Treatises on the Ptolemaic planets and their influence on people born "under their reign"

appear in block book form, so-called "planet books" or Planetebcher, from about 1460
in southern Germany, and remain popular throughout the German Renaissance, exerting
great iconographical influence far into the 17th century. A notable early example is the
Hausbuch of Wolfegg of c. 1470. Even earlier, Hans Talhoffer, in a 1459 manuscript,
includes a treatise on planets and planet-children.
These books usually list a male and a female Titan with each planet, Cronus and Rhea
with Saturn, Eurymedon and Themis with Jupiter, Hyperion and Theia with Sun, Atlas
and Phoebe with Moon, Coeus and Metis with Mercury, and Oceanus and Tethys with
Venus.[15]
The qualities inherited from the planets by their children are as follows:

Saturn: melancholy and apathy

Jupiter: hunting
Mars: soldiering and warfare
Sun: music and athleticism
Moon: association with water and travel
Mercury: money and commerce
Venus: amorousness and passion.[16]

Classical planets
The seven classical planets are those easily seen with the naked eye, and were thus
known to ancient astrologers. They are the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and
Saturn. Sometimes, the Sun and Moon were referred to as "the lights" or the "luminaries".
Ceres and Uranus can also just be seen with the naked eye, though no ancient culture
appears to have taken note of them. The astrological descriptions attached to the seven
classical planets have been preserved since ancient times. Astrologers call the seven
classical planets "the seven personal and social planets", because they are said to
represent the basic human drives of every individual.[citation needed] The personal planets are
the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars. The social or transpersonal planets are Jupiter
and Saturn. Jupiter and Saturn are often called the first of the "transpersonal" or
"transcendent" planets as they represent a transition from the inner personal planets to the
outer modern, impersonal planets. The outer modern planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto
are often called the collective or transcendental planets.[17] The following is a list of the
planets and their associated characteristics.[18]

Sun
"Sun sign" redirects here. For the such restricted astrology, see Sun sign astrology.

Helios on a relief from Ilion, early 4th-century BC

The Sun ( ) is the planetary ruler of Leo and is exalted in Aries. In Greek mythology,
the Sun was represented by the Titans Hyperion and Helios (Roman Sol, and later by
Apollo, the god of light). The Sun is the star at the center of our solar system, around
which the Earth and other planets revolve and provides us with heat and light. The arc
that the Sun travels in every year, rising and setting in a slightly different place each day,
is therefore in reality a reflection of the Earth's own orbit around the Sun. This arc is
larger the farther north or south from the equator latitude, giving a more extreme
difference between day and night and between seasons during the year. The Sun travels
through the twelve signs of the zodiac on its annual journey, spending about a month in
each. The Sun's position on a person's birthday therefore determines what is usually
called his or her "sun" sign. However, the sun sign allotment varies between Western
(sign change around 22-23 of every month) and Hindu astrology (sign change around 1415 of every month) due the different systems of planetary calculations, following the
tropical and sidereal definitions respectively.

The Sun, the star at the center of the Solar System

Astrologically, the Sun is usually thought to represent the conscious ego, the self and its
expression, personal power, pride and authority, leadership qualities and the principles of
creativity, spontaneity, health and vitality, the sum of which is named the "life force". One
of the first recorded references to Sun worship is from the Mesopotamian Religion and
described in the Epic of Gilgamesh. The 1st-century poet Marcus Manilius in his epic,
8000-verse poem, Astronomica, described the Sun, or Sol, as benign and favorable. In
medicine, the Sun is associated with the heart, circulatory system,[19] and the thymus. In
Ayurveda, it rules over life-force (praan-shakti), governs bile temperament (pitta),
stomach, bones and eyes. In modern astrology, the Sun is the primary native ruler of the
fifth house.

The Sun is associated with Sunday. Dante Alighieri associated the Sun with the liberal art
of music. In Chinese astrology, the Sun represents Yang, the active, assertive masculine
life principle.

Moon
Luna or Diana, wearing a crescent-moon crown and driving her ox-drawn chariot (biga),
on the Parabiago plate (2nd5th centuries AD)
The Moon ( ) is the ruling planet of Cancer and is exalted in Taurus. In Roman
mythology, the Moon was Luna, at times identified with Diana. The Moon is large
enough for its gravity to affect the Earth, stabilizing its orbit and producing the regular
ebb and flow of the tides. The lunar day syncs up with its orbit around Earth in such a
manner that the same side of the Moon always faces the Earth and the other side, known
as the "far side of the Moon" faces towards space.

