Planet Aspects

The Lights: The Sun and Moon

At the time of our birth, the planets (through their configurations and relationships) tell us something about how things were when we were born. Each planet points to special qualities within us. Yet, of all the planets, the two most important planets to astrologers are the "lights," the Sun and the Moon. From where we stand here on Earth, the great shining Sun by day and the reflecting Moon at night are our constant companions. They have much to tell us as to where we have been and where we are headed.

The Sun: Your Self and Future

From the Sun comes light, that which draws us into life. The Sun represents all the changes we have not yet taken, that part of us that we have not yet experienced but are headed toward. The Sun represents our identity, or self, in that it is toward these that we are moving and developing. Thus, it also represents that which we will become: older people, authorities -- those we look toward, or up to. Our essence, or future. Teachers, gurus, and older (more experienced) people are represented by the Sun. The Sun is "hot stuff," those further up the road of life experience.

You are a very sensitive person who can depend on feelings and intuition to get around in life. Possessing good common sense, you are always very practical and down-to-earth -- mothering and protective to all. Security is very important. You also love cooking, growing things, and music.

Sun in Cancer

There is a lack of harmony between your environment and your ambitions. What you need most is not always at hand to make the kind of progress you envision. Or, when the support is there, you can't get the instruction or direction you require. You may have forgotten where it was you wanted to get to, sort of "all dressed up, but which way to go?" It could be historical, too, as simple as being torn between your mother and your father -- a struggle between that which seeks to nurture you (and perhaps baby you) and your ambitions -- a need to succeed and be all that you can be.

Moon Square Sun

It is easy for you to work with those in authority -- those older and more experienced than you. You enjoy working with others and would make a good manager. An interest (and ability) in athletics, exercise (working with the physical body), the outdoors, and such, should be lifelong. Another form this could take is training or coaching others. You have a natural ability to express yourself and handle emotions and you may like to perform a bit. A career in one of the entertainment industries is a possibility.

Sun Sextile Mars

You tend to be stubborn and unable to make solid career choices. You get carried away and go off in directions contrary to your actual needs. Your judgment in vocational matters is often off, sending you on a wild goose chase. In addition, there is possible difficulty with authorities and the law and/or differences with older people. To use an old adage, you can (at times) be your own worst enemy. The advice of a trusted friend regarding career is to be recommended.

Sun Square Jupiter

You find yourself fighting to realize your ambitions amidst a sea of fuzzy dreams. A fear of letting go (and trusting the more mystical side of yourself) keeps you hard at it. You can't seem to let yourself dream a little, don't trust your own idealizations, and struggle between your sense of ideals and your more realistic ambitions. Your practical concerns with getting ahead and fulfilling your ambitions tend to ignore your more deep-rooted ideals and dreams. You may not trust those in authority.

Sun Square Neptune

The Moon: The Support System

Here is information about the kind of environment we create around us, our support system. It is not only the surroundings that we set up today, but the Moon also represents our past, the particular history and social background out of which we grew. Aside from our social background, the Moon governs all of the old habits that we have grown beyond. We tend to look down on, or back on, our Moon. It represents those experiences out of which we have come, all those younger souls who are unconscious, or "sub" conscious to our own level. This is why it is said that the Moon is a mystery planet, for it is both our parent and our child: our parent in that out of it we were born, our child in that we can't but respond to others who are now living as we once did.

You like beautiful surroundings, everything that is calm, tasteful, and harmonious. You are very giving, conciliatory, and even flattering in relationships, able to adjust to any situation. Reflective, tactful, you are able to please others. Above all, you are forever charming and gracious. Also ingratiating and inscrutable.

Moon in Libra

You are sometimes torn between a desire to progress and be all that you can be versus a tendency to dwell in the past, resting on your laurels. Your inner, more domestic side struggles against authority. You could feel caught in the middle.

