The meaning of the Sun, Moon and planets, the four cardinal points, the aspects between them and the fixed stars are the fundamentals of astrology.
Other points worth investigating include the pre-natal moon phases, the lunar nodes, Chiron, Lilith, minor planets, asteroids and calculated points like the Part of Fortune and Vertex Point.
Please stop using Signs and Houses and the rules created to accompany them. They are inaccurate and misleading and have greatly damaged the reputation of astrology and astrologers.
The horoscope was invented around the 7th century BC as a convenient celestial measuring device. Its degrees and signs recorded astronomical data, not astrological activity.
Observation of the effects of the planets for astrological purposes continued to be related to the visible constellations. [Heavenly Imprints, Deborah Houlding]
The meaning of the Signs was taken from the Constellations, but they are a very rough fit. Constellation Virgo is 46 degrees long, while the constellation Cancer is only 4 degrees long across the ecliptic. Plus, the Constellations have moved nearly 30° out of alignment with the Signs because of the precession of the equinoxes.
The following list of planet meanings in astrology is a work in progress. Please use the comments section to make suggestions for me to add.
The Luminaries
The Sun and Moon are the luminaries or lights. They are more significant than the planets and are linked as the conscious, Yang (Sun) and subconscious, Yin (Moon). Along with the Ascendant, they form the basic personality or the core of the horoscope.
The Sun and Moon
The Sun
The Sun is your life force, the will to live, conscious ego, a sense of purpose, self-expression, personal power, pride, authority, self-esteem, self-respect, leadership qualities, the father, men, yellow and the metal gold. The Sun is hot, bright, active and assertive.
In medical astrology, the Sun rules general health, pituitary gland, heart, spine, and vitality. The Sun, new moons and solar eclipses can cause heart and spinal complaints.
The Moon
The Moon represents your emotions, unconscious habits, memories, moods, reactions, nurturing, maternal instincts, rhythms, home, need for security, the past, the mother, women, white and the metal silver. It is soft, submissive, tender and shy.
In medical astrology, the Moon rules the hypothalamus, stomach, digestive system, body fluids, female organs, and the lymphatic system. The Moon, full moons and lunar eclipses can cause menstruation problems and fluid retention.
The Traditional Planets
The five traditional or visible planets are grouped into personal planets: Mercury, Venus, and Mars. The Sun and Moon can also be called personal planets. Jupiter and Saturn are social or transpersonal planets.
The Traditional Planets
Mercury
Mercury rules communication, speech, hearing, writing, thinking patterns, rationality, wit, reasoning, primary and secondary education, neighborhood, siblings, cousins, short-distance transport, commerce, trade, news, messages, information, brown and the metal Mercury. It is fast, lively, clever, adaptable, variable, unemotional and curious.
In medical astrology, Mercury rules the brain, central nervous system, tubing of the body, the five senses, and the hands. Mercury can cause nervous, speech or respiratory disorders.
Venus
Venus rules love, money, harmony, beauty, refinement, affection, equality, the desire for pleasure, comfort, ease, romance, marriage, business partnerships, sex, children, cosmetics, decorating, the arts, fashion, social life, green and the metal copper.
In medical astrology, Venus rules the thymus gland, testes and ovaries, fertility, hormones in general, the throat, kidneys, and sense of touch. Venus can cause urinary disease and sugar imbalance.
Mars
Mars represents energy (particularly goal-directed energy), strength, confidence, self-assertion, passion, sexuality, charisma, ambition, anger, aggression, and impulsiveness. It rules sports, competitions, physical activities, martial arts, war, weapons, soldiers, police, metal workers, the color red and the metal iron.
In medical astrology, Mars rules the adrenal glands, iron in the blood, muscles, gall bladder, bile, head, and senses of smell and taste. Mars can cause injuries, cuts, blows, bruises, burns, inflammation, fever, and acute diseases.
Jupiter
Jupiter rules growth, expansion, prosperity, luck, long-distance and foreign travel, big business, wealth, teaching, higher education, beliefs, philosophy, religion, the church, devotion, prayer, priests, law, judges, the urge for freedom and exploration, gambling, merrymaking, orange and the metal tin.
In medical astrology, Jupiter rules the thyroid gland, liver, pancreas (traditional), thighs, feet, growth and cancer (traditional). Jupiter can cause liver disorders and obesity.
Saturn
Saturn represents duty, discipline, responsibility, career, loyalty, dedication, honor, restrictions, limitations, delay, boundaries, patience, wisdom, endurance, practicality, reality, tradition, time, authority, order, systems, structures, hierarchy, stability, lessons, tests, karma, consequences, punishment, pessimism, hardships, fatalism, grey and the metal lead. It is slow, cold and dry.
In medical astrology, Saturn rules the parathyroid glands, skin, hair, teeth, bones, the body’s defenses, and the spleen. Saturn can cause restriction of vessels and nerves, lethargy, narcolepsy, and chronic diseases, and can slow the growth of cancer.
The Modern Planets
The modern or outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto cannot be seen without the technology developed in the last 250 years. These spiritual planets are generational, impersonal, nonmaterial and intangible. They rule mass consciousness, the collective, societies, cultures, processes and cycles.
Uranus and Neptune
Uranus
Uranus rules sudden and unexpected change, higher awareness, excitement, individuality, freedom, originality, ingenuity, genius, psychic awareness, flashes of insight, discoveries, invention, explosions, electricity, astrology, blue and the metal zinc. It’s unique, unorthodox and futuristic but also crazy, unreliable, eccentric, impulsive, erratic and unsettling.