Full Moon
Astrologically the Moon is associated with a person's emotional make-up, unconscious
habits, rhythms, memories, moods and their ability to react and adapt to those around
them. It is also associated with the mother, maternal instincts or the urge to nurture, the
home, the need for security and the past, especially early experiences and childhood. The
1st-century poet Manilius described the Moon, or Luna, as melancholic. In medicine, the
Moon is associated with the digestive system, stomach, breasts, the ovaries and
menstruation (which does occur on a monthly cycle)[20] and the pancreas. Despite
Manilius's assignation, the Moon is commonly associated with the phlegmatic humor; it
ruled the animal spirits. In modern astrology, the Moon is the primary native ruler of the
fourth house.
The Moon or Luna is associated with Monday, the word Monday comes from the Old
English word for Moon day or Moon's day, and in Romance languages, the name for
Monday comes from luna (e.g., luni in Romanian, lundi in French, lunes in Spanish and
lunedi in Italian).
In Chinese astrology, the Moon represents Yin, the passive and receptive feminine life
principle. In Indian astrology, the Moon is called Chandra or Soma and represents the
mind, queenship and mother. The north lunar node (called Rahu) and the south lunar node
(called Ketu) are considered to be of particular importance and are given an equal place
alongside the seven classical planets as part of the nine navagraha.

Mercury

Flying Mercury (late 16th-century) by Giambologna

Mercury ( ) is the ruling planet of Gemini and Virgo and is exalted in the latter; it is the
only planet with rulership and exaltation both in the same sign (Virgo). In Roman
mythology, Mercury is the messenger of the gods, noted for his speed and swiftness.
Echoing this, the scorching, airless world Mercury circles the Sun on the fastest orbit of
any planet. Mercury takes only 88 days to orbit the Sun, spending about 7.33 days in each
sign of the zodiac. Mercury is so close to the Sun that only a brief period exists after the
Sun has set where it can be seen with the naked eye, before following the Sun beyond the
horizon.[citation needed]
Astrologically, Mercury represents the principles of communication, mentality, thinking
patterns, rationality and reasoning, and adaptability and variability. Mercury governs
schooling and education, the immediate environment of neighbors, siblings and cousins,
transport over short distances, messages and forms of communication such as post, email
and telephone, newspapers, journalism and writing, information gathering skills and
physical dexterity. The 1st-century poet Manilius described Mercury as an inconstant,
vivacious and curious planet.

The planet Mercury

In medicine, Mercury is associated with the nervous system, the brain, the respiratory
system, the thyroid and the sense organs. It is traditionally held to be essentially cold and
dry, according to its placement in the zodiac and in any aspects to other planets.
In modern astrology, Mercury is regarded as the ruler of the third and sixth houses;
traditionally, it had the joy in the first house. Mercury is the messenger of the gods in
mythology. It is the planet of day-to-day expression and relationships. Mercury's action is
to take things apart and put them back together again. It is an opportunistic planet,
decidedly unemotional and curious.

Mercury rules over Wednesday. In Romance languages, the word for Wednesday is often
similar to Mercury (miercuri in Romanian, mercredi in French, miercoles in Spanish and
mercoled in Italian). Dante Alighieri associated Mercury with the liberal art of dialectic.
[citation needed]
In Indian astrology, Mercury is called Budha, a word related to Buddhi
("intelligence") and represents communication.[citation needed]
In Chinese astrology, Mercury represents Water, the fourth element, therefore
symbolizing communication, intelligence, and elegance.

Venus

Venus, wearing the sign of Libra on her midsection, and Taurus at her feet, at Cardiff
Castle, Wales
Venus ( ) is the ruling planet of Libra and Taurus and is exalted in Pisces. In Roman
mythology, Venus is the goddess of love and beauty, famous for the passions she could
stir among the gods. Her cults may represent the religiously legitimate charm and
seduction of the divine by mortals, in contrast to the formal, contractual relations between
most members of Rome's official pantheon and the state, and the unofficial, illicit
manipulation of divine forces through magic. The ambivalence of her function is
suggested in the etymological relationship of the root *venes- with Latin venenum
(poison, venom), in the sense of "a charm, magic philtre".
Venus orbits the Sun in 225 days, spending about 18.75 days in each sign of the zodiac.
Venus is the second brightest object in the night sky, the Moon being the brightest. It is
usually beheld as a twin planet to Earth.
Astrologically, Venus is associated with the principles of harmony, beauty, balance,
feelings and affections and the urge to sympathize and unite with others. It is involved
with the desire for pleasure, comfort and ease. It governs romantic relations, marriage and
business partnerships, sex (the origin of the words 'venery' and 'venereal'), the arts,

fashion and social life. The 1st-century poet Marcus Manilius described Venus as
generous and fecund and the lesser benefic.

