three or more planets in Sagittarius or Pisces
  • Jupiter is your final dispositor
  • Jupiter is in the first, ninth or twelfth house

Explore more >>> Fibonacci aspects

Explore more >>> Aspects applying and separating

why-transits-are-different-for-everyone

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Author Bio

Alison Price: Astrology Coach

Alison wants to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor.

Learn more about Alison’s journey.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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Jupiter Trine Uranus – Get Fired Up!

Jupiter Trine Uranus – Get Fired Up!

by Alison Price

We have experienced several challenging planetary placements in recent years. I am of course referring to the Uranus Pluto square which has had astrologers and laymen alike buzzing with excitement.

Enter the Jupiter Uranus fire trine.

Whilst it is typical that we have both easy and challenging aspects within the zodiac at any one time, it is the individual and combined mixture of flow and resistance between the planets making the aspects that shape our lives.

That Uranus appears in both aspects (square Pluto and trine Jupiter) is telling. He seems to want to fit in and stick out at the same time.

We can live with this.


Aspects

One way to interpret an astrology chart is by a technique called aspects

Astrological aspects are the angular distances between the planets.

Every planet has a measurement in degrees with the other planets but only certain angles are noted in astrology charts.

By dividing the circle of 360 degrees by any whole numbers we get the aspect angles.

The Trine Aspect

If you divide 360 by 3 the result is 120 degrees (360/3=120) and this is the size of the trine aspect.

Two planets that are 120 degrees apart in the zodiac will be in trine to each other.

The aspect degree does not have to be exact but can be within 8 degrees (the orb) either side of 120.

So when the two planets become between 112 to 128 degrees apart they are considered to be trine to each other.

Transiting Jupiter Trine Uranus

 

When the slower planets like Jupiter and Uranus trine each other it is to be noted.

It is a phenomenon that only happens around every six years then there is a gap of seven years before the next trine.

The elemental sequence is fire, earth, air then water. With two trines in each element, one waxing and one waning trine. Then it slowly shifts into the following element.

The Jupiter Uranus Synodic Cycle

Jupiter and Uranus have a fourteen year synodic cycle.

This means they are together and Jupiter (which is quicker off the mark) races off around the zodiac as Uranus moves forward slowly. Jupiter will catch up with Uranus around fourteen years later.

In 2010 Jupiter was conjunct Uranus at zero Aries. They will next be conjunct in 2024 at twenty-one Taurus.

Looking further forward in 2037 22 Cancer direct and in 2038 at 20 Cancer retrograde.

This shows the conjunction moves around either 30 degrees when at the retrograde three pass conjunction, or around fifty-one to fifty-four degrees and fourteen years during a one pass direct conjunction.

Because there is a trine in place for such a long period, when planets pass through the other fire sign of Sagittarius, they will create a fire grand trine when they trine both Jupiter and Uranus.

The most frequent planet to do this is the Moon.

It will provide huge opportunities and original approaches to how you can use that planet in Sagittarius.

The trine from Jupiter offers good things in line with your natal planet being aspected and the trine from Uranus offers unique and up-to-date solutions which allow things to move forward with ease and flow.

Get fired up!

Fire is all about inspiration. It gets the juices flowing and everyone hot under the collar. It gets people raving about things and issues. It creates fireworks and burning issues. We can get incandescent and want to burst. We are filled with bright ideas and get excited about anything with fire in it like dragon’s breath, candlelight, torches, barbecues and camp fires.

Make the most of this special fire trine.


 

Jupiter in Leo

Jupiter in Leo

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: July 2014

Jupiter in Leo

As the planets wander through the sky they change positions against the backdrop of the zodiac.

This movement can be like a dance as everyone (the planets) take their place and enter the stage.

At anytime one or two of the planets will take center stage as the others fade into the background for a while.

Planets in prominent positions may have a story to tell, and we listen.

This time it is Jupiter as he enters the fifth sign of Leo. A fire planet (Jupiter) in a fire sign (Leo).

Up there right now the biggest planet in the solar system and the ruler of Sagittarius, Jupiter, is entering the zodiac sign of the Lion.

 

jupiter

Jupiter in Leo Imagery

I often use the imagery of a hot air balloon to explain the astrological meaning for Jupiter.

Balloons are big, brightly coloured and when they drift by you simply can’t miss them. Much like Jupiter.

The collective noun for balloons is a festival of balloons which brings a fun and exciting element to ballooning. Much like Jupiter.

They travel on their journey, but to who knows where? Much like Jupiter.

They are filled with hot air or gas, and balloons will explode if over-filled. Much like Jupiter.

They often broadcast a message from their sponsors or promote special events (such as at sports events) written in huge letters on the sides of the balloon. Much like Jupiter

And I would imagine that the people who do take a ride in a hot air balloon say a prayer before launch. Much like Jupiter.

I have always fancied trusting the woven basket and journeying on a balloon flight and perhaps one day I shall. Much like Jupiter.

