Planetary influences

Planetary influences

Have you ever wondered what it means to be influenced by a particular planet? Each sun sign is influenced by one main planet and the energy of that planet has an effect on you every day of your life, although you are also influenced by other planets to varying degrees, it is your main planet that has the most influence.

ARIES March 21st – April 19th Planetary influence MARS

TAURUS April 20th – May 20th Planetary influence VENUS

GEMINI May 21st – June 20th Planetary influence MERCURY

CANCER June 21st – July 22nd Planetary influence THE MOON

LEO July 23rd – August 22nd Planetary influence THE SUN

VIRGO August 23rd – September 22nd Planetary influence MERCURY

LIBRA September 23rd – October 22nd Planetary influence VENUS

SCORPIO October 23rd – November 21st Planetary influence PLUTO

SAGITTARIUS November 22nd – December 21st Planetary influence JUPITER

CAPRICORN December 22nd – January 19th Planetary influence SATURN

AQUARIUS January 20th – February 18th Planetary influence URANUS

PISCES February 19th – March 20th Planetary influence NEPTUNE

The planets revolve around the Sun, the Earth planets are, the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn and they are part of the Earth’s evolution, their energies have a great effect on the Earth. The planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto then appeared, Uranus affects the intuition, Mercury the intellect and Neptune compassion, Venus supplies the energy for personal affection, Pluto is responsible for regeneration and Mars has a profound animal energy. The Sun affects the will, the spirit and personality, the Moon influences matter and personality, Mercury influences the Mind and the link between spirit and matter. Venus influences personal affections. Mars affects energy, courage and initiative, Jupiter influences expansion on all levels, Saturn is containment and the principle of contraction. Uranus aligns with originality, the future, independence, Neptune is responsible for either compassion or chaos, Pluto’s affect is regeneration, co-operation or coercion.

The planets move at differing speeds, the fastest ones are the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars, they are the inner planets and affect our inner being. Jupiter and Saturn are the interactive and social planets. Pluto, Neptune and Uranus are referred to as the outer planets and send their energies to the outer world. Although we are inextricably influenced by the planets, it is what we do with the energy that counts, Jupiter is considered the most benevolent of all the planets, Venus has a very similar energy. The most powerful energy is felt by the sign that the planet rules and this is called the sign of its dignity. As each planet moves it is noted as being stationary, retrograde or direct, a stationary planet issues an intensely focused energy, as do direct planets. When a planet is retrograde it creates an unfocused energy, whereas a retrograde planet produces energies that are less effective.

The Sun, it is the giver of life, the planet of the self and is also known as a luminary, it represents the ego, the self, the spirit of the unique individual, ego and personality. It is the face that is shown to the world, the Sun nurtures the power within the individual, it stirs the creative spark and helps us the surge forth and meet whatever life has to offer. Children and the male energy are ruled by the influence of the Sun, it is a dynamic energy and fosters strength and leadership, it stimulates a person’s center, and stirs the essence of the individual. We are able to manifest ourselves in the world with strength, through the energy and will of this planet.

The Sun stimulates the will and the desire to succeed, it is a force that affects our health and our overall sense of well-being. The Sun rules achievement, higher office, success, it has the air of power. The Sun’s role in astrology is of some significance as it is the giver of strength to the other planets. Each sign is visited by the Sun for one month, and through the year is will journey through the twelve signs of the zodiac. The Sun is the ruler of Leo and exudes a masculine outgoing, forceful, active energy.

The Moon rules the emotions, it completes its journey of the zodiac in a month and it is the closest planet to Earth, and it has a profound affect on our emotions, just as it has an affect of the tides. Mood swings and changes are affected by the Moon, our feeling and how we act towards others, whereas the Sun has an outgoing energy, the Moon has an inner yin energy. It has a particularly strong effect on the female energy and is usually thought of as she and is likened to the goddess energy. Fertility, pregnancy and childbirth are governed by the Moon, the Moon affects the emotions on a daily basis, and more especially those who are ruled by the Moon. The Moon can send us on an up and down journey, it forces us to get in touch with our emotions and to understand them in order for us to become whole. With the effect of the Moon on an individual’s emotions it helps a person to define how they want to live their life. The Moon spends around 2 1/2 days in each sign and takes 28 days to pass through each sign of the zodiac, again having the most impact on those who have it as their ruling planet. The Moon rules the sign of Cancer and it is a feminine energy.