The planet Venus

The planet Venus in medicine is associated with the lumbar region, the veins,
parathyroids, throat and kidneys. Venus was thought to be moderately warm and moist
and was associated with the phlegmatic humor. In modern astrology, Venus is the ruler of
the second and seventh houses.
Venus is the planet of Friday. In languages deriving from Latin, such as Romanian,
Spanish, French, and Italian, the word for Friday often resembles the word Venus (vineri,
viernes, vendredi and "venerd" respectively). Dante Alighieri associated Venus with the
liberal art of rhetoric.[21] In Chinese astrology, Venus is associated with the element metal,
which is unyielding, strong and persistent. In Indian astrology, Venus is known as Shukra
and represents wealth, pleasure and reproduction. In Norse Paganism, the planet is
associated to Freyja, the goddess of love, beauty and fertility.[citation needed]

Mars
Early 18th-century illustration of Mars (al-mirrikh) for the Bestiary of Zakariya alQazwini (Walters Art Museum)
Mars ( ) is the ruling planet of Aries and is exalted in Capricorn. Mars is the Roman
god of war and bloodshed, whose symbol is a spear and shield. Both the soil of Mars and
the hemoglobin of human blood are rich in iron and because of this they share its distinct
deep red color.[22] He was second in importance only to Jupiter, and he was the most
prominent of the military gods worshipped by the Roman legions.
Mars orbits the Sun in 687 days, spending about 57.25 days in each sign of the zodiac. It
is also the first planet that orbits outside of Earth's orbit, making it the first planet that
does not set along with the Sun. Mars has two permanent polar ice caps. During a pole's
winter, it lies in continuous darkness, chilling the surface and causing the deposition of
2530% of the atmosphere into slabs of CO2 ice (dry ice).
Astrologically, Mars is associated with confidence and self-assertion, aggression,
sexuality, energy, strength, ambition and impulsiveness. Mars governs sports,
competitions and physical activities in general. The 1st-century poet Manilius, described
the planet as ardent and as the lesser malefic. In medicine, Mars presides over the

genitals, the muscular system, the gonads and adrenal glands. It was traditionally held to
be hot and excessively dry and ruled the choleric humor. It was associated with fever,
accidents, trauma, pain and surgery.

The planet Mars

In modern astrology, Mars is the primary native ruler of the first house. Traditionally
however, Mars ruled both the third and tenth houses. While Venus tends to the overall
relationship atmosphere, Mars is the passionate impulse and action, the masculine aspect,
discipline, will-power and stamina.
Mars is associated with Tuesday and in Romance languages the word for Tuesday often
resembles Mars (in Romanian, mari, in Spanish, martes, in French, mardi and in Italian
"marted"). The English "Tuesday" is a modernised form of "Tyr's Day", Tyr being the
Germanic analogue to Mars. Dante Alighieri associated Mars with the liberal art of
arithmetic. In Chinese astrology, Mars is ruled by the element fire, which is passionate,
energetic and adventurous. In Indian astrology, Mars is called Mangala and represents
energy, confidence and ego.[citation needed]

Jupiter

Jupiter enthroned, with the symbols of Pisces and Sagittarius at his feet (woodcut by
Johannes Regiomontanus, 1512)
Jupiter ( ) or is the ruling planet of Sagittarius and is exalted in Cancer. In
Roman mythology, Jupiter is the ruler of the gods and their guardian and protector, and
his symbol is the thunderbolt. The Romans believed that Jupiter granted them supremacy
because they had honored him more than any other people had. Jupiter was "the fount of