Moon Square Sun

You have a natural appreciation for the past, personal as well as world history -- all that is traditional. You find it easy to work with music, color, fabric, and the arts -- whatever is beautiful and genial. You would make a superb decorator of homes and, in general, all kinds of environments. You enjoy moods and emotions (whatever is psychological), especially in a group setting. Younger people, the helpless, and the needy can always be found under your umbrella.

Moon Sextile Venus

The public loves you, and it may be hard for you to avoid working with and for others. The way for you involves working with people. Everyone sees you as genuine and giving and tends to trust you on sight. Your ability to counsel others is excellent, and you are always sought out for advice. A born leader, others find it easy to take instructions from you and tend to follow your example. You enjoy helping others solve their problems.

Moon Conjunction Jupiter

You have difficulty controlling your emotions, and this often results in flare-ups with others, especially family or those closest to you. This could cost you much-needed support and intimacy. Your tendency to get harsh, both with yourself and with those around you, may mean that you spend a lot of time alone. You have a tendency to spoil your own nest. Your many responsibilities and obligations may keep you away from those who would offer you much-needed support.

Moon Square Saturn

You are very original when it comes to home and surroundings -- the environment you build around you. This could also manifest in unusual ways of supporting yourself. Your mother may have been quite eccentric or your upbringing somehow different. When you have breakthroughs, they often come as insights into your immediate surroundings, home, and environment -- your support system in general. This could also manifest in your finding new and different ways to make a living. You may have new ideas about the past, history, and younger people, find it easy to create an unusual environment, and enjoy surrounding yourself with what is new and different.

Moon Trine Uranus

You flee from crowds and are most happy when surrounded by home, family, and all that is private. Your home life is most important. It matters not to you that you are not a public person and not at your best when in a crowd.

Moon Opposition Midheaven

The Inner Planets: Mercury and Venus

The planets Mercury and Venus have more to do with our internal and personal life than with life outside us. These inner planets are located between the orbit of the Earth and the Sun. We can look to qualities that are inside us. Venus indicates how we appreciate and measure our experience, how we value life. Mercury tells us something about how our mind works, how we think and communicate -- our intrinsic brightness.

Mercury: The Mind and Communication

Mercury is the light in our eyes, the ever-changing consciousness within us that moves from idea to idea. Thus Mercury has always represented thoughts, ideas, and the mental process in general. It governs not only ideas, but communications, too. Communications -- by phone, letter, spoken, or however -- are ruled by Mercury. Also thoughts, connections, phone wires, and everything that connects and conveys -- even conversations.

You are dynamic and always expressive in thought and speech -- dramatic. You appreciate your own ideas, and tend to be outgoing in speech and manner. Fresh. Warm. You put forth strong views and are hard to influence or change. Emotional and a good entertainer, you are louder than average and tend to exaggerate. You are a lover. There are always plenty of tears and laughter.

Mercury in Leo

You are expert at working with words that communicate mystical and mythological ideas. You are at home in these realms and can always manage to bring other-worldly ideas into the practical realms. You would make an excellent teacher of philosophy or religion, for you can't help but communicate these subjects and enchant all who come to know you. Your understanding of the unity behind appearances, along with the ability to put these thoughts into words, is a rare and valuable gift. You would make a good director, for you like working with mental images.

Mercury Sextile Neptune

Anyone who tries to get you to play with words is in for a big surprise. Your mind cuts right through all the window dressing and gets right down to the quick. Before anyone knows it, you have the heart of the matter out front for everyone to see. You would make a great investigator, either in scientific research or undercover work. It makes no difference. Your ability to get to the point is all but phenomenal. You can talk and put into words areas of the psychological that others wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole.

Mercury Conjunction Pluto

Your bright wit and talkative streak make you always ready for a conversation. You love to get your ideas across to others, and communication in any form is where you are happiest. You always jump right in with your mind, expressing ideas, thoughts, and such.

