Planets - Symbols and Directors of Psychological Drive and Energy

One of the main topics in psychological astrology (and astrology in general) are the meanings of the planets.  As I've mentioned earlier, they represent actions and behavior potentials in our psyche:  they're sort of a reflection of how we act and respond, why, and the impact and influences of these actions.  Think of the planets as though you're eating something special:  what did it taste like, what did you eat, what kind of food source was it, and how do you feel about eating it?  

     Obviously, everyone has his or her own preferences--but the planets don't always let us decide what we like.  I'm sure someone will say that "Saturn is like being forced to eat those nasty vegetables that {I} don't like." Or maybe Uranus is being offered something unusual and exotic--maybe from another culture.  
     Pluto, I imagine, is some sort of laxative--you change when you "digest" Pluto.  Neptune is...something that's got some mind-altering nature to it: alcohol, mescaline, or even mushrooms.  Mars...well, it's been cooked on a fire; that's for sure, and Venus?  Oh, chocolate anytime, please.  And good wine or liqueur too.  
     The moon is your comfort food:  you NEED that to feel better when you're upset.  Mercury is brain food:  you think better after you've eaten it.  
     Jupiter is just a full-blown feast of something you enjoy, and the Sun is that special meal which is your favorite. 

     So...let's meet the planets again and see what they do (when they're NOT food.)

The Sun and the Moon:  Personal Planets

Sun and Moon are primary focus: “Lights”
Look into soul of person;  see Self and Needs
Father = Sun   Mother = Moon
Sun = Conscious Self
      
      Sun shows soul lesson to learn to become

      Moon = Subconscious Self
             * Lunar types: emotionally ultra-sensitive internal self; Inner Child status

The Sun - I am Aware of Myself and My Identity    
The Soul Code: knowledge of Self
Authority figures; Father-figures  
Animus in women: male role model 

The Moon - I Feel Comfortable and Secure Expressing my Needs
Emotional - reflexive responses; safety
Subconscious social responses
Female role/Mother

Mercury, Venus, Mars:
Social Planets
Helping the Psyche Develop

Mercury - I Think about Things
Learning modalities
Communications: input and response to stimuli
Problem-solving and ability to handle mental tasks
Nervous system responses - disorders

Venus - I Experience Pleasure, Enjoyment, and Indulgence 

in relationships and Self
Social marker for love
Expressing Need to beautify; cooperation and negotiations
Balance and complementing of Other Self

Mars - Energetic Power Potential

Ignition/Activation; Aggression & Assertion
Anger Management; Sexual drive; male dynamic
Sexual partner; Fighting instincts
Adrenalin rush; Need for extreme excitement toward goal
Physical power/muscle disorders

Jupiter and Saturn:  Expansion and Contraction

Jupiter: expanding Joyously and Enthusiastically Towards Opportunities
Learning Growth & Giving Generously
Over-indulgence and wretched excess
Belief in Higher Power and Benevolence
Expression of ethics

Saturn:  Responsibilities and Life Lessons to be mastered
Sacrifice and Work; Discipline
Repeated trials and demands upon Self for improvement
Pessimism and doubt; Fear as a limiting motivator

Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto:
One's Collective Social Generation

Uranus – Seeking Divine Perfection, Expressing Individuality,
Demanding Freedom, and Rebelling Against Social Trends
 
Neptune - Dissolving/Merging Into and Yearning For Completion, Union with Cosmos; Spiritual fulfillment and release
 
Pluto – Control and Expressing Power to Transform Self and Others;misuse of power, anger, and sexual issues

No, I didn't overlook our planet Earth, but it is not a primary focus.

However, it does serve a secondary role:

Earth:  A View of the psyche from "within"

An “internal” view of the birth (Sun) sign
A hidden facet of personality and identity
Opposite perspective to birth sign polarity
Resembles Jung’s Shadow Self
(Not used in charts)

(c) MDLOP8 2010

The Black Moon Lilith's Struggles for Feminine Power

My thanks to lady astrologer and psychological consultant Franie LeKlerc of Montreal, Quebec.

Lilith — The Black Moon 
This article is, of necessity, a very brief introduction to the presence of Lilith in the astrology chart. She is a complex representative of the more hidden pieces of our psyches, and certainly requires greater treatment and more detailed analysis than is contained here. 