the auspices upon which the relationship of the city with the gods rested." He personified
the divine authority of Rome's highest offices, internal organization, and external
relations. His image in the Republican and Imperial Capitol bore regalia associated with
Rome's ancient kings and the highest consular and Imperial honours.
In the same way, the planet Jupiter is the king of the other planets, a giant in size with
spectacular, brightly colored clouds and intense storms.[23] Some astronomers believe that
it plays an important protecting role in using its massive gravity to capture or expel from
the solar system many comets and asteroids that would otherwise threaten Earth and the
inner planets.[24] Jupiter takes 11.9 years to orbit the Sun, spending almost an earth year
(361 days) in each sign of the zodiac. Furthermore Jupiter is usually the fourth brightest
object in the sky (after the Sun, the Moon and Venus).
Astrologically, Jupiter is associated with the principles of growth, expansion, prosperity,
and good fortune. Jupiter governs long distance and foreign travel, higher education,
religion, and the law. It is also associated with the urge for freedom and exploration,
humanitarian and protecting roles, and with gambling and merrymaking.

The planet Jupiter

The 1st-century poet Manilius described Jupiter as temperate and benign, and the greater
benefic. It was regarded as warm and moist in nature, and therefore favorable to life. In
medicine, Jupiter is associated with the liver, pituitary gland, and the disposition of fats; it
governed the sanguine humor. In modern astrology, Jupiter is the primary native ruler of
the ninth house, but traditionally, Jupiter was assigned to both the second and ninth
houses: the house of values and the house of beliefs, respectively.
Jupiter is associated with Thursday, and in Romance languages, the name for Thursday
often comes from Jupiter (e.g., joi in Romanian, jeudi in French, jueves in Spanish, and
gioved in Italian). Dante Alighieri associated Jupiter with the liberal art of geometry. In
Chinese astrology, Jupiter is ruled by the element wood, which is patient, hard-working,
and reliable. In Indian astrology, Jupiter is known as Guru or Brihaspati and is known as
the 'great teacher'.[citation needed]

Saturn

Saturn, with Capricorn at his feet and the New Year in his arms, from The Seven Planets
with the Signs of the Zodiac (1539) by Hans Sebald Beham
Saturn ( ) is the ruling planet of Capricorn and is exalted in Libra. In Roman
mythology, Saturn is the god of agriculture, founder of civilizations and of social order,
and conformity. The glyph is shaped like a scythe, but it is known as the "crescent below
the cross", whereas Jupiter's glyph is the "crescent above the cross". The famous rings of
the planet Saturn that enclose and surround it, reflect the idea of human limitations.
Saturn takes 29.5 years to orbit the Sun, spending about 2.46 years in each sign of the
zodiac.
Astrologically, Saturn is associated with the principles of limitation, restrictions,
boundaries, practicality and reality, crystallizing, and structures. Saturn governs ambition,
career, authority and hierarchy, and conforming social structures.[citation needed] It concerns a
person's sense of duty, discipline and responsibility, and their physical and emotional
endurance during hardships. Saturn is also considered to represent the part of a person
concerned with long-term planning. The Return of Saturn is said to mark significant
events in each person's life. According to the 1st-century poet Manilius, Saturn is sad,
morose, and cold, and is the greater malefic. According to Claudius Ptolemy, "Saturn is
lord of the right ear, the spleen, the bladder, the phlegm, and the bones."[25] Saturn
symbolized processes and things that were dry and cold, and therefore inimical to life. It
governed the melancholic humor.
According to Sefer Yetzirah GRA Version Kaplan 4:13[26]
"He made the letter Resh king over Peace And He bound a crown to it And He combined
one with another And with them He formed Saturn in the Universe Friday in the Year
The left nostril in the Soul, male and female."

The planet Saturn

Before the discovery of Uranus, Saturn was regarded as the ruling planet of Aquarius.
Many traditional types of astrologers prefer considering Saturn as the planetary ruler for
both Capricorn and Aquarius. In modern astrology, it is the primary native ruler of the
tenth house. Traditionally however, Saturn ruled both the first and eighth houses.
Saturn is associated with Saturday, which was named after the deity Saturn. Dante
Alighieri associated Saturn with the liberal art of astronomia (astrology and astronomy).
In Chinese astrology, Saturn is ruled by the element earth, which is warm, generous, and
co-operative. In Indian astrology, Saturn is called Shani or "Sani", and represents career
and longevity. It is also the bringer of obstacles and hardship.[citation needed]