Mercury Conjunction Ascendant

Venus: Values and Discrimination

Venus rules our values and sense of appreciation. When we appraise or appreciate something, whether that be another person or a new car, this is Venus -- the sense of love and compassion we may feel. By the same token, this planet rules enjoyment too. Whether it be self-appreciation or just plain old decadent self-enjoyment by having a good time, this is Venus. When we go shopping or are on a spending spree, it is Venus that allows us to appreciate and value all the good things of life.
Big heart, big love, you are seldom petty. Given to grand gestures and dramatic scenes, you love independence and greatness in all forms and are very regal. You can be generous to a fault. Children and animals are high on your list of priorities. Fervently loyal, you are courageous and demonstrative.

Venus in Leo

A born charmer with an innate love and appreciation for other people, especially children. A sense of color, of music and all of the arts -- the beautiful and the comfortable. Always welcome in a group, you are a connoisseur of things bright and kind.

Moon Sextile Venus

You have an innate love of the law and working things through, and you are not put off by problems and obstacles. On the contrary, you look forward to solving them. You have the ability to work with others, in particular regarding vocation or career guidance. You can advise and guide in matters requiring work-related decisions. Others find you a generous and loving person. You always share what you find and have a lucky streak too.

Venus Sextile Jupiter

Your ability to discriminate real breakthroughs and to spot new trends makes you able to work in areas at the very fringe of technology. You love all that is new and different and are expert at sharing your feelings with others. Electronics, computers, communications (in fact, everything electrical) are right up your alley. You value independence in partners, friends, and love. You are what is called a "free spirit".

Venus Sextile Uranus

Your love of job and practical skills makes you a fine manager and business person. You bring a great deal of love to your work.

Venus Trine Midheaven

The External Planets: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn

The major planets outside the Earth's orbit (external to us) are Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. These are the planets of the outer world -- life as we find it outside ourselves. Mars tells us something about the drive and energy we have, Jupiter shows us how to best channel that energy, and Saturn decrees what sort of material or territory we will be passing through. Again: Saturn tells us about the territory we will be going through, Jupiter the way or path through it, and Mars what kind of push or drive we can count on to keep going.

Mars: Drive and Emotions

Mars is the planet of emotion and inner motivation or drive. When we search for the meaning of something, life or whatever, it is Mars that urges us on, keeps us searching. Mars also drives us against things, too and sends us into war and combat. The urgency of Mars, the search for meaning, is identical to the need for union, yoga, and marriage. Mars is the planet of union, and marriage is the most common form of yoga. When we have questions about the opposite sex, we are looking at the planet Mars.
You have an innate urge to save, salvage and conserve, and can make a silk purse from a sow's ear. You always want to help and to be of service -- be fully used. You hate waste and are very thorough and precise. For the most part, you are understanding and accepting, but this can turn into criticism and pettiness. You are careful and a perfectionist.

Mars in Virgo

A natural ability to use emotions in productive ways. Entertaining others is one form this might take. Hard work and all things physical (such as sports and outdoor activities) should be a snap. You are able to manage and see how to work with the energy of others.

Sun Sextile Mars

Jupiter: Career and Life Path

Jupiter is the planet of success and simple survival, the way we have to solve the problems that confront us. Thus Jupiter has to do with the way in which we can be successful, our vocation. The Hindu word for Jupiter is Guru. Jupiter is the guru and guide, the way we go through life, our life path or vocation. Jupiter is the method each of us has for dealing with the laws of life, our Saturn, or limitations. Jupiter is the light or path. Jupiter provides us with our sense of direction, the path we are on, the way we handle life. It affects how we approach life's problems. It has always been an indicator of how successful we may be, our vocation.
You could enjoy a career working with people as a go-between, negotiator, or mediator, for you can be all things to all people -- the mirror. You are not interested in what runs deep, but prefer to control what goes on at the surface. That's enough for you. Open and not self-centered, you are a natural diplomat.

Jupiter in Libra

You may tend to take paths at right angles to your real ambitions and self-interest. Trouble with authorities or older people can result. Your struggle to succeed is aided when you show self-control or discipline and find that middle road.