The article below is intended only to stir an interest in Lilith's influence in astrology, and is a prelude to a book-in-progress, Lilith: The Dark Moon published in The Second Road newsletter, October 1998 by Catt Foy.

A little-known element in astrology charts, Lilith is known as the "Dark Moon" and, as such, represents our "dark" or hidden emotional selves. According to Lois Daton, author of "Lilith, The Planet of the Doodler," the physical existence of Lilith was confirmed by the United States Weather Bureau in 1879. Lilith is the name used for THREE different celestial bodies - one is located in the asteroid belt and is not our subject here, the other is an invisible body orbiting the earth approximately three times farther away than the Moon, Luna. It is this Lilith which is of interest here. The 3rd Lilith is the Dark Moon, responsible for teaching us lessons about power struggles.
 Lilith's placement in the chart is especially important to women, and represents the power of the original woman. In a man's chart, Lilith's placement will reveal the hidden power struggles or other issues he may have, resolved or unresolved, with the women in his life. Again, note this is NOT the Black Moon Lilith, but the Dark Moon. She is a separate part of the Black Moon. She deals with the Feminine Power struggles. 

Lilith is perhaps best understood in contrast to her counterpart, the visible Moon, Luna. Luna receives her self-fulfillment and self-definition through the nurturing of others. Lilith is self-fulfilled and self-defined. Luna represents the visible emotions; Lilith is those emotions which remain hidden or secret. Lilith lives behind-the-scenes, usually undetected. She can be sneaky or deceptive, but she can also indicate our ability to be subtle, to guide and manage events and people without being intrusive. She is our ability to be private, and her placement in the chart will tell you what the native feels most secretive about.

As a Moon, Lilith is also associated with mothering, but she is the strength of a mother protecting her cubs. Luna is soft and kind and nurturing. Lilith is strong, a disciplinarian, and will kill any who threaten the well-being of her offspring. Lilith is protective and self-protective.  She protects herself from her own toxic emotions, becoming the guardian of shame, guilt, hatred, vengefulness, bitterness, envy and jealousy. 

We look for Lilith in our charts to discover which defense mechanisms we employ to hide our wounding.  She is also the femme fatale - the sexually powerful woman. She affects dreams, especially sexual ones, and is an influence in trances, hypnotism, the channeling of entities, inter-dimensional beings, and possession.

Here is a brief overview of Lilith's placement in the natal charts. As with anything in astrology, her influence must be interpreted within the context of the total chart.

Lilith in Aries is straight-forward about her sexuality and may use it to feel powerful. Applied in a negative manner, there may be temper tantrums or bratty behavior.

Lilith in Taurus may hide money or possessions, and there will be a great deal of secrecy regarding finances. This can also indicate miserliness, or a refusal to share one's resources with others.

Gemini - When Lilith hides herself among the twins, she may exhibit a chameleon-like ability to be whoever she must be at the moment, hiding her true thoughts and feelings. If used improperly, the native may be considered "two-faced" or be a vicious gossip.

Cancer - Hidden emotions may come out in ways that affect the physical health. When expressed in ways that are healthy, Lilith's influence here makes the native a powerful parent, or an activist for the protection of children. When negative, there may be chronic or psychomatic illness, or the tendency toward martyrdom.

Lilith in Leo wants to be admired, but she'll never admit it. In creative expression, she will do things her own way and never feel obliged to explain herself. Taken to extremes, she becomes the prima donna, demanding and unforgiving.

Lilith in Virgo will often make the native very secretive or repressed in their sexual expression, and there will be much attention to hygiene and health-related details. When negative, Lilith in Virgo can be very cold and aloof, or extremely critical of the habits of others.

Lilith in Libra may find herself concerned with the legalistic side of power. She is a defender of women here, supportive of laws that curtail abuse or sexual crimes. Taken to extremes, Lilith in Libra may be vindictive against those she perceives to be offenders, and in relationships may be clinging, jealous or manipulative.

Scorpio - There are some astrologers who believe that Lilith is the co-ruler of Scorpio, along with Pluto. When placed here, she is powerfully sexual, hypnotic, seductive and wise. When under a negative influence, she can become bitter, vengeful or obsessed.