Modern planets
Since the invention of the telescope, Western astrology has incorporated Uranus,
Neptune, Ceres, Pluto, and other bodies into its methodology. The Indian and Chinese
astrologies have tended to retain the ancient seven-planet system. Meanings have had to
be assigned to them by modern astrologers, usually according to the major events that
occurred in the world at the time of their discovery. As these astrologers are usually
Western, the social and historical events they describe have an inevitable Western
emphasis. Astrologers consider the "extra-Saturnian" planets to be "impersonal" or
generational planets, meaning their effects are felt more across whole generations of
society. Their effects in individuals depend upon how strongly they feature in that
individual's birth-chart. The following are their characteristics as accepted by most
astrologers.[27]

Uranus

Syncretic figure of Aion-Uranus standing within a zodiac wheel, with a reclining Earth
goddess and four children representing the Seasons (Roman-era mosaic from Sentinum,
AD 200-250)
Uranus ( ) is the ruling planet of Aquarius and is exalted in Scorpio. In Greek
mythology, Uranus is the personification of the heavens and the night sky. The planet

Uranus is very unusual among the planets in that it rotates on its side, so that it presents
each of its poles to the Sun in turn during its orbit; causing both hemispheres to alternate
between being bathed in light and lying in total darkness over the course of the orbit.
Uranus takes 84 years to orbit the Sun, spending about 7 years in each sign of the zodiac.
Uranus was discovered only in 1781 by Sir William Herschel.
Astrologically modern interpretations associate Uranus with the principles of genius,
individuality, new and unconventional ideas, discoveries, electricity, inventions, and the
beginnings of the industrial revolution. Uranus, among all planets, most governs genius.

The planet Uranus

Uranus governs societies, clubs, and any group based on humanitarian or progressive
ideals. Uranus, the planet of sudden and unexpected changes, rules freedom and
originality. In society, it rules radical ideas and people, as well as revolutionary events
that upset established structures. Uranus is also associated with Wednesday, alongside
Mercury.
In art and literature, the discovery of Uranus coincided with the Romantic movement,
which emphasized individuality and freedom of creative expression. Additionally, it is
often linked to an individual's animal spirit. When it comes to medicine, Uranus is
believed to be particularly associated with the sympathetic nervous system, mental
disorders, breakdowns and hysteria, spasms, and cramps. Uranus is considered by
modern astrologers to be the primary native ruler of the eleventh house.[citation needed]

Neptune
Neptune ( ) is the ruling planet of Pisces and is exalted in Leo. In Roman mythology,
Neptune is the god of the sea, and the deep, ocean blue color of the planet Neptune
reflects this.[original research?] Its glyph is taken directly from Neptune's trident, symbolizing
the curve of spirit being pierced by the cross of matter. Neptune takes 165 years to orbit
the Sun, spending approximately 14 years (13.75) in each sign of the zodiac. Neptune
was discovered in 1846.[citation needed]

The planet Neptune

Astrologically, modern Western astrologers associate the planet Neptune with creativity,
idealism and compassion, but also with illusion, confusion, and deception. Neptune
governs hospitals, prisons, mental institutions, and any other place, such as a monastery,
that involves a retreat from society. Its appearance coincided with the discovery of
anesthetics and hypnotism. In political terms, Neptune was linked to the rise of
nationalist movements throughout Europe in countries like Germany, Italy, Hungary,
Ireland, and Serbia, seeking independence for their nations inspired by an idealized past
of legend. It was also linked to the rise of socialism and the beginnings of the welfare
state. Neptune coincided with the utopian ideals of Communism, when Marx and Engels
first published 'The Communist Manifesto' in 1848.[citation needed] Neptune is also the day of
Friday, alongside Venus.

Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto, ceiling mural(ca. 1597) created by Caravaggio for a room
adjacent to the alchemical distillery of Cardinal Francesco Maria Del Monte: hovering
around a translucent globe that represents the world are Jupiter with his eagle, Neptune
holding a bident, and Pluto with a horse and Cerberus[28]
In art, the impressionist movement began a trend away from literal representation, to one
based on the subtle, changing moods of light and color. In medicine, Neptune is seen to
be particularly associated with the thalamus, the spinal canal, and severe or mysterious
illnesses and neuroses. Neptune is considered by modern astrologers to be the primary
native ruler of the twelfth house.

