Our Planetary Neighbors

Our solar system with its central Sun andarts and to our material good fortune and
revolving nine planets, including our own, is ofinvolvement in true romance.
major importance to us as we live here on ourMars energy is available to fight struggles, to
little Earth. However, we are reminded of the factassert self preservation or to defend all that is
that our system is only one of millions of worldsworthwhile. It represents personal courage and
in the heavens and that there are many andwas often represented as a knight in shining
glorious galaxies and suns greater than our own.armour, willing to fight to the death for its cause.
However, as we relate to our own family ofIn our personal life its energy can incline us
planets we are concerned with very vital energiestowards inappropriate aggression or to bestow
that radiate to affect all natural life on our ownthe gift of leadership and enthusiasm.
small world. Here, each planet's energy althoughJupiter is the grand planet of wealth and good
invisible, is responsible in creating a climate offortune. Its influence inclines us to expansive
planetary forces to which we react, although ingenerosity and abundant health and success but
the main it may be unconsciously. In the sameonly if we are willing to contribute personal effort.
but more obvious way, we all react to ourThose who are lazy by nature are apt to 'trust to
weather conditions and the natural elements in ourluck' and await things happening become too
physical environment.dependent upon Jupiter.
Astrologers over the centuries have studied theSaturn is generally considered as a planet with a
planetary influences upon our human nature andnegative influence but this is not a true account
psychological attitudes as upon other forms ofbecause it has deep and far reaching influence
natural life, seeking to explore causation, effectsupon our lives beyond passing restraints and
and the very reasons for our existence. Asfrustrations. It is known as the instrument of
astronomers focus upon the physical nature andcosmic justice or Karma and distributes with
aspects of the planets, astrologers learn toimpartiality the energies which must be returned
anticipate the possible influences that engenderto us for our past deeds, both good and bad.
certain human activities and actions. The scienceUranus causes unusual events, unconventional
behind astrology offers a degree of selfrelationships and unexpected behaviour. Its
determination that encourages self culture and selfinfluence has been responsible for urging our
confidence through analysis of any current blendextension of interests and our sciences into the
of planetary energy and utilizing it to ourunknown mysteries of space. It is best known as
advantage. In addition we can be alerted to anythe herald of the Aquarian Age - forthcoming
need for caution in our enterprises.period of enlightenment beyond cultural and
The Sun is of course the most powerful. For thespiritual purpose seeking the truth about
purposes of astrology, it bears the name of aexistence, not only on our planet, but in the
planet but like the Moon, it is strictly a luminary.realms beyond.
As the Sun symbolizes the spiritual nature of anNeptune is the planet ruling our emotions and our
individual, the enduring qualities and the talents,feelings in a different way from the effect of the
good fortune and wealth of a person, the MoonMoon. It plays upon our unconscious or nebulous
represents the changing and fluctuating tides ofand psychic feelings and tends to make us dream
events and emotions. Both are important inand to activate our poetic inclinations. But it can
regard to health and well being that depends uponmake us victim of drugs and escape situations if
harmony between the masculine, electric vitalitywe allow negative habits to destroy us.
and the opposite feminine or magnetic forces ofPluto is small and distant a planet. It has a
the Moon. In interpreting a chart, these symbolspowerful effect upon us, although this has only
can be seen to refer to the two prime energiesbeen analysed since its comparatively recent
within each of us, or outwardly, by representingdiscovery. Much of its influence affects humanity
parents or others who play a vital role in our lives.as a whole as it is the power that persuades
Mercury, once seen as the messenger god flyingunions, monopolies and global enterprises to
between spirit and matter, it represents the mindemerge. It remains somewhat mysterious and we
with its capabilities of ranging in both abstract andrecall that it was named the god of the
material realms of thought. Its position in the chartunderworld. Only a wise astrologer will be
and the relationship with other planets andconfident in interpreting its full role in our life.
energies shows our type of thinking and ourWe must get to know and to respect all our
intellectual skills in communication.neighboring planets if we seek not only to
Venus is always seen as the planet of love andunderstand the components of our own nature
harmony and portrayed as a goddess. All femininebut to lift a little of the veil that cloaks the
qualities are seen to relate to love and mostmagnitude of Great Nature and its purposes in the
importantly, to beauty in all things. It is stronglyheavens.
related to the decorative as well as the musical