While the 12 signs of the zodiac explain how we behave, the 10 planets explain what kind of energy is present.
Each planet moves at a different speed or cycle through the 12 signs of the zodiac. In the case of the Moon, which orbits the Earth and not the Sun, astrologers look at how long the Moon takes to complete one cycle. Like the 12 signs, each planet is represented by a symbol or glyph. These symbols are used by astrologers as a form of shorthand on charts.
The 10 planets of the zodiac and their symbols (glyphs).
In the same way that the zodiac signs are grouped into elements and modes, the planets are grouped into three categories: personal, social, and transpersonal. These categories are based on what kind of influence the planets have on the individual and society as a whole.
The five personal planets represent more subjective energies that we deal with on a regular basis. They explain the “what” of our identity, thoughts, and feelings, as well as what we love and what makes us angry.
Cycle Length: 1 year
Key focus: Inner self
The Sun represents our identity: ego, will, self-awareness all come under the Sun’s dominion. What area do you want to shine in? The Sun’s placement in your chart will tell you.
Cycle Length: 28 days
Key focus: Emotions
The Moon represents instinct and feelings. What are you feeling? The Moon’s placement tells you about emotional changes and responses to situations.
Cycle Length: 88 days
Key focus: Reason and logic
Mercury represents thought, intellect and communication. What do you think and in what ways do you communicate what you’re thinking? Mercury’s placement will help explain it.
Cycle Length: 7.3 months
Key focus: Affection
Venus represents love and all the ways it can be expressed: social interactions, creative pursuits, material possessions, sensual pleasures. What do you enjoy doing or having? What ways do you show your love of someone or something? The placement of Venus will show you.
Cycle Length: 22 months
Key focus: Energy
Mars represents action and activity, as well as sex, aggression and ambition. What motivates you to action? In what areas of your life do you focus your energy? Your Mars placement shows this.
The two social planets, Jupiter and Saturn, act as a gateway or bridge between our personal experience of the world and the world itself. We must learn to integrate the lessons of the social planets if we want to have a healthy experience of the world around us.
Cycle Length: 12 years
Key focus: Expansion
Jupiter is the “go big” planet: it represents luck, optimism, prosperity, leisure and morality. In what areas of life do you believe in a positive outcome? What makes you feel “larger than life”? Jupiter’s placement shows what parts of your life are ripe for expansion.
Cycle Length: 28-30 years
Key focus: responsibility
Saturn is the “taskmaster” planet, representing structure, limitations, discipline and conventionality. In what areas of life do you experience limits? What brings you a sense of security? Saturn’s placement tells you what lessons you need to learn.
The three outermost planets—Uranus, Neptune and Pluto—are known as transpersonal planets. Sometimes referred to as transgenerational planets, these three planets represent big-picture goals that everyone seeks: knowledge gained through experience, spiritual awareness, and power.
Cycle Length: 84 years
Key focus: Awakening
Uranus is the “rebel” planet: it represents originality, eccentricity and sudden changes. What aspects of life make you want to buck the system? In what areas do you think or behave in an unusual, outside-the-box way? The placement of Uranus shows what can make you a rebel.
Cycle Length: 165 years
Key focus: Illusion and Delusion
Neptune is the “seeker” planet, representing dreams, spirituality and intuition. Its commitment to finding ultimate spiritual knowledge and ideals sometimes means that Neptune falls prey to addictive behavior or gets lost in illusions. In what parts of your life do you tend to deceive yourself? What areas of your life are in need of spiritual guidance or fulfillment? Neptune’s placement shows what can cloud your vision if left unchecked.
Cycle Length: 248-264 years (estimated)
Key focus: Transformation
Pluto is the “transformer” planet, representing the unconscious’s deep-rooted desire to grow and change. This planet’s connection to the circle of life, death and rebirth challenges us to drop our fear of the unknown and step into our own power. What areas of your life require transformation? What aspects of your existence need to die away in order to be reborn into a more powerful position? Pluto’s placement can show you what you need to figure out on your own in order to achieve personal power.
Linda Kaye explains the significance of Pluto in astrology, despite its new status as a dwarf planet
Now that we have the “how” and the “what,” it’s time to look at the “where”: the 12 houses of the zodiac wheel.