Pluto

Pluto ( ) is the ruling planet of Scorpio and is exalted in Virgo. In Roman mythology,
Pluto is the god of the underworld and of wealth. The alchemy symbol was given to Pluto
on its discovery, three centuries after Alchemy practices had all but disappeared. The
alchemy symbol can therefore be read as spirit over mind, transcending matter. The
symbols were chosen given the close association with Mars which has a similar symbol.
Pluto takes 247 years to make a full circuit of the zodiac, but its progress is highly
variable: it spends between 15 and 26 years in each sign.
Astrologically, Pluto is called "the great renewer", and is considered to represent the part
of a person that destroys in order to renew, through bringing buried, but intense needs and
drives to the surface, and expressing them, even at the expense of the existing order. A
commonly used keyword for Pluto is "transformation".[citation needed] It is associated with
power and personal mastery, and the need to cooperate and share with another, if each is
not to be destroyed. Pluto governs big business and wealth, mining, surgery and detective
work, and any enterprise that involves digging under the surface to bring the truth to
light. Pluto is also associated with Tuesday, alongside Mars.
Pluto represents extreme power and corruption; the discovery of Pluto in 1930 coincided
with the rise of fascism and Stalinism in Europe, leading to World War II. It also
coincided with the Great Depression and the major proliferation of organized crime in the
United States.[citation needed]

The dwarf planet Pluto (artist's conception)

Its entry in Cancer in 1913, the sign in which it was later discovered, coincided with
World War I. It is also associated with nuclear armament, which had its genesis in the
research of the 1930s and 40s. Later on, it gave rise to the polarized nuclear stand off of
the Cold War, with the mass consumer societies of the United States and other
democracies facing the totalitarian state of the USSR. The discovery of Pluto also
occurred just after the birth of modern psychoanalysis, when Freud and Jung began to
explore the depths of the unconscious.
In real life events and culture, Pluto has been a major astrological aspect. When it comes
to art, movements like Cubism and Surrealism began to de-construct the "normal" view
of the world. In medicine, Pluto is seen to be associated with regenerative forces in the
body involving cell formation and the reproductive system.[citation needed] Majority of
traditional astrologers do not use Pluto as a ruling planet, but do use the planet for
interpretation and predictive work, obliquely making reference to projections of

influences from higher- to lower-dimensional spaces.[citation needed] Pluto is considered by

modern astrologers to be the primary native ruler of the eighth house.

Ceres

Ceres with torch in search of Proserpina (medaillon by Martial Reymond, early 17th
century)
Ceres ( ) is the smallest identified dwarf planet in the Solar System. It was discovered
on 1 January 1801 by Giuseppe Piazzi, and is named after Ceres, the Roman goddess of
growing plants, the harvest, and of motherly love. It was the first asteroid discovered,
taking up about one-third of the entire mass of its asteroid belt.[29] The classification of
Ceres has changed more than once and has been the subject of some disagreement.[citation
needed]
Johann Elert Bode believed Ceres to be the "missing planet" he had proposed to
exist between Mars and Jupiter, at a distance of 419 million km (2.8 AU) from the Sun.
Ceres was assigned a planetary symbol, and remained listed as a planet in astronomy
books and tables for about half a century. The 2006 debate surrounding Pluto and what
constitutes a planet led to Ceres being considered for reclassification as a planet, but in
the end Ceres and Pluto were classified as the first members of the new dwarf planet
category.
Ceres passes through the zodiac every 4 years and 7 months, passing through a little more
than 2 signs every year.
In mythology, Ceres is the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Demeter, and is the
goddess of agriculture. The goddess (and metaphorically the planet) is also associated
with the reproductive issues of an adult woman, as well as pregnancy and other major
transitions in a woman's life, including the nine months of gestation time, family bonds
and relationships. For some astrologers Ceres is the ruling planet of Virgo[citation needed].
Although a mother, Ceres is also the archetype of a virgin goddess. Ceres epitomizes
independent women who are often unmarried (since, according to myth, Ceres is an
unmarried goddess who chose to become a mother without a husband or partner.) While
the moon represents our ideal of "motherhood", Ceres would represent how our real and
nature motherhood should be.[30]