Sun Square Jupiter

A born teacher or group leader, counselor or guide. Others find it easy to take direction from you by example alone. You enjoy immersing yourself in a group, solving problems, raising spirits, and so on. People admire your openness and generosity.

Moon Conjunction Jupiter

Born lucky. A natural when it comes to finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Very generous with others. Love to spread the good things around. A natural talent for finding your way past the pitfalls of life. A love of travel and puzzles.

Venus Sextile Jupiter

You are independent and value freedom and nonconformity. A great problem-solver, you enjoy working out new solutions, trying new things. Your career will be anything but ordinary, and leave it to you to find unusual ways of supporting yourself. You bring a lot of mental skill and understanding to whatever you do, and could teach or help others to take a more independent approach to their life or career. You pursue electronics, computers, and the like.

Jupiter Trine Uranus

You do best sticking close to home and family, and you enjoy all things domestic and security-based. You would do well working out of you own home, having a home business.

Jupiter Opposition Midheaven

Saturn: Responsibilities

The process of finding out who we are (self-discovery) starts when we come to grips with whatever problems life presents to us and begin to get a handle on them. In other words, if we have not dealt with Saturn, or time (that is, if we don't have some control of time), there is little opportunity for other questions. Saturn rules the laws and limitations of this material world we all live in. Saturn indicates where we are bound to learn, the narrowness that makes our way felt, the walls that make homes possible. Saturn holds us together as much as apart. Saturn is said to be the great teacher, the planet that keeps us from getting carried away in one direction or another. Although it always seeks to limit and determine any thought, word, or action, it also defines and clarifies. Saturn is called the prince of the material world.

You could have difficulty in letting go and feeling life, preferring instead to think about it rather than do it. Afraid of the sense world, you avoid plunging in and fear being caught or tied down. "To be or not to be..." is your question. There is a need to accept responsibility and limitations, as well as home, family, children, and such.

Saturn in Cancer

Your sense of organization and self-discipline may exist at the expense of your feelings. Others could feel cut off by your no-nonsense approach and may not be as supportive as you might wish. This could result in your being somewhat of a loner.

Moon Square Saturn

You are very painstaking and deliberate when it comes to partnerships, lovers -- relationships of all kinds. You tend toward long-lasting friendships and are very loyal. sometimes too staid.

Saturn Square Midheaven

The Outer Planets

In the previous sections, we have dealt with planets that we can see with our naked eyes. In general, these planets refer to life as we know and live it and are the so-called historical or classic planets. Beyond these are three planets that are not visible in the sky and which have cycles longer than the average human life span. Since they are beyond Saturn or time, astrologers call them the trans-personal or transcendental planets -- the planets beyond the physical. One of the ways astrologers learn something about our life beyond time (eternal life) is through these three outer planets: Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Here we find information on how we discover ourselves (Uranus), how we understand and accept these discoveries (Neptune), and, in time, how we depend and identify with them (Pluto).

Uranus: Break-Throughs & Insights

Our responsibilities can tend to weigh us down, and we each have our particular ways of getting around (or breaking through) the mass of obstructions that tends to congeal around us. The planet that has to do with how we get beyond the difficulties and problems life presents us is Uranus. Here is the way insights come to us, how we discover or come to know and understand ourselves. It has to do with finding new uses for old things, and it rules inventions and sudden insights into our life -- everything that is unusual, eccentric, and out of the ordinary. It is the reverse of the status quo and is always unconventional and heretical. Uranus is, in many ways, the opposite, or undoing of Saturn.

You have brilliant insights into communications of all kinds -- computers, radio, T.V., the press, writing, and speaking. You are inventive and also have deep insights into research and investigations. You like to relax in conversations, telephone, puzzles, and making connections.

Uranus in Gemini

The life of the party, able to loosen up even the most sober. Great at bringing out the best qualities of others, discovering hidden talents. New and innovative ideas regarding the social scene. Spontaneous, on the move. Independent.