Lilith in Sagittarius may hide her emotions beneath a facade of humor or a mask of kindness. She may keep her personal philosophies secret from others, keeping her own counsel. In the negative, this placement can indicate haughtiness, self-righteousness, and prejudice.

Lilith in Capricorn will hardly ever share any emotions, and these natives may seem unapproachable. Achievement and status will be the method employed to feed the hidden need for emotional contact. At its extremes, here is the anal retentive who must control everything.

Lilith in Aquarius will probably mask the hidden emotions with a series of ever-changing kaleidoscopic surface emotions, and will seem fascinating and elusive to others. The native may be chimerical, fluttering like a fairy from one situation to the next. At its worst, Lilith in Aquarius is irresponsible, remote, and refuses to listen to others.


Pisces - Lilith is already secretive, and doubly so in Pisces. This is usually the person who has emotional wounding buried so deeply that they don't even know it themselves. Lilith's placement here may instigate behaviors which even the native finds baffling, and is often associated with passive-aggressive and unconscious behavioral patterns.

Solar Return: our "new" birthday and Sun-oppose-Sun: the Challenge

Everyone looks forward to his or her birthday as a time of renewal, celebration, joy, and opportunity.  It is a moment when we are "reborn" on Earth.  We are also given a "new year" astrologically with a chart that is calibrated to show the events for the next 365 days:  the solar return.  When our Sun returns its position and sign at our birth date, it is called "Sun conjunct Sun."  This is one reason I strongly encourage a consultation with me on a 4x-per-year basis:  this is an excellent reason to evaluate what the "new birthday" has to offer.

The solar return actually begins to manifest six weeks prior to our actual birthday, and begins its potentials six weeks afterward.  It is like having a new talent, skill, or training program to enhance and develop as a birthday present from the Universe.  Robert Hand describes this in his excellent book Planets in Transit: 

Sun conjunct Sun

Today is your real birthday, even though it may be a day or two different from your calendar birthday.  However, this is the date when the Sun returns to the position it was in when you were born, as the Earth completes a full circuit around the ecliptic path of the Sun.

As would seem appropriate with this transit, today is a day of new beginnings.  A new year in your own personal calendar has begun, and the influences you feel today will affect the entire year to come.  This does not mean that the whole year will be disappointing if today doesn’t work out exactly as planned, but the planetary influences in effect today will have a great meaning for the year as a whole.  Many astrologers find that the chart cast for the exact minute and second that the Sun returns to its birth position (a Solar Return) provides a significant forecast for the year ahead.

The energies you feel today may not be very dynamic, but you do feel as though you ought to be the center of attention in some way.  This is a natural effect of a powerful Sun transit and is not just because this occurs on or near your birthday.  Nevertheless, despite the subtlety of the energy, this is a day when you should in fact make new beginnings.  You are receiving a new impulse from the energy center within you, as symbolized by the Sun.
 
Therefore, any new venture that you start at this time will ride the crest of this new energy and will very likely come to an acceptable conclusion.  Whatever you do or begin today will bear the stamp of your individuality more than anything else.  This is the day to assert yourself anew.  Plan to let the world know who you are, not arrogantly or smugly, but so that everyone knows you are here.  You have needs and wants like everyone else, as well as something to contribute to the world.

---------------------------------------------
However, a similar-but-different phase takes place six months after our birthday when we reach the "Sun oppose Sun" phase.  This is often a time of low energy, vitality, and experience for many people.  But it does not need to be; instead, it can be considered a chance to reconsider and restructure plans ahead for the remaining six months before the solar return comes again.  In effect, it can be a chance to retool and plan again with decisions that rebuild us.  This is another time when I strongly recommend clients to meet for another consultation:  what have they learned and what has happened with the plans they made?  What are they planning to do about it?  I consider this a chance to appear before an inner "Cosmic Council" and offer a proposal of action.  Robert Hand addresses the circumstances of the Sun-oppose-Sun this way:

Sun oppose Sun

This transit occurs six months after your birthday and signifies a time when energies in your life are reaching a culmination.  Now is the time to try to bring your affairs to a climax, but do not expect to escape opposition from other people, for others have ambitions that may be in conflict with yours.  Be particularly careful with superiors and persons in authority.  If you are not careful, you may provoke their opposition, which would be difficult to withstand.