The dwarf planet Ceres

Ceres, as the Goddess who has control over nature's resources and cycles, may
astrologically be considered the planet of the Environment. Returning to mythology, an
early environmental villain is the figure of Erysichthon, the tearer up of the earth, who
cut down trees in a grove sacred to Ceres-Demeter, for which he was punished by the
goddess with fearful hunger. In this sense Ceres became an emerging archetype in the
awareness of recent climate change, and is entering our collective consciousness as a
need to take care of our natural and irreplaceable resources in the 21st century. Ceres
represents a leap towards a future of ecological responsibility and knowledge. As an
indicator for environmental or community activism, Ceres would represent for some
astrologers the wave of the future.[31]
The status of Ceres is unknown at the moment in astrology. The possibility exists that
Ceres is not involved with any sign, but it has been strongly suggested as the ruler of
Virgo. As in all cases of newer discoveries, Ceres will likely never be used in horoscopes
by traditionalist astrologers.

Planetary traditions compared

Main article: List of astrological traditions
The three most popular Eurasian traditions, Western astrology, Chinese astrology, and
Hindu Astrology, accordingly share a large amount of common themes in their zodiacs
and concepts of planetary meanings.[citation needed] This could fallaciously inflect that the
three have an ancient common origin, whereas in fact the three developed mutually over
millennia by diffusion, assimilation, scholarship, and trade across the whole of Eurasia
and Africa.
The Western and Hindu zodiacs essentially correspond to twelve similar archetypes,
despite differences in tone, emphasis, motifs, and right ascension of their constellations,
as do the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac; however, both Western and Hindu astrology
are based on four elements: fire, earth, air, water; whereas the Chinese is based on five:
metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. Chinese elemental conceptions of the planets clearly
correlate to their Western and Hindu counterparts in the case of Mars (Fire), Saturn
(Earth), and Jupiter (Wood).[citation needed] The Chinese linkage of Mercury with Water is
alien to Western astrology, but this combination shares the water themes, much of what is
coined "mercurial" in Western thought, such as intellect, reason and communication.[citation
needed]

The Chinese association of Venus to Metal appears at first fundamentally different from
Western notions of love and romance. In Babylonian mythology, her equivalent was
Ishtar, goddess of both love and war. The Chinese metal representative is unyielding and
forceful, set in their ways and taciturn; yet Venus' Western element is air, which is logical
and sanguine. Metal is also sophisticated, and enjoys the good things in life. In Western
astrology, Venus rules both Libra, which is sophisticated, logical, and romantic, and
Taurus, which is reserved, sensual, and unyielding Some Western astrologers believe that
metal is better associated with the qualities of the planet Saturn, arguing that metal
equates to air in the western system, and that Saturn is linked to air in Vedic astrology.[32]
[33]

The cycle of the five Chinese elements operate completely differently from the Western
cycle of four. This discrepancy between elements can be clarified by their geomancy,
which is locked with Chinese astrology. On the Feng Shui compass, the five elements and
the five visible planets are placed on the cardinal directions and center point, with
Mercury-Water to the north, Jupiter-Wood to the east, Mars-Fire to the south, VenusMetal to the west, and Saturn-Earth in the center.[clarification needed] This also suggests that
Western air best corresponds to metal, while Venus rules the west in both traditions.
Wood in Chinese philosophy describes characteristics found in the Western element of
fire.[citation needed]

Other solar system bodies

See also: Asteroids in astrology
Some asteroids such as Pallas ( ) and Vesta ( ), as well as dwarf planet Ceres, can
sometimes be seen with binoculars (Vesta even with the naked eye), but these were not
recognized as planetary, and perhaps not even noticed, until the early 19th century.[citation
needed]

In the early 19th century, Ceres, Juno ( ), and the other two aforementioned
asteroids were for a time regarded as planets. Although asteroids have been known to
both astronomers and astrologers for more than 200 years, they are often ignored by
astrologers. The tradition of some astrologers casting charts with minor planets originates
with these asteroids. Since the discovery of Chiron ( ) in the 1970s, some astrologers
have been casting the new "planet", although astronomers consider it a centaur (a kind of
intermediate object between comet and asteroid).[34]
In the 21st century, several new planet-sized bodies, including Sedna, Quaoar, Haumea,
and Eris, have been discovered, but not yet incorporated into mainstream astrological
predictions, although some more avant-garde groups have attempted to incorporate them.
[35][36]

Comets and novae have been observed and discussed for several thousand years.[citation
needed]
Comets in particular were portents of great interest to ancient people and given
various astrological interpretations. Both phenomena are rarely visible to the naked-eye,
and are ignored by most modern astrologers.[citation needed]