Moon Trine Uranus

A love of the new and unusual. Able to grasp and appreciate new trends and concepts at the very forefront of technology. A very free spirit when it comes to friends, lovers, and tastes. In love with what's original. Breaking through.

Venus Sextile Uranus

Unusual occupations. Hate the everyday and the rut. Instead, always finding ways to break through or away from what hems you in. Value independence, personal freedom; insist upon and exist on the wildfire at the fringe or very front edge of life.

Jupiter Trine Uranus

Neptune: Ideals & Imagination

Even the most hard-nosed of us have moments of real understanding, when things are seen as linked together and one piece. We stop getting the idea in little flashes and just get the whole thing. It dawns on us. We each have our own way of letting go, having communion, and (as the poet wrote) letting "the dewdrop slip into the shining sea." These moments and this state of mind are, in fact, the source for all our imagination. There are many ways of seeing through the separateness in the world to the unity behind it.

Relationships are the ideal. Non-discriminating and impersonal in scope, to you all are equal. You are seldom bound by tradition or personal ties and are not domestic. You hold the ideal vision up to the real. You open up in response to others and accept others as yourself.

Neptune in Libra

You struggle between your sense of ideals and your more practical ambitions. Your self-image and dreams are kept apart from the day-to-day practical concerns. They continue to confront one another. Authorities may not trust you, and vice versa.

Sun Square Neptune

Great psychological talent. Able to sense and feel in the more abstract mental areas and to bring far-out ideas down to earth. Always at the leading edge of social understanding. Great sense of compassion and a real understanding of others.

Mercury Sextile Neptune

You work with real imagination and understanding in areas of the mind that are the most personal or private -- depth psychology. You are like a midwife of the spirit, assisting at the birth of each individual going through a spiritual or re-birth process. You accept the natural process of birth, spiritual and physical, and have dedicated yourself to helping it along. You would make a great teacher in these areas.

Neptune Sextile Pluto

You are charming and always manage to enchant others with your words and manner. You bring a sense of the beyond and mystical to any conversation.

Neptune Sextile Ascendant

Pluto: Inner Change and Growth

Pluto is the planet of profound change, starting deep within us and moving toward the surface. It often touches upon the most sensitive psychological areas inside us. Once touched, we have no choice but to change and grow. The most sensitive of experiences, the times of greatest vulnerability, are times of complete identification with an experience, a person, or a thing. We know in these instants that we are looking at our self, what we are. The most personal of experiences is one of complete identification with a person, moment, or idea. Perhaps this is only possible for most of us when we look into our child's eyes, and then only infrequently. Love is not the experience here, but total identification. This is very sensitive stuff. To touch upon this material is to go through deep inner change and transformation -- inner alchemy. Identification and experiencing that life is our own creation and that, in fact, you are I and I am you. This experience breaks us down and humbles. When we touch upon this experience, we cannot but die to what we have been thinking and doing up to now. It reduces us to our most sensitive because -- in a flash -- we see or remember that it all is us, our life.

You are very sensitive (even vulnerable) when it comes to expressing yourself, getting it out. Periods of intense creativity enable you to go through changes and inner growth. This creative intensity is good for music, poetry, art, and such.

Pluto in Leo

Your intense and probing mind has no trouble getting at the heart of any question. Woe to anyone who tries to argue with you or hide things from you. A natural mind for research, detective work, and any undercover operations. Always curious.

Mercury Conjunction Pluto

A searing vision that cuts through what passes for conventional religion. A vision of the endless process of life ever being born afresh. Great acceptance and faith in the natural process and next generation. Love of children and animals.

Neptune Sextile Pluto

You are intense in the way you communicate, to the point of sometimes almost scaring people. Your sense of vulnerability is out there for everyone to see, and you are always passionate, insistent, and direct.

Pluto Conjunction Ascendant