Signs and houses, planets and constellations, cycles and aspects: learn the unique flavors of each planet.
The Signs and Houses Ruled by Each Planet
In this lesson you'll learn to recognize the symbolic glyphs for the planets and signs, the characteristics of each, and the special role each of the nine planets and the Sun and Moon play in your chart. We will also talk about why it is important to pay attention to your ruling planet when you read a horoscope.
You'll need to know planetary rulerships and be able to recognize the glyphs in later lessons as well, so pay careful attention. If you like, you can download the table of glyphs below to keep as a reference.
A Planetary Cocktail Party
To give each planet a "face" in your mind, I'm going to describe the planets as if they were guests at a cocktail party. Try to envision their behavior and what they are wearing.
Although the descriptions are fun, don't forget the importance of memorizing the ruling planet for each of the signs and what area of life that planet rules. This information is fundamental in understanding the workings of astrology.
We will discuss the houses of the horoscope later, but since you may want to print out this section, the house of the horoscope each planet rules and its natural association are included.
Mars arrives, wearing his military uniform, looking quite dashing and handsome. He is muscular, fit, and has a walk that exudes confidence. His label is decorated with medals, and he carries a sword. Every woman in the party has noted his arrival because he is so masculine and sexy.
Mars, however, is only interested in Venus, who is in conversation with Pluto. He needs to get her attention but she won't make it easy for him -- right now she pretends she hasn't seen him.
At the party, Venus decides to sit down on a lounge of satin pillows. Doves holding bows of small pink rosebuds fly close above her and gently drop the flowers about her shimmering white shoulders. Her hair is long, curled, and held in place perfectly by three small, jeweled adornments.
Her dress is of shimmering, clingy silk. Were it not cut so marvelously, and from such gorgeous fabric, it might be mistaken for a nightgown. Her hands and wrists are adorned with pretty bejeweled rings and golden bracelets, and she has a soft, alluring scent about her.
Venus picks up a small hand mirror and admires her reflection. She is well groomed, stunningly beautiful, and her skin has an unmistakable translucent clarity and softness. She is a vision of sensuality and seduction and she flirts magnificently with the other guests.
Mercury, messenger of the gods and the ultimate journalist, has a pencil behind his ear, a 1940s hat on his head, and is carrying the coolest, most modern laptop (he loves the newest gadgets). He looks a little out of breath and apologizes to the host, explaining he had a deadline to finish before coming. Mercury strikes up a conversation with Jupiter. and talks enthusiastically about a recent assignment, offering vivid details, interesting asides, and tidbits. Jupiter is fascinated and predicts Mercury will win a journalism award.
Mercury suddenly turns to Saturn, who stands alone, and asks if he knows whether the host has a TV or not. Saturn tells him there may be one upstairs in the den and Mercury excuses himself for a few minutes to watch the news while e-mailing his story in -- his news cannot wait.
The Moon seemed a little wistful and perhaps even a little lonely when she arrived, still thinking of an incident that happened earlier. Her mood brightens after hearing the music and seeing some familiar faces.
She is wearing a d飯llet頧own of silk taffeta in silvery blue-white, reminiscent of the tones found inside a seashell. She is clearly a romantic, and when she walks by all the other planets can't help but catch a subtle whiff of her perfume. It is a hauntingly beautiful fragrance, and it reminds one or two of the others of a scent from the past, perhaps one their mother or an old girlfriend wore.
The Moon glances at Venus -- who is busy flirting with Saturn, of all people -- and subtly shakes her head. The Moon is more reserved than Venus, and much more nurturing. Concerned that some people might be getting hungry, the Moon glides toward the kitchen to see if she can help the hostess with some delicious appetizers.
Dressed in kingly robes of scarlet and purple, the Sun also wears a jewel-encrusted golden crown. He arrives last, complete with the sound of trumpets. He carries a scepter and looks thoroughly engaged with what is going on, and apparently has been looking forward to attending the party.
Sun asks the hostess if she will have any entertainment at her f괥, and seems a bit disappointed when she looks at him quizzically. He orders his assistant to have a musical quartet come over immediately to play. In the meantime, the other planets know they should pay homage to the Sun and quite naturally start revolving around him. The Sun expects to be the center of attention -- and enjoys this.
Pluto has arrived at the party dressed all in black, looking masculine and ultracool. He doesn't mix with the others at the party much, however, preferring to observe the group quietly. He is a loner, and staying off by himself suits him.
Mars has come over to offer Pluto a drink. Starting a conversation with Pluto, Mars quickly realizes that he is an intense guy, and passionate about his projects. Pluto apparently has had no trouble getting major funding for his new business ideas, either. Mars asks Pluto what he's heard on the street and Pluto gives him some shrewd insider info.
Jupiter is a happy-go-lucky, upbeat, rotund little fellow: he is, after all, the planet that expands opportunity and luck. Everyone is thrilled to see Jupiter, for he has brought generous gifts for all the guests. Each box is festively wrapped and delivered personally to its recipient. For a few minutes all the other planets circle around Jupiter and enjoy basking in his radiant glow.
Saturn arrives late: he's been working at the office and is still wearing his daytime suit. He is carrying his well-worn (but top-quality) briefcase. He's wearing a suitably low-key, impeccably cut suit, with a well-starched white shirt and conservative tie. He looks like classic establishment power.
Should the party turn out to be boring, Saturn figures he'll find an empty room and put in a little extra work before heading home. He is a serious fellow and hates to waste time. The other guests seem to sense that Saturn is a no-nonsense kind of guy; those that stroll over to him are there to ask for advice.
Uranus arrives late, too; nobody ever knows when she is going to show up. She shows up wearing the most interesting dress at the party. It's quite striking -- avant-garde and original -- but totally unforgettable in the best sense. Her hair looks like it was designed on another planet, and although is tinted a strange shade, it looks unexpectedly "right" for her in every way.
Uranus is whispering into a headset that is wired to a cell phone so small it is tucked into her evening bag. She is charming, witty, and a total delight. She is an intriguing surprise to one and all.
Neptune is a romantic vision in a magnificently creative cloud of pale blue tulle. She looks as though she's floated down from a cloud. Neptune is not here to shock anyone; she is poetry in motion.
Listening to Venus in a quiet corner of the room, Neptune is all ears and shows complete and intent compassion as Venus talks about her love problems. Mercury circles by Neptune and offers her the last coveted appetizer on his tray -- the spring rolls have been a big hit at this bash -- but Neptune demurs. She wouldn't think of nibbling the last one, even though she hasn't yet had one bite at the party.