You may find it difficult to make everything work out right, but if you have prepared properly for this time, you will succeed.  You must avoid feeling smug, arrogant, and superior.  These attitudes just might undo all the progress you have made until this time.
 
Sometimes this can be a time of failure, when you realize that certain efforts have not worked out and that you must start over.  But failures at this time should not be the occasion for feeling defeated.  Instead, you should feel that a “life experiment” has not worked out.  With the information you have gained, you can launch a whole new enterprise that will avoid the flaws of the one that failed.  Very often the failure itself has occurred several months earlier, but the truth about it has just become clear to you now, so this is the time when you are most likely to become discouraged.  This may result in a period of low energy, although sometimes the “failure” may be manifested only as a state of tension leading to failure.

Psychologically speaking, events now take place in such a way as to make your individual life stand out in relief against your surroundings and other people.  Thus the transit can serve to heighten consciousness and self-awareness.  All kinds of personal interaction are extremely important now, and you will gain nothing by withdrawing from others.  You probably won’t even be able to.

Even with those aspects of your life that have been working out well and are now reaching a climax, you are not yet past the critical point.  To achieve is one thing, but to incorporate these achievements into your life and make them part of your personal growth is something else.  You have built structures and organized your life in various ways, and now you will experience the consequences of these structures as they begin to react and influence your life.  Yet you still have the creative power to determine how your own creations will recreate you.

=========================
I have also noted something about the Sun-oppose-Sun time in my life:  I am drawn to people whose birthdays are exactly opposite mine.  It is like meeting a bookend-half; a mirror image of myself.  Similarly, because astrology deals with the repeating cycles of life, death, and rebirth through reincarnation in order to learn lessons (also seen with the North and South Nodes), I have found something extraordinary about the date of my Sun-oppose-Sun because I am aware of two recent past lives that I experienced.  In both circumstances, a birth and death took place within 24 hours of this date for those lifetimes.

"The Chase is On for New Love" with Venus in Aries

With Venus in Aries, "the thrill of romantic pursuit" is the name of the game--and the more players who can be caught, the better! Venus's passion and energy is truly "fired up" in Aries, but here, in the sign of aggressiveness, action, and full level adrenalin rushes, the planet of Love is in her detriment. It's more about "who's next?"

Venus in Aries also brings out combative tendencies in relationships: the need to have a good strong healthy fight to clear things or prove potency, both in men and women--and have some robust and tenaciously delicious sex afterward.

If Julius Caesar said, "I came, I saw, I conquered," then 'Julius Sees Her' (also known as Venus in Aries) says, "I Saw, I Conquered, I came!"

Mars retrograde: "Get it Done!"

“Get to work and finish up!” says Mars retrograde. Mars, the planet of Action, Assertion, Drive, and Physical Energy, goes “retro” (in a temporary delay).  In this time frame, we are given a chance build up our bodies, apply ourselves to jobs and projects left uncompleted, and “get it done” at last. As noted before, a retrograde is when the Earth overtakes another planet in the orbital race around the Sun; we see this effect when we drive or travel and overtake another vehicle (or stationary object): it appears to go “backwards.” 

Mars retrograde will inspire us to take up activity in areas (the house placement in your chart) where something has been left behind: unfinished projects, assignments that need resolution, overhauling, and general “apply yourself here” momentum.   As with any planet going retrograde, Mars will "rebound" and leave its "holding pattern" phase from our viewpoint on Earth, and will actually return to its "starting point" position. Therefore, don't be surprised if anything that you've finished during this retro time may come up for a final closure-and-done review!     

Remember: a Mars retrograde says
"Just DO it and stop procrastinating!"

Investment Banker: I do discuss and use astrology

Just a point of reference: when I say in the site header that astrological principles and concepts are being used in the business markets and elsewhere,  just ask an investment banker like 

Dick Jenrette--a fellow Aries.

Void-of-course Moon & timing phases

(This article was modified from its original source, the Mountain Astrologer Oct.-Nov. 2003 issue. Credits and copyright to its author, Jenni Stone. This is also provided for those who seek financial astrological advice, c/o the page featured at the top of this site.)

