Planets of our Solar System are the “Rulers” of the Zodiac (the stars in the background) and of our astrology.

In astrology, the Sun and Moon are referred to as planets although they are not actually. Earth, appearing stationary to primitive man looking heavenward, was not considered a “planet”. As home to the only known life forms, it is for our purposes the accepted center of our universe; and, every individual, from his vantage point on Terra Firma, has a unique view and perspective that is ultimately personal. Since ancient times, the Earth was the “cross-hairs” of reality and existence.

Nearest to the Sun are the fast moving, rocky planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. Further away from the Sun are the slowly moving gas giants: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, that may inhabit a sign for a whole generation.

The assignments of “ruling planets”, by prehistoric star-gazers, appear to be based upon the seasons. The Sun, passing each year through Leo, brought the warmest and longest days. Distant and cold Saturn, was awarded rulership of Aquarius, the sign opposite Leo. Jupiter, next farthest away, was given the next sign Pisces, and Mars, next in order, was assigned Aries…, and, so on.

Mercury never appearing more than one sign from the sun was deemed to rule the signs on either side of Leo (Virgo and Gemini), and Venus, never found more than two signs from the Sun, was given Libra and Taurus.

Each planet represents a different and distinct function and is given a particular human characteristic, personality and psyche. Grouped into two categories; the inner or “personal” planets, closest to the Sun, and the outer or “social” planets.

The personal planets account for the significant differences between individuals born just days (or hours) apart. The Moon speeding through all 12 signs in less than 29 days has enormous consequences in our personal lives (ask any woman).

Inner planets are best viewed when they are at “elongation”. This is when the Earth, the Sun, and the planet are at their widest angles. At elongation, the inner planets are at their highest peak above the horizon. And even then, we can only see the planets “on edge”. Through a telescope, they only appear as crescents.

Venus is the easiest planet to locate. With a solar orbit of 225 days, it moves slowly through the constellations, and is far enough above the horizon to be seen for many weeks before and after its elongation.

Mercury, the “winged messenger” on the other hand, is very elusive with its solar orbit of only 88 days. It never rises very high above the horizon, and when it does, it doesn’t stay long. You have, at most, about a week to get a view of it.

Outer planets, in contrast have an “opposition”. This is when the Sun, the Earth, and the planet aligns. Outer planets can typically be seen at any time of the night for many months.

The “Inferior Planets”, Mercury and Venus, orbiting between the Earth and the Sun have to do with our internal and personal life, our inner qualities. The Inferior planets are not to be confused with the “Inner Planets” which also include Earth and Mars.

All planets are a dull white except for Mars, which is red. And, all the planets are visible every year at some point, again except Mars. With its solar orbit of about 2 years, Mars makes its appearance every other year.

The Greeks, not realizing that it was the same planet, had two different names for Venus. They called its morning appearance, Phosphoros (Roman Lucifer) and they called its evening apparition, Hesperos (Roman Vesper). Venus is sometimes called Earth’s “sister planet”, as the two are very similar in size and composition. In astrology, Venus indicates how we appreciate and measure our experiences – how we value life.

Mercury is similar in appearance to Earth’s moon as it is heavily cratered. It has no natural satellites and no atmosphere. Mercury tells us something about how our mind works, how we think and communicate – our intrinsic brightness.

Viewing inner planets is different from viewing outer planets in several ways. To begin, inner planets are only viewed either in the west right after dusk, or in the east right before dawn.

The outer planets (some taking many years to visit all the signs) have more of an influence on society and culture in a generational sense.

The way a planet expresses its character is determined by its sign and the area of life most likely affected is determined by the house placement. Everyone has a Venus, but not everyone has Venus in Cancer in the 6th house.

Moving around the Sun in different paths called orbits they can form any of five major “aspects” or relationships. An aspect is the number of degrees one planet is from another. The smallest accepted difference for the major aspects is 60 degrees.

Mercury, which is never more than 28 degrees from the Sun, and Venus, which is never more than 48 degrees from the Sun are unable to form aspects with other planets.

Aspects may present various challenges in our lives. Some may be easy to deal with and some may be very difficult. In any case, an aspect can be either good or bad depending on how we deal with it.

“Conjunctions” are the strongest aspects. This is where the two planets involved are in total alignment with each other, or 0 degrees apart. According to the Maya Calendar, 2012 will find the planets lined up and pointing to the center of our Galaxy toward the constellation Sagittarius. Apocalypto was a great movie, but the Maya culture had vanished long before the Spainards arrived.

Planets in conjunction to each other are also influenced by the aspects of the other planets.

“Sextiles” are aspects where the planets are 60 degrees from each other. These aspects are considered quite favorable. Usually their signs share the same energies which compliment each other. Sextiles are considered developmental opportunities. So, if you don’t take the necessary action to take advantage of them you’ll usually miss out on some opportunity.

“Squares” are aspects where the planets are 90 degrees from each other. These aspects are considered very challenging and provide the tensions and dynamics in our lives that make “existance” meaningful and interesting.

Without squares most of us would never do anything with our lives because we wouldn’t be motivated by forces (or necessities) that challenge us. Squares are probably the most important aspects (When Squares Fall in Love ;-)

A “Trine”, where the planets are 120 degrees apart, is considered the most favorable aspect. The signs of a trine usually share the same element and energy. These aspects are usually well developed skills and strengths that most people don’t notice because they naturally do them so well. The truth is, too many trines can make you weak and lazy because everything in your life is so easy.

“Oppositions”, which are planets that are 180 degrees apart, provide notable challenges, especially in the areas of growth and achievement. Oppositions may be stressful situations that require extra attention for balancing opposite needs and energies, such as a career and a home life. This is not always easy to do. A person hopefully will not have too many oppositions.

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