Significance Of Planets In Astrology

Planets in astrology have a different meaning than the planets in the astronomical sense. Though they might be named in a similar fashion, their importance in the field of astrology is altogether different. The astronomical calculations are based on the geocentric model of the universe.

History Of Astrology

Astrologers have depended on the planets in the sky for their astrological calculations for hundreds of years. In fact, before all the nine planets in the universe were discovered and the sky was observed only through the naked eye, the calculations were based on the fixed stars in the sky.

Before the age of the telescope, the astrologers observed the night sky and came to understand that it possesses two kinds of stars; the wandering ones and the fixed ones. The earliest known astronomers identified five planets in the sky other than the earth on which we live. Sometime later, the sun and the moon were also included in the list, taking the total to seven planets.

In ancient times, the astrologers symbolized the planets and their influence as the will of God. But today, the modern astrologers feel that the planets have a direct influence on all the basic activities of every day life as well as the human psyche.

Modern Day Astrology

Planets in astrology have an entirely different role to play in the modern world. Today's astrologers base their calculations on certain drives that are directly connected to the planets. Some such calculations are based on the:

• The connection of the planets to the 12 different zodiac signs.
• The role of the planetary positions as in the twelve houses that affect the different spheres of life.
• The manifestation of the planets or the angles that they form in the sky also helps determine the different aspects of life.

Planets And Their Power

Astrologers today have different opinions regarding the source of the planet's power. Some feel that the planets in astrology are guided by the gravitational force or some other unknown power. Others feel planets are individual identities on their own and have no direct influence on themselves, but are guided by the basic organizing principles of the universe.

One aspect that all astrologers agree upon is that the patterns that the planets make in the sky have a direct impact on the ebb and flow of all human activities and impulses. The Chinese also associate the planets with the basic five forces of nature. The planets according to the Hindu astrology are known as the 'nine realms' or the 'Navagraha'.

Let us now take a look at the astronomical names of the different planets in astrology and what they stand for. You would find most English names based on the name of Roman gods and goddesses.

• Sun- Name: Sol Apollo, Meaning: Physical manifestation of the sun, Golden god of Prophecy
• Moon- Name: Luna Diana, Meaning: Moon goddess or goddess of motherly
• Mercury- Name: Mercury, Meaning: Messenger of God
• Venus- Name: Venus, Meaning: Goddess of love
• Earth- Name: Terra, Meaning: Goddess of the earth
• Mars- Name: Mars, Meaning: God of war
• Ceres- Name: Ceres, Meaning: Goddess of growing
• Jupiter- Name: Jupiter, Meaning: Leader of the gods
• Saturn- Name: Saturn, Meaning: God of time
• Uranus- Name: Caelus, Meaning: God of the heavens
• Neptune- Name: Neptune, Meaning: God of the sea
• Pluto- Name: Orcus/ Pluto, Meaning: God of the Underworld