Understanding the Void-of-Course Moon 

The Moon makes a complete circle through the twelve signs every 28.5 days and spends approximately 2.5 days in each sign. There is a time, however, when this connection is interrupted and we "float" between signs. This is the time we call the “void-of-course Moon”: until it enters the next sign.

The Moon goes void of course every two days or so, and this can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Sometimes, the Moon is void of course for two consecutive days.

There is a distinctive quality to the energy during a void-of-course Moon:  judgment is impaired, and many people have a hard time making decisions. Business meetings can go astray, and people find it difficult to work together as a group.

Here are some suggested ways to plan ahead and use the void-of-course Moon in positive ways.

1. Double-check info and facts when starting new projects.

2. Reorganize, clean out, get rid of, and eliminate excess and imbalances in your environment or work place.  When the Moon enters into the next sign, there is a noticeable improvement.

3. Spiritual pursuits are heightened because there is no demand to act on distracting priorities.

4. Rewrite, edit, and correct: new ways of expressing ideas can be found during this time.

5. Take inventory of your surroundings: lost items can be found that were overlooked.

6. Rest. The moon’s energies will allow for a “time off” phase to your body and mind.

7. Plan ahead:  make “to do” lists and consider alternative choices.

9. Unscheduled social events can be fun because there is no specific energy that would impact them.

10. Travel may be less stressful. 

 What Not to Do during This Time

1. Do not start important or life-changing projects during the void-of-course Moon: The outcome will not be what you want or expect.

2. Try to avoid meeting new people: A first date or job interview should not be scheduled during the void. Try and not start a new job when the Moon is void of course, or ask for an alternative date. 
Plans made during the void-of-course Moon do not turn out as expected: This can be used in a constructive way. By making plans during a void-of-course Moon, it is sometimes possible to steer clear of these events.

3. Avoid major purchases.

Rulerships, Exaltations, Detriments & Fall of Planets

Rulership:  The natural Planetary Sponsor-Director of a sign's energy focus.  This position allows the planet's potential to be delivered in its proper manner through the sign & psyche.

Detriment:  the sign opposite to the one it rules. The sign is  uncomfortable; a frustrated environment for the planet to express itself. 

Exaltation:  the sign that creates the most powerful complement for the planet’s energies.

Fall:  A sign opposite its exaltation. This is the weakest, least effective position for the planet to be in.
 

(One memory trick I use to remember this is that “The Exalted May Fall” if they abuse power.  I also think of “Research and Development {R & D}” for Rules and Detriments.)

NOTE: If a planet in the sign of its fall or detriment is placed in its natural house, or a house which corresponds to its sign of exaltation, then some of the weakness would be neutralized. The same principle applies also to planets found in their dignity and exaltation. The Sun exalted in Aries would be more challenged in the seventh house (natural house of Libra) or the eleventh house (natural house of Aquarius).

A planet is strengthened (dignified) if it falls within the sign that it rules. For example, the Moon in Cancer is considered "strong" (well-dignified). Seventeenth-century astrologer William Lilly compared rulership to a king on his throne, with considerable dignity. If a planet is in the sign opposite that which it rules, it is said to be weakened (detriment), for example, the moon in Capricorn.

In addition to Essential Dignity, the traditional astrologer considers the Accidental Dignity of planets. This is placement by the house in the chart under examination. Accidental dignity describes the planet's "ability to act". So we might have, for example, Moon in Cancer, dignified by rulership, is placed in the 12th house it would have little scope to express its good nature. The 12th is a cadent house as are the 3rd, 6th,  and 9th, and planets in these houses are considered weak or afflicted. On the other hand, Moon in the 1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th would be more able to act as these are Angular houses.

Planets in Succedent houses of the chart (2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th) are generally considered to be of medium ability to act. As well as Accidental Dignity, there is a range of Accidental Debilities, such as retrogradation, Under the Sun's Beams, Combust, and so forth.

Signs shown in parentheses show ancient rulerships. Pluto has not yet been firmly established as it is the most recent planet discovery. Sakoian and Acker’s The Astrologer’s Handbook lists Pluto in exaltation in Leo; this would put its fall in Aquarius.  Most likely, it rules Scorpio and gives dignity to Aries; its detriment is likely in Taurus.  Mars was the ancient ruler of Scorpio and therefore is somewhat dignified in Scorpio, and so on.

Some planets have dual rulership (as indicated).