Mercury is the planet of communication, and anyone who knows someone with the influence of the Mercurial energy will agree with this, those under this influence love to talk, in fact they are compelled to talk. Mercury enhances thought, communication and the logical processing of information, it helps a person to reason and to express. Mercury is reason, opportunity, opinion, is quick acting and quick thinking, it is adaptable and witty. Mercury is objective and has a capacity for understanding, it seems to prompt movement and the need to flit from one thing to another, it is a restless energy, and constantly quests for answers. It is a multifaceted energy that can work on many different levels at one time.

Mercury affects comings and goings, and short journeys, it also affects siblings and the relationship they have with each other, how they communicate. Computers, telephone, speaking, writing, gaining knowledge are all influenced by Mercury, it instigates self-expression. Although is communication is difficult, or there are holdups in your life, and you seem to be blocked at every turn, you will find that Mercury is retrograde and that is what is causing the holdups. At this point there will be challenges.

Mercury is approximately 28 degrees from the Sun, and takes around 88 days to orbit the Sun, it has a neutral energy, neither male, nor female and will imbue the gender of the sign it is in. Mercury is the ruler of Virgo and Gemini.

Venus is known as the planet of love, it is also the planet of money, Venus’s exudes the energies of love, pleasure, romance, attachment, commitment, marriage, business partnerships, alliances, harmony and joy. Venus teaches love, contentment, appreciation, understanding, loving and caring for what we have, it rules happiness and peace.

Venus is concerned that we use its energies to attract and relate to others, to be social and to nurture understanding. It enhances our love of art, creativity, music, literature, writing, Opera, and all that is beautiful. Venus enhances dignity, elegance and beauty, charm and culture. Venus helps to stimulate and inspire the senses, and inspires us towards luxury, acquisitions, the beauty and attention of the home. It makes us more sensitive to all that is refined and to appreciate food, drink and all there is in the world with which to nurture ourselves. Venus is a feeling, sensitive and sensual planet.

It takes Venus 225 days to orbit the entire zodiac, and it never moves more than 47 degrees away from the Sun, Venus exudes yin, feminine energy and rules Libra and Taurus.

Mars with its dynamic energies is considered the planet of passion, the red planet oozes passion, determination and a fiery energy, anyone ruled by this planet will stand up and be counted and will be a person of action. Those ruled by Mars will never be found languishing on the sidelines, Mars is also the ruler of the military, Mars is the trigger for getting things done, for the release of power and strength, and for self-expression.

There is a certain aggressive energy associated with Mars, it is a highly competitive energy and extremely ambitious, it pushes those ruled by it to strive to be the best. Those influences by this planet are usually courageous, very assertive and dare to do almost anything, they approach everything with a sense of fearlessness.

Mars energy is one that needs to be harnessed and channeled constructively, as it is a naturally warring energy, this was useful in the battles of ancient times, but needs to be used in a more cautious manner in modern times. The Mars energy is a catalyst for success if handled well, those who are ambitious and determined to make their mark in the world, are urged to use the energies cautiously and diligently so not to be overwhelmed by them.

This planet governs sexuality and sexual energy, those who use the energies carelessly can be prone to accidents or injury. Use the energies well and there is nothing that cannot be attained. It takes almost two years for Mars to complete its orbit through the zodiac, Mars is a masculine and is the ruling planet of Aries.

Jupiter the expensive planet of luck, and ruler of higher learning, the intellect, it is the planet of the thinker, it produces an energy that encourages new ideas and exploration on all levels. Jupiter is the planet of spirituality, psychic awareness religion and philosophy. Jupiter is the searcher and will go any distance to find answers, it is also the planet of long distance travel. Jupiter encourages those influenced by it to find their moral code and their place in the world with an optimistic outlook.

