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An Introduction to the Role of Planets in Astrology
Planetary movements influence our astrological chartsThere are ten planets which are considered to be the spine, so to speak, of astrology. The Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto all make significant contributions to our astrological lives. The energy exuded by these planets is not the only factor involved, however. The decisions we make as far as what to do with this energy plays more of a leading role than does the energy itself.
Each planet has distinct characteristics, some of which are regarded as positive while others are considered to be negative. Over all, each of our life movements is influenced by these planets, their characteristics and their positions in relation to each other and the constellations.
Movements of the planets occur at differing speeds.
- The fastest moving planets are the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars, and these are known as the inner planets. They speak to our inner selves and reflect our hopes and feelings.
- Jupiter and Saturn are considered to be the social planets and move at more of a middle range speed and where they are in the constellations when we are born affects how we interact with others.
- Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are referred to as the outer planets and tend to move the slowest. Their role is concerned with the external world and have an affect on how the different zodiac signs deal with money and view material possessions.
Each planet wields its most potent energy toward the sign(s) it rules. You will hear this referred to as the sign of its dignity. Mars rules in Aries and Scorpio. Venus rules in Taurus and Libra. Mercury rules in Gemini and Virgo. The Moon rules in Cancer. The Sun rules in Leo. Jupiter rules in Sagittarius and Pisces. Saturn rules in Capricorn and Aquarius.
In addition to the sign of dignity, there is a secondary sign each of the planets interacts well with; such as the Sun in Aries. This is called the sign of exaltation. You will also hear the term sign of fall or detriment. This refers to weak and unfavorable energy and lies directly opposite the sign of exaltation in a constellation.
In regards to the movement of the planets, there is a categorization as well. Stationary planets include super-focused, high energy levels. Direct planets do much the same as far as their level of influence. Leave it to the planets in retrograde to spice things up. It appears the planets in retrograde are moving backward and their energy is rather subtle. This renders their messages ineffectual.
Confused yet? There is a lot more to astrology than the basic zodiac signs which we are all familiar with. Where each planet lies will be different at each moment of the day, meaning that everyone's astrological chart is unique to their moment of birth. So while general horoscopes can offer a rough guide, in depth birth charts can offer a much higher degree of detail and insight.
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