In medical astrology, Uranus rules the amygdala, neural activity, and aura. Uranus is related to ADHD, Aspergers and similar syndromes. Uranus can cause spasms, seizures, accidents and nervous disorders, sudden illnesses, and electrocution.
Neptune
Neptune rules spirituality, religion, idealism, empathy, sensitivity, illusion, mysteries, intuition, compassion, sacrifice, deception, delusion, weakness, confusion, vagueness, uncertainty, intrigue, scandal, escapism, fantasy, celebrity, entertainment, glamour, dreams, visions, the third eye, inspiration, premonitions, mysticism, divinity, transcendence, psychic ability, magic, enchantment, mirrors, film, liquid, fog, mist, gasses, altered states of consciousness, poison, drugs, alcohol, addiction, hallucinations, hypnotism, paranormal, ghosts, telepathy, symbols, socialism, welfare, communism, entertainment, purple and the metal cobalt. Neptune is strange, elusive, insidious, subtle and intangible.
In medical astrology, Neptune rules the pineal gland, endocrine system, psychic healing, infection, and anesthetics. Neptune can cause weakness and disease in general, and especially contagious infections, addictions, poisoning, hypochondria, sensitivity, immune diseases, chronic illness, misdiagnosis and hard-to-diagnose disease.
Pluto
Pluto represents transformation and regeneration, destruction and renewal, death and rebirth, power, intensity, crisis, transcendence, obsessions, compulsions, the masses, evolution, genetics, race, personal mastery, wealth, big business, global organizations, surgery, detective work, taboos, dictators, murder and genocide, black and the metal bismuth. It is extreme and ruthless and exposes the dark, hidden and sinister.
In medical astrology, Pluto rules the pancreas (modern), metabolism, elimination, cell death, cancer (modern) and genetics. Pluto can cause compulsions, genetic disorders, and amputations.
The Cardinal Points
The Ascendant (AC) or 1st house cusp is the physical manifestation of your soul. It rules your physical appearance, overall health, how you present yourself to the world and how others first see you. But it can also be a shield or mask to guard your authentic nature. The Ascendant ranks in importance with the Sun and Moon. Along with the Descendant, it makes up the relationship axis.
The Imun Coeli (IC), Nadir, or 4th house cusp represents your roots, history, home and family, one parent (usually mother), and ancestors,
The Descendant (DC) or 7th house cusp represents your one-to-one relationships. It is your partner, intimate, professional, or business, and your open enemies. It can also define your inner partner or what you most want in a partner.
The Midheaven (MC) or 10th house cusp rules your career or calling, ambitions, what you are motivated to achieve, reputation, authority, recognition, social status, public profile, traditional breadwinner, father (sometimes a mother or single parent).
The Lunar Nodes
The lunar nodes represent karma, family relationships, genetic links, karmic relationships, and previous incarnations.
The North Node represents your karmic objectives, soul growth, evolution, the future, and lessons you came here to learn.
The South Node represents the challenges and gifts from previous lifetimes, innate unconscious tendencies, karmic patterns that are generally separative and destructive, and past life hangovers.
Asteroids, Chiron and Lilith
Asteroids can be very informative, and you can find plenty of information about asteroids and minor planet meanings in astrology online. Ceres (now classed as a minor planet), along with Pallas, Juno, and Vesta, are the four main asteroid goddesses. Asteroid Hygeia is useful in medical astrology. Use the links at the end of this page to learn more about asteroids in your chart.
Chiron represents wounding and healing. It is the deepest wound in your soul and your ability to heal yourself and others through traditional medicine and other alternative healing methods. In Greek mythology, Chiron was the wisest of the Centaurs, depicted as Centaurus Constellation. He taught astrology and herbal medicine and was associated with wisdom and proficiency in botany, music, astronomy, divination, and medicine. In Christian Astrology, Chiron represents Christ.
Lilith, technically Black Moon Lilith, is powerful feminine energy. Mythologically, Lilith was a strong, independent woman. She sought equality but not control and rebelled against subservience. The patriarchy labeled her a demon, but in reality, she is a priestess and counterpart to Chiron. In Christian Astrology, Lilith is Mary Magdalene. She represents feminine wounding and healing, primal and instinctual feminine energy, marginalization, and your shadow side or subconscious personality and darker desires you keep hidden to avoid criticism and rejection.
Lilith rules forbidden fruit, seduction, kundalini, tantric sex, prostitution, pornography, nudist colonies, disobedience, non-conformism, persecution, disempowerment, bullying, alienation, banishment, exile, menstruation, gender issues and LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, the other woman, triangular relationships, shadows, cross-roads, abandoned buildings, bats, suppressed anger, untapped power and the acceptance of pain, sacrifice, grief and suffering. Ignoring Lilith can be unhealthy and destructive. Acknowledging her can bring liberation, healing, and spiritual growth. Exploring and unleashing your Lilith often requires periods of isolation.
Other Points
The Part of Fortune is the happiness of your soul, good fortune, and material success.
The Vertex Point represents destiny encounters and mystical experiences. The Vertex axis is a ‘doorway’ that gives access to other realities. It can open to many different worlds. It can describe that which delights, which gives a touch of magic to life but can bring terror and horror. The Vertex axis tends to intensify anything with which it has contact. Visit Alice Partman for more information.