Good fortune and good food are associated with Jupiter, it encourages growth and wellbeing, and is a particularly benevolent and auspicious planet. Jupiter helps to make sure we are walking the correct path, ensuring success and prosperity, opportunity often comes to those ruled by this planet, make sure you don’t take any opportunities for granted. Those influence by this planet are prone to weight gain, but do have the ability to take control of this, Jupiter will always be there to guide.

Jupiter loves leisure time, and many ruled by this planet enjoy games of any sort, those influenced by this planet often draw wealth to them and are able to acquire items of beauty. Jupiter takes its time circling the zodiac, around twelve years, visiting one planet a year. Sagittarius and Pisces are ruled by Jupiter which is a yang, masculine energy.

Saturn is known as the planet of karma, Saturn is the harsh disciplinarian, teaching responsibility and patience, also teaching us to overcome, with determination it can help us conquer. Jupiter urges those who are influenced by it to acknowledge limits, and to plan their future path, it wants them to understand that in life there are restrictions and how we handle them is the test. From this planet self-discipline and overcoming it learned, it makes us aware of time and governs old age, life’s lessons are learned well through the influence of this planet, it is the stern teacher.

Saturn gives us an understanding of the passing of time, the lessons learned and the wisdom acquired over time. Saturn commends perseverance and those who stand the test of time, and wants us to embrace and honour the authority that comes with age. How we conduct ourselves in the world, and the structure we work with are ruled by Saturn, lessons of cause and effect, karma and its experiences, are taught by Saturn in its ultimate role of teacher.

Between 28-30 years is how long it takes for Saturn to complete its orbit of the twelve signs, it is a masculine energy that rules Aquarius and Capricorn.

Uranus is the planet of Rebellion, and was discovered in 1781, it is a slow moving and one of the outermost planets, and tends to have a general effect, rather than an individual one. It awakens the consciousness to be open to new thoughts and ideas, it rules all that is futuristic, new technologies, inventions and computers. Uranus is non-traditional and always looks for something new, anything new or inventive is ruled by this planet, its energy rules that which is revolutionary and rebellious. Independence, autonomy and free will are the influences felt from this planet.

Sudden and the unexpected is associated with Uranus, it has a tendency to be the catalyst to erratic and unusual behavior, it rules freedom, creativity, altruistic pursuits and creativity. It enhances altruistic ventures and humanitarian ideals, it is creative and it rules earthquakes and other natural disasters.  Revolution and rebellion fall under the energy of this planet and its focus is on a new world order.

It takes eighty four years for Uranus to complete its journey around the zodiac, it has a yin/yang energy neither male nor female, and it is the ruler of Aquarius. It is one of the higher octave planets and the first of the transcendental planets. Its influence is profound.


Neptune is referred to as the planet of illusion, Neptune was discovered in the mid nineteenth century and is an outer planet. It has a particularly slow orbit around the zodiac, the Earth’s oceans are ruled by Neptune, and its glyph is the trident of Poseidon god of the seas. Neptune is planet of dreams, illusion and all that is mysterious, it is a spiritual planet, i a planet that spurs us on to harness the spiritual energy and use it well. By absorbing the energy of Neptune we are able to reach an altered state of awareness given us heightened senses and greater insight. Neptune also enhances the energy of dance, music, creativity, poetry and writing.

Neptune is the planet of enchantment, it rules movie making, television, fashion, theater and anything associated with beauty and glamour it is also a playful planet of flattery, and all that is mysterious. In the extreme the shadow side of Mercury’s influence can be alcohol and drugs as it emanates the energy of escapism, those affected in the extreme can be prone to hypochondria and delusions. Mercury influences dreams and sleep patterns, its energies effect on the individual depends on how the energy is accepted and used.

It takes one hundred and sixty five years for Neptune to complete its journey around the zodiac, it spends fourteen years in each sign, and it is a yin, feminine energy ruling Pisces, Mercury is the second of the transcendental planets.


