Seven Traditional Planets
Each planet represents a different aspect of your personality and energy. Here is a brief description of each planet and what it represents.
Sun
The Sun in astrology symbolizes the self, personality, ego, and identity. The Sun is the most important 'planet' in the chart and symbolizes one's will and sense of vitality. When you are asked, 'What's your sign?' the Sun Sign is what people are asking about. The Sun is located at the center of our solar system, and likewise, the Sun is at the center of the astrological chart, representing the core character of an individual. The Sun is associated with our will to live, our creative life force, and our vitality. In Chinese astrology, the Sun represents Yang, the active, assertive masculine life principle. In Indian astrology, the Sun is called Surya and represents the soul, ego, vitality kingship, highly placed persons, government, and the archetype of The Father.
Moon
The Moon in astrology represents our feelings and emotions, the feminine, nurturing, and the emotional body. The Moon reflects the light of the Sun, and is a receiver of energy from the Sun. The Moon is our instinctual nature and our natural reactions. The Moon is associated with our mother, maternal instincts, our home, domesticity, and our need for security and safety. The Moon is associated with the public, the masses, and the collective. In Chinese astrology, the Moon represents Yin, the receptive, passive, feminine life principle. In Indian astrology, the Moon is called Chandra and represents the mind, emotions, sensitivity, softness, imagination, queen, mother, and the archetype of The Mother.
Mercury
Mercury in astrology represents the mind and intellect, and rules Gemini, sign of duality also Virgo, and has its exaltation in Aquarius. Mercury is an airy planet, associated with all forms of communication and the in-flow and out-flow of intelligence. Its position indicates how your mental function will be expressed, and where techniques and skills are available to you. Mercury rules over Wednesday. In Chinese astrology, Mercury represents Water, the fourth element, therefore symbolizing communication, intelligence, and elegance. In Indian astrology, Mercury is called Budha, a word related to Buddhi ('intelligence') and represents communication.
Venus
Venus in astrology rules over art, beauty, social grace, and the appreciation of beautiful things. Venus governs over indulgences and pleasures, and rules over the arts, adornment, luxury, and love. Venus is associated with Friday, the day of love, and lends its name to the word 'venereal'. In Chinese astrology, Venus is associated with the element metal, which is unyielding, strong and persistent. In Indian astrology, Venus is called Shukra and represents wealth, pleasure and reproduction.
Mars
Mars in astrology represents our will, physical energy, and how we assert ourselves. Mars is a masculine, hot, dry, planet. Mars is the planet of action and assertion, and wherever it's placed in your natal chart is where you do NOT take the back seat. Mars rules over Tuesday. In Chinese astrology, Mars is ruled by the element fire, which is passionate, energetic and adventurous. In Indian astrology, Mars is called Mangala and represents energy, confidence and ego
Jupiter
Jupiter in astrology represents expansion, growth, and optimism. Jupiter is a lucky, expansive, and benevolent planet. Jupiter is associated with the higher mind, philosophy, truth, and religion. Jupiter is associated with Thursday, and in Romance languages, the name for Thursday often comes from Jupiter (e.g., Jueves in Spanish, Jeudi in French, Giovedi in Italian). In Chinese astrology, Jupiter is ruled by the element wood, which is patient, hard-working, and reliable. In Indian astrology, Jupiter is known as Guru or Brihaspati and is known as the 'great teacher'.
Saturn
Saturn in astrology represents limitations, restrictions, boundaries, fear, and authority. Saturn is associated with Saturday, which was named after the deity Saturn. Saturn is associated with the ancient Greek deity Cronus, father of Zeus, and the Roman deity Saturn. Saturn is associated with the metal lead. In Chinese astrology, Saturn is ruled by the element earth, which is patient, hard-working, and reliable. In Indian astrology, Saturn is called Shani or 'Sani', representing a noteworthy career and longevity.