We learned early on that there are nine planets in our solar system. These planets are important elements for astrologers to decode your natal chart.
I like to think of planets as the organs of our birth chart. Each has different functions to help us navigate the world, and they represent a part of you, your soul, and how you operate.
The planets are divided into two categories: personal planets and generational planets. The movement of generational planets (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) in the sky is much slower compared to that of personal planets, and therefore, the effects can be felt by a generation — hence the name.
Another equally important element is the Sun and Moon, which are known as the luminaries. They are what I sometimes call the heart and brain of your chart.
The Luminaries
Sun ☉
Just as the sun is essential to our solar system, it is also essential to your natal chart. It represents one’s ego and the true expression of self. It is the primary way you identify yourself and organize your many parts into a cohesive personality.
Moon ☾
The Moon represents our inner world. It rules our emotions, feelings, and intuition. It represents the part of us that needs nurturing — that’s why the Moon often conveys the nature of our relationship with our own mothers.
Personal Planets
Mercury ☿
Mercury is the planet of intellect and communication. Your Mercury sign can shed light on the way you talk and think. It is associated with mental agility and thinking patterns. It represents the rational mind and the need to find answers. People with a strong Mercury in their chart usually have great mental power or are great communicators.
Venus ♀
Venus rules all things beautiful — love, beauty, artistic expression, and sensual pleasure are all Venusian domains. Material possessions are often associated with Venus as well. The sign Venus is in represents how we approach a relationship. It can also help you understand your drive in romantic and social relationships and build more harmony there.
Mars ♂
Mars represents the power of will and the force of action. It affects your assertiveness, your expression of anger, your athletic drives, and the more yang (masculine) expressions of your sexuality.
Social Planets
Jupiter ♃
As the biggest planet in our solar system, it is fitting that Jupiter represents expansion, growth, and success. It also represents generosity, abundance, luck, and optimism. Its placement in the birth chart says a lot about how you express — or overexpress — these qualities in your life.
Saturn ♄
Saturn is rigid. It is often associated with structure, time, and tradition. It also represents karma and restrictions. It often gets a bad rap, but Saturn is the great teacher that reminds us of our boundaries, responsibilities, and commitments.
Generational Planets
Uranus ♅
Uranus is the eccentric one. It willingly challenges the norm. Change, rebellion, and revolution are Uranian. The placement of Uranus in your chart gives insight into the ways in which revolutionary and surprising breakthroughs either come from you or are likely to happen to you.
Neptune ♆
Neptune has a mystical quality to it. It is subtle and enchanting, representing transcendence and the dream world that lulls us. Depending on the rest of your birth chart, Neptune can also be associated with the tendency to escape into realms of illusion and delusion, fantasy, projection, or victimhood.
Pluto ♇
Pluto is intense. It brings both destruction and resurrection. Deep transformation is facilitated by the presence of this planet in your chart. It represents our darkest impulses toward sex, death, and power — or how it affects you. Remember that with generational planets, there are strong external factors happening to you that are out of your control.
If you found this story helpful, do give some love (or claps). I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing it!
