The Ten Planets of Astrology
When it comes to astrology, there are ten planets that you’ll likely always find on a chart. While the sun, moon, and Pluto aren’t technically planets, in astrology we use the term “planets” in reference to the larger objects in our solar system. However, to make our understanding of these planets easier, we’re going to learn to how to categorize the planets below.
The categories for the planets within this post are luminaries, personal planets, social planets, and generational planets. We make these distinctions for specific reasons. Each group of planets play a different role within our astrology chart, as you’ll see below.
Luminaries
Although the sun and the moon are not actually planets at all, it isn’t uncommon for people to refer to them as “planets” in astrology due to lumping them into the same category as the planets out of convenience. The sun is a star, while the moon is, well, a moon. Together, however, we call the sun and moon the luminaries.
The term, “luminaries,” refers to the two most influential space objects for planet Earth. Likewise, they are believed to have the most impact on us humans as well, considering that we live upon Earth. The sun and the moon are often seen as the most basic summary of one’s identity, as well as their internal world.
Sun
The sun represents one’s identity, conscious mind, vitality, and ego. Like flowers, human beings grow up toward the sun. Therefore, our sun sign isn’t who we’re born as, but rather the characteristics that we learn to master throughout our lifetime. Embodying the traits of our sun sign allows us to feel that we’re living authentically and with purpose.
Moon
Our moon moves quickly around the Earth, changing signs every few days. This is similar to our emotional fluctuations. As the moon also has a dark side, this is symbolic of the hidden depths of the unconscious mind and the intuition. Regardless, our moon sign reflects our more internalized and private self. This is the part of us that only those closest get to know.
Personal Planets
Mercury, Venus, and Mars are what astrologers typically refer to as the personal planets. The purpose for this name is due to the short orbital time in which these three planets move. For comparison, while it only take Mercury 88 days to orbit, it takes Pluto 248 years!
As a result of the personal planet’s quick movement, even those who were born the same month and/or year as you will likely have these planets in different signs. Likewise, these three planets have attributes that are personal to each individual. This includes one’s way of communicating, as well as their sensuality and attitude.
Mercury
Mercury reveals our ability to communicate and how we express ourselves. With quick movement, this planet also shows us how we choose to move through the world. The planet of adaptability and thought, Mercury shows us how we respond to life. Lastly, Mercury’s placement gives insight into our level of intellect and reasoning.
Venus
Planet Venus involves love, sensuality, aesthetics, and pleasure. The sign that our Venus falls into tells us about our relationships with others and our ability to create harmony. This placement may explain that which we find beautiful among the world and in our environment. It is often a reflection of our personal idea of love.
Mars
Mars, in astrology, is the planet of action and passion. This is the area that we may find our most raw energy, including our aggressions and what makes us tick. If this sounds negative to you, know that there’s much more to Mars. Also, the planet of desire, Mars can show us what motivates us, drives us, and how we respond to challenges.
Social Planets
The next category of planets is the social planets. These planets are Jupiter and Saturn. With that being said, there are a few different reasons as to why they are identified as being “social.”
The first reason is due to their size, with Jupiter being the largest planet in our solar system. Another reason is because of their contrasting influence, where their interpretations completely oppose one another. For example, Saturn prefers tradition and structure, whereas Jupiter is known for expansion and growth.
Jupiter
Planet Jupiter is known for taking the higher ground, promoting wisdom through benevolence. Encouraging travel and exploration, Jupiter grows through gaining moral philosophies. This planet can, however, operate purely out of optimism and idealism, depending on the sign that each individual has the planet in.
Saturn
The planet of structure and responsibility, Saturn advocates for discipline and maintaining things in orderly fashion. As a traditionalist, Saturn teaches lessons through revealing what is expected of us. This is the planet of social hierarchy, commitment, regulation, and laws. Depending on one’s placement, Saturn may reveal the stability or lack thereof within our lives.
Generational Planets
Lastly, we have the generational planets. These planets are Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Although astrologers are aware of Pluto scientifically being a dwarf planet, for the purpose of astrology, we still call Pluto a planet anyway.
So, “generational” planets are considered “generational” because, out of all other planets, their orbit is much longer. What this means is that each of these planets spend a generation within a single sign! As a result, the majority of the people born within one’s same generation will likely have Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto all within the same sign; which means that each generation will share qualities and experiences relating to these planets.
Uranus
The planet of eccentricity and eclectic traits, Uranus is the Lord of the strange. This planet can come across as somewhat rebellious and disruptive, but its originality provokes change that can lead to breakthroughs. Uranus is a visionary with progressive ideas and humanitarian qualities. It longs for freedom and is thrilled to provide the “shock factor.”
Neptune
Neptune is the ultimate land of dreams, having a rather mystical and fantastical nature. Symbolizing the intangible and the imagination, this planet also gives us the possibility of experiencing confusion and heightened sensitivity. Yet, Neptune has remarkable compassion and creativity, making it a highly empathetic artist.
Pluto
Our final planet, Pluto, has a strong focus on darkness, including sexual fantasies, transformative experiences, and all that is morbid. It has a fascination with power and desire for control. Lastly, our dwarf planet regards death, destruction, and the unexplained mysteries of it all.
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