Pluto is known as the planet of power, Pluto is the farthest planet from the sun and was only discovered in the early twentieth century, and is the outermost planet in the solar system. Pluto’s energy appears subtle but actually hits with an overwhelming bang, it is the planet of transformation, rebirth and regeneration. The energy of this planet is categorically release the old and embrace the new, we don’t have a say in the matter and need to be adaptable when change takes place. Pluto wants us to let go of all that is familiar and courageously accept the new and work with the growth that inevitably takes place.

Pluto rules coercion, viruses, obsession, destruction, death and waste, and is rules the reproductive system. It governs dictatorships, subversion, crime and the underworld. The planet rules all that is hidden and secret, it is the planet that faces the challenge of good versus evil.  Pluto rules atomic power, and its energy affects the masses and how they will behave. Pluto wants the people of the planet to go within, to plumb the sub consciousness and find the treasure, the planet stimulates the emotions.

It takes two hundred and forty eight years for Pluto to complete its orbit around the zodiac, it takes the planet twelve to thirty one years to pass through a sign, it rules Scorpio, and it is the last of the transcendental planets.

Elements (Triplicities)

The two classifications of the signs of the zodiac are, Elements and Qualities which refer to human characteristics, the Elements are known as Triplicities, signs grouped into three, the Elements address the temperament and nature of a sign.

The ancients took the Elements back to the Earth, and Fire, Earth, Air and water Elements are based on ancient Greek philosophy, they affect the water we use as a commodity. The air we breathe and the warmth of fire which warms us. Feelings are fluid, thoughts are airy, and activity is energetic, overtime these elemental characteristics were aligned to the signs, the ancients helped the signs to evolve to their corresponding Element.

The Elements and their signs are Fire, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, Earth, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, Air, Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, Water, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Our basic nature is described by the Elements, and they help to define us as individuals and reveals our complexities.

When as individuals astrological chart is drawn up and viewed, if they have more fire signs, this will then reveal a combustible and fiery personality, with the absence of Earth signs, someone who is quite flighty and not at all grounded would be indicated. A well rounded individual would possess a mix of all the Elements.


The Element of Fire is associated with the signs, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, those influenced by Fire are fiery and very enthusiastic, and like fire can burn out of control, Fire signs are creative, and those influenced by this sign are lively and courageous spirits. Those influenced by the Element of Fire are courageous, ambitious and embrace life.

Fire signs are the passionate sexual signs of the zodiac, they are ardent and attentive lovers, they are committed to their beliefs and can be an inspiration to others. Those influenced by the Element of Fire like to get their own way and can be very dominating in achieving this end. Fire signs have an ego, are fiery and reactive, and they can be quite selfish, this is the shadow side of their personality.

Those influenced by the Element of Fire like to have fun and love to be active, they are extremely confident and creative, they are also strong and determined, but those near them when they show their shadow side can get burned.


Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn come under the Element of Earth, the Earth signs are the most practical signs in the zodiac, they are cautious, reliable and grounded. The Earth signs are referred to as the builders of the zodiac. They like to create solid foundations to build on, it is very important for them to accumulate worldly possessions and to create a secure and harmonious home. They can become materialistic, but they do have a sense of duty, and are very responsible, they can always be counted on, Earth signs are cautious and never rush into anything.

They appreciate the finer things in life, they love owning beautiful things, they like fine food and wine, and they are sensual. They seem to possess almost superhuman recuperative powers, and take a measured approach towards life. At times Earth signs can be quite egocentric and overlook the feelings and sensitivities of others, they are dependable and practical but always have one eye on that which they desire.


Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are all influenced by the Element of Air, those under the sign of Air are abstract thinkers and intellectuals, they are independent and do their own thing. They like to find answers and are very analytical, if you have a puzzle you want the answer to, ask an Air sign for assistance.

Air signs are curious and perceptive, they are the inventors and the creators, and they view things with objectivity, they like to maintain balance. Air signs tend to be calm and collected, but if their equilibrium is unsettled they can be detached, even cold. They are a humanitarian sign and they are the philanthropists of the world, they are idealistic and believe there is a place for everyone in the world.

Air signs can blow hot and cold especially if their balance is upset, on the upside they are inquisitive, clever, have a great sense of fair play, and are communicative.


Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are influenced by the Element of Water, this Element is emotional, fluid and flowing, they are influenced by water. Water signs have deep emotions, they are nurturing and emotional, and are the most sensitive of all the Elements. They act by intuition and sense, they are compassionate and understanding, they are empathetic and are able to help others find the answers.

Water signs appreciate beauty, and have a refined aesthetic, they are creative and artistic, Water signs need to be active, and they are at their best when helping others. The shadow side of Water signs is their tendency to brood and have mood swings, if they allow themselves to wallow they can be self-indulgent. On the other hand Air signs have a highly evolved sense of intuition, many having psychic ability.

Water signs can be calm, receptive and in tune, they feel deeply, or they can be tumultuous, the emotions overwhelming.

Every individual is influenced by either Air, Earth, Fire or Water, the more you understand about the affect your element has on you, the greater will be the understanding of yourself. Use this knowledge to help guide you through life and give you insight into why you do what you do.

Qualities (Quadruplicities)

Quadruplicities groups the signs into groups of four, and each sign reflects the three common modes of the signs. Signs that are ninety degrees apart, or opposite each, one eighty degrees, known as signs of Polarity, have the same quality. Signs that belong to the same Quality do not function well together, but those in polarity complement each other, although there is some tension.

When an astrological chart is composed, the Quality describes a person’s attitude in life and the way they approach things in their life, the three Qualities are Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable.

Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn are Cardinal signs, these signs are known as the initiators of the zodiac, they possess the energy of drive, initiative, motivation and action. Cardinal signs are the ideas people and the motivators, although they have a tendency not to complete things.

Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius are fixed signs, they will always complete what they start, they are independent, self-sufficient and always persevere. When working with others they lead the charge and will work until the end, they are known for their stubbornness, and can be inflexible.

Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces are Mutable signs, they are flexible, versatile and adaptable, they are able to respond well to changing conditions, and are able to switch agendas if need be. There is the tendency for them to oscillate and have difficulty making a firm decision.

There are a multitude of aspects that affect an individual in astrology, the combination of Elements and Qualities combined in a person’s chart, combine to make distinct individuals.

Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn have a Cardinal Quality, in the zodiac Cardinal Signs are the initiators, they are the starters of projects, they are ambitious and quick, although they love to start things, they don’t always finish them.

A Cardinal person is ambitious, driven and possess a love of life, at times a Cardinal energy may want to dominate, especially when they are focused, with their drive they usually   succeed in their endeavors. They are quick, clever and love to win, they are self-centered, they move and act at speed.

Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius have a fixed Quality, they work in a focused dedicated manner and always reach their objectives. When a Fixed sign makes a decision they are resolute and determined, their persistence helps them to reach their end. They have an inner power and act with purpose, they are confident and self-assured. Fixed energies are patient and have wonderful powers of concentration, they always remember and pay attention to those who assist them.

There is a stubborn side to the Fixed Quality, they believe they are always right, which at times can block their progress, they always persist, love results and will work until the job is done. They are reliable and will always finish what they start.

Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces have a Mutable Quality, they are like shape-shifters, adapting to a particular situation, they are the conformists who go with the flow. They readily adopt different personas and are extremely resourceful. They are the well liked diplomats, they read situations well and respond accordingly, although at times they try too hard to please. The need to please can at times make them seem indecisive and wishy washy.

Mutable signs are versatile and resourceful, they are quite selfless and at times can push themselves to their limits, by the same token they are resilient and always bounce back.

Familiarize yourself with the Elements, Qualities and Planets that influence you to give you insight into your own motivations and behaviors. Get to know and understand yourself and what moves, motivates and inspires you. © 2010

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