Benefits of Jupiter in Leo

Jupiter in Leo is especially good news for the fire signs and that means those with strong fire signs present in their birth charts.

I will tell you I am strongly Leo myself and I have been waiting for a while now for this shift in energy as Jupiter changes sign.

If you have an Aries, Leo or Sagittarian Sun, Moon, Ascendant, Jupiter or other cluster of planets in these three signs you will benefit during the upcoming year as Jupiter goes through Leo.

If your business chart has the fire signs emphasized as well your business can experience huge growth now.

If you are strongly Gemini or Libra you will see some support and some good things. You need to grasp any opportunities fleeting as they may be.

If you are strongly Taurus, Scorpio or Aquarius could face the difficult side and this may suggest the over excessive situations as mentioned later.

Those of you with strong Cancer, Virgo, Capricorn and Pisces may not see much change although you will try to make adjustments this year.

 

How can you make the most Jupiter in Leo

Jupiter in Leo is upbeat, positive and outgoing. It encourages taking chances and aiming higher in life.

Leo is the sign of the theatre and when planets enter the “stage” they will play their roles to perfection.

Using the theater analogy, Jupiter in Leo can either be the highly colorful swashbuckling much loved hero or he can be an overly costumed blow-hard in a pantomime.

The down side of Jupiter in Leo can be over-extension, over-doings things and excessive behavior. Or just too much of a good thing.

Pace yourself and all will be fine.

Jupiter in Leo, what’s in it for you?

Jupiter is the planet of growth and expansion.

It has to do with reaching for things just out of your grasp but it is the reaching that is important.

We like to s-t-r-e-t-c-h ourselves when Jupiter is active.

You can lift your eyes to gaze at your horizons.

Now is the time to aspire towards previously laughable dreams. Dust off your visions and start to believe.

When Jupiter is prominent by transit, and if it contacts your chart, you can raise your profile and aim for more in life.

Jupiter will support activities in broadcasting, promotion (self and business), publishing, gaining knowledge (as opposed to information), adult education, religious temperance, international travel and cosmopolitan situations.

Jupiter in Leo reinforces the theatre and daily dramas. See them for what they are.

More on this topic

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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Jupiter in Gemini

Jupiter in Gemini

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: June 2012   –   Revised: April 2024

Jupiter in Gemini

Jupiter’s Signs

Jupiter rules the sign Sagittarius the Archer.

Traditionally it is the ruler of Pisces the Fish.

We now refer to Jupiter as the co-ruler of Pisces along with the modern ruler Neptune.

 

Jupiter’s Orbit

Jupiter takes twelve years to make one journey around the Sun.

With a dozen zodiac signs Jupiter will spend about one year in each sign.

The timing is not exact but is pretty close.

 

Chinese Astrology Calendar

Jupiter’s orbit is loosely aligned with Chinese astrology which has one sign for each year and not each month as in western astrology.

You can see the slight permutations in the movement of Jupiter through Gemini when you line it up against the Chinese astrology signs.

 

Dragons, Snakes or Horses

People with Jupiter in Gemini born between:

  • 1900 to 1966 are either Snakes or Horses
  • 1976 to 1978 are either Dragons, Snakes or Horses
  • 1988 to 2025 are either Dragons or Snakes.
jupiter-in-gemini-dragon

Jupiter in Gemini: Detriment

Detriment of a Planet

When a planet is in the sign opposite the one it rules (in this case Jupiter rules Sagittarius) it is said to be in its sign of detriment.

Ptolemy had much to say about the essential dignities of the planets and when a planet is found in its detriment it receives a weighting score of -5.

 

 

Jupiter’s Tradition Detriment

Jupiter is in its tradition sign of detriment when in Gemini.

This indicates the planets energies are not able to function particularly well or reach their full potential.

Of course as always, a full analysis of the Jupiter complex is needed to appreciate its position in any chart.

The planet of knowledge has met the sign of information.

 

Gemini

Gemini is the active mutable air sign.

Active Polarity (Yang)

Gemini is an active sign, along with Aries, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius.

Active signs are associated with assertiveness, initiative and outward energy expression that is pushed out into the world.

Geminis are proactive and optimistic. They view challenges as opportunities for connection and learning.

They are often enthusiastic, adventurous and eager to explore new possibilities.

This positive outlook fuels their curiosity and drive for information, inspiring them to seek out diverse experiences and interactions.

Geminis are naturally dynamic and multifaceted.

Twin people are engaging conversationalists, adaptable individuals and eternal seekers of intelligence and experience.

 

 

Air Sign

As an air sign, Gemini is associated with intellect, communication, and social interaction.

Like the other air signs (Libra and Aquarius), Gemini is characterized by a strong emphasis on mental activity and the exchange of ideas.

Geminis are often curious, diagnostic and quick-witted. They have a natural affinity for language and abstract thinking.

Mercury ruled Geminis excel in communication-based activities and are skilled at conveying their thoughts and ideas to others.

 

 

Mutable Modality

Gemini belongs to the mutable mode, along with Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.

Mutable signs are flexible, adaptable and versatile, able to easily navigate through transitions and change.

Twins possess a natural inclination towards variety and diversity.

They enjoy exploring different options and perspectives, often displaying a curiosity-driven approach to life.

Their mutable nature allows them to shift gears mentally.

However, this flexibility can sometimes lead to a tendency to scatter their energy across multiple interests.

 

jupiter

Jupiter

Jupiter, rules Sagittarius and co-rules Pisces. It represents expansion, growth and abundance.

Seeking Knowledge and Wisdom

Jupiter is driven by a deep desire to expand the understanding of the world and acquire wisdom.

People influenced by Jupiter are often motivated to seek out new experiences, explore different cultures, and engage in intellectual pursuits.

They have a thirst for knowledge and are drawn to opportunities that allow them to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of life.

Pursuing Meaning and Purpose

Jupiter seeks to find meaning and purpose in life.

If you are influenced by Jupiter you are motivated to explore their beliefs, values and philosophies in search of greater meaning and fulfillment.

You may be drawn to spiritual or philosophical pursuits, as well as endeavors that align with your sense of purpose and contribute to the greater good.

Embracing Optimism and Opportunity

Jupiter is associated with optimism, positivity and good fortune.

People influenced by Jupiter are urged to embrace a positive outlook on life and approach challenges with optimism and enthusiasm.

They have a knack for seeing the silver lining in any situation and are open to opportunities for growth and expansion. They believe in their ability to succeed and are willing to take risks in pursuit of their goals.

Overall, Jupiter’s core drives revolve around seeking knowledge, pursuing meaning and purpose with optimism through opportunity.

These impulses drive strong Jupiter people to continually expand their horizons, deepen their understanding of life and approach challenges with a positive and adventurous spirit.

 

Jupiter in Gemini’s Core Meaning

Digital Innovation

With Jupiter in Gemini, there may be a surge of innovation and expansion in the digital realm.

This could manifest through advancements in communication technologies, such as breakthroughs in social media platforms, virtual reality, or artificial intelligence.

People may be more open to exploring new digital tools and platforms for learning, networking, and entertainment.

Intellectual Discourse

Jupiter in Gemini encourages lively intellectual discourse and exchange of ideas.

In 2024, we might see an increase in public debates, conferences, and forums focused on a wide range of topics, from science and technology to politics and philosophy.

This placement promotes open-mindedness and encourages people to embrace diverse perspectives and engage in constructive dialogue.

Global Connectivity

Gemini is associated with networking and connections, and with Jupiter in this sign, there may be a heightened emphasis on global connectivity in 2024.

This could involve initiatives aimed at fostering international collaborations, promoting cultural exchange and facilitating cross-border communication and trade.

People may be more inclined to travel, both physically and virtually, to connect with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Intellectual Exploration

As Jupiter transits Gemini, there’s a deep thirst for knowledge and understanding.

People with this natal placement love to explore various subjects, constantly seeking to expand their minds.

They may enjoy studying multiple topics simultaneously, always eager to learn something new.

Communicative Skills

Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, and when paired with Jupiter, it amplifies the gift of gab.

Individuals with this placement often have excellent communication skills, able to express themselves eloquently and persuasively.

They may also enjoy engaging in debates and sharing their ideas with others.

Adaptable Experiences

Gemini is known for its adaptability and flexibility, and when coupled with Jupiter’s expansive energy, it can lead to a broad range of interests and experiences.

These folks thrive in diverse environments and may excel in careers that require quick thinking and adaptability, such as journalism, teaching, or sales.

Mental Restlessness

While Jupiter in Gemini brings a sense of excitement and curiosity, it can also manifest as restlessness.

These people often struggle with committing to one path or idea for too long, as they are constantly seeking new experiences and stimulation.

They may benefit from finding ways to channel their energy constructively and avoid scattering their focus too much.

Optimism and Positivity

Jupiter is associated with optimism and good fortune, and when placed in Gemini, it infuses a sense of positivity into the Gemini personality.

These people often have a sunny disposition and a knack for finding the silver lining in any situation.

They may also be natural storytellers, able to spin tales that inspire and uplift others.

Jupiter Transits Gemini

What to expect:

 

  • Information overload
  • Urgent messages need to get out
  • Outrageous media reports may not all be true
  • You will have a finger on the pulse of what’s going on
  • Online magazines will become the norm
  • Ebook publishing market will explode
  • You will broadcast yourself even more
  • Short forms texts and tweets will become expressive
  • Headlines will be too good to be true
  • New # hashtags

 

Core Takeaway

Overall, Jupiter in Gemini urges exploration, communication and a joyful embrace of life’s possibilities.

It’s a time that thrives on curiosity and intellectual stimulation, always seeking to broaden horizons and connect with others through the exchange of ideas.

 

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Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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Mars in Leo

Mars in Leo

In astrology, the transit of the red planet MARS in LEO is always an exciting and highly charged time of the year.