The near-earth asteroid Cruithne is thought to influence the zodiac and some personal
horoscopes.[citation needed] Not to be confused with Chiron, Pluto's only moon Charon is
treated like a "minor planet" or given the same status as a dwarf planet, the title given to
Pluto when in 2006 the International Astronomical Union demoted its status from the
farthest planet.[citation needed]

Hypothetical planets
Some astrologers have hypothesized about the existence of unseen or undiscovered
planets. In 1918, astrologer Sepharial proposed the existence of Earth's "Dark Moon"
Lilith, and since then, some astrologers have been using it in their charts; though the
same name is also (and now, more commonly) used in astrology to refer to the axis of the
actual Moon's orbit. The 20th-century German school of astrology known as Uranian
astrology also claimed that many undiscovered planets existed beyond the orbit of
Neptune, giving them names such as Cupido, Hades, Zeus, Kronos, Apollon, Admetos,
Vulcanus, and Poseidon, and charting their supposed orbits. These orbits have not
coincided, however, with more recent discoveries by astronomers of objects beyond
Neptune.
Other astrologers have focused on the theory that in time, all twelve signs of the zodiac
will each have their own ruler, so that another two planets have yet to be discovered;
namely the "true" rulers of Taurus and Virgo. The names of the planets mentioned in this
regard by some are Vulcan (ruler of Virgo) and Apollo, the Roman god of the Sun (ruler
of Taurus).[37] Another version of this theory states that the modern planets discovered so
far correspond to the elements known to the ancientsair (Uranus, god of the heavens),
water (Neptune, god of the sea), and fire (Pluto, god of the underworld)which leaves
the elements earth and ether (the fifth element of the fiery upper air). In other words, it is
claimed that the two planets to be discovered will be named after an earth god or goddess
(such as the Horae), and after Aether, the Roman and Greek god of the upper air and
stars.[citation needed]

The Thema Mundi

Ruling planets of the astrological signs and houses

Main article: Domicile (astrology)
In Western astrology, the symbolism associated with the planets also relates to the zodiac
signs and houses of the horoscope in their various rulerships. For instance, the description
of Mars is masculine, impulsive, and active. Aries is ruled by Mars and has a similar
description, representing an active, masculine archetype. Similarly, the first house is also
ruled by Mars, and deals with a person's physical health and strength, and the manner in
which they project themselves.
Table 1: Modern signs, houses and planetary associations
Sign
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius

House Domicile Detriment Exaltation

Fall
1st House Mars
Venus
Sun
Saturn
2nd House Venus
Pluto
Moon
Uranus
3rd House Mercury Jupiter
N/A
N/A
4th House Moon
Saturn
Jupiter
Mars
5th House Sun
Uranus
Neptune
Mercury
6th House Mercury Neptune Pluto, Mercury Venus
7th House Venus
Mars
Saturn
Sun
8th House Pluto
Venus
Uranus
Moon
9th House Jupiter Mercury N/A
N/A
10th
Capricorn
Saturn Moon
Mars
Jupiter
House
Aquarius 11th House Uranus Sun
Mercury
Neptune
12th
Pluto,
Pisces
Neptune Mercury Venus
House
Mercury

Planetary Joy
Mercury
Jupiter
Mars
Venus
Mars
Saturn
Moon
Saturn
Sun
Mercury
Venus
Jupiter

Note: The planets in the table rule the signs on the same row, and the houses do
correspond with the signs on the same row (i.e. Mars rules Aries; Aries and first house
share some correspondences). However, it is only modern astrology that links the planets
to the houses in this order.[citation needed] The bulk of the tradition assigns planetary rulerships
according to the ancient Chaldean astronomical order of the planets[citation needed] (Saturn,
Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon; the former order of the planets in distance
from Earth geocentrically):
Table 2: Traditional houses and planetary relationships.
House
1st House
2nd House
3rd House
4th House

Traditional Ruling planet Planetary Joy

Saturn
Mercury
Jupiter
N/A
Mars
Moon
Sun
N/A

5th House
6th House
7th House
8th House
9th House
10th House
11th House
12th House

Venus
Mercury
Moon
Saturn
Jupiter
Mars
Sun
Venus

Venus
Mars
N/A
N/A
Sun
N/A
Jupiter
Saturn