Planet	Rulership	Detriment	Exaltation	Fall
Sun	Leo	Aquarius	Aries	Libra
Moon	Cancer	Capricorn	Taurus	Scorpio
Mercury	Gemini (Virgo)	Sagittarius (Pisces)	Aquarius	Leo
Venus	Taurus (Libra)	Scorpio (Aries)	Pisces	Virgo
Mars	Aries (Scorpio)	Libra (Taurus)	Capricorn	Cancer
Jupiter	Sagittarius (Pisces)	Gemini (Virgo)	Cancer	Capricorn
Saturn	Capricorn (Aquarius)	Cancer (Leo)	Libra	Aries
Uranus	Aquarius	Leo	Scorpio	Taurus
Neptune	Pisces	Virgo	Libra	Aquarius

Gustav Holst: "The Planets" (Op. 32)

Gustav Holst: The Planets Op. 32

Mars, the Bringer of War - Venus, the Bringer of Peace - Mercury, the Winged Messenger - Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity - Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age - Uranus, the Magician - Neptune, the Mystic.

Holst called his piece "a series of mood pictures." He seemed to consider The Planets a progression of life. "Mars" perhaps serves as a rocky and tormenting beginning; it was written in 1914, and clearly forecasts the upcoming devastation of World War I. In contrast, the gentle restrains of "Venus" seems to provide an answer to "Mars" and the concept of Venus as "the bringer of peace" helps aid that claim. "Mercury" and its delightfully quick movements can be thought of as the messenger between our world and the other worlds. Perhaps "Jupiter" and its optimistic nature represents the "prime" of life, even with the overplayed central melody, which was later arranged to the words of "I vow to thee, my country."

"Saturn" can be viewed as indicative of Holst's later mature style, and also reflects the death of Holst's father. Through "Saturn" it can be said that old age is not always peaceful and happy. The movement may display the ongoing struggle for life against the odd supernatural forces. This notion may be somewhat outlandish, but the music seems to lend credence to this. 

"Saturn" is followed by "Uranus, the Magician," a quirky scherzo displaying a robust musical climax before the tranquility of the female choir in "Neptune" enchants the audience.

Gustav Holst - Neptune the Mystic

HOLST - Saturn from "The Planets Suite"

Gustav Holst - The Planets - Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity

Gustav Holst - The Planets - Mars, the Bringer of War

Yes, this was used in the movie "Gladiator" to show the Roman army movement before battle.

Moon phases and astrological timing of actions

Using the moon's phases to work with schedules and timing of events is something that connects with everyone--if they're willing to watch and see the results. 

Using timing and the knowledge of when to take action on something is called electional astrology. As much as people laughed at it, Nancy Reagan was very serious about using timing in her husband's presidency. That's why he was sworn in during the early morning hours of his elected offices; she was using astrological information--and she did the same thing for his speeches and other presentations.She and President Reagan were not the only high-level people to use astrology for things like timing events, decisions, or other plans. So did financier J. P. Morgan, who was known to say about it, "Billionaires use astrology. Millionaires don't." (Financial astrological consultations are a huge part of the market and has been openly discussed by some of the bigger money managers.)*  

At the new moon, plans should be made: brainstorming, networking, designing a new project or endeavor.

* At the 1st quarter moon, plans should be implemented: now is the time to take action.

* At the full moon, plans should be realized: success or failure should be apparent.

*At the 4th quarter moon, plans should be concluded or corrections made.An eclipse works similarly, but both types are a positive reinforcement of a part of the psyche:

* Depending on the day and time in the year, a solar eclipse may show something about the individual's self-image, ego, and ability to be acknowledged or acclaimed for some endeavor or accomplishment. It reveals the better qualities of the individual.

* Depending on the day and time in the year, a lunar eclipse shows something about the individual's need for security, safety, and dealing with the public (and women in general).

That "blue moon" thing also comes up here: because it means that a "second" new moon has fallen in that month, it means that there is twice the opportunity to start a project, or to revive or jump-start a project that was delayed or never moved forward.

The Pleidian Astrology Wheel

You can find several messages and reasons for this image, but astrologically, I'm ALSO saying that knowledge of it has special origins and purposes.  I'll bet Dr. Sheldon Cooper knows it--and so does Raj.